August Roadtrip/Eastern Canada

Museum in Saskatoon

We have been on the road now since August 6th when we left my son Daryl's home at Vegreville. The first day we travelled to North Battleford, Sask. Stopped at the Casino there and got our coupons for food, etc. We each got a total of $25.00 in cash. I played $5.00 and gained $7.00. Bonus. Spent the night with many other campers at the Walmart. Next day stopped at Saskatoon to view the Museum (well worth the stop) and on to Watrous, to the Mineral Springs on Manitou Beach, Little Manitou Lake. Another lovely spot. Went to the Toonie Tues Dance at the famous Danceland and in the mineral pools at the hotel. Sooo glad we stopped. The water is so like the ocean that you can not sink. You float without trying. Wednesday, August 8th, we decided to take the highway south of Watrous and then across on Highway 52. Our advice, don't do it, Jim said, the # of the highway is the number of potholes in a 100 ft stretch. LOL. We finally got to our destination for the night. Friends from Manitoba had told us that there is a small campground in the town of Russell on Highway 16. There was even power and all they ask is a donation and keep the campground clean. We did a walk around town and took pictures of their main street of Arches.

Thursday, headed to Shilo, Manitoba to visit Sam and Linda, friends from California. They live in Shilo which is near Brandon. We spent a lovely 3 days, 4 nights with them and took off for Morden (south and east) to visit Jim's friends, Les and Celine. After a great lunch and visit we headed to Steinbach to visit more friends. Mary has the Rockylaine Bed and Breakfast. A small acreage west of Steinbach. We parked there and visited for 2 days and 3 nights. Also visited with Dave and Sharon Dickey one evening.  Thursday morning, August 23, we packed up again and were on our way to Grand Beach on Lake Winnipeg. Now that is a place to visit and stay a few days or longer if one likes to camp.  Beautiful campground and lovely beach.  Even the water is quite clean for a prairie lake.

Walking the waters at Grand Beach!

 

Saturday, August 25, we did some laundry and had showers etc. and were on the road again at 10:00 am.  We took some side roads and followed a river down the eastern side of Manitoba, through the Whiteshell Provincial Park which takes you into West Hawk Lake and onto highway 17 which is the TransCanada.  The highway immediately got better when we crossed the border into Ontario and generally speaking have been great all the way to southern Ontario.  We spent out first night in Dryden, ON at the Walmart.  Met a nice couple from Naniamo, BC and wouldn't you know, they know people that we met in California last winter.  Shared a few stories and called it a night.  Up early and on the road by 6:30 am.  Want to make a mile. Arrived at Thunder Bay at around 11:30 and just in time for pork ribs. The city was having its Rib Fest and so we decided to partake. Yummy!!!!!! We also checked out the Casino which was just across the street and a walk to view the Harbor. In the motorhome and on our way again.  Our second night in Ontario, we spent at a small town called Nipigon.  Just had to drive in and see the smallest Canadian Tire Store in Canada and talk to the locals.  Were told that the marina in town had places to camp for the night.  Beautiful.  Even met the mayor during our walk around the marina. 



 

 

The motorhome is almost bigger than the store!

 

Nipigon Marina!

Most days, when we are travelling, we prefer to be up early and on the road by 6:30-7:00am. unless there are things we are going to see in the area. We had seen all we wanted in Nipigon.  As were travelling along Lake Superior, we saw a white sandy beach, Jim quickly made the decision to pull in.  Very tight parking lot and we had to unhook the car so we could get back out.  Kathrine Cove is so sweet and we actually were able to go in the water.  Warm and clean!  



Kathrine Cove on Lake Superior

 

I noticed that the whole eastern coast of Lake Superior had beach after beach.  After fueling up at Sault Ste.-Marie we continued on to Bruce Mines.  This is another cute little Marina, right off the Highway.  We stopped thinking we would have supper at "The Bobbers" a fish and chips restaurant and stayed the whole night.  Had live entertainment at an open air gazebo/seating.  Very talented young man.







 

After a huge fish and chips meal and entertainment we were ready to hit the pillow early, morning comes quickly.

Tuesday, August 25, early on the road again and after some debate as to whether or not take the ferry on to Manitoulin Island or drive past Sudbury we decided to go  the highway.  It was a long drive but decided it was worth it as we eventually ended up at the base of the Georgian Bay at Victoria Harbor.  At one point we pulled off the highway thinking we were going to have lunch at a nice picnic spot.  The picnic area was there but no parking for big Rigs.   

 Bus parking instead of Picnic Area

 

Oh, well,  let's eat and get going!  Once again, had to unhook the car to turn aroung.  LOL!  It was only another short drive and we were at Victoria Harbor where we settled in for the night at the Foodland parking lot.  Nice owner, said it was fine and we were just a short distance from the water and a marina again. After we settled in, got some groceries, Jim got our bikes out and we went for a long bike ride on the trail right next to our RV.  Finished the day with a nice dinner and watched the sun go down over the water.  It was a bit cool and windy so didn't linger long. 



Sunset over Victoria Harbor on the Georgian Bay

Nice ending to a busy day.  Night, Night!

November/December 2011

November 1,2011 we crossed the border at Sydney, BC to Anacortes, Washington to begin our winter in the US.  We were lucky to be traveling with Bob and Diane.  
This was a very difficult day for me as I had just said goodbye to my Mom at the hospital knowing that it was probably the last time I would talk to or see her.

Jim had to back on to the ferry because they told him he might have to drive off at Friday Island.  We didn't have a reservation and there were a lot of snowbirds loading. Yep, he had to drive off, quickly get in the line up again and drive back on.  It worked fine and we were off again to finish the trip.  Very lovely crossing and no hassle crossing the border.
Drove to and camped at Angel of the Winds Casino the first night then drove to Seven Feathers Casino and overnight again.  Were a bit concerned about the weather but everything turned out fine.

We were following Bob over the pass and this looks bad but wasn't for very long and everything cleared up.
Once we were California the roads were clear and dry.  We stopped at a roadside area and when Jim went to start the RV, it wouldn't go.  He had to use a bungee cord and loop it around the celanoid(sp?)  He did this the rest of the trip to Catalina Spa.  Interesting way to start and stop the Bus.  It was a wiring problem that was probably there from factory.  He was able to fix it.

Next overnight was in central California at a parking lot next to a Target.  By this time Jim and Bob were not feeling very well and getting anxious to get to our destination.  One more overnight at Barstow just outside of the Walmart parking lot.  The lot there is not large enough for overnight parking.  Saturday morning we were on the road to Catalina, about 2 hours away. We arrived around noon and got set up as quickly as possible.  Lying low as the guys were  so sick.  So happy  and relieved to be at Catalina.
Monday morning, Nov. 7, 2011, I woke up with a funny feeling in my side, checking I found welts and very tender.  Checked on line and Yep, shingles.  I guess due to all the stress of the last 2 months. I enquired from a couple of people where I should go, so Jim, Di and I headed into Palm Springs to Emerg.  They were very helpful there and it wasn't long until I was carrying a prescription out the door.  Our insurance covered the visit to emerg and the meds I paid for myself.  Needless to say, I spent the next 2-3 weeks resting and taking my meds.  Checked in with my sister each day to find out how Mom and the rest were doing.
November 18, one of the saddest days of my life, Mom went home to be with her Lord.  Next day, I was on a plane heading to Victoria to help wind things up and attend the Memorial Service.  Jim stayed with the coach. 
A week later, I was once again flying, back to Palm Springs.  Still recovering from everything but my shingles did not reacurr.
So good to see the mountains and the wind
Turbines in the Coachella Valley.

We spent the rest of November enjoying just being in the Valley at Catalina Spa.  The first weekend in December, we decided to make a trip to San Diego to spend a couple of days with Judy, Jim's sister and her friends.  We had a great time and love it there.  Want to return in the future.
December went by quickly and we enjoyed Christmas and New Years with our friends, Bob,and Diane, Gail,and Gary, Gill, and Norm, George and Suzie, Lucille and Alan, and many more.
Jan. 2012, we had a trip to Kingman and Quartzite planned and so did a bit of touring around during that time.  Back at Catalina for the rest of the season.  Visiting and spending time with a number of people. We had company from Canada(very special times) with all of you. Enjoyed every moment.  I have decided that I need to get on with the up to date posts so as much as I would like to record all we did, saw, etc. I am going to leave this post as is and carry on.  Thanks for reading! 

October 2011 in Victoria, BC!

Our campsite in Victoria!

After spending several lovely days in the Kelowna area, we decided it was time to be on the road to Victoria.  Got up early and were on the road by 7:00 am and arrived at Vanguard Place at 5:00 pm.  We were there in time to visit Mom at the hospital and have dinner with my sister and stepfather.

October was spent between the hospital to visit and help Mom, their house and short excursions around Victoria as needed.  My sisters and I spent quality time with Mom and each other.  A really tough and yet rewarding month.  Mom, having been diagnosed with liver cancer at the end of September had chosen not to have treatment so our time with her was very special.  She was a beautiful, strong lady.  Always full of stories, fun and postive out looks even in the face of adversity.  There are no words to describe what it felt like for me to say Good-bye to my mom.  We did say "until we meet again, in this life or the next".

My sisters Gail and Rhonda were with her at the end and my love goes to them for their wonderful support.  There were so many people that gave us their support and kindness and continue to do so.  My step-father David now has to carry on alone and my heart and prayers are always with him.  Thank the Lord, he has a wonderful family and friends in Victoria to help sustain him day to day.  He was so good to Mom and through him, her life was exciting and new.  I LOVE YOU MOM!!!

Spring/Summer 2011

From this.......

This is a summary of the spring/summer months.  We arrived back in BC, Canada on April 12th, 2011.  Spent a month in Victoria visiting with Mom and stepfather David, and friends while we waited until the snow was gone and weather warmed up in Alberta.  It was a busy summer, with all the visiting and doing the business that was necessary.  The first major item was moving all of my things from the basement of my former home into a storage container and then my son Daryl came with his flatdeck tow truck and hauled it to their acreage.  The highlights for each of us was being able to spend time with our families.  Specifically, our grandchildren.

.......to this!   Great move!

Jim teaching his grandsons to play pool.

We did a major move from the 1999 Monaco Diplomat to a 1998 Monaco Windsor.  Are enjoying the Windsor so much.  It is definitely our home "for now".  Along with the move, we participated in several other highlights.  The Ponoka Stampede.

                                             Enjoying the rodeo!!           
Another highlight was camping with my sister Gail and brother-in-law Ross at Drumheller the end of August.

                             Miniature Church at Drumheller, Alberta
It was fun seeing our friends in Camrose, Ponoka and Edmonton.  Great times at my son Daryl's and Jim's son Aaron's.  Too many special moments to share in this space. 
I spent a wonderful day with my two youngest grandsons to celebrate their birthdays before I left for British Columbia and a short tour of that great province before we travelled to Victoria.  The trip through BC was interesting but stressful at the same time because I had gotten news that my Mom was in the hospital.  She had not been feeling well for some time. 

One highlight of our BC trip was staying in the Radium Valley Vacation Resort at Radium Hot Springs.  Lovely place.  We went on a hike in the mountains and on our way south from there unhooked the car and drove up a logging road to some natural hot springs.

   

Just south of Osoyoos, across the US border we met this couple in the campground there.  They had this unit custom made in Germany and shipped over so they could tour North America.  Very interesting and lovely folks.  While in BC we visited some friends and family and thoroughly enjoyed their company.  Went to a small winery in Kelowna called the Beaumont Winery.  Family of a friend.   

We went for a wonderful bike ride over the Kettle Valley Train Trestles.  Definitely something to do if you are a bike rider.  They are located just south east of Kelowna, BC.
I was a bit nervous at first but that is because I am not good with heights but nothing to worry about.  We also toured a resort east of Vernon in the hills.  Beautiful place decorated with millions of crystals.  I think it is call the Crystal Palace.
After a couple of nights at the Holiday Park Resort, we decided to head for Victoria.  Mom was still in the hospital and I just needed and wanted to be there.  
There is so much to see everywhere, so if you are travelling and can take your time, do so.  It is worthwhile.
We definitely have to go back to BC in the future and spend more time.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post.  More later.  Cheers!

New posting on its way!!!!! Want to get into the habit of at least once a week!  Take care everyone as you travel.

Testing my blog!

I am testing my blog to see if it actually is out there for people to find.  I really want to beable to do this properly!!!!Sharon

California!!!!

Got to the border in midafternoon!  Pouring rain, windy and just plain nasty!  Drove to the Lucky 7 Casino in Smith River.  Small native operated casino but they have a good parking area for RVs so we decided to park and stay overnight.  No charge.  Went into the casino and got our first player's card ever.  Spent the $5.00 bucks they gave us and then went for a walk on the beach.

Came across some structures that must have been someone's summer home at one point.  Were startled by a rat!

Next day, headed out early even though it was still raining which let up shortly down the road.  Drove through some beautiful redwoods and stopped to have lunch in amongst them. 

At Legget we decided to go inland to get away from the rocky, wet coast and have some easier driving.  Stopped at Willits for diesel and a break.  Heading into Sonoma Wine Country .  I am sure in the summer it is very beautiful because it is quite stunning now.  Drove as far as Windsor, a small city in the wine country and parked beside a Holiday Inn Express for the night.  Walked downtown and into an antique store and a small wine tasting bar.  They told us about the Francis Ford Coppola Winery and said we should not miss that.  Next morning we got up and headed back to Healdsburg and the Coppola winery.

Had lunch in the restaurant and walked through the vineyards.  Did some wine tasting and spent time in the museum.  Wonderful place to visit.

Next stop SAN FRANCISCO!