A nice change from the last few days was pulling into this park in Van Horn, TX. Clean, well ordered, with 50 amp service and full hook-ups. Additionally, this is a pet friendly park as they have built a nice pet exercise area where the pet can run off leash and play. A nice touch. The fresh cakes and muffins at the office daily are a nice touch too. My only complaint would be the amount of noise from the trains and the highway. Van Horn is sandwiched between the two making the night a bit noisy, but not totally unmanageable. I would return here if I was passing through again. Tomorrow, we pull chocks and continue on th eroad to Mom's house. We'll probably have one more overnighter somewhere.

You pick it, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, or west Texas. After awhile the rode all looks the same. Actually, not quite true, we passed through some interesting mountains and passes. As I was driving I didn't pull out the camera for some of the more interesting shots. Instead I pulled it out for this shot. Hmm, I must've been getting pretty bored.

Staying in Quartzite was a breeze. A plethora of empty parks were available to choose from, though many were closed until Oct. The Desert Rose, pictured here, was fairly typical of the parks here. However, we did see a couple of nicer parks heading up AZ State 95. We found this one fit the bill as it was close to a restaurant (so I didn't have to unhook the tow), and the added plus of only costing $10. Nothing fancy, but serviceable.

We're in Quartzite, AZ

OK, we pulled into the ghost town of Quartzite today after a short run through the rest of Nevada. This place reminds me of those National Geographic Nile Crocs that sit around all year waiting for the annual Wildebeast migration and then feed in one giant orgy. Only, these crocs are waiting for the annual RV Rally that happens here in Oct. Really wierd looking at all these huge RV parks, empty and chained up till Oct. Most of the restaurants as well. Add to that a very short miles traveled day, and we're looking at one tired driver. We almost made it out of Nevada, then we hit Laughlin. Well - we just had to stop for a bit of lunch and a little fun. I had the lunch and retired to the RV for a nap. Christa and Mom stayed for the fun. Eventually we got back on the road and made it to Quartzite, 110 miles in 6 hours. Got to do better tomorrow. Catch ya'll down the road.

A really nice view of the Venetian grounds facing Las Vegas Blvd. These are the Gondolas. Our Gondoleer stated that he was from a small town just north east of Venice. If true, what a nice touch, he certainly had a nice enough voice and paddled the boat pretty well.

The Bridge of Sighs is supposed to be an actual size replica of the original in Venice. Nice.

Inside the Venetian, one can walk down streets lined with shops. The ceiling is a nice touch giving you the feeling of openess. I first saw this employed by Ceasers Palace many years ago. Still looks good in a new setting.

Christa and I enjoying a gondola ride inside the Venetian Casino/Hotel complex. Very nice. We'll probably have to return here.

Christa poses for a snap of these bigger than life busts of two bigger than life Vegas superstars - Sigfried and Roy. We really enjoyed the Secret Garden created (I presume) by these two mega stars of magic. Of course, we didn't get to see them live, but the Gardens they left are beautiful.

Let's see if someof these photos makeit to the blog. In this shot are pictured two of the casinos that we plan to visit - the Mirage and The Venetian.

Yep, the rig looks good with that beautiful desert backdrop. If we didn't already have reservations to make, I would've liked to spent a night or two on this Bureau of Land Management park.

Las Vegas

Well, we arrived in the playland of Lost Wages a few days ago and have been taking a fun break for a while. Sorry that I don't have any pics to share, but I keep getting an FTP error when I try to upload the pics I have. Suffice to say that I have taken some pretty cool pics of the new casino, The Venetian. What a beauty. The owner apparently commissioned the builders and designers to recreate the Venice that everyone wants to visit. Especially incorporated are some of the more recognizable icons of the famous city. The Bridge of Sighs is here as are the Gondolas for eager tourists to enjoy. Yes we did. Relaxing especially with the Gondoleers (is that right) sing to you as you float along the shops in the Venetian Mall. Marble floors give a 3-D look from the patterns presented. I can't say that I was particularly lucky on their casino floor. Then again I am not a very lucky gambler and tend to usually avoid that scene. However, others in our troop enjoy these things immensely, so I go along for the ride, play a few dollars, win a beer and watch the people. We also hit the Mirage and its Secret Gardens of Sigfried and Roy, a real marvel. But what I enjoyed the most was the Shark Reef exhibit at Mandalay Bay. Very nice and is very well done. Posted as the largest predator aquarium in North America, I would have to say they live up to its claim. We continue on for Texas tomorrow and should be back in the San Antonio area by this weekend some time. Sorry about the lack of pics, I need to figure out if the problem is on my end or Blogger's. Until then, look for us on the road, and if you happen to see us, come on over for some coffee or just some conversation.

Moving on down the road...

Our time in Castle Rock and Mt St Helens is at an end and we have to look to the road for our next destination. We had planned to cruise the Oregon coastline, but the rising fuel costs are causing us to rethink our travel routes. Looks like we are going to have to make a beeline for Texas and find a place to weather the fuel storm. 3 months ago when we started the caravan tour, we were shocked at the steep increase of fuel as we headed north. Then the price was around $1.98/gal for diesel. Now, just 3 months later, I'm looking at $3.28/gal. Ouch! Even with a beeline, that's about 2200 miles at about 3 tank fulls at 80 gallons per fill. Well, I'm not looking for sympathy, but I would like to know why the fuel goes up at the hint of a storm, but when numerous countries are poised to release millions of gallons of fuel, those price variations do not show reciprocal actions. Hmmm, just curious.

After the paddle and coming down off the ridges, Christa and I stopped here for a little snack. Bowl of chili w/ fries and a couple of cobblers with coffe. Just right.

Paddling along, we were able to see the crater of St Helens for quite a while. Every few minutes the volcano would send up a little puff of smoke. At least that is what it looked like from here, I'm sure that up closer, that puff was quite substantial. This shot was taken with the telephoto at the max, so its a bit grainy.

Continuing down the lake shore (heading south actually) I get closer to the interesting peaks in the background. They looked like some jagged knife edge.

That island shown earlier a little closer. Signs were posted showed this place as off limits. I guess they're watching this little island to see what happens over time. That's cool.

During the paddle, we encountered all sorts of points of natural beauty. This rock jutting out of the clear water of the lake hosts an assortment of flowering plants. One familiar during the tour of Alaska and Canada, was the Fireweed, shown here stripped of its flowers petals.

And of course, my paddle wouldn't be complete without the trademark foot shot. This time my foot is set with Mt St Helens in the background. A clearer day than yesterday, we were actually able to see fumerals and vents coming out of the crater.

Quickly getting prepped and out into the water we were indeed greeted by a glorious day. Christa enjoys a bit of good ole sunshine.

Up early today we headed out for Coldwater Lake near Mt St Helens. Looking out of the camper, the weather was cloud covered, fog shrouded and looked like it might rain. Kinda cold, too. But as we drove the 30 miles or so to Lake Coldwater, the clouds broke and temp improved slightly revealing a possibly great day for a paddle. As you look from the boat ramp at the park, this little island is the first thing that catches your eye.

Lucy, unfortunately, had to patiently wait in the car. Park regulations do not like peoples dogs to leave scent on the blasted ash which might scare away the fragile wildlife. Hogwash, they do not want to be cleaning up dog pooh from irresponsible pet owners. I can understand that and wish they would just say it instead of loading up the bull. It's a pain, but pet owners of the past probably created the rules we have to abide by today. And that means that a well minded girl such as Lucy has to look from a lowered window. Too, sad.

... and myself were there. A bit coolish, we did start getting a bit of sun toward the late afternoon. Didn't help much with the temp, but did throw a bit of bold color on the landscape where the light touched down.

Christa ...

Proof that mom...

Coming out of replanted forests that have had 25 years to regrow with trees already reaching 70 feet, I was taken aback by the stark landscape offered directly at the feet of the volcano. Still possessing a blasted look, you can see the cold lava flows amid running water from glacial melt created by the smoldering lava domes nestled inside of the remaining mountain.

Crystal clear and probably very cold, the lake beckons to me. I will return tomorrow (weather permitting) to paddle its deep reflective waters. I had dressed for the occasion today, but cold rain showers made me rethink the decision. Tomorrow, Christa and I plan to paddle it regardless of the weather.

Along the way we had the fortune to be able to look upon a true jewel. Made from the ash and lava flows of Mt St Helens' eruption in 1980, this is a real beaut.

During our drive we had stopped at a scenic overlook for some photos and met up with this group of folks also touring that day. They were all Legionaires and we struck up good conversation at once. I ended up taking some photos for them and took a couple myself. A few of them were also returning from a trip to Alaska which led to another talking point. Here they are mounting up because of an approaching rain shower.

9/04/05. Today we headed out for Mt St Helens. From the campground we drove east about 30 miles or so passing through some beautiful countryside. Hard to believe that 25 years ago (this is the 25th Anniversary) that this whole area for great distances in every direction was covered by tons of ash. There are several very good visiter centers and gift shops along the way. There is even a restaurant inside this one though we had already planned to brown bag for lunch.

On the lighter side of the theater is a reminder that Big Foot still roams these parts. Not so much the big story now that St Helens has put her foot forward as the main attraction.

Inside are plenty of photos, exhibits and, of course, souveneirs. The telling of these events combined with the recent events surrounding the hurricane, Katrina, serve to remind us of our tenuous place on this living earth. Seen as a tragedy from the eyes of man, nature sees this as yet another bout of creation. From the ashes of Mt St Helen sprung new valleys, several new lakes, and habitat for many species in the area.

9/03/05. Before making the trek out to Mt St Helen, we thought we would check out this tourist attraction. Inside is a 70 MM movie screen dedicated to the running of a documentary on the 1980 Eruption of Mt St Helen. Pretty neat, a 3 story screen and a sound system that will shake you where you sit. An additional attraction is that at night they show regular movies here. Quite a treat, we Christa and I came back later this evening to see the Brothers Grimm.

9/02/05. Made it to Castle Rock and the Mt St Helen RV Park. Nice little park. Well kept with a view, the park has another benefit in its proximity to Mt St Helen.

8/01/05. Today we spent the day driving about looking at various sites, mostly harbor scenes. We had lunch at a very nice little restaurant named "The Lobster House" kind of in between Brown and Dash Poits. Very good. A very nice dinner if you can get there for the Twilight Menu served between 4:30 and 5:30 weekdays. Sits at the foot of a fishing pier with a great view of the sound. Tomorrow we are on the road again moving down to Castle Rock, WA. Will stay at the Mt St Helens RV park, hopefully we will get a look at Mt St Helen herself.

8/31/05. During our stay at Dash Point, we received a picture of our newest family member, Malia, shown here at 5 days old. A beautiful little girl. Congratulations to my niece and "How's it going Grampa and Gramma" to my brother and sister-in-law. Glad to hear eeveryone is doing just fine.

8/30/05. I just have to give these guys there due. Throughout our travels of the northwest including Canada and Alaska. These Ravens (some of which I suspect are mere Crows) have been with us during the entire trip. More numerous than any other bird type, they were at every turn. The true Ravens found further north didn't seem to hang out in the groups like these fellows. Excellent opportunists, these guys are able to make a living just about anywhere they go.

Coming down to the beach on a hazy afternoon, we see the forest almost jump into the sound. The leaves are already beginning to change, hinting at the coming fall.

About halfway down the path, mom comes across this bridge across a small stream. This stream comes off the adjacent large hill and ends at the nearby beach.

While walking the paths, we came across numerous little surprises from the surrounding forest. Mom walked right by this fellow, about the length of my hand, crossing our path.

8/30/05. While at Dash Point State Park, we relaxed with a bit of light hiking afforded by the trails around the park. Here, Christa holds Lucy back from unleashing her ferocious hunting skill upon some unwary prey.

After the work camp stay at the Puyallup Fairgrounds, we decided that a break was in order. This led us to the Dash Point State Park on the Puget Dound roughly halhway between Seattle and Tacoma. Very quiet and secluded. A bit tight for the rig, but we were able to squeeze into the site. The only bummers were that the dump was out of order and you had to pay to take a shower at the bath house. The "shower by token" thing was new to me in a State Park. Can't say that this park will warrant a return visit, but it was a nice one for a weekend or tent camp stay. Supposedly the this park and "Saltwater State Park" will have a $15M update coming in the future.