All Things Come to An End

Hello all. Just letting you know that I will be retiring this blog and posting to a new one soon. I want to give you a head start in getting switched over and/or adding to your Favorites or Bookmarks. This blog will still be available for viewing but all new stuff will be posted on the new blog.

The new blog address is:
http://bpadventures2007.blogspot.com
I've put a link to it just over there. Yep, over there, on the right ---->. Just click on it, go visit, then save it on your computer and you are good to go!

I hope you'll stay connected and stay in touch.

Happy Holidays to All!

Bets

December 06 Update

I know many of you thought we drove Minerva off the edge of the planet and are now going from galactic RV park to galactic RV park, a modern Star Trek on wheels as it were. Not quite.

We HAVE been embarking on a new adventure. It was bound to happen, while traveling we found a place that we like so much, we decided to move there. That place is Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Since you last heard from us we have made multiple trips back up, purchased a house and put ours in San Marcos on the market. For anyone who has bought and sold houses, you can imagine how busy we've been. The house in Pagosa is under construction and we close near the end of January.

To the right is a link to Fall 06 #2 which shows some photos of the surrounding area and snow up near Wolf Creek Pass Ski Area (23 miles from Pagosa) affectionately known to locals as "Wolfy". Also are photos from an overlook down onto the San Juan Valley and river, Treasure Falls, etc. These were taken mid-October. They have had more snow and lots of sunshine since then.

I'm including a few photos of the house in progress and will provide more when I have them. The stone that runs along the bottom portion of the exterior and will create the fireplace hearth and chimney are not in so use your imagination. Or better yet, I'll provide a photo that shows what it should look like courtesy of Wade the photo magician.







It's now December 10th. We just returned from Colorado and will be home until Christmas.

Here's wishing everyone a lovely holiday season and New Year.

It's now October 14th!

Hello All. I'm going to try something a little different this time. Mom and I use different cameras sometimes. I am able to send all my photos to a Kodak sharing site but I haven't yet figured out how to do the same with hers. So, I'm using hers on the blog and providing a link to mine so you can see those, as well (much faster than uploading onto the blog). I've captioned them so you'll know kind of what is what. I recommend you look at the blog first then view the others since any narrative is on the blog.

I hope this works for you. When you click to view, you'll have a choice to Play as a slideshow. I recommend this. Let me know if it isn't working out for you so I can alter my method next time. Thanks. You can click on the link called "Fall 06 #1" at the right.



First stop, Grapevine to visit Wade and meet up with Tom for a foursome of golf. As you can see here, we had a little matter of tracking down electrical short(s) before we could do anything.

Thank goodness Wade thinks that kind of thing is fun! He found and repaired all but one which was unreachable but he disconnected it so we were in good shape seeing as that one was to the TV/DVD which we seldom use anyway. More important to have a water heater and water pump? Uh, YEAH! The cause of all this electrical grief? Well, we have our theories. . .


We did finally make it to the Grapevine Municipal Golf Course which is quite lovely. The boys seem to be enjoying themselves.


After Grapevine, we headed to Vega, in the panhandle, to visit with Betty and Joe. It was great to see them and get treated to a lively dice game and great pancakes! Here's Bets posing with the Vega water tower in the background. This is Dad's hometown and being here brought back many nostalgic memories of family visits.

We spent a couple of days in Santa Fe where we visited a few galleries and the Georgia O'Keefe Museum. We were a bit disappointed there as it seems all her work for which she is famous is elsewhere. Weird. The driving in New Mexico is akin to visiting an art gallery. The scenery changes with every bend you drive around.




We then proceeded on to Durango, CO for their annual Cowboy Gathering. We highly recommend that if you get a chance to attend a Cowboy Gathering, do so. The folks are extremely talented and we were in stitches. They have a humor and an energy unique to their ranching lifestyle.

We went to the parade which was dampened a bit by the continuous rains. Thank goodness there was a break that morning.



Bonnie was quite popular with some kids there. She managed to tolerate the attention.




We visited Silverton where we could see snow in the mountains but not yet down in town. There was quite a bit more snow the next morning so we picked the right time to go. Had THE BEST cream of green chili soup EVER at the Handlebar Restaurant and Bar.


The drive to Silverton, CO


Stopped at Molas Pass, 10,899 ft. It was cold.


Silverton from afar.


And from acloser.

From Durango, we headed down to Taos. We drove over a pass on Hwy. 64. It was rather amusing because Mom commented while looking at the map, "I wonder how high this is?" I knowingly replied, "Well, it couldn't be as high as the one we drove over to Silverton." Turns out that it could. It also turns out that it was because the entire area was covered in snow. Luckily, the roads were still too warm for anything to stick and, ee gads, we were glad.

While in Taos we drove the Enchanted Circle (Angel Fire, Eagles Nest & Red River), visited some shops and galleries, and drove up to the Wild River Rec Area where the Rio Grande and Red Rivers converge at La Junta. That brought back some very fond and some very drenched memories from past backpack outings with the outdoor gals.


Where the rivers meet.


Eagles Nest lake

After Taos, we decided to return north to Pagosa Springs, CO. We were intrigued by it when passing through on our way back into NM but the weather was not great so we didn't stop. But it continued to niggle in our minds and we decided to return and we're glad we did. It sits at 7,000+ feet surrounded by snowcapped majestic mountains. There are three, yes, three golf courses, hot springs, flowing rivers, lakes, waterfalls, hiking trails, Wolf Creek ski area AND coffee shops and book stores. Basically, heaven by our estimation.

So, we're here and will be a few more days. After that? Well, who knows. Certainly not us! By the way, it's raining again. We're trying to send some it down Texas way, y'all!

Happy Birthday

Today is Mom's birthday. What could be better than waking up cradled in mountains, some with snow covered peaks and knowing the day is yours to enjoy in the cool Colorado San Juans? I can't think of anything, I have to say.

This is a short posting because the day is waiting, it's not raining, it's not snowing, and it's not blowing. So we can't be sittin' inside putsing around on the computer. Suffice it to say that we are in Durango, Colorado and will be until Tuesday or so. We had intended to head up to Colorado Springs but they are expecting some snow and we're not quite that adventurous in Minerva.

When it gets dark and cold, I'll come back in and put on loads of photos and some hopefully entertaining commentary. For now,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM! Let's go explore the mountains!

Bets

Home Sizzlin' in the Heat

First of all, we are home. Have been since August 9th. I just haven't worked up the motivation to post. Those "return home blues" that set in, you know.

We zoomed across the eastern portion of the U.S. to attend the annual Anderson Family Reunion in Hugoton. I hadn't been in 9 or 10 years so it was an overdue trip for me. After leaving Emporia, we visited Wichita and Dodge City, KS. Played a little golf in Dodge City. Mom showed me where she went to school and what it was like when she lived there as a child. She was vehemently lamenting the loss of all the saloons along the railroad. Hmmmm. Interesting that.

Some serious rain clouds viewed from our RV park but, alas, the downpour went right around us!


On the Mariah Golf Course in Dodge City.

Our visit in Hugoton was very nice. The weather cut us some slack and we enjoyed seeing everyone over several days. We played some golf, pitched in with the table decorating, played some rousing games of cards, and enjoyed seeing everyone again.

The table with all the family handprints and names. Good thing Sherry had a stash of paints in her classroom!



Some of the gang. I didn't focus on getting a lot of photos so I may have missed someone. Sorry 'bout that, if so.

As always, the food was plentiful and yummy. I always have such a battle trying to choose what to put on my plate and just how much I can pile up before it topples to the floor.

Main food table

Dessert table

One event that stood out for me was how my very dear and mischievous cousins sandbagged me during the auction. Thank you Loren and Ben! If I had even a wisp of ability to think on my feet, Ben, you would have bought back your own bucket-o-golf stuff. But, alas, I do not possess that quality and, for that, it cost me fifty bucks! All for a good cause, though, so I forgive you. But, next time, I'm sitting behind you both where I can keep my eye on you.


Everyone with their much prized auction purchases.


The longevity that runs in the Anderson clan is amazing. It is heartwarming to see all the families gather and honor the memory of Papa and Grandma Anderson and wonderful to see their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and more sharing the weekend together. I don't know how many generations were represented but it was more than a few.

After leaving fair Hugoton, we visited Tom, Susan, Clayton & Landon in Wichita Falls. With school starting again, we didn't know when we would get another chance to see them! Clayton was heading back to OSU, Landon is starting his senior year, and Susan is now teaching full-time. Tom, of course, is playing golf and occasionally working at that lawyering hobby he has. It was a lovely, visit/food/golf filled visit.

So, we're home and planning our next adventure (into the mountains, pleeeeease). We're fine tuning our golf equipment (there is no end) and enjoying San Marcos and friends while here.

Until our next adventure, ta ta.

P.S. Bonnie now looks her well-groomed, adorable self again. Actually better since her regular groomer (Julia at the PetsMart in S. Austin, if anyone needs a referral) smoothed out the haircut from hell and gave her a sassy summer do.

From the Frying Pan Into the Fire

A quick update. We left Maine last Tuesday and headed across the country toward Kansas for an upcoming family reunion. After the smaller, slower roads up along the coast, the interstate system seems a blessing. That is, until I'm surrounded by 5 or 6 aggressive semi's. Then I feel that, perhaps, improvements could be made.

We've spent the last few nights in a suburb of Kansas City. Took some time to get all of us groomed. Mom and I came out better than Bonnie. She looks like a 6-year-old got hold of her with some electric clippers and perhaps a chainsaw. I was so livid when I saw her that I was shaking. Of course, I did not PAY for that lovely piece of work and we now have to put a bandanna around her neck to hide the worst of it. So, needless to say, but I will anyway, you won't be seeing any photos of Bonnie for a while!

Back on the road this morning to lunch with Sean, Keb's youngest, in Emporia, where he is working for the university (something to do with computers), then on to Wichita for some visiting and on to the reunion.

The title you ask? Well, I might have mentioned that it was much cooler on the coast albeit foggy much of the time. As we proceeded west, the temperatures rose rather rapidly. By day two, we were hole up in Minerva with a/c at full speed up to bedtime. The heat index here yesterday was 108 or some ridiculous number. Just reading the temps in southwestern Kansas makes me sweat much less being out in them. I have a theory that we are all being slowly baked, for tenderness you know. The aliens will be landing for their buffet sometime the third weekend of August. For those of you using tanning oil, their favorite is the coconut flavored.

Later.

Catch Up!

This is what it looks like today here in Lubec, Maine and that is why we are at the library updating the blog! We have to start way, way back and come forward so be patient.

Lake Placid, NY
Lake Placid is the quentissential (sp?) ski village sporting all the winter olympic sites, quaint shopping areas, lake, mountains, and atmosphere deluxe. We really like it here.


On top of the White Mountain Ski Area after riding the gondola. The lake is behind us. I honestly don't think the Lake Placid movie was filmed here as I haven't seen any alligators at all.


We watched an ice skating competition in the 1932 Olympic arena. We were taken aback at how cold it is inside. We had to go get our coats and it was about 90 outside.


Outside of the 1932 Olympic arena. The 1980 Olympics were held here, as well.


An area wide english jumper horse show was taking place during our stay. Lots of beautiful horses.


The Olympic ski jumps in the distance. Pretty impressive sight considering people willingly hurl themselves off of those.


I took a hike in the area - the Haystack trail - which went to the top of Haystack Mountain. It was quite a climb toward the top and too hazy for a good photo so I haven't included one.


A bog bridge made of split logs. Beautiful trail crossing stream, rocks, roots, etc.


After the AT debacle I chose to go toeless in my footwear and, oh, after 6.6 miles my feet are happy feet! I knew you would want to see them.


A great many of these beauties were gathered around a little bridge on a stream I crossed. If anybody knows the name of it, please let me know.

Moosehead Region, Maine
From Lake Placid, we ventured east through Vermont and New Hampshire to the Moosehead Lake Region of north central Maine.


We didn't see any moose but everyone swears they are plentiful but shy and unpredictable.


As you can see, float planes are plentiful on the lake. We decided to take advantage of that.


Our pilot, Clinton of Currier Air, with Mom riding shotgun to take control if needed.



Portions of Moosehead Lake from the air. It is quite a large lake. So large that much of its shoreline is uninhabited due to the vast distances to be traveled.


Mt. Kineo from the air.


We saw this golf course on Mt. Kineo and decided we needed to play that one.


Safely returned to terra firma.


Our launch to the island for golf.


Bets doing her glamorous golf pose on Mt. Kineo golf course. And, yes, that IS a skirt. It's a quick dry hiking skirt with lots of pockets that I found ON SALE at the Indian Hill outdoor store near the lake. Just the thing when it's hot and muggy and you need a breeze wafting about!


Mom making one of her smooth strokes.


Interesting entryway to this shop in Greenville which is the town on the south shore of Moosehead Lake.


These two people, Kim & Mike Newell, are the reason we ventured up this way in the first place. I, along with my hiking gal pals, met them in Arkansas. We learned they have a BBQ joint in Monson (just south of Greenville). Mom and I decided to check out the area because of that chance meeting and we found a gem of a spot. So Thanks, Kim & Mike, for luring us up there.


Monson held it's summer festival while we were there. This is the "Anything that Floats" contest.



This is a homemade kayak that was in the contest. He could have easily won but held back so three little girls on an inflated mattress could bring home the honors. Nice fella.



We saw homes with raised doors and decided they are snow doors, higher up for when the snow blocks the lower one. Either that or they are the exits for annoying guests. I don't know which.

That's it for Moosehead Lake Region. I do want to add that we stayed at the Balsam Woods RV Park in Abbott, Maine which is just south of Monson which is just south of Greenville which is on the south shore of the lake. It is a delightful park and we highly recommend it. Both John from NC and Jackie & Fred from Monson recommended our next destination. And, boy, were they right. Thanks John, Jackie & Fred.

Lubec, Maine

First of all, let me just say that the saying "If you don't like the weather, just wait a minute, it'll change." DID NOT originate in Texas, my friends. It had to have originated right here because, I'm telling ya, the weather around here changes so fast that you need to keep a swimsuit, shorts, pants, raincoat and parka in your car at all times. I'm not kidding.

We're staying in a lovely little park called Sunset Point RV Park. It came highly recommended and is one of the loveliest spots we've enjoyed.


On the coast in Lubec, Maine which the eastern most town in the U.S. The sunrise is about 4:30, I think. I haven't seen it yet! It is absolutely beautiful here with the tides marching in and out, fog rolling across, then blue skies reflecting off the water. It is definitely cooler here and that is a joy!


This shows the fog floating in. Sometimes it hangs out from the coast and other times it engulfs EVERYTHING (as in the opening photo).


Across a short bridge lies Campobella Island which is part of Canada. This is the beach with the fog coming in.


As you can see, these folks don't let it hinder their fun.


This is the lighthouse affectionately known as the "Spark Plug" on the West Quoddy point. Very foggy this day, just such a day for which the lighthouses were built.


Bets & Bonnie picking up pretty pebbles on the beach.


A bit of info. about the island. This was FDR's retreat spot. There is an historical park with his house, etc. but we felt our time was best spent on the lovely golf course rather than looking at a house that's what we did. They even let us take Bonnie on the golf cart.


After a day of golf under crisp blue skies, a storm rolled through followed by this beautiful sunset.


We drove south to Jonesport, a fishing/lobster village. This shows their lighthouse and you can see that the tide is out by the mudflats all around. There is a pretty dramatic change between low and high tides around here.


Some of the lobster traps stacked on a pier.


Fishing boats moored in the bay. I thought this a lovely photo that Mom captured.

It is currently Friday, July 21st. We'll be here in Lubec until Monday when we will head either north or south. We haven't decided. We've met some lovely people during our stay and, during our chats, learn of interesting places to visit and things to see. So, you see, we could alter our plans on a dime depending on what we learn from the next acquaintance.

Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the summer. I know Wade would enjoy his more if we didn't enlist him as our agent to get our car registration sent to us, etc. but he is a good sport and handles the responsibilities well. Thanks, Wade.