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We left Mt. Rainer, WA on July 14 heading to a four bedroom Air BNB we rented for a family reunion Saturday, July 16 to Wednesday 20 in Central Point outside of Medford, Oregon. Our journey south took us by the exit to Mt. St. Helens on Interstate 5. As we pasted the offramp I couldn't help but remember that fateful day in May 18, 1980 and wonder if Mt. Rainer will ever erupt in my lifetime. To avoid the traffic in Portland, OR we opted to exit in Longview, WA and cross the Columbia River continuing the journey on Highway 30, then over Cornelius Pass towards our Harvest Host - Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, OR. Its exhibits include the Hughes H-4 Hercules (Spruce Goose) and more than fifty military and civilian aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), and spacecraft. The museum complex includes four main buildings: the original aviation exhibit hall, a large screen (7 stories wide, 6 stories high) digital theater, a second exhibit hall focused on space technology, and a water park. I was a member of the Evergreen Museum Association some years ago and knew the facility had a large parking lot and plenty of room for our overnight stay. On July 15 we departed McMinnville, OR to head south to Myrtle Creek, OR about 175 mile away. We stopped at the Millsite RV Park for the night. $30 per day plus one time $5 booking fee with full hook ups (excellent at the price, especially compared to other parks in Oregon). The following morning we drove the two hours south to the AirBNB. Backing in the fifth wheel was a challenge, but Karen was on the walkie-talkie had me covered, guiding me into the driveway so we could still have plenty of parking for the other vehicles. Families started arriving in the afternoon and we were all around or in the pool enjoying the warm weather and cold drinks before dinner. We're all missing not having Erik, Tori, Emery, Mattis and Arley with us. Love and miss you, will FaceTime you all later.

We departed Camano Island on the morning of July 12 for a two day stay at Alder Lake in the shadow of Mt.Rainer. With a summit elevation of 14,411 ft (4,392 m), it is the highest mountain in the state of Washington and the Cascade Range, the most topographically prominent mountain in the contiguous United States, and the tallest in the Cascade Volcanic Arc. On July 13, Karen and I entered the southwest Nisqually entrance of the National Park and traveled up the volcano through Longmire and up to the Paradise area at approximately 5,400 feet (1,600 m) on the south slope. Paradise is the most popular destination for visitors to Mount Rainier National. We visited the visitor center and checked out the Paradise Inn. Originally built in 1916, the lodge is indeed grand and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. Mt. Rainer has the largest alpine glacial system outside of Alaska and the world's largest volcanic glacier cave system (in the summit crater). Visible throughout the region, Mount Rainier shapes the physical environment and defines the identity of the Pacific Northwest. If you're ever in the Pacific Northwest make a point of exploring Mt. Rainer National Park.

Ever dreamt of having ocean front property with incredible views? Access to water toys of all kinds and eating an endless supply of amazing foods, including Dungeness Crab? Add to that, fireworks on the Fourth of July, great conversation and connection with our extended family in Washington. Our Camano Island visit was the first time in 2 months that we stayed in any one place for longer than 5 days so it was especially relaxing and refreshing! Thank you Agnew family, Haug family and Hilen family for a great time at the beach house. We had so much fun we're coming back in September for another visit.

We traveled from Great Falls, Montana to McGregor Lakes RV resort located in Marion, MT between Kalispell and Libby on Hwy 2. McGregor Lake is 33 miles from Kalispell and 90 minutes from Glacier National Park. Beautiful outdoor wildlife setting located between two lakes. We only stayed one night but got a good feel for the area and the road. From there it was across the pan handle of Idaho and into Washington. We got the last RV site at the FamCamp at Fairchild Air Force Base outside of Spokane, We chose to stay two nights there and rest up for the long drive to Puget Sound. Well, we made it to Camano Island after a seven hour drive through some of the the most spectacular scenery in the southern Cascades. We chose to continue our travel via Hwy 2 and stay north of the Seattle area. It was a beautiful drive and we noted some interesting places to return for a visit. We arrived on Friday, July 1 at the beach house owned by Karen's cousin Creigh and Rick Agnew. I'd been looking forward to this leg of our journey. The Agnew's have a beautiful beach house on the water with a large lot next door for our rig. Since arriving we have gotten to spend quality time with family, had great meals together, hiked and biked, and best of all relaxed!

Karen returned from her all-girls cruise to Bermuda. I had completed all my maintenance on the equipment while she was gone. Had the oil and filter changed in the diesel truck and a new air filter. Had the wheel bearings on the RV inspected and repacked. We are now ready for another 5000 miles on our adventure. Before leaving the Denver area we wanted to spend some more time with our son Erik's family. Had the two oldest grandkids spend the night in the fifth wheel at Buckley Space Force Base and made some great memories. We departed the Denver suburb of Thornton, CO and headed north on Interstate 25 for Montana. Spent the first night (6/24/22) in Wheatland, WY then on to the Cracker Barrel restaurant in Billings, MT. We arrived at Malmstrom Air Force Base and Gateway FamCamp in Great Falls, MT on Sunday, June 26. A close family friend, the niece of my mother's best friend Odie, JoAnn Sutton lives in Great Falls so we contacted her. I hadn't seen JoAnn since the 70's so we had a lot of catching up to do! We had dinner at her home the first day and did some local sightseeing the second day. It was wonderful to hear her story, share ours and get reconnected. We had a great visit and plan on keeping in touch. We're thinking about returning to see Glacier National Park later this summer, If we return this year it would be for at least two weeks in the national forest near the park. We visited the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. This was a fascinating exhibit and gave me a greater understanding of their mission's complexities, the challenges they encountered and the importance of their sensitivity/respect to the native people who helped them accomplish their journey to the Pacific Ocean. I had no idea they had to spend two weeks moving their boats up and around the five waterfalls (Great Falls) in the Missouri River. I recommend seeing this exhibit if you're ever in the area.

On June 6 we departed South Dakota for Colorado via Wyoming. Our route took us to Wheatland, Wyoming where we stop from a day of traveling. Wheatland is a small town on Interstate 25, north of Cheyenne with a small city park (Lewis Park) where they allow you to park your RV for up to 3 days. Better yet, 6 of the sites have electrical and water for your rig FREE of charge! An added benefit was the public swimming pool was located in the same park, so Karen was able to get in some lap swimming the next morning before we left for Denver. Our first two days in the Denver area were at the Calvary Community Baptist Church in Northglenn about 4.6 miles from our son's Erik's home in Thornton. Pastor Robb of the church was welcoming and OK'd an addition day for us in their parking lot. Erik, Tori and the grandkids were just returning from a trip to Disneyland, so we waited until Wednesday, June 8 to see the gang. From there we were moving to the west to Standley Lake Regional Park in Bloomfield, CO., but before the move on June 9th, I took Karen to the Denver International Airport. She was on her way to New York to go on a all-girls cruise to Bermuda. After dropping her off at the departure terminal I headed back to the church to pick up the rig and move. I was at Standley Lake for five days, and have moved three more times since arriving. Two Days at Chatfield State Park, one day at Cherry Creek State Park and most recently Valley View Christian Church (Harvest Host). All of the facilities have been first-class, I just wish I'd scheduled them for longer periods of time. Moving the rig by myself and so often is getting old. I have I more move to make tomorrow, Father's Day to Buckley Space Force Base. Fortunately, that reservation is for five days and Karen returns on Tuesday, June 21 from her trip. Looking forward to getting my partner back.

On June 3rd we arrived at Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD near Rapid City to do some sightseeing. Saturday, June 4 we headed first to Mount Rushmore about thirty minutes drive from the base. After parking our truck we walked to the monument through the Avenue of States to a large viewing area, visitor center and amphitheater. The monument is an impressive site and the story of its creation by sculptor John Gutzon de la Mothe Borglum is fascinating. Karen and I walked along the Presidential Trail to get a view of the monument from below. From Rushmore we drove to the Crazy Horse Memorial. The Mission of Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation is to protect and preserve the culture, tradition, and living heritage of the North American Indians. Crazy Horse Memorial is located in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills. This project was started as a vision of native people and is entirely funded with private money. The elevation on the Mountain is 6,532 feet above sea level and ranks 27th highest mountain in South Dakota. It is made of pegmatite granite and was chosen by Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski & Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear for the Crazy Horse Memorial. The monument to date is still under construction. Many of the grandchildren and great grandchildren of Korczak Ziolkowski are involved continuing the progress on the world’s largest sculptural undertaking by carving a Memorial of Lakota leader Crazy Horse. The site is more than a monument. It includes a museum of Native American artifacts, traditions and art. Providing educational and cultural programming to encourage harmony and reconciliation among all people and nations. We finished the sightseeing adventure with a drive through the Custer State Park. This South Dakota State Park and wildlife reserve in the Black Hills is South Dakota's largest and first state park, named after Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer. The park covers an area of over 71,000 acres (287 km2) of varied terrain including rolling prairie grasslands and rugged mountains. The park is home to a herd of 1,500 bison, Elk, coyotes, mule deer, white tailed deer, mountain goats, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, river otters, pronghorn, cougars, and feral burros also inhabit the park. The park is known for its scenery, its scenic drives (Needles Highway and the wildlife loop), with views of the bison herd and prairie dog towns. There is a lot to see and do here and we just scratch the surface. I see a longer stay on our next trip to the area. A definite five star destination for campers and wildlife photographers.

As we travelled west through South Dakota I was intrigued with signage along the highway, so we stopped and check out this "old west town". It's located on Interstate 90, exit 170 just 22 miles west of Murdo, South Dakota and worth the $10 per person admission. South Dakota's Original 1880 TOWN has more than 30 buildings from the 1880 to 1920 era, authentically furnished with thousands of relics, historical accounts and photographs, a Casey Tibbs exhibit, Dances with Wolves movie props, and fun activities for kids. Karen and I spent about an hour walking the exhibits and examining the artifacts. Well worth the stop and the admission. If you are interested in the history of the old western I would recommend taking the time to check it out.

After a two day stay visiting the upper peninsula (UP) of Michigan we began to journey back west. Lake Michigan is impressive, a literal fresh water sea that goes on for miles. It is the largest lake by area in one country. Located in the United States, it is shared, from west to east, by the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Ports along its shores include Milwaukee and the City of Green Bay in Wisconsin; Chicago in Illinois; Gary in Indiana; and Muskegon in Michigan. Green Bay is a large bay in its northwest, and Grand Traverse Bay is in the northeast. We traveled along the south shore of the UP along the lake stopping at periodic rest stops and fueling. Before leaving the UP I indulged in a "Pasties" the local meat and potato pie of the region. This was a long travel day from St. Ignace, MI through Wisconsin to the Mississippi River border of Minnesota. Worked out to be ten hours by the time we reached the Rest Area in La Crescent, MN. I generally like to try and practice the 3-3-3 RV rule. No more the 300 miles a day, arrive no later than 3PM and stay three days minimum. Well, we missed that on this travel leg. We logged about 449 miles in about ten hours with stops for food and fuel. We were shooting to get to the Rapid City, SD area so we could have enough time to see the sights.

It's easy to see why a production company would select this venue to film "Somewhere in Time". This beautiful island with it's quaint Victorian village of shops, eateries and lodging is a short ferry ride from either St. Ignace or Mackinaw City, Michigan. Motor vehicles are prohibited on the island so transportation is by horse drawn carriages or bicycles. The iconic "Grand Hotel" and it's 600 foot long porch covered with Adirondack chairs overlooks Lake Huron. Karen and I arrived at 9 AM the day after Memorial Day and missed the crowds normally associated with the holiday weekend. After checking with the ferry company, we transported our E-bikes over for the day. Our first objective was to circumnavigate the eight mile long trail that circles the perimeter of the island. We stopped along the way at the Arch Rock and British Landing, ending the ride at Mary's Bistro Draught House for a "Dark and Stormy" and lunch. We continued our bike adventure after lunch by way of an inland route through the middle of the island passed an old 1814 battleground (now golf course), cemetery and eventually the massive Fort Mackinac above the village. From the fort we traversed above the village via a back road to the Michigan Governor's summer residence, island stables, Grand Hotel carriage house finishing the ride at the Grand Hotel's Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor. If you are ever in or near the upper peninsula (aka "the UP") of Michigan, do yourself a favor and see this magical island. You will not regret the journey or the experience.

Well, it's true! We had accomplished the two objectives we scheduled to do on this trip. With our Texas domicile process and the Alliance Rally event behind us, we now pondered which way to head back west. The original plan was to travel south and west from Holland, MI via Chicago, IL towards South Dakota to see the Badlands and Mount Rushmore. I wasn't keen on the idea of traveling through Chicago. After our visits with the Swain's and True's we considered their suggestion of heading north to the "UP" aka Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Longer distance but less a traveling headache and beautiful scenery along the way. We decided to take their advise and boy, so happy we did! Hands down, this has been the best part of the journey so far. Gumby (...to be explained later), Karen and I are all having a great adventure. After crossing the Mackinac Bridge we arrived late on Memorial Day in St. Ignace, MI and headed to our campsite in the Strait's State Park for two days of exploration. With the holiday crowds gone, we drove down to the Shepler's Ferry office to order tickets to Mackinac Island for Tuesday, May 31. We also purchased the additional ticket for our bikes. An eighteen minute ferry ride separates you from the dock at St. Ignace and the magical Mackinac Island. The island has significant history and is meticulously maintained. No motor vehicles are allowed on the island, except of course, emergency vehicles. Horse drawn carriages, carts and wagons abound. Bicycles are everywhere and the primary mode of transportation for many of the local "U-Pers". After a stop at the local Starbuck's for coffee, Karen and I started on the eight mile trek around the island. Guess what we found? The tulips we missed in Holland were in abundance on Mackinac island! Curious about the rest of the Mackinac Island adventure? You'll have to wait for the rest of the story in the next blog post. But here's a trivia question for all of you: What Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour movie was filmed at this location? Post your answer on the response tab.

After the Alliance Rally ended in Goshen in Indiana on May 27th we headed north to visit some friends in Michigan for the Memorial Day weekend. Two hours away lies the quaint community of Holland, Michigan where Jay and Elaine True live on the shore of Lake Macatawa. The much-photographed Big Red Lighthouse stands by the channel that connects this lake to Lake Michigan. Nearby, the beachfront Holland State Park shelters deer and migratory birds. Windmill Island Gardens is home to De Zwaan, a centuries-old windmill. May’s Tulip Time Festival, recalling Holland’s Dutch roots, sees tulips blooming all over the city. Unfortunately, we arrived too late and missed the tulips by about three weeks...bummer! Saturday afternoon we rode our E-bikes from our campsite out to see the Big Red Lighthouse and the Lake Michigan beach just north of the channel. And instead of tulips we got to see old friends. Later that evening we had a great visit with two couples we are close to from our days at Redwood Covenant Church in Santa Rosa. Jay and Elaine rode over in the afternoon. They only live about a mile and a half from the fairgrounds. Our other friends, Dick and Nancy Swain drove about an hour from Hastings, MI to see us. All six of us had a nice visit at our campsite at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds in Holland for a too brief a reunion. Jay and Elaine had family visiting over the holiday so we went to dinner that evening with the Swain's before they left town. Made plans to attend their church services in Ada, MI on Sunday followed by brunch and a tearful goodbye. Sunday afternoon we did laundry before heading over to Jay and Elaines. We rode over on the E-bikes to see their home on Sunday. Beautiful home right on the lake! Had a great visit while drinking Margaritas on their back patio. Definitely will be back to visit next year; earlier in May and for a longer stay.