Dancing to Escapade

     Time to get another blog posted before we hit the road again, (tomorrow).  If we missed connecting with any friends, we apologize.  There just wasn't much time this year.  We felt fortunate that most family made time for us, within our limitations.  We never want to miss a chance to say I Love You or gather another precious hug.
     Meghan's graduation was on June 1st and included about 170+ Evanston High School graduates.   A few days before graduation, Meghan helped spearhead a Senior prank as they converted their high school into Crayola High.  Meghan is on the far left in the picture below.

     Meghan had worked really hard throughout her four years of high school, earning the Trustees Scholarship, a full academic scholarship to the University of Wyoming.  Besides serving as her class Vice-President on student council, she was an Athletic Academic All American on her swim team, and placed in the top 10% of  her class.  She also received a PGA scholarship and two local scholarships to help with the odds and ends.

Mom Riki, Meghan, and Proud Grandma Katy

At the graduation ceremony itself, they announce the Outstanding All-Around Girl and Boy for the Senior Class.  We were all excited when Meghan's name was announced.

Meghan receiving award for Outstanding All-Around Girl in Graduating Class of 2013.

We followed her graduation with a party at her church with another graduating friend of hers and her family.  It was fun having the two families there together and the two girls enjoyed spending the time together as well.  I had a bit of deja vu the day before when getting ready for it, as it seemed like yesterday I was doing this for her mother.  (I'm sure a few of you can relate to that.)
      The next graduation was for Amber from Riverton High School, a suburb of Salt Lake City, Utah, with about 650+ graduates.   It was so large that it was held at the Utah Valley University Events center in Orem, Utah.  Amber is in the back row, looking back at us in the picture below. 

     Amber also graduated with all A's.  She is currently working at Petco and looking forward to going on a mission with the Mormon Church in the near future. 

Proud Grandpa Gary, Amber, and Mom Natalie

     Grandson Jentry, who graduated last year, is heading to his mission in Manchester, England this summer.  Unfortunately the dates didn't align and his Farewell is while we're already scheduled to be in Gillette.  We wish him well and are sure it will be a great life experience for him.

Jentry's Mission Picture

    We also spent a week in the forest, where we used to camp host, with Gary's family.  A good time was had  by all as we enjoyed really nice warm weather for June.  (In this part of the country, for this time of year, anything without snow is considered warm weather.)

     Our last event was participating in the 6th Annual Utah Golf Tournament and fundraiser for the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation.  The tournament is held at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah.  We feel very fortunate that the Evanston team has had at least one member of our family on the team since the tournament started.  It's a great way for us to remember Robert with them. 

    Now we're heading for Gillette, WY for Escapade.  We'll be on the "row" representing RoVer's Roost.  There are several friends also attending that we're looking forward to seeing.  Following that we'll spend a few days in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming, before going to Casper for the Wyoming Senior Olympics.  Gary is entered in both billiards and golf.  Updates will follow in the next blog.  Oh yeah, as we travel around Wyoming, I might manage to find a few quilt stores. 
     We'll come back to Evanston for 3-4 days the middle of July and then head for Show Low, Arizona.  Our current plan is to stay there until we head back to the Roost in Casa Grande, sometime in October.  Everyone take care and friends all travel safe.

Dancing toward Escapade in Gillette............................
Hugs, Katy, Gary, and Bandit too

Dancing toward Wyoming Spring - 2013

     We left the Roost in Casa Grande, AZ on May 1st.  We had endured temperatures over 100 degrees the last week, while packing up the motor home and summerizing the 5th wheel and shed.  We tried to work early in the morning before it got too hot, but were glad to head to cooler temperatures in the White Mountains.  Since we're looking at Show Low for a future summer getaway, we wanted to check the area out in more detail.  As you drive into the area, you're definitely in the forest.

       I checked out their aquatic center where I found they had about 6 different water fitness classes, five days a week.  I attended one class and was very favorably impressed with the pool, showers, etc.  Gary checked out the Senior Center and their billiard schedule.  There aren't any pool leagues there, but they do have regular tournaments.  He played in two of them at two different places while we were there, meeting a lot of the other pool players.
      Bandit checked out the dog park and seemed to be quite satisfied with the size of it and the number of trees.  It was huge and he enjoyed being able to run and run.  They even had a separate area for timid dogs.
      I had already checked out the main quilt store, but was pleasantly surprised to find there was a new one and a gift shop that was also carrying fabric.  I went to a show and tell at the new shop and heard some of their plans for the future. We also looked at the library, their historical  museum, city hall, etc.  I think it's a great community and we look forward to getting to know it better.
       Show Low is a town named by the turn of a card.  Here is a picture of the statue and plaque commemorating it.  The original game took place in a ranch house at the top of the hill in the background.

      We took one day and drove east to visit the towns of Greer, Springerville, and Eagar.  We were going to do that when we were here two years ago, but the huge Wallow fire prevented it as the towns were evacuated and the roads closed.  Below are mountains above Greer.  They were able to save the town, but you can see the devastation caused by the fire on the mountains.

       Eagar and Springerville are located a few miles apart and together make up Round Valley, with a population of about 9,000.   Located in Eagar is the Ensphere, the only high school domed football stadium in the United States.  It has permanent seating for 3500 and 1500 removable seats.  120,000 sq. feet of unobstructed floorspace provides for a football field as well as seven basketball, volleyball, or tennis courts.  There is a 200 meter track and dressing and locker facilities for simultaneous use by up to four teams.  The dome is 104 feet high.

     We were lucky to have our stay in Show Low overlap the arrival of good friends Suzannah and Frank from Yuma, so we were able to visit with them.  They are the ones who introduced us to this area, and peaked our interest.  We look forward to spending more time with them when we return in July.
     Next it was time to head for Utah.  After spending one night at Canyon de Chelly, we headed for Gooseneck State Park in Utah.  We had visited there before, but not stayed.  The river below makes two huge S curves to form the "goosenecks."  Take these two photos side by side to get the idea.









  
     Although they list four campsites, there were sixteen units there the night we stayed.  The area is quite large, so no one was right next to anyone else, unless they wanted to be.  All camping was boondocking without hookups, of course.  
     Heading straight north from there is a road to Natural Bridges.  On that road is the Moki Dugway, a 3 miles stretch of gravel road with tight 5 mph curves and 10% grades.  As a result we have never driven that.  We were towing our fifth wheel before, and were not allowed on that stretch.  We had instead driven the long way around that area, adding about 45 extra miles to the trip.  This time, we unhitched the car and went to investigate.  Gary felt that unhitched, we would be able to drive it, so the next morning we headed out.
      Gary went first with the motorhome.   I let him get far enough ahead so I wouldn't be tempted to watch him.  Did  I mention that parts of the road are one lane wide, without guard rails, and a 1,000 foot drop?  Needless to say, I kept  my hands on the wheel and repeated to myself, "Don't look down,"  all the way up.  In the areas where I needed to pass someone, I either went to the inside or waited in a sufficiently wide area until there was  no one else on the road.  Here are some pictures.

     Although you can't see the road, this is the hill we are going to climb.  There really is a road!

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This is the road to the one fenced overlook, by the bulge.  You can see a little of the road and fence.

Here is the overlook itself.  A nice wide turn and a good area to pass or let others pass.

And at last, the view from the top!!!  Boy was that a relief. 

    Once we had gathered our wits, and hooked up the car, we continued on.   We passed this area of a northern stretch of the Colorado River and Lake Powell, or what was Lake Powell.  You can see how most of this area that was once under water is now exposed.

 

     Then it was on to Goblin Valley State Park.  It's a favorite spot of Gary's sister, Pam and her husband, Jim.  They usually make reservations and camp there over Mother's Day weekend.  This is the second time we've joined them there.  It's fun place and this year I could hike with them among the goblins in the valley.  The picture below gives you a taste of it, but it is so big, it is hard to capture it in a photo.

     After several days there it was time for the last part of our trip to Evanston.  It's always exciting to get the first sighting of the snow on the Rockies.

     Driving  up Provo Canyon, we watch for Bridal Veil Falls.  This year I got a really good picture.

     We arrived in Evanston on May 13th and are parked at our daughter's house.  We've been enjoying catching up with family and old friends.  We took a ride out to Bear River State Park today to see the elk in velvet and the five baby bison (buffalo).  Another rite of Spring in Evanston.

     The one sad note to report is that we lost our beloved Rusty.  He traveled with us all 13 years of our fulltime adventure and visited all 48 lower states.  He dipped his paws in the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Lake Superior.  A seasoned traveler, he even visited Mexico City and Canada.  Rusty turned 15 years old last month and had gone downhill the last couple weeks until we felt that it was time.  As those of you with furry members of your family know, that is such a gut wrenching decision to make.  Finally on May 16th, Rusty crossed the Rainbow Bridge to join Spicy and run free again in the long grass.  He was such a joy and we treasure the memories he gave us.  Thanks to all of you who sent us notes on Facebook.  Here's a photo I found of  Rusty at one year old, a real charmer!

     That's it for now.  The next few weeks will be busy with two high school graduations and more catch up with kids, grandkids, and hopefully some great-grandkids.  We'll do some camping in the mountains in June and then head for Escapade in Gillette, WY.
     Until then we're Dancing Down the Road in Evanston.......................
     Love and hugs,  Katy, Gary, and Bandit

Dancing thru Lost Dutchman, California, and Phoenix, 2013

      The temperatures are in the 90’s, the Saguaro’s and hedgehogs are blooming, and graduations are approaching.  All are signs that it’s time to be getting back on the road. 

Saguaro in Bloom

Hedgehog in Bloom

      Our past couple months have been jam packed with activity.  We went to Lost Dutchman State Park, by Apache Junction, for a five day mini-rang, as the Boomers call their rallies.  There were about 10 rigs there, so it was a nice turnout.  Our views were spectacular, as usual, and this year I was able to do some hiking as well, thanks to the new ankle.

Gary and Pam lead the way

Views of Superstition Mountains from our rigs at Rally

     Everyone shared their talents.  Leland set up a terrific telescope for a wonderful star star show,  Ken brought his guitar to enjoy at the camp fire, Steve and Pam led some great hikes, and I even led a short session on Laughter Yoga.  Of course we also visited Tortilla Flat and enjoyed the western atmosphere and great views out there. 




    

Ken and Joan

       The last day several of us rode Phoenix’s new lite rail system across town to the Old Spaghetti Factory for lunch.  It was a great adventure and the ones who usually do all the driving in city traffic got to really enjoy themselves.   Lunch at the Spaghetti Factory is always good.  I’d forgotten how good their Mizithra cheese is and bought some to bring home.
  

Lite Rail approaching.

All Aboard!

Boomer Mini-Rang at Lost Dutchman State Park

     The week after we returned I went on a three day Quilter’s bus trip to Eleanor Burn’s studio and store in San Marcos, California.  There were 46 of us on the bus.  We stopped at Cozy Quilts in El Cajon the first day and had a great trunk show by Sandy Thompson, who showed us what great things we can make with selvages.  For the non-sewers out there, selvages are what you rip or cut off the edge of your fabric, before sewing with it.  They are usually discarded.  When I got home, I tried it out and quickly made bags for my I pad and camcorder. 

Bags made from Selvages

Eleanor Burns and I

Classroom at Quilt In a Day Studio

     The second day we went to Eleanor Burn’s.  She greeted us and put on a great show about our country’s First Ladies and quilt blocks named after them.  She also showed us many of her antique quilts.   Eleanor always dresses the part and infuses a great deal of humor into her shows, so it was not only interesting but really funny. 

Eleanor as Eleanor Roosevelt with Antique Quilt

Eleanor with Storm at Sea Quilt

 We had a gourmet box lunch served to us there and then that afternoon she put on another show about some of her new, modern patterns.  Of course we had plenty of time for shopping in between.

    That night we went to dinner and a magic show at the Lawrence Welk  resort.  Then it was off early the next morning to Rosie’s Quilt store in San Diego, before heading back to AZ.   One of the gals had the idea to pass a paper around for everyone to write down how much they had spent in just the 3 quilt stores.  All done anonymously of course.  We totaled it when it came back to us and all together we had spent almost $13,000 at the 3 stores.  With 46 of us  on the bus it was an average of about $282 per person.  Yes, there was room on the bus for all our purchases, but we definitely made California a little greener with our visit.

      In April, Riki and I attended the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation (NFFF) Annual Survivor’s Conference in North Phoenix.  I picked Riki up at the airport on my way to the Hotel on Saturday, we attended Peer Support Training all day Sunday, and the Conference was Mon-Wed, with about 136 attending, plus staff from NFFF.

Peer Support Training Group

       It was really an amazing experience, full of tears and laughter.  We had workshops to choose from each morning and afternoon, plus some special activities.  I had met some of the mothers 8 years ago when we went to Emmitsburg, but like most attendees, that week is still a a bit of a blur.  The NFFF has a special closed group on Facebook, where many of us share our feelings, as we each travel our journey of losing a beloved firefighter in the line of duty.  It was wonderful to finally meet some of these incredible ladies in person.  We hope to be able to attend next year’s conference, close to St. Louis, MO.

NFFF Survivor's

       Monday evening the Hall of Flame in Phoenix opened their doors to us for a private visit though their museum and Hall of Heroes.  After that we were taken to Old Scottsdale for some shopping and dinner on our own.  Somehow I wound up at a Sushi bar with Riki and new friends.  Although I didn’t plan it, I was the one wound up ordering an actually eating some raw fish.  (Who knew “seared” only meant the edges?)  I have to say it was really good.  One more thing I didn’t know I had on my bucket list is crossed off. 

     Tuesday night entertainment was provided by Yellow Bird Family Company, including the 2011 World Champion Hoop Dancer.  They have performed all over the world and were fantastic.  This is an interesting photo I took.  Yes, he was moving that fast.

Yellow Bird Dance Company

      At the closing ceremonies on Wed. afternoon, we all followed the bagpiper to a grassy area where we were given butterflies to release.  It was an incredibly moving experience.   That night Riki drove us and new friend to the Hard Rock Cafe in Phoenix.  She wanted to get her daughter a pin from there.  We were lucky there were no athletic events going on as it’s located by Chase Field and their Events center. 

Hard Rock Cafe, Phoenix, AZ

Bagpiper Brian

Butterfly Ready to Fly 

      The eighth anniversary of Robert’s death was the same day we all went to Sedona and the Grand Canyon on two large buses.  It’s always a hard day, but the tears, laughter, and bonding with new friends sure made it easier this year.  Because it was late, one of the NFFF staff had ordered pizza to be delivered to the hotel that night.  It was a great trip, highlighted by seeing two condors.  Great views brought back memories of our  hikes.

Riki & I at Grand Canyon

Bell Rock at Sedona

     I almost forgot to mention that our rooms were actually suites with separate living rooms, fridges, and microwaves in each room.  We were luck to have our room right outside the swimming pool on the ground floor.  Friday morning Riki and I took one last swim, and hot tub dip before we checked out.  I dropped her off at the airport on my way back to Casa Grande. 

View from our suite!

     Bandit has been going to school the past five weeks and will graduate this Saturday.  He's done great and works so hard to please us.   However it wears him out and he requires a nap when we get home.  At least that's what Gary says, so he can join him.

Worn out Bandit

     Gary was a great sport about my trips and stayed home to care for the dogs.  Of course he also played billiards with his team and entered a few tournaments as well.   Overall, we've had a great Spring and are now looking forward to two more high school graduations (Meghan and Amber), visiting with family and Wyoming friends, Escapade in Gillette, WY, (Row reps for RoVer's Roost this time), travel, and Show Low, AZ.
     We’re going to get the Motor Home Saturday to start packing, and hope to leave on Wed. May 1st.   We’re going up to Show Low for a few days to look around some more, as that may be a  future summer residence.  Then we’ll meet Gary’s sister, Pam and brother-in-law, Jim for a fun few days at Goblin Valley State Park in Utah.  We plan on getting to Evanston, WY around May 15th.  

Dancing on down the road................................
Hugs, Katy , Gary, Rusty and Bandit