WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, 10/10 &10/11

WEDNESDAY, 10/10:

     Well, time to head home.  “Home”  - almost seems surreal.  Our life for the past 11 ½ weeks has become “home.”  Will it seem strange to wake up in a house that’s not on wheels?  To not ask each other first thing, “Which hike did we say we wanted to do today? “  Or, “Do you want to take the kayaks out this morning?”, followed by, “Do you want to eat breakfast outside?”   

     In any case, we “set our face like flint,” (says Bill), to not be deterred.  We left shortly after 7:00, but then were delayed some because Bill needed to check the pressure on one tire, fill it with more air, etc.   And it was slow going out of LoLo Mai to I-17, north to Flagstaff, and then more slow going on parts of I-40 because of elevation climbs.  We drove about 525 miles in about 11 hours.  Not great.  Plus, we lost an hour.  So by about 7:30 Central Time, it was pitch black, and we were hungry (hadn’t eaten since stopping at McD’s about 10:30 back in Winslow), and Bill was very tired.  So we stopped at Tucumcari, NM and just found a large gas station which services a lot of big rigs and asked if we could park the RV there overnight.  Sure, no problem.  Conserved electricity (since we were on battery now), but propane was no problem, so we heated up our Manwich leftovers on the stove and dined in romantic candlelight (well, lantern-light).  I remember hearing about Tucumcari even as a kid - I think it was on the original Route 66, and we probably stayed here when travelling to Minnesota.

     As we went east today, we tried to start thinking a little about the transition to “home.”  We took turns enumerating some of the things we’re looking forward to back home.  Here, in no particular order, are some of those thoughts:

            --getting my hair cut!!  It’s getting so long and thick now, it takes so long to dry it!  I already made an apt for Friday afternoon!

            --reliable phone & internet service

            --going to Twin Oaks on Sunday

            --motorcycle rides

            --not having to go every single place in a noisy, monstrous diesel-powered truck

            --playing the horn

            --not having to put trash/garbage up on the counter every time we left so that Pappy wouldn’t get into it

            --seeing a pretty St. Louis fall, especially seeing the row of woods behind our house

            --trying some of the recipes from my new Elote cookbook

            --watching the Cardinals on TV in post-season play

            --watching our exciting Sunday evening line-up of 60 Minutes and then taped (DVR) of the panel from Fox News Sunday, the only show on Fox that Bill and I can agree to watch together

            --having a refrigerator which holds plenty, without having to stack things on top of and in front of each other 7 different ways!

            --creating a scrap/photobook with our pictures and journal entries of our trip

            --not having to have a roll of quarters (or more) on hand for doing laundry

            --get out on the KATY trail w/ our recumbents (after getting the wheels fixed!)

            --of course, the main one – seeing family & friends  

 

     On the other hand, as we look back west, we’re of course feeling somewhat sad and melancholy that our adventure is over.  But mostly, we’re filled with gratitude and wonder that we were fortunate enough to be able take this trip. In 9,180 miles, 79 days, and touching 10 states, we saw and experienced so much  - from kayaking in a high Rocky Mountain lake, to climbing down into the Grand Canyon, to reveling in watching foam-splashed turquoise waves against a Pacific coast sunset, to hiking amidst stunning red rock, to riding in a jeep on top of the world.  The United States is truly blessed with “an embarrassment of riches,” from sea to shining sea – even though on this particular trip, we only traversed a certain section of it.

     We had good – more often, great – weather nearly all of the time.  A variety of climates and temperatures, which we were prepared for – from shorts & sleeveless tops to jeans & sweatshirts, so we were always comfortable. 

     We ate everything from hot dogs and PB&J’s to gourmet dinners, more often than not, on a picnic table relishing the wonderful scenery surrounding us.

     In the truck, we had fun listening to everything from Brahms to Springsteen, but more often, just chatted or were simply quiet, taking in what we were seeing out the windows.  And always     Pappy in the back seat, content to lie down  until the next gas stop or new camping site.

     And of course, we’re very grateful that we got to spend time with loves ones – kids, grandkids, sister, mother, aunt, cousins, and old friends.

     We’re extremely grateful that we enjoyed health and feeling good all the way, and that God’s protective Hand kept us from any serious accidents or mishaps (minor ones notwithstanding!)

     Most of all, we’re grateful that a loving and compassionate Lord led Bill and me to each other, and that we’re now in a season of life where we’re afforded the exquisite luxury of being able to take some extended trips like this one (our “trial balloon”), where we can see and experience so much and draw closer to each other and to the Creator God who provided all of this world for us to draw pleasure from.

 

THURSDAY, 10/11:

     Knew we wanted to leave early, as we had over 800 miles (855,but who’s counting??) to drive if we wanted to make it home tonight.  And we do!  But I had no idea that “early” meant 2:30 a.m.!  Actually, Bill couldn’t sleep well, kept waking up and looking at the clock.  So he just decided, “Let’s get going1”  We were on the road by 3:15.  I was totally oblivious till we stopped to get gas around 6:30 – that’s only beginning to be a civilized hour!  Poor Bill will have a long haul today; wish that I could take a turn and relieve him, but no way. Well, we can pull over and rest if need be.

     Are making good progress by 11:30 a.m. when we got gas just east of Okla City (am writing this as we go along today).  Have come 425 miles – almost halfway.  So looks like we’ll get in after dark, but at least before midnight.

     Weather has turned very cloudy and cool by the time we reached Oklahoma City.  Totally overcast and grey as far as you can see.  Haven’t seen this kind of sky for a long time! Seems a little too bitterly & ironically appropriate – to be welcomed back to the Midwest in this way.  C’mon!! L

     Had our only meal of the day in Joplin about a 3:00 (our standby, Subway).   If we didn’t feel such time pressure to get home, we might have driven through the town to see what progress has been made since the devastating tornado 1 ½ years ago.

     So  HOME!!  At 9:30 p.m.  After we opened the door and walked in, we just fell into each others’ arms with relief, gratitude, and exhaustion.  Bill immediately offered up a big prayer of thanks for having arrived safely and everything looking wonderful.  Both of our first reactions to being inside our home was, “Wow, it looks so BIG!  And so clean!”   Pappy was beside himself with excitement!  He couldn’t stop running from room to room and jumping all around.  One might  think he prefers stability to the nomad life!    Brought in essentials from the RV, but will get the rest tomorrow. 

     We wound down some by watching one of the Dr. Phil episodes we saw taped. Were surprised that our DVR taped & saved so many shows.  So that was fun – and we saw ourselves on camera at the very end, as he was walking out with Robin!  Snapped a picture of the TV screen for posterity!

  

 

 

THE NUMBERS: 

Total for gas (diesel):  $3,342                         Avg price/gal:  $4.25

                                                                                  --Highest prices:  $4.84 at North Rim; $4.79

                                                                                                At Baker, CA; $4.45 in Malibu

                                                                                 --Was $3.39 when we left Lake St. Louis; when

                                                                                          we got back in town, was $3.97  

                                                                                 -- Averaged 11.4 mpg, both with and without  

                                                                                       pulling the RV

 

Total for lodging:       $3,941                          Avg $50/nite  (the premium price at Malibu     

                                                                                        raised the average).  Most places averaged                                                                                         around $40 

 

Total for all else:         $3,720                        Avg 335/wk
                                                                             (doesn't include truck & RV repairs, nor 

                                                                            replacement hearing aid lost during a jeep ride!)

TUESDAY, 10/9

 

TUESDAY, 10/9:

     Our last day in Sedona, as well as of this wondrous trip.  It’s time to go home!

     But not before one last hike.  And what a hike to take as our final one!  It was fantastic!  It was the hike we thought we’d do yesterday, but quickly changed our minds when we saw the Disneyland line to get a parking place. But so glad we followed the Ranger’s advice and got there early (at least relatively so).  Once again, were treated to that wonderful drive up Oak Creek Canyon, and arrived at the parking area right about 10:00 (after leaving the RV an hour earlier).  We were the last vehicle that made it in the parking lot before the attendant marked it “Closed,” and the wait began for those shut out for someone to leave.

     Hit the trail about 10:15.  The trail traverses the Oak Creek Canyon for almost 3 ½ miles one way, before the canyon walls close in, effectively ending the trail.   It’s not very difficult – not very steep in most places – but does have some twists and turns and rocky steps to negotiate, as well as requiring fording Oak Creek 13 times (but there were always stepping stones in place, and at this time of year, with the water so low, you needn’t get wet.)  The Forest Service rates the hike “Moderate.”

     It’s a breathtakingly gorgeous trail – certainly one of the best we’ve been on.  The gentle, clear Oak Creek is dwarfed by the massive sheer red rock cliff walls on either side. 

 

 

 

 

 

And some of the rock formations and shapes were just astounding. 

 

 

 

 

 Unfortunately, the camera, without a wide angle lens, just couldn’t capture the immensity of most of the these spectacular rocks.   And then the forest between the canyon’s walls is just beautiful in and of itself, especially this time of year. Autumn’s colors are beginning to show in the deciduous trees, standing amongst the  evergreen firs and pines. 

 

 

 

 

Add the red rock walls, brilliant blue sky (at least some of the time), the creek, and the scenery was just stunning. As I said, the camera couldn’t possibly capture what our eyes were seeing, let alone what our other senses were picking up – the sharp fall scent, the sound of the creek, occasional crickets’chirping. At its best, it could only capture slices of all the extraordinary beauty that we were experiencing. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        We took over 3 hours going most of the way (1 way), because we just took a very leisurely pace and stopped and stood in wonder a lot. Towards the end of this 3+ miles, Bill’s legs really started tightening up and hurting, and of course we had the same distance to walk back. So he decided to stop and rest and encouraged me to go on and finish. Which I did – we were only about 15 minutes from the end. I took my time, and tried my hand with the camera.

 

 

 

 

 

 

      When I returned, he felt better, but still a felt a little daunted thinking of hiking those 3+ miles back.  But he did great!  So we completed the round trip in a little over 6 hours. I’m pretty sure this is the longest time we took on any one single trail on this trip.  I know it’s the longest in mileage.  We didn’t feel bad that we took this long – as I said, we had no deadline, and no time pressure.   Several other groups we’d met along the trail seemed to have about the same pace, while of course others passed us like we were standing still.

     We’re so glad that we opted to stay this extra day in Sedona in order to hike this trail.  It was just perfectly lovely in just about every way . . . one thing that made it extra pleasant was that when I started to get a little warm, soon there’d be a canopy of trees for shade; if I started to get cool, we’d soon enter an open space where the sun beamed down.  I know that the fall colors have only begun to change, and that their peak is a couple of weeks away.  Still, we were treated to a preview of that, and it was glorious.  I think I exclaimed out loud to Bill at one point, “I love fall!”  It’s easy to see why the parking attendant told Bill when he paid the parking fee that this lot always fills up every day in October; it’s this always popular trail’s busiest month of the year.   

 

 

     On the way out of the Canyon, I asked Bill if he wanted to stop at a casual restaurant on the way home, instead of having leftover Manwich’s.  He agreed, but took it one step further . . . he suggested going back to Elote.  After all, he argued, it’s our last real day of this adventure . . . the rest will just be putting on as many miles as we can in the next 2 days.  So let’s treat ourselves.  Well, twist my arm.

     But we went home and changed clothes first – I, especially, looked a mess – tennis shoes all muddy, T-shirt dirty.  So we got to the restaurant a little after 6:00, and sure enough, just as I’d read somewhere, if you arrive after 6:00, prepare for an hour+ wait.  But the evening air was so lovely out on the balcony, we really didn’t mind.

 

 

  This time, I just got a non-alcoholic Blood orange limeade, while Bill got a dark beer.  Inside, we tried a different salad tonight (skipped the appetizer).  Very delicious.  Then Bill ordered the same entrée as the other night, while I got their Chili Relleno.  Fabulous!  We shared the Mexican Chocolate Pie for dessert.   What a satisfying way to end our stay  here in Sedona, and, indeed, this trip!

     (more to come . . )

 

MONDAY, 10/8

MONDAY, 10/8:

     A gorgeous morning – that southwest impossibly blue sky.  So of course had to eat breakfast outside.  Were serenaded by cicadas.  Just like last time we were here!   Just took our time, and then sauntered down to Oak Creek here at the campground.  Was gurgling along its way.  A very pretty little stream here.  

     Well, taking our time this morning gave us a late start for what we chose to do today – hike the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon.  This is one of the things specifically that we returned to Sedona to do.  It’s one of the premier trails in this area, and of course very popular, which is why we delayed doing it til today – figured that most of the weekenders would be preparing to go  home today.  But when we approached the parking area for the trial head – same story as last nite at Airport Mesa – a whole line of cars waiting to get in to park!!  I thought that getting in line to hike was only a Southern California phenomenon.  Apparently not.   I later called a Forest Ranger, just to confirm that tomorrow would undoubtedly hold better prospects for doing this trail, and she said, oh yes, weekends and holidays are always super crowded there.  But even with that, she suggested not arriving there too late tomorrow.  Words to heed.

     Needless to say, we just turned around.  No way we were waiting in the hot sun for who knows how long, to get a parking place!  But the effort to get here certainly wasn’t in vain.  The drive up Oak Creek Canyon is just delightful.  A mix of gorgeous rocks and forested hillsides line the steep canyon walls, and every so often you catch a glimpse of Oak Creek itself winding its way down to our campground!  One of the most scenic rides in this area.

     After we came out of the Canyon’s mouth and made our way through the traffic in Uptown Sedona, we turned off onto Airport Road, thinking we’d do that hike – but wary now of finding a parking place there.  We figured that if there were an open parking space, we’d do it; if not, we’d go further west into Red Rock State Park and see what was offered there.  No parking spots on our way up Airport Road, so we continued on to Airport Mesa, and, unlike last night, could actually get out onto the lookout mesa and enjoyed the views for a while.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Then winded our way down the road, and still no parking places.

     So on to the State Park.  Once on the side road which leads to the park, we were reminded of how beautiful a drive it was.    Worth the price of admission itself!  Once inside the boundaries of the park, we wanted to do the Eagles Nest hike, which leads to the highest point in the park.  It was relatively easy, even with the 300 foot gain in elevation.  Or maybe we’re just getting better!  Anyway, we did this 2-mile hike in about 2 ½ hours, stopping as usual to rest, enjoy the scenic panoramas, and take pictures. 

 

 

 

 

And, oh yes, did a short (but steep) section of it twice, because we thought it was just a spur to a scenic overlook and not and not the main trail.  Only when we had gone up, and back down, did we realize our mistake – so up again we went!   The trail crosses over Oak Creek at both ends of the hike, and it was really lovely there, walking through the shaded woods.

 

 

 

 

     Got back to the trailhead about 4:40, when I realized that I’d lost my sun glasses when I took off my hat.  I knew it was the last portion of the trail, but not sure exactly where, so I made a mad dash back as far as I dare, knowing that they close the gates at 5:00.  On my way back, I took a wrong turn, and when I realized it, had to back-track a ways.  Started running.  Got back to the truck panting, out of breath, with a Ranger exhorting Bill about meeting the 5:00 deadline.  Made it out just before the truck turned into a pumpkin.  And I didn’t find my glasses.  My favorite pair! 

     Came back expecting to find the campground nearly empty.  It was considerably less filled than when we left this morning, but a surprising number of sites were still filled.  With kids.  Are they off  from school this entire week??

     Just made Manwiches for dinner – but with coleslaw & chips and cold soda, tasted good.  We both felt that “good tired” feeling after just enough physical exertion. 

     Had the RV door open after dinner to let the fresh air in as we were reading, but the pleasure was lessened somewhat by the woman in the camper catty-corner from us.   She and some others were sitting outside in their chairs, which was fine.  But she was so loud.   We could hear every word she was saying.  And it was entirely too much information!  So we finally gave it up and just read in the bedroom, with the door closed.

SUNDAY, 10/7

SUNDAY, 10/7:

     Had looked yesterday on the internet for a church to attend today.  Had no idea of what was available.  So googled “Reformed church Sedona,” and up came a Reformed Presbyterian church (OPC) plant just a few miles south of here, in Cottonwood.   So that’s where we went.  They’re meeting in a community center in the midst of a neighborhood.  Was tiny – only a handful (literally) of families there.  But they said that several of their faithful families were gone this week.  Everyone was very friendly and welcoming.  The pastor is young . . . a little shy, but extended himself to us.  His sermon (from Job), and everything else he presented, was very tight, and, Bill says, very solid.  He, and the congregation, have a long haul ahead of them . . . we pray that God will prosper their faithful work here. 

     Went to a WalMart just down the road for what should be our last grocery run.  After we got home and put everything away, we ate our leftovers from last night.  Still so good!!

    Then we both just rested and napped.  About 4:30 or 5:00, we decided to drive into Sedona for a sunset.  Drove up to Airport Mesa, where we had viewed a wonderful sunset back in August.  What a mistake!!  As we approached the hill, it looked like a sporting event was going on.  The parking lot was packed; people were crowded up at the overlook; cars were continuing to come up . . . we did get a parking place, got out and walked down a little past the overlook to where it less crowded.  But was a bust . . . the sunset itself (what we could see of it) was pretty, but the time had past for any soft lighting on the rocks.  Then, it was like getting out of a concert – everyone leaving at once!  Yuk . . . we’ll be glad when this 3-day weekend is over!  Wonder if it’s like this pretty much every weekend here.  If so, that would spoil a lot of Sedona’s charm for me. 

     Came right back home and tried to start a campfire.  Planned to roast hot dogs and maybe sit by the fire if it were cool enough, and finally initiate our Pie Iron that Bob & Susan J. gave me for a retirement gift and we’ve never had a chance to use.  But the fire went out after a few minutes – either not enough kindling, or the wood was wet (we’ve only carried it in the back of the truck since Grand Lake!)  So we just broiled the hot dogs inside, and enjoyed them inside. Still lots of activity going on outside.  Have to say – even though it’s been nice seeing all these families enjoy themselves, it’ll be nice to see most of them leave tomorrow and have a quiet campground  to ourselves again. 

     Read, did some journal entries, blog postings, etc.  A nice evening.

SATURDAY, 10/6

SATURDAY, 10/6:

     Took our time getting going; ate a leisurely breakfast outside under the blue desert sky.  This little “resort” really is an oasis in the desert terrain.  It’s 10-15 miles or so southwest of Sedona proper, and very dry, dusty, tree-less terrain all around. Not hospitable at all.  But here, at Lo Lo Mai, Indians and then later other settlers have made a home for centuries because of one basic precious resource: water.  Not only does Oak Creek run through the campground, but the land lies above an ancient natural aquifer.  This treasure in Arizona (water) nourishes the large cottonwoods and sycamores that are in abundance here, giving coveted shade.  And there’s grass all around.  I can sure see why families buy memberships here and come out on weekends.  If they live anywhere but Flagstaff, this offers such a lovely respite from the baking sun they live with several months a year.  And a very inviting pool!  There were even people in it as we left for Sedona late morning.

     As we drove into Sedona, there were the gorgeous red rock formations ahead of us.  Before we got here, I wondered if we’d be as awed & enthralled with this area’s beauty as when we were here in August, since we now had seen so much more red rock.  Yes, we were still captured by the area’s unique beauty.  Maybe not quite so overwhelmed as the first time, but still breathtaking loveliness.  As I said before, each red rock place we’ve visited is somehow unique.

     Decided to walk the Bell Rock trail today.  The bell-shaped rock

 

 

 and its neighbor, Courthouse Butte,

 were just as stunning today as a few weeks ago.  In fact, maybe more because of the bright blue sky.  We just started walking on Bell Rock Path, which skirts the western edge of Bell Rock.  It got kind of confusing after a while, as this trail/path intersects with several others, and it wasn’t always marked clearly.   But it didn’t really matter – it was level, beautiful scenery everywhere, and we had no real destination. 

 

 The big surprise was when we realized that one formation we kept seeing in the distance was actually the iconic Cathedral Rock.  In August, we kept trying to find the best way to view it, and here it was upon us without us even trying!

 

     We both felt tired when we returned to the truck – the warm 80+ temp made us drowsy.  So we just came on back to the RV and napped.

     Then drove back in for dinner about 5:30.  We still wanted to eat at Elote, the Mexican restaurant that Terry Campbell recommended so highly and that was closed for vacation back in August.  And I’d read that you’d better get there by 6:00, or have over an hour’s wait – it’s very popular.

     Well, what can I say about our experience there??!  It was sensational!  Possibly the best, most memorable meal we’ve had.  Ever.  Certainly on this trip.  We did have about a 45-minute wait.  So Bill got a dark beer, and I felt adventurous and tried one of their specialties – a Cucumber Margarita.  It sounded really refreshing on this warm evening.  Delicious!!   We took our drinks and the little bowl of chili-spiced popcorn they give you out on the patio, which overlooks the pool of the hotel where Elote is housed.  A few people were still splashing about when we first got there, but soon it was empty.  A lovely view.

     The 45 minute wait flew by.  We decided to order an both appetizer and a salad, both to share, so that we could sample a couple of the delicious-sounding items on the menu.  So for an appetizer we chose “Hongos en Chipotle,” (Crimini mushrooms in a smoky, earthy chipotle sauce), and the salad was a Roasted Beet plate with watercress, poblano chiles, and goat cheese balls which were encrusted with pumpkin seeds, dressed with a honey citrus dressing.  OHMYGOODNESS.  Both were absolutely out of this world.   Especially the mushroom appetizer.  It was amazing! We were both looking at each other across the table, like, “Are we really still here on earth??”   And oh yes, the salsa was the BEST either of us has ever had.  Totally fresh and flavorful.  Then Bill ordered  Carne Asada with some dark chili sauce, and I was already so full that I just ordered the Fish Tacos (which were actually on the appetizer menu).  More sublime taste sensations!  I could only eat one of the tacos, and they were small! Then, of course, a bandito came in and put a gun to our heads and threatened us if we didn’t order dessert.  So Bill got a slice of Mexican Chocolate Pie, which certainly wasn’t your grandma’s milk chocolate pie (of course, I had to test it), and I couldn’t resist a tequila-infused almond crème brulee.  Unbelievable.  The entire meal was absolute perfection.  And the atmosphere was sophisticated, yet homey.  Extremely busy, but you never noticed an atmosphere of anyone being harried or rushed.  We were there a full 2 hours.  Our waiter certainly picked up on how impressed and completely delighted we were – our expressions must have been “ga-ga.”  He sent the chef/owner out to thank us for coming in.  And then brought us each a complementary shot glass of raisin-infused Tequila as a finish.  “I don’t think we’re in Kansas any more.”

They sell cookbooks filled with a lot of their recipes, and we couldn’t resist.  Once again, the  chef came out and autographed it – “Buen Prevecho!”  (translation = “Enjoy your meal!”)

    We came home two very contented, grateful, full personas.   Well, Bill just read this and commented, “Looks like your Travel journal has morphed into a Gourmet Restaurant Review.”  Couldn’t help myself.  

FRIDAY, 10/5

FRIDAY, 10/5:

    Woke up to another cool, clear, beautiful morning.  I went over to see the horses one more time and fed them each an apple.  I instantly became their BFF.

 

 

 

     Left close to 11:00.  I went up to the pizza café while Bill got things ready to go and loaded pictures for the blog.  Although the Wireless Connection indicates that the internet strength is “Excellent,” still, it takes a few minutes here to load each picture.  I’ll be glad to have WiFi access in our own site again!

      On our way back down to Sedona.  Decided that we wanted to make a short return trip there, as our time there in August felt too brief, especially as we were there during “monsoon” season.  We really wanted especially to take the hike in Oak Creek Canyon.  We’re hoping that we’ll see some fall color there, but may be too early.  They have a late fall – their peak isn’t til the last of October, I’m told.   We’ll see.  

     Drove through more very scenic Red Rock and canyon country, including Marble Canyon just northeast of where we stayed while visiting Grand Canyon (Jacob Lake).  Crossed the Navajo Bridge there, over the Colorado, where it runs a wide, deep pretty blue, before it becomes its famous brownish-red color while flowing through the Grand Canyon after picking up all the sediment there.  I remember seeing it (the Colorado) as a little trickle up in Rocky Mtn Nat’l Park.  Amazing journey.  I would have liked to have gotten out and walked the old bridge which is now a pedestrian bridge after the new one was built, but Bill didn’t think we should take the time – he was afraid we wouldn’t get to Sedona and set up before dark (back to no Daylight Savings Time). 

      No need to worry – got there about 5:00 (made a quick stop in Flagstaff for lunch – we were both starving, after only having had a breakfast bar all day).  Went to the same campground (Lo  Lo Mai) as when we were here in August.  Wow – what a difference from when we arrived here back then!  Completely packed.  As I had discovered and surmised when we here earlier, this is really a weekend resort venue.  Primarily used by families.  And especially since this is Columbus Day weekend, I realized.  Lots of kids out playing ball, riding bikes, etc. as we drove through.  And families playing washers (And here I thought that was strictly a mid-west thing).  Very nice to see!

     Ate leftovers in the RV, as it was dark and cool by the time we were ready to eat.  But was warm earlier in the day – felt like mid 80’s.