Sunset on the beach in Naples for Valentine Day. See John's new pelican friend behind him. Wanted to share our wine.

Always lots to see and do in Florida

Bob and Cindy came to visit us at Fort Wilderness, Disneyworld. John's first time horseback riding. Went to the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Circque de Soliel. Fort Wilderness CG was great and will def go back next year.

Can't believe a year has gone by !

Here we are, a year later, and we haven't stopped long enough to update our blog. So much has happened. We had spent most the 2007 winter in Zephyrhills, FL. In April 07 we headed north, taking our time, going along the east coast and stopping at lots of rv parks along the way. We had finally sold the house and were feeling very free and easy. We spent the summer with the kids, waited for Sarah Hildenbrand to be born on August 31, then headed southwest. In Dec 07, we travelled east to trade our HR Endeavor in on a 08 42' Tiffin Phaeton. We wandered around Florida from Key West to Disney's Fort Wilderness then on the Tennessee to the Nascar race in Bristol. Now we have landed in Gulf Shores Alabama and think we'll stay put for a few weeks. Weather is warm and state park is rather nice.

Dione and Sarah come to Texas

In December, Dione and Sarah flew to Houston TX and spent a week with us in the rv. We were parked in Kenah just south of Houston. Nice rv park in a really nice area. Spent an evening at a Texas ranch, lunch in Galveston and an afternoon at Moody Gardens. It was great to enjoy their company and it motivated us to see more of the area.

On Galveston Island, Dione made sure she put her hand in the water. We would not have even stopped in this area if Dione hadn't wanted to meet us and spend some time. This airport was convenient in our travels.

We are so glad we spent a week there and got to know Kenah and Galveston better.

Yuma, Arizona

Bill and Doris invited us to dinner.

Felicity, California - The Center of the World. Arm and Finger pointing is a sundial. We were amazed at people just pulling their rv's into the desert and parking.

New friends, Steve, Rene and Bear.

We enjoyed the experience of living in Yuma for a month.

Zion National Monument and Bryce Canyon, Utah

Don's new car.

Being watched by mountain goats.
Bryce Canyon





The scenery we saw in Utah was breathtaking!

Arches National Park, Utah

Shafer Trail in Canyonlands, Utah

We white knucked it down the switchbacks hold our breath and mumbling a few prayers. As scarey as it was, we were pretty pleased with ourselves.

The white on the side of Potach Rd is salt.

It took us almost 4 hours to drive 13 miles.

Dead Horse Pass and Shafer Trail Debate

Standing up on Dead Horse Pass, we studied the Shafer Canyon Trail and debated as to whether we could make it in the Envoy. 1000 feet almost straight down. You can see the trail with no guardrails and barely wide enough for one vehicle. Rock make driving down very difficult but, once we decided to go, we were committed. Nowhere to turn arund. And once we got to the bottom, we were def. not going back up. Dead Horse Pass is in Canyonlands in Southern Utah. We were camping near Moab, Utah and believe it is the most beautiful area we have ever seen.

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Frijoles Canyon, New Mexico

Frijoles Canyon near Santa Fe, New Mexico. For years this site was called Ceremonial Cave which suggested it was primarily for religious purposes. The alcove acually sheltered the homes of several ancestral Pueblo families. At the front of the cave is a reconstructed kiva, a room for religious acivity, teaching and meetings.




Kateri Tekakwitha 1656-1680 First Indian of North America to be promoted to Saint.
Statue is outside St Francis Church in Sante Fe, NM

Balloon Festival Albuqueque, NM

Balloon Festival in in Albuqueque New Mexico with Don and Scarlett Whaley in Oct 07

Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks National Park, NM

We climbed up to the top of escarpment. 650 feet up and over rocks. This was at the Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks National Park in New Mexico.

Summer in Canada

Ty's new friend likes his shirt - too much!

Pappa and Tate destoying Gramma's Tony Stewart hat ! !

We had an awesome summer with the kids. Camped in Harrison Park, Owen Sound and many of family joined us.

Took Ty, Tate, Abby and Grace to Marineland and camped at King Waldorf CG for 4 days. Everyone had a great time.

Stayed long enough to see Grace go to school for the first time.

WOW ! March already

We can't believe we have been in Zepyrhills, Florida for 4 months now. Did take a few side trips including Canada and Disney and are really enjoying retirment. We will head to Bristol in a few weeks for the Nextel race. Then back here until the end the end of April. Ontario Canada comes next for the summer months. More time with our grandchildren. We had an awesome time with them at Disney last week. RV still working well although looking at a new Phaeton. We of our friends have bought 40 footers and we have been impressed with what Tiffin has to offer. But not in a hurry to trade just yet. To busy.

Can't believe it's the first of December and I have been too busy to keep up this blog. Between exercise classes, bridge, bingo, dominos and flea markets, I don't even have time to cook. We are finally settled in to Hunter Run, Zephyrhills, FL and are really enjoying ourselves. People are very friendly. In a week we will head north to Indiana and then Canada for Christmas. Expect to be back here in the sunny south by New Years. Just in time for our cruise. Wew!
It's hot and sunny here with very little rain. Not looking forward to the cold and snow up north. Am definitely looking forward to seeing Ty, Tate, Abby, Grace and Jack tho. Maybe I'll have pictures to post when I get back.

Had a great stop at Pigeon Forge yesterday. It was 57 and sunny as we started up the mountain to 32 and frost when we got to Clingmans Dome. The clouds were rolling across the road in front of us and the foliage sparkled with frost. We crawled slowly back down to the sounds of flairs and shouting as rangers scrambled to catch a bear. We were still fortunate enough to make it to the Old Mill restaurant with only a 40 minute wait. Within 30 min the line up had increased to a 90 min wait. Well worth it as food is still the best! Left the campground at 7 a.m and are now headed south to Perry, GA. Want to get set up in lots of time to watch Nascar, outside in the warm sunshine.

Well, the house is packed and we're just waiting for someone to make us an offer. We sleep here tonight and then tomorrow nite we sleep on the coach. Fri about 6 a.m. we will pull out and head to Florida with Don and Scarlett. Both RVs are packed and ready to go. We will spend Fri and Sat nites at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, then on the road again Sunday. John and I must admit that we are anxious about being out of our comfort zone but very excited about what lies ahead.