Part Two of a 35 Day Journey

After the last day of skiing we headed for Reno.  Neither one of us are what you'd call real gamblers but it's always fun to see the casinos and the local sights.  On several past visits, Bob had found that the very back of the Atlantis Casino's parking lot was a regular RV Park.  So after our usual prime rib dinner at Fitzgeralds we head for the Atlantis.  Sure enough there were probably 100 other RV's parked in the very back part of their parking lot.  We actually were parked off the pavement in the graveled part.  We wandered around inside and I contributed my limit of $15 and then I got an ice cream and went out to the camper to read my book.  Bob stayed behind and came back later with $150 of their money. The next morning we went into the casino for breakfast and then went out to Sparks to the J C Penney outlet. Oh how I love that store !!  I got 2 pair of shoes for $3.90 each, one had originally been $35 and the other $40.  Also got some pink things for Bob's little grand daughter that's expected the end of June. They always have really good prices and I love going there whenever I'm in the area.   From there we went up to Virginia City.   It was late in the afternoon, so we were only there a few hours before heading back to Reno.   We spent one more night at our Atlantis "campsite" and then the next morning went back to finish our visit of Virginia City.  Since it was over the weekend, many of the locals were dressed in period costumes.  You'll see the picture of myself with "Buffalo Bill" but there were many others...I saw Union and Yankee soldiers, pioneer women, mountain men, etc. Bob took me to one saloons (The Silver Dollar) which was down a steep flight of stairs.  There was a guy singing & playing a guitar and as people hit the bottom stair, he'd stop and have everyone in the place applaud & yell "welcome."  He had a good voice but I think he made up a lot of the words to his songs and some of them were a little naughty.  There were hundreds of bras hanging from the light fixtures around the room and also hundreds of one dollar bills that people had signed and taped to the walls.  Bob showed me one he had signed a couple years ago, so of course I took one out of my purse, got a black marker, signed it and taped it to the wall by the door next to the stairs.  We spent about an hour there, eating popcorn and having a coke. If you ever visit Virginia City be sure and make the trek down the stairs at the Silver Dollar...you'll have a good time.    Another unforgettable place was the historic cemetery.  It was so sad to see the evidence of the harsh conditions of this area back in the 1800's.  The moms who died in childbirth, the babies, the young children and the middle aged men.  Since this was a mining area, a lot of the men didn't live long due to the poor working conditions in the mines.  Many died by their middle 30's.  After the cemetery is was on to the beautiful St Mary's Catholic church. We were there the weekend before Easter and as I said in a posting from "the trail" it was especially meaningful to walk the aisles and see the large pictures of the Stations of the Cross they have hanging in the sanctuary.  They have a lovely little gift shop and museum.  They are in the process of raising money to restore their bell tower, so we left a generous contribution behind for that cause.  There are only 30 families that regularly attend so they rely heavily on tourist donations.  Before we left Virigina City we took a mine tour offered at one of the casinos.  It is actuallya mine that goes back into the hill behind the casino and took about 45 minutes.  We were told of the harsh conditions the miners had to endure.  It was a real eye opener. I must add a note about our second morning in the Atlantis parking lot.  There was an older camper van parked a short distance from us, we didn't see any people but there was a dog laying on a mat and tied to the bumper, the night before.  Bob was out cheking the oil in the truck and this older lady walked over to him and asked if he could help her check her oil...she didn't know where to look.  So he went over and lifted the hood and showed her where the dipstick was, also checked her brake & transmission fluid.  Turns out she was heading back to British Columbia with her dog....her husband had died 4 days earlier while they were in Arizona.  And she was heading home alone.  After hearing her story, he gave her van the once over...cleaned the battery terminals, checked the fluid level in the battery, added coolant to her radiator, etc.  I couldn't imagine how sad that must have been for her.  And I also couldn't imagine that there wasn't someone up in B.C. that couldn't have flown down to help her drive home.   It's truly amazing the people and stories you encounter along the trail.

From Virginia City we went down the hill to Carson City to visit with Bob's 89 year old aunt Helen and his two cousins, Ian & Andy.  They live in a new warehouse type building just outside Carson City.  Both cousins have businesses they run out of the warehouse and then there are living quarters up stairs.  His cousin Ian makes these wonderful candles (Waterfire Candles) and Andy has a product called "Jerky Junction."   His packages of jerky can be found in convenience stores around Nevada and southern California and Ian's candles are in gift shops in the same areas and are also available for sale directly from him.  Ian opened the big door to his side of the warehouse and Bob drove the camper in and that was our "campsite" for the next few days.  His candles are fragranced, so the smell in there was heavenly.  I opened all the camper windows and vents...it was delightful.  We had a wonderful visit with them, and I think his Aunt Helen was happy to have a woman to talk to.  She's there with her two son's and a grandson (Andy's son, Kyle) so the only female companionship she has is when she goes to the local senior center 3 days a week.  She will be 90  in July and is as sharp as a tack.  She keeps up on all the news, cooks for the guys, goes to the senior center and one of them takes her to church on Sundays.   Bob's mom was the oldest of 3 girls (immigrated with their parents from Finland) and Helen is the youngest and the last one remaining.  One day, Bob and Ian went skiing at Heavenly, a ski resort that spans Nevada & California. After a 4 day visit, we bid them farewell and were on the road again.  Later that afternoon we stopped in Gardnerville, NV to visit another of my cousins, Sheila and her hubby Doug.  They have both been retired for sometime and chose Gardnerville to retire in (they lived in Eugene, OR for years before that).  We were just there for a couple hours before heading down the trail again to our next campsite at Chris Flat, along the Walker River on Highway 395.  We've camped there before and even though it's along the highway, it's a very comfortable place to spend the night.  It's at over 6,000 ft elevation so was very cold at night....once again I was glad I grabbed that extra blanket as I walked out the door the evening of our departure.

Until next time......Linda

 

Part One of a 35 Day Journey

As I expected, once we got the camper loaded the afternoon of March 26th, Bob decided we should just get going, instead of waiting until the next morning as we originally planned.  It was a cold, rainy evening...I was in my sweats, my old flannel shirt and heavy socks...my cold, rainy day outfit. I had not planned to take them, but was later very glad I had them with me.  I also grabbed an extra blanket on my way out the door...another good decision.   So a little after 7pm we pulled out of my driveway, drove a few blocks up the street and got onto the southbound entrance of the I-5 freeway.  We drove until about 10:30pm, when we reached Albany, Oregon.  We found a K-Mart parking lot where there were other RV's parked for the night and settled in.   The next morning we continued down I-5 thru Oregon.  It rained off and on all day and once we reached the Medford, Ashland area we ran into snow for the first time. When we crossed Siskiyou Pass, the road was bare and wet but it was snowing.  Anyone who travels this route, awaits that first glimpse of Mt Shasta (northern California)...in fact there's a popular vista site where you can pull over and take pictures and drink in the view of this beautiful mountain.  Well, for us...that was not to be.  The mountain was covered in clouds and was hiding from us.  So, the next goal is crossing beautiful Shasta Lake and getting to Redding for that first In-N-Out burger (I even offered to buy lunch that day).  Oh my it was so good !!!!

From there we headed east to Lincoln, California to my cousin Susie's house.  She's been to my house several times but this is the first time I have ever been able to visit her.  She lives in a beautiful 2 bedroom house (she picked out the floor plan, etc) in a large 55 Plus community.  She had chocolate cake and ice cream ready for our late arrival and the three of us (whoops I forgot about her 2 dogs) sat up very late laughing and talking.  Bob choose to sleep in the camper parked out in front of her house and I took the beautiful guest bedroom.  The next morning we spent some time over breakfast, took showers and then said our goodbyes. 

From there we headed over the famous Donner Pass.  It was cold and very windy when we stopped at the Summit, but very beautiful.  I've read enough "pioneer" type books the last few years, to know some of the horror stories of our early settlers who crossed this pass over 100 years ago.  I thought about those dear souls that afternoon and it caused me to be very grateful for the nice warm truck and camper that I had at my disposal, as opposed to a covered wagon or even less that were available to those early travelers.

Later that afternoon we arrived in the town of Truckee, California.  It's one of those great little historic towns, that's full of fun little shops, restaurants and close to the Northstar Ski resort.  Which was Bob's intended destination.  With his season pass here in Washington at the Snoqualmie Ski Resort, he also had 2 free days of skiing at Northstar.  He's gone there every year in the past but of course I was always working so he always went alone.  The altitude in the Northstar parking lot is 6,330 feet above sea level...and let me tell you...this fat old lady was really huffing & puffing (well Bob was too, especially when he was all dressed up in his ski gear) when walking from the parking lot into the village.  The first morning he skied, I walked up with him and it was really tough going.  But, the second day..it didn't seem so bad.  This ski resort is so beautiful.  There's even an ice skating rink surrounded by cabana's, shops, condo's and hotel rooms.  I discovered a Starbucks right across from the rink, so grabbed my book, got me a grande, non-fat, decaf, white mocha and settled down on one of the couches in the cabana's and just kicked back.  It was cold, but I was bundled up and the sun was shining...ahhhh I could have gotten used to that real easy.   After he finished skiing the second day, he called me (we were in contact via our cell phones) and told me to meet him down where the gondola's take the skiers & snowboarders up to the first level.  He had arranged for me to take a ride on the gondola.  I was excited and terrified at the same time.  Being in one of those little gondola's dangling above the ground from a cable....oh my !!  I was amazed when we reached the Day Lodge when we got off the gondola.  There was a big restaurant plus hot dog stands, etc there.  There were literally hundreds of skiers/snowboarders eating & relaxing in the sun.  We sat and watched the snowboarders coming down thru their half pipe and just enjoyed all the activity.  Of course from that point there are several chair lifts that take the skiers, up even higher on the mountain (elevation is 8,610 at the top.)  I think the ride down on the gondola was a little more scary than the ride up...but it was fun and I'm glad I got to have the experience. 

So that's the first installment....until next time, Linda 

MAY 1st~~~~I'M HOME !!!!!!!!!!!

We arrived to my house safe & sound about 7:30pm (Pacific Daylight Time).  I had an Avon order to do (it's done) and we are both dead tired.  My kitty did back flips when I came in the house.  While I was doing my Avon order, here on the computer, she was sitting on my shoulder rubbing her little furry cheek on my cheek & purring to beat the band.   I have 537 emails...mostly spam I'm sure, so between laundry, emptying the camper, getting stuff put away, etc. I'll be busy, busy the next few days.  I have about 400 pictures in my camera (have already printed out about that many), so will go thru them and maybe by next week can start posting them.    Also this Thursday, I have a dentist appointment (yup...it's back to the real world)   Thank you all for your prayers for our safety.  We drove over 4,000 miles with no mishaps (well there was one... but not a wreck or anything like that, I'll tell you about that when I get to that point in my telling of our journey) We never even saw an accident, which was also a blessing as that really can ruin a vacation when you come across a bad accident.  

So until I get a little organized and caught up....take care.

Until next time..........Linda    xxoo

MONDAY APRIL 23rd

It turned out a little warmer here this afternoon.       Bob's daughter, Hope, had to go back down to the wholesale district this morning and when we got ready to leave the house it was sort of overcast & only 52 degrees, so we dressed warm.  Hope dropped us off in one section and went over to the drapery place and by the time she picked us up, the sun was out and we were dying we were so warm.  It might have only been 70-75 degrees but when you're dressed for 52.....well you know.   I took some pictures down there today.  They sell everything you can imagine. From underwear, shoes, jewelry, perfume to fabrics, etc.  It's unbelievable !  We even saw several women with little baby rabbits in cages they were selling.  I wonder how legal that is....they seemed awful small to be away from their moms.  I took a picture of one lady and she got sort of mad...and yelled  " $5 for picture."  I just gave her "the look" and kept walking.  Anyway, it's very interesting and not an area most tourists know about, let alone get to visit.   This afternoon Bob and I took their extra car and went to the Pasadena Goodwill again.  I got some like new books that will be great sellers on eBay.  I got one on American Quilts for $3 that retailed originally for $75.  Another one on James Dean and one on American Victorian Houses.  They are all in like new condition, so they should sell easily and for a little profit.  They were all priced at $3 at the Goodwill.

I talked with friends Judy & Phil this afternoon and they arrived home today.  They left about 3 weeks before we did.  They spent quite a bit of time in the Yuma, AZ area with friends and made several trips down into Mexico.  Bob had considered going down that way too, as he was interested in visiting a dentist he heard about just across the border from Yuma.  But I guess we just ran out of time. 

We're leaving here probably by noon Tuesday and heading north.  I still don't know which route we're taking.  I'm just going to getin that truck and sit down, hang on & shut up !!  So this will no doubt be my last entry until I get to the great Pacific Northwest.   I hope everyone has a good week...and if you remember...say a prayer for our safety each day.  Bob's a good & cautious driver but there's a lot of other idiots out there on the road.  And no matter which way we go, we have about 1,200 miles to drive until we get home.     Bye for now....Linda    xxoo

Sunday Update

It's still very cool in southern California.  Today it's overcast and 61 degrees.  Yesterday it might have reached 65-68 degrees but not any higher than that. I think in all the times I've been down here, this is the coldest it has ever been.  It would be perfect weather to go to Disneyland but for some reason, I'm just not in the mood this time.  If we went anywhere, I think I'd rather go to Knott's Berry Farm.  I haven't been there since the 1955 trip with my folks. Anyway, we've been turning the heat on the in the camper at night.  Yes, we're sleeping in the camper here, too.   It's parked up in their big driveway area and it's easier than dragging all our stuff into the house. 

Bob's daughter is working with a company down in the Los Angeles wholesale district on ordering new drapery rods for three rooms in their house.  Yesterday she had to go back down there, so she dropped us off at Olvera Street and we ate lunch and looked around at all the different shops there.  If you're not familiar with Olvera Street, check it out on Google.  It's the beginning of the city of Los Angeles.  I like to go there every time we're here because I remember when I came down here with my folks in 1955, we went there one evening with my uncle, aunt & cousin.  And my uncle bought me a turquoise & silver ring.  I had never had anything like that before so it was really a big deal. I believe in the pictures I have with John Wayne, I have that ring on as a matter of fact.  However, a couple years later, I lost it never to be found again. So when I walk the narrow cobblestone streets among all those little Mexican shops and places to eat...I remember that evening so many years ago.  Yesterday I bought some sterling silver hoop earrings to go with a beautiful silver necklace I bought at a Navajo Indian craft stand we stopped at on the way down from the Grand Canyon. We were there about 3 hours and then Bob's daughter, Hope, picked up again for the ride back to Pasadena.  In the past we've taken the Metrolink train to Olvera Street.  You can catch it here in Pasadena and ride to Grand Central Station in downtown Los Angeles for less than $2.  Then Olvera Street is a short 3-4 block walk from there.  The Metro runs between the freeway and it's sort of fun to be zooming along while the freeway is at a virtual standstill.   They do have a great mass transit system in this area.  One time Bob flew into LAX and took the Metrolink all the way from the airport to Pasadena, where his daughter picked him up.  That trip cost him about $4. And it saved her a lot of time & gas, not having to drive clear out to the airport.

Today, we're just hanging out here at the house.  We had a little wiring problem in the camper last night but Bob got that fixed today.  When we are not plugged into electricity, the lights and the water pump run off the truck battery.  Well, last night just as I was brushing my teeth, "the lights went out in Pasadena."  Bob was already asleep, so I just finished in the dark and crawled into my little bed.  Anyway, everything is back to normal.    He thinks after looking it over today, it was just some loose wires.  So if it goes out again, we'll just get a case of bottled water. And get stuff done before it gets real dark.  Then he can look into it when we get home.

We still haven't decided when we are leaving here for sure or which route we're taking.  It's not up to me though, because I'm only the passenger, not the driver.   :)

Until next time,  Linda

TAG..Got It From Robin Who Got It From Barbara in Texas

1. Are you a child of the 70s, 80s, or 90s?

Sorry, I have to back to the 50's

2. Where were you born?

Tacoma, WA

3. What kind of home did you grow up in?

The first house my folks bought after my dad came home from World War II was your ordinary 2 bedroom home, in the city on 4 lots. Then in 1952 we moved out into the country onto 10 acres.  The house was an old barn like house but mom always had ruffled curtains & made it as comfortable as possible.  We lived in that for several years while they built a beautiful new 3 bedroom rambler on the front portion of the property.

4. Did you enjoy your childhood?

Yes!!  I loved it...all except the chores I had to do.  With acreage and farm animals there was always chores.  But other than that I had a very carefree childhood.

5. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A housewife and a mom.

6. What do you want to be now?

Happily retired....oh my gosh I am retired...I almost forgot !

7. What was your first best friend's name?

Barbara/Joan/Judi/Nancy

8. Is she still your friend?

Yes we are still friends

9. Can you name all the schools you ever attended?

yes I can..

Park Avenue Elementary

Midland Elementary

Franklin Pierce High School   (Go Cardinals Go !!)

Bates Vocational School

10. Were you closer to your mom or dad as a kid?

my mom

11. What was the first record, tape or CD you remember buying?

when I was a teenager it was records....either 33 1/3 or 45's.  I still have all my long play records....Mama's & Papa's, The Everly Brothers, etc.

12. best age to be a parent

Late 20's or 30's

13. Are you scared of anything?

I am somewhat afraid to fly

14. What was your favorite class in elementary school?

recess, that is a class isn't it?  If not...I loved band

15. Did you buy school lunch or bring your own?

I usually always brought my lunch from home.  I remember  getting a new lunch box every year, I usually bought milk from school but I don't recall buying a hot lunch until I was older.

16. Broken any bones or had any freaky accidents as a kid?

Nope 

17. Were you a mean kid?

No 

18. Favorite board game of all time?

Monopoly & Clue

19. Did you play house or pretend to be a super hero?

I played house when we still lived in town.  My dad cleaned up an old chicken coop (even white washed the inside walls) and we used that for a playhouse.

20. Seriously, are you still just a kid at heart?

I try to be carefree....but sometimes circumstances prevent it.

 

FRIDAY EVENING UPDATE

We drove over to the Huntington Museum & Library but didn't go in. The admission prices were too high.  We looked around their gift shop and I wrote down some titles of books to look for on eBay after I come home.  So since we had the whole afternoon...we drove over to Hollywood.  What a zoo that area has become.  The old film stars would be horrified to see the weirdos that walk the streets there now.   We did see the beautiful Kodak Theater where the Academy Award Show comes from each year.  We walked along the sidewalk where the famous stars are...I took pictures of some of them.  Snow White even has a star.  And we stopped in front of Mann's Chinese Theater and I took a picture of John Wayne's square where his foot prints and signature are in the concrete.  We had pizza at a little hole in the wall place that's been there for over 50 years serving the famous and the not so famous.  It was rather cool but a great day to be out walking the sidewalks and we had our umbrella's for the occasional showers.  Anyway, I took more pictures again today...can't wait until I can post them.  I promise I won't post them all in one sitting.    :)

The sky is very black and angry looking this evening.  It's about 47 degrees and all the natives are freezing.  I wouldn't be surprised if there were thunder showers during the night. 

I guess we're going to spend the rest of the evening watching a movie here at home so....until next time, Linda