Tuesday, June 8, 2010
On to the Next Adventure
Spring is almost over - before it ever really began. Since my last posting we have been very busy with our travels.
The caravan ended January 31 and we headed back home for a short time. We went down to Monterey with Ken and Vicki for a few days and then spent the rest of our week in Solvang. Both were at World Mark resorts and we had a great time. My birthday this year was in Solvang and we had a great dinner at an Italian restaurant.
After a short time at home, it was time to go to Las Vegas. I had a phone solicitation I couldn't pass up. Maybe I should have, but that's water under the bridge. We spent one night in Bakersfield going down and another coming back home. Las Vegas was warm, anyway. Our lodgings were right on the Strip (Jockey Club) and we went to Hoover Dam and the Red Rocks as well as several wonderful quilt shops. I really do like Las Vegas, although we found that food costs have gone up considerably. One night we split an Italian dinner of lasagna. For $15 all we got was bread and a small piece of lasagna, about 2 1/2 inches square. Yes, it was a VERY good piece of lasagna, but still. Think how much money they made for the entire pan! Ridiculous!
After Las Vegas we got ready for our journey back down to Palm Desert to visit with George and Juliaanne (the Madison, WI, cousins) at their Marriott Resort timeshare. Gorgeous place.
We always have a good time with them and this was no exception. We golfed, took a trip up to Idyllwild, ate, and played Joker.
We just had enough time to get home, do laundry and pack for Maui. Bob and Elaine Vasser met us there and we all had a fabulous time. Sunrise at Haleakala, Luau at the Hyatt, tour of the Sugar Museum, Road to Hana tour, lots of driving, zipline adventure for Larry and Bob, and delicious food. We must return!
May was our Model A Club Roundup down in Jackson. Since it's close to home we were able to trailer the newly restored Sport Coupe down for the competition. It achieved a First Place and Award of Excellence (third in points overall) so we were very happy. Larry judged and I sold some of my era clothing. We also helped out where needed because many of our friends were in charge of the various events.
Now we are getting ready to head for Meridian to see Mom and then go to Gillette, WY, for the Airstream rally. After that, it's the Yellowhead Caravan. More about that to follow.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Desert Escape Caravan
Twelve days into our caravan and finally we have a nice day. This is why we all came in the first place. We began our travels in San Juan Bautista, touring the town and mission area. Okay. That day was pretty nice.
At Laguna Seca we toured the marine laboratory with Amanda as our energetic tour guide. Her project is sponges, but she knew everything about everything else as well. The area antique shops in Moss Landing were not exceptional, although judging by the prices, they certainly thought they were.
Morro Bay would have been a great stop, except for the rain. This was the first place it got really bad. Huge waves and torrential downpours just about the whole time we were there. Our side trip to Cambria with Hedda and Tom had mud, but the rain stopped for awhile. No purchases, but our hamburger lunches were delicious.
The drive to the Valencia area was WET. What else was new? Hot dogs and chili for dinner. More rain. The driving day took us through northern LA area. This was a different route because of: THE RAIN. The Warrens, Murrays and Malones made it safely with no stops, however the later group that included Burmasters, Smithsons and Marsons had to stop for Tom and Hedda's flat tire and arrived over two hours later. They reported they had to drive in a snowstorm on I-10 of all places. Rather tense.
Today we awakened to snow covered mountains all around us. Very windy as we took off for the local Starbucks. The park here had a small crafts fair and I took a look, but didn't buy anything. The group all saw the Follies this afternoon, but we'd seen them twice before (the last time from front row seats). Larry and I decided to check out the Marriott Resort where we'll be visiting with Cousin George and Juliaanne. A hearty two thumbs up to the facilities! Can't wait. Then it was off to see where our Worldmark Indio resort was located. It took a few tries, but after calling and getting directions, we made it there. A tour of the luxurious penthouse unit was most impressive. WOW. Very nice. It's meant for sharing with lots of friends and family, sleeping up to 10 comfortably. They were having a hot dog and hamburger lunch out by the pool, so we ate there.
Then it was a visit to the Shields Date Company for a replenishing of my date crystal supply. A very fun and delicious place to visit.
Continuing down the street, we stopped at Trader Joe's, Tuesday Morning and a small crafts fair in the shopping mall. Up to the tram area to check it out. Lots of skiers coming down from the mountain as well as sightseers.
We met the Follies goers as they emerged from the theater and went to dinner at Billy Reed's with Bob and Elain, Cam and Marcia and Jane and Mike. Excellent food, and wonderful companions, of course.
Tomorrow is the College of the Desert Flea Market in the morning. Monday afternoon is our tour of the date farm in Thermal with more samples and date milkshakes! The men are sure to be disappointed that the lovely Rosie doesn't work there anymore.
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