We arrived at Northport, Michigan, marina just before noon on Wednesday...and there she was!!! We are still getting used to that black canvas...we think she looks great! Boatyard seems to have completed most of the work Floyd requested...and just when we were wondering about the new seat and fly bridge covers, they showed up with them. We have spent the better part of these first three days schlepping things from the RV to the boat. We thought it was such a treat to not have to throw away perishables at home only to re-purchase them upon arrival...but I'm not so sure about all that schlepping. Getting organized and re-settled is exhausting.

We keep making lists and going back for more things...but for the most part we are living on board. We ordered new chairs for the deck...those blue ones sure won't work anymore....and black covers for the fenders. We plan to make a run to Traverse City next week...West Marine, BB&B, Walmart...our hope is to start boating our way south Memorial weekend. The boatyard has agreed to store the RV inside while we are gone.

Days have been sunny...highs in the 60s...nights are cooler. Yes, we have the heater on. We are in jeans and long sleeves while the locals are sporting shorts and flip flops. A gathering of small gnat-like bugs is always on the aft deck and at the boat entrance...they call them "midges"...They don't bite and don't seem to come inside...but what a nuisance!!! Our trusty OFF lantern seems to deter them some...but Floyd's cigars are worthless at discouraging their presence. Though he continues to test them!!!

Dakota is adjusting...I'd say he prefers the RV life. He rides in my lap for hours and then gets serious play time. Boating not so much...but I will say he has slept well and long these last few days...making friends, especially with the women!

Left Wichita according to plan...and spent a lovely evening with my mother...a quick lunch at the Tri-Mee Drive In and we were on the road to Jefferson City, Missouri. A very scenic drive along some lesser used highways...cool and rainy weather. Sunday we slept in and made our scheduled tour at the Missouri State Penitentiary...located in heart of downtown Jefferson City. Closed since 2004, our tour was lead by a former prison officer...and full of interesting stories.

this is the grave of the prison cat MIKE...who was actually caught smuggling smokes and notes to the prisoners in solitary...seems someone had made him a set of saddle bags that matched his fur...no one suspected a thing for a long while...but alas, he was caught red handed with the goods.

 They considered this a great example of prisoner artwork...Floyd agreed!!!

Even though some of the buildings have been removed...it is a very imposing structure. We spent just 2 hours there...and that was plenty. Can't imagine doing real time there.

Another lovely evening at Binder State Park...and we were on the road to a KOA Campground just outside of Chabanse, Illinois. Nothing memorable...a stop on Tuesday at the THOR manufacturing plant to pick up a new table top (one we've been working on getting since January) and then into Muskegon... an easy ride to a delightful site by a small lake...plenty of room for Mr Dakota to run free...we were the only RV there!

okay...so I did a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad job of blogging on the RV trip...that missing cord was found right where I left it...

We prepare to leave on Friday May 13...working our way back to Northport, Michigan...and a new and improved TUMBLEWEED...much polishing and new signage has been completed. We'll spend time with Mom in Fredonia, a tour of the prison in Jefferson City, time with Clay and Sally (SASEA SALLY) as we RV north. Should arrive on Wednesday, May 18th. Our number one goal is to finish our second loop...have some fun...and return the boat to Northport.  My son is planning a September 4th wedding...so we do have a bit of a deadline.

We are excited that we'll get to tote all sorts of groceries...and not be so wasteful as we transition from home to boat...that RV is a money saver!!!

My mission is to do a better job of blogging. Though really that should be a piece of cake...cause anything I do at this point will be better than what you got of the Grand Canyon/ Route 66 adventure. Hahahaha!

The Grand Canyon was grand! Couldn't have picked a better day...weather was pleasant, train ride from Williams was delightful...and the canyon was grand. On Thursday, we toured the charming town of Williams, brought in some groceries, did a little laundry and made plans to go our separate ways.

Friday morning, the Nelsons headed south to visit friends and check out possible "wintering" places. We headed north and east through Navajo and Hopi nations...a six hour scenic drive to end up 3 hours away in Gallup. And the winds came. ....and then we woke to 2 inches of snow!! So much for our plans to visit the wild wolf sanctuary that was down at least four miles of dirt road.

Plan B...drive to Taos by way of Santa Fe....so off we went...through rain and more snow...and a serious jam off traffic in Albuquerque....what a mess! I scored two fun rings in Santa Fe...and we managed to arrive in Taos safe and sound.

Where we plan to stay a while. The weather is predicted to remain the same...and today has been cold and snowy. Our heater is acting strangely...so we're staying toasty warm using the small portable electric heater. More to talk to Thor manufacturing about.

Monday we hope to explore the town...and if weather continues to disappoint we might just head for home.

OMG...where has the time gone?? And where the $&@$ is the damn cord that attaches camera to computer???? I really think it is here somewhere...but have given up hope of finding it...and can you believe I already have several extras at home from previous bouts of forgetfulness....so far this trip has been so much fun!! OKC...Cowboy Hall of Fame and Murrah Building Museum and Memorial...El Reno Route 66 museum, trolley ride and fort...nights in Palo Duro Canyon without Internet, cell phones, or tv...but with deer and wild turkeys...a rainy day in Santa Fe...a visit to the crest of Sandia Mts in Albuquerque ...then the wigwam hotel, Jack Rabbit Trading Post, standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona....
And even though I'm taking photos with phone...I can't seem to find them on iPad and get them to post...something is just not right....
We are now in Williams, Arizona...preparing to tour the Grand Canyon...train and bus tour is booked...don't think I'm gonna do that mule ride!
While we are having a grand time...just know my blogging self is beyond frustrated!! I am posting to Facebook...so friend me there...meanwhile, Where's a 12-year-old computer nerd when you need them??

Getting the RV loaded and ready to roll is very similar to loading the boat....just as intense and not as much space....and nothing gets to stay on the counters. We ran a little behind schedule....but got there safe and sound! We are at a KOA camp site that is listed as El Reno West...but is actually in Calumet OK....We are heading out shortly to explore some sites that cater to Route 66 in this area ...planning  to head back to OKC tomorrow. Doug is experiencing back issues and walks with difficulty and a big stick...wish we could fix that...but otherwise, we are off to a slow but great start. Burger joints on tap for today...my kinda lunch!

Whew...are these skills rusty!!! It has been a long while since I blogged...and its been a wild and crazy winter! Our Shockers made a nice run at NCAA but fell short...a new grandson arrived right on schedule...and Floyd enjoyed a sailing/working cruise from the Bahamas to Bermuda for 15 days in March...and now we are packed and headed out in the RV to travel Route 66 to the Grand Canyon. We'll be traveling with our friends, Jacque and Doug Nelson...and, of course, sweet Dakota.  The Nelson's currently reside in Bella Vista and own an RV like ours. I spent many years teaching with Jacque at East and Northeast Magnet. Interestingly enough, Doug and Floyd graduated from East High together...but with over 850 classmates they never knew each other until Jacque and I got them together. We are excited to be taking a land cruise...plan to be gone until end of April...and yes, I'm planning to blog alittle. I know you want to see photos of me riding that mule to the bottom of that big hole....