This morning we left Barstow at 9 am and traveled South on a really hilly Hwy 247, Hwy 62 and then West on Hwy 10. Yes, I said right, West down the to San Bernardino Valley to visit my brother.
We seen more Joshua Tree's, wild Yucca's, and finally a white cactus that was completely covered with spines. We seen a dried up lake with salt on the surface. We seen another area with millions of windmills in an area that was so windy that it had permanent signs for wind warnings. Reminded me of the coast on a very stormy day. I put my arm through the steering wheel so that the wheel wouldn't jerk so much. Finally made it to a KOA in Banning, just northwest of Palm Springs.
Took pictures of the Joshua Tree's and it's blossom. Elizabeth took tons of pictures.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Moving Camping Trip - Day 4
Yesterday we traveled a total of 401 miles. A long slow day. Hills are soooo very slow. Our poor truck is boarderline for not being strong enough to pull our trailer. We went over the Tehachapi Mountain Range at 25 mph. I felt like the pioneers as we slowly went up that range. If only we could have one of those semi-trucks push us up 10 mph faster then we are able to go. Pat turned on the heat in order to keep the engine from over heating. There was another 5th Wheel who passed us and soon we were passing him and their truck had the hood up. A reminder not to push the engine. Once we made it over, we seen the hills loaded with wind mills. We were all amazed at the sight.
We left Lodi and traveled Hwy 12 and then turned onto Hwy 99. All along Hwy 99 we seen many orchards along the way. Many more grapes for wine, raisins, grape juice and fresh grapes. Lots of Almond orchards. And when we made it to Bakersfield, and turned East onto Hwy 58. Soon we seen our first orange orchards. The oranges were ripe, golden, and beautiful. The rolling mountains were beautiful with purple flowers painting them. Then came orange flowers painting them. I was so taken by the purple, that I didn't get the camera out until the orange hills. The contrast with the green was beautiful.
On the other side of the pass was the Mojave Desert. Vicky didn't hink it was a desert, but wondered why it was so dead. lol It was actually green with lots of stage brush. We seen our first Joshua trees. They are oddly cool looking. We made it to Barstow at 9:30 and set up in the pitch black of night.
We left Lodi and traveled Hwy 12 and then turned onto Hwy 99. All along Hwy 99 we seen many orchards along the way. Many more grapes for wine, raisins, grape juice and fresh grapes. Lots of Almond orchards. And when we made it to Bakersfield, and turned East onto Hwy 58. Soon we seen our first orange orchards. The oranges were ripe, golden, and beautiful. The rolling mountains were beautiful with purple flowers painting them. Then came orange flowers painting them. I was so taken by the purple, that I didn't get the camera out until the orange hills. The contrast with the green was beautiful.
On the other side of the pass was the Mojave Desert. Vicky didn't hink it was a desert, but wondered why it was so dead. lol It was actually green with lots of stage brush. We seen our first Joshua trees. They are oddly cool looking. We made it to Barstow at 9:30 and set up in the pitch black of night.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Moving Camping Trip - Day 3
Woke up not feeling well today. My kidneys were sore and I was achy all over. So we got a late start. We left Fortuna almost 11am.
We traveled 101 South Redwood Hwy. Very hilly and winding road. Pat had to stop at a Bigfoot store practically on the road. We took pictures with Bigfoot and Shreck. We got to enjoy more Redwood groves. Richardson Grove is extremely awesome.
We went through two very hippy towns, Willits and can't remember the other one. Read a sign that said, "Don't forget the magic." I thought it was odd and then the next town if finally hit me. I was hungry by then and was thinking about the magic that might be added to my food if I stopped.
Stopped in Cloverdale for a late lunch and drove down Main Street where my Grandmother use to own and operate Rosetta's Cafe. I remember being a waitress in the parade when I was kindergarten age and another time had chicken pox and spent many days in the back room of the cafe. We seen Citrus trees and healthy palm tree's.
Turned onto Hwy 128 at Geyserville and followed it all the way through the Napa Valley Wine Country. So breathtaking!!! Green hills and so many vineyards as far as the eye can see. Some were less maintained and had wild mustard coloring the vineyard yellow with it's golden flower. I really liked the towns Calistoga and Helena. They were very upscale towns. We also seen large aloevera, and two different types of cacti. One was in bloom loaded with flowers.
Before we got to Calistoga Vicky seen a Quail and Pat and Elizabeth seen another one. We did see a dead Coyote and a dead raccoon along the road.
We turned off onto Hwy 80 and took that Suison City. Then we took Hwy 12 and traveled to Lodi. Along Hwy 12 we seen miles of so many large windmills that it was breathtaking. We also went over the Sacramento River and the girls and I were surprised about how large the river was. Pat use to live down in Sacramento and told us the story about Humpy the whale that enjoyed the summer up the Sacramento River.
We traveled 101 South Redwood Hwy. Very hilly and winding road. Pat had to stop at a Bigfoot store practically on the road. We took pictures with Bigfoot and Shreck. We got to enjoy more Redwood groves. Richardson Grove is extremely awesome.
We went through two very hippy towns, Willits and can't remember the other one. Read a sign that said, "Don't forget the magic." I thought it was odd and then the next town if finally hit me. I was hungry by then and was thinking about the magic that might be added to my food if I stopped.
Stopped in Cloverdale for a late lunch and drove down Main Street where my Grandmother use to own and operate Rosetta's Cafe. I remember being a waitress in the parade when I was kindergarten age and another time had chicken pox and spent many days in the back room of the cafe. We seen Citrus trees and healthy palm tree's.
Turned onto Hwy 128 at Geyserville and followed it all the way through the Napa Valley Wine Country. So breathtaking!!! Green hills and so many vineyards as far as the eye can see. Some were less maintained and had wild mustard coloring the vineyard yellow with it's golden flower. I really liked the towns Calistoga and Helena. They were very upscale towns. We also seen large aloevera, and two different types of cacti. One was in bloom loaded with flowers.
Before we got to Calistoga Vicky seen a Quail and Pat and Elizabeth seen another one. We did see a dead Coyote and a dead raccoon along the road.
We turned off onto Hwy 80 and took that Suison City. Then we took Hwy 12 and traveled to Lodi. Along Hwy 12 we seen miles of so many large windmills that it was breathtaking. We also went over the Sacramento River and the girls and I were surprised about how large the river was. Pat use to live down in Sacramento and told us the story about Humpy the whale that enjoyed the summer up the Sacramento River.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Moving Camping Trip - Day 2
Post written by Liz and Sheri
Today is March 28th, 2010. It is Saturday morning and we left Bandon at 10:35 am. We said good-bye to Bandon, cranberry bogs, Myrtle Wood, and the Oregon Beaches. We didn't get to stop by Cape Blanco, but we did wave to it. Cape Blanco is the furthest West you can go on land in the lower 48's.
Today we found the walkie talkies and had better communication between vehicles. While driving through Sixes, Pat announced "Sixes are hot!!!"
Near Fort Orford we seen a family with a large Flat Traveler taking pictures by the ocean right off the road.
The day on the Southern Coast was absolutely beautiful. A perfect 60 degrees on the beach. We got a little pink in places.
We made it to the California Border and a mile into California, we all yelled out the window, "Good-bye Liberals!!!"
At Elk Prairie off of Prairie Creek Road, we saw a large herd of elk. Vicky saw a small herd of deer near Cresent, California.
We decided to stop for the night in Fortuna, California in a RV Park so that we can do some more laundry. Pat is really tired. Last night he woke up at 3pm and couldn't go back to sleep.
Our route today....
-Stayed on 101 from Bandon and into California.
-Took Redwood Hwy and the scenic route called Prairie Creek.
Total miles traveled today - 217 miles
Today is March 28th, 2010. It is Saturday morning and we left Bandon at 10:35 am. We said good-bye to Bandon, cranberry bogs, Myrtle Wood, and the Oregon Beaches. We didn't get to stop by Cape Blanco, but we did wave to it. Cape Blanco is the furthest West you can go on land in the lower 48's.
Today we found the walkie talkies and had better communication between vehicles. While driving through Sixes, Pat announced "Sixes are hot!!!"
Near Fort Orford we seen a family with a large Flat Traveler taking pictures by the ocean right off the road.
The day on the Southern Coast was absolutely beautiful. A perfect 60 degrees on the beach. We got a little pink in places.
We made it to the California Border and a mile into California, we all yelled out the window, "Good-bye Liberals!!!"
At Elk Prairie off of Prairie Creek Road, we saw a large herd of elk. Vicky saw a small herd of deer near Cresent, California.
We decided to stop for the night in Fortuna, California in a RV Park so that we can do some more laundry. Pat is really tired. Last night he woke up at 3pm and couldn't go back to sleep.
Our route today....
-Stayed on 101 from Bandon and into California.
-Took Redwood Hwy and the scenic route called Prairie Creek.
Total miles traveled today - 217 miles
Moving Camping Trip - Day 1
This one Liz and I wrote together.
On Friday, March 26th, 2010 we say good-bye to our home at 2:35 pm. Two doors down from us is another home that lies empty from a foreclosure also. They were trucks taking all of the left behind items. Next they will be at our home doing the same thing.
We are sad saying good-bye to friends, neighbors, family, our home, our town, etc.... , but we are also excited to be on the road to start our grand adventure.
On the way to Reedsport we went through several showers. Looking in the rear view mirror we saw a rainbow that was horrizontal from ground to the top of the rear view mirror. We thought it was so cool looking. We also saw elk at the reserv near Reedsport.
Route leaving our house from Springfield.....
-West on Hwy 105 to Eugene.
-South on I-5 to Curtain.
-West on Hwy 38th to Reedsporth.
-South on Hwy 101.
Tonight we stay in Bandon at Bullards Beach. Our favorite Oregon Campground. :)
On Friday, March 26th, 2010 we say good-bye to our home at 2:35 pm. Two doors down from us is another home that lies empty from a foreclosure also. They were trucks taking all of the left behind items. Next they will be at our home doing the same thing.
We are sad saying good-bye to friends, neighbors, family, our home, our town, etc.... , but we are also excited to be on the road to start our grand adventure.
On the way to Reedsport we went through several showers. Looking in the rear view mirror we saw a rainbow that was horrizontal from ground to the top of the rear view mirror. We thought it was so cool looking. We also saw elk at the reserv near Reedsport.
Route leaving our house from Springfield.....
-West on Hwy 105 to Eugene.
-South on I-5 to Curtain.
-West on Hwy 38th to Reedsporth.
-South on Hwy 101.
Tonight we stay in Bandon at Bullards Beach. Our favorite Oregon Campground. :)
Friday, March 12, 2010
Surprise!!!!!
I have to brag! I have such wonderful friends!!!!! They threw a surprise going away party. They planned it all out on FB and I had no idea.
One friend made two cakes. One was made in a horseshoe shape with the shape of Texas on it in the center. It was so awesome. She made another gluten free cake for me and the girls. Yummy! Rich, delicious CHOCOLATE! Glad she knows I LOVE CHOCOLATE!
Another friend bought our pizza. So very sweet. Same friend also wrote out cards about facts of Texas. The girls will get to memorize them. Did you know that Dr. Pepper was invented in Texas? Had to drink Dr. Pepper just for learning that one!
We were all pleasantly surprised. Made us feel special and was just what we needed, especially after the week we have had. And it was a nice ending for such a weird day.
Good news - Ella, our gray cat, is spending her first evening in her wonderful new home with no kids. I am sure she is loving it.
One friend made two cakes. One was made in a horseshoe shape with the shape of Texas on it in the center. It was so awesome. She made another gluten free cake for me and the girls. Yummy! Rich, delicious CHOCOLATE! Glad she knows I LOVE CHOCOLATE!
Another friend bought our pizza. So very sweet. Same friend also wrote out cards about facts of Texas. The girls will get to memorize them. Did you know that Dr. Pepper was invented in Texas? Had to drink Dr. Pepper just for learning that one!
We were all pleasantly surprised. Made us feel special and was just what we needed, especially after the week we have had. And it was a nice ending for such a weird day.
Good news - Ella, our gray cat, is spending her first evening in her wonderful new home with no kids. I am sure she is loving it.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Groups Can Get Along
So far I have signed up with 3 homeschool yahoo groups where I will be moving to. They are very friendly, welcoming and lots of activities planned. There are even more then that, but I have not had time to follow them. I did notice that they are all resource friendly, even with each other. On the groups link page, you will find the links to the other groups. People post other groups activities and what other groups have to offer.
I received a phone call from one of the board members of one of the groups. She was making sure we were a homeschool family, welcoming us, and did we have any questions. I found it to be a nice sweet change. She also volunteered that there were a lot of wonderful homeschool supports and that there was no competition between the groups, that they were very supportive and resourceful. Wow! My vision! It can be done! It's possible! It's feasible! It's normal! And it is the proper attitude to have - to be welcoming, helpful, and resourceful even among other groups. :)
Pat did a funny analogy this morning. Do you see Albertson's going to Safeway's parking lot and going up to the cars and telling them that they can't shop there or they won't be able to come back to Albertson's and buy their exclusive lean ground beef? Or do you see Boy Scouts telling one of their cubs that he can't bring his brother to the family banquet at the park, because he is part of the Camp Fire Organization. Don't we teach our children that they need to be friends with more then one person and to not exclude others? Don't we want our children to distance themselves from people who are controlling or manipulating? We don't want them peer pressured into doing the wrong things, even when they are very convincing. The serpent was very convincing to Eve about the apple.
Everything is not tolerable. Just because someone says they are doing things in the name of God, doesn't mean it is from God. Do you really think that God wants His people banned (branded, excluded, revoked membershiped, excluded, or what ever you want to call it) from fellowship with one another? And then when someone is banned or excluded, showing any emotion is chastised as unchristian-like. People are quick to judge the victim and tell them to be quiet and pleasing to God while they are being mistreated. Do any of these chastising Christians read Matthew 18:17? (If he still won't listen, take it to the church) or Matthew 21:12/Mark 11:15 and 16? (Jesus displays his anger and throws a tantrum in the temple, because they turn it into a market) Jesus even had boundaries and set limits. Don't be quick to judge, chances are your informer is leaving out important information. Everyone has a side of a story and it should be heard before taking sides.
I continue to pray for the homeschool community in Eugene. I really want what is good, moral, and peaceful. We are all adults and almost all of us want the same thing. But in order to achieve it, everyone needs to not only want it, but make it happen.
Stepping off my soap box now.
(and now after a couple of days of thinking and praying about it, I am posting it.)
I received a phone call from one of the board members of one of the groups. She was making sure we were a homeschool family, welcoming us, and did we have any questions. I found it to be a nice sweet change. She also volunteered that there were a lot of wonderful homeschool supports and that there was no competition between the groups, that they were very supportive and resourceful. Wow! My vision! It can be done! It's possible! It's feasible! It's normal! And it is the proper attitude to have - to be welcoming, helpful, and resourceful even among other groups. :)
Pat did a funny analogy this morning. Do you see Albertson's going to Safeway's parking lot and going up to the cars and telling them that they can't shop there or they won't be able to come back to Albertson's and buy their exclusive lean ground beef? Or do you see Boy Scouts telling one of their cubs that he can't bring his brother to the family banquet at the park, because he is part of the Camp Fire Organization. Don't we teach our children that they need to be friends with more then one person and to not exclude others? Don't we want our children to distance themselves from people who are controlling or manipulating? We don't want them peer pressured into doing the wrong things, even when they are very convincing. The serpent was very convincing to Eve about the apple.
Everything is not tolerable. Just because someone says they are doing things in the name of God, doesn't mean it is from God. Do you really think that God wants His people banned (branded, excluded, revoked membershiped, excluded, or what ever you want to call it) from fellowship with one another? And then when someone is banned or excluded, showing any emotion is chastised as unchristian-like. People are quick to judge the victim and tell them to be quiet and pleasing to God while they are being mistreated. Do any of these chastising Christians read Matthew 18:17? (If he still won't listen, take it to the church) or Matthew 21:12/Mark 11:15 and 16? (Jesus displays his anger and throws a tantrum in the temple, because they turn it into a market) Jesus even had boundaries and set limits. Don't be quick to judge, chances are your informer is leaving out important information. Everyone has a side of a story and it should be heard before taking sides.
I continue to pray for the homeschool community in Eugene. I really want what is good, moral, and peaceful. We are all adults and almost all of us want the same thing. But in order to achieve it, everyone needs to not only want it, but make it happen.
Stepping off my soap box now.
(and now after a couple of days of thinking and praying about it, I am posting it.)
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