Monday October 17 through Wednesday October 19, 2016-Inks Lake State Park

We needed to head back "home" to the Dickinson area to do our "every 90 days" doctor appointments. We left here early Monday morning after I found Chris Hall, one of the Lead Rangers here to tell him of our plans. He was very glad to see us and said that it was no problem.

We had a bit if trouble finding a motel that would accept a pet but finally located one, the Motel 6 in Texas City. The last time we had noticed this motel, it was a La Quinta, and we have actually stayed here before. Stella read some reviews on this place and the reports were pretty bad, but, as I said, it was the only game in town. We found another motel that would take us in with Tramp, but they would charge a $75 non refundable "deposit" (read fee) for taking him. No way, Jose! We took Tom Bodette's place and let me tell you, the reviews were right! This place is a dump, and that's being generous. Lights didn't work, the fridge and microwave in the room didn't, nor did anyone answer the telephone to receive our complaints. We learned that Motel 6 had bought this location in 2013 but there is still a crew that is remodeling rooms. Our room looked nice, but there were the deficiencies... Actually we didn't learn about the fridge not working until after I had put a doggie box of leftover food in it and found it very warm in the morning. 

We had a nice meal with Kim, Ray and the boys at a Mexican restaurant. It was good to spend time with them and to see how the boys have changed since we last saw them.

We returned to the motel and found that the bed wasn't as comfy as ours, but it wasn't too bad to sleep in. Actually we slept pretty well and I didn't wake up until after 8 o'clock on Tuesday morning. It was probably because the room was very dark and cold inside. After refreshing showers, we were on our way to run some errands while we were down here. I had left a piece of the frame of our portable steps/porch with a friend (Ken) who had built it for us several years ago when I worked for the Manvel Police Dept. Ken lives in Manvel and I had made arrangements for him to repair it and that we would pick it up when we returned to the area. Because of a series of problems that had come up, Ken was not quite finished with the repairs, but was able to finish it for us later in the day, but we had made a trip over in the morning, thinking it would be ready, so we had to make another trip over later in the afternoon to actually pick it up. After returning to the Clear Lake area to go to the doctor and then returning to Manvel we ended up driving about 150 miles today! It never seemed like that far when I worked there.

We met my brother Phil and his wife Carol for supper at Kelley's Restaurant in League City. Their son Matthew had just returned from living in Wisconsin, so it was good to see him also. After a nice visit with them, we returned to the motel for the last night there. Again, it was a good place to sleep and although both of us woke a few times we still slept ate the next morning. 

We stopped by old friend Mike's house in Dickinson. Mike had suffered a fall that dislocated his shoulder plus he had an irregular heartbeat, which was corrected with a pacemaker. He has been feeling pretty poorly lately but he looked good and it was good to see him.  We only stayed a few minutes, knowing he didn't feel like having company and besides, we had a long drive ahead of us. Actually the drive back was easier than the trip up, but it's good to be back home and sleeping in our own bed.

Now to get into the swing of "working" again.

So long.

Thursday October 12 thru Sunday October 16-Moving days-Williams AZ to Burnet TX

Actually I left off the last day that we spent in Williams before beginning our trek back to Texas. We all slept in on Wednesday after spending the day before at the Grand Canyon. We all just piddled around in the park, some went to get fuel before leaving, but mainly just hanging out. Mike and Nancy broke out their Traeger grills and made some delicious hamburgers for us in the afternoon and we all enjoyed our last night together.

We ll started pulling out bout 7:30 Thursday morning. Most of us are going to Albuquerque NM but we'll be staying in different locations when we get there. Mike is staying behind to go to his daughter's house in Arizona, Lin and Phil are going to the American RV Park in Albq. and We are going to the High Desert RV Park with Dave and Nancy. Chris went to visit a friend from his working days. 

We went to get fuel but Stella and I ran into a problem with the purchase. The clerk somehow got our credit card fouled up and he had to credit the card back and voided the transaction. all of this activity on the card triggered some sort of security breach, so the card was denied, even though we had not made a purchase yet. He and Stella finally got it straightened out and we were able to make our purchase. What  mess! We ended up eating a nice meal at a Cracker Barrel. 

I would like to note that three of four rest areas in New Mexico were closed and fenced off. One of them was a welcome center to NM, but we didn't get a warm fuzzy feeling about there being closed. One maybe, but three! No Way!!

Friday we went with Dave and Nancy to Amarillo but I don't know where everyone else went. These days have been long but relatively easy days because it has all been driven on freeways, easy-peasy! 

We decided to splurge tonight and took a limousine ride to the Big Texan restaurant. This was something new for us, but we learned that the limo rides have been going on for some time. It was a nice ride and both of the drivers that we had were good drivers that entertained us with stories. No, we didn't have the 72oz. steak but did have some good food.

Saturday was another long day to Abilene. We didn't do anything noteworthy there and ate leftovers. Boring...

Today we split up with Dave and Nancy. They went home to Terrell and we came to Inks Lake. We had to dodge around a low clearance bridge. and had to backtrack which took an hour or so longer, but we got here and got set up with no problems.

We were on this site about four years ago. It is right next to a restroom and bathhouse, which bothers Tramp, but he'll settle down soon

This is our view of the lake across the street from us. There is a fishing pier and swimming area there, so lots of activity on the weekends. We'll see how it works out. We can always move later if a better site comes open.

Good to be back in Texas and at our favorite state park.

So long.

Tuesday October 11, 2016-Railside Ranch RV Park

Today we made the trip to see the Grand Canyon. We rode in a park shuttle bus to the Grand Canyon Railway depot for the 65 mile ride to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. I won't bore you with pictures of the train because everyone has seen a train. Feel free to click on the above link and you will find lots of pictures of the trains. I will get right into the photos of the canyon and the surrounding areas.

Photo proof that we were there!

I can't understand people that can't follow the rules and stay on the path.

This was the home of the Kolb brothers that took photos of people visiting the Grand Canyon in the early 1900's. 

Some People!!

Love the layers of the rocks.

It was a LONG walk but worth every step!

This little fella was about a year old when he was killed by a speeding driver.

I hope you enjoyed these few pictures as much as I did when taking them. As I've said before, they don't really do justice to being there. It was a wonderful experience and I feel certain that we'll return.

So long.

Monday October 10, 201-Moving Day-Las Vegas Nevada to Railside Ranch RV Resort, Williams Arizona

Today we made the uneventful 213 mile drive from Las Vegas to Williams Arizona. Please keep in mind that these photos were taken by Stella as we drove along the highway. 

The beauty of this area, actually from the trip to Utah, through Nevada and into the Grand Canyon are the most beautiful places we have ever been to.

My next post- the Grand Canyon- will likely stretch the limits of what Google Blogger can handle.

So long.