We have played dentist, doctor, puppet show, coloring, singing the same songs over and over, gone for walks, baby dolls, trains, and we're pretty ready to get moving on. William has gone in search of a couple of new bearings (that was a while ago) it must be a pretty long hike. We have been lucky to be surrounded by really nice people in this tiny town. We also met a couple who were in Kenai last summer working in a fishing guide camp. So, they were informative and gave us a couple contacts. Julia has toured all the campers she can get into. And she always comes back out with treats! We have completed 2 preschool learner books and are working on writing her name. John went on the potty last night before bath. So a bit of progress in that department. I remember with Julia, it was as though a light bulb suddenly went on (an awakening).
My gran had a fall back at home last week, one of my dad's first bosses in America passed away, and my brothers little girl turned one and is taking her first steps, so I am a wee bit homesick. But I am being as brave as I can.
The groceries in Canada are super expensive, so we have been very creative with what we eat each meal to stretch what's left in the cabinet.
I will say that once you have travelled long distances in a motorhome, it would be very hard to ever go back to staying in hotels on a long journey. The rv is just so easy to cook, sleep, bath and potty in. And you don't have to lug your suitcases in and out in and out. And you can save a lot on food (unless you're in small town Yukon) because you can fix all your own meals.
Thinking of you all,
Love the Winnie's falling apart Gypsies :)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Watson Lake YukonT Canada
Already Sunday, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
It seems as though we have driven constantly for the last few days. Their has been no internet or cell phone service during those times. It is incredible how huge British Columbia and the Yukon are. Last night we decide to stop driving in Watson Lake (okay I decided we should stop for the night--it was 8pm. The time doesn't matter up here though. You can't tell from the sun what time it is because the days are so long now. I think it may have gone down at about 2am into a dusk like state. Then was back up at about 5am even though it is pouring down rain today!
We were glad we made the stop because while putting our sign up in signpost alley we noticed a wheel bearing had gone out on the trailer. So we may be here til Monday unless there is a parts store open? The roads were pretty rough yesterday and we probably drove for about 10 hrs.
The children are always excited when we get to stop at a campground. We plug into electricity, turn the radio and dance around in our little bitty space! Just so glad to have electricity and water freely available! Oh, that's right our water pump that pushes water up for the sink, toliet, tub went out a day or so ago. And there is just nowhere to buy parts anywhere close to here (seriously)!!
The advantages to this rural area has been the oppourtunity to see bears, moose, stone sheep, and bison on our drive.
We put up the only sign we had (on the front of Winnie there was a T for Tennessee from the last owners) to be a part of signpost alley here in Watson Lake...I'll try to load a pic and you can try to find it!
Once again, happy father's day and here's to making it another 800+ miles into Alaska!!
the Winnie Gypsies!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Cache Creek CANADA
Julia in the Redwoods in California
Eureka California close to the jetty where William did some fishing (where John lost his tennis shoe).
Julia in Eureka making friends with Nancy and Bill from Pamona.
Proud fisherman!!
John terrifying his mom climbing all over the ocean cliffs.
Finally got a pic to load this was Multnomah Falls, Oregon
And an update on where we are...
That's right we made it over a hurdle. Not without incident, but over all the while. the border was about a 3 hr ordeal. Lots of forms and searching, William was the main issue with all his hunting weapons...but it all worked out. We have driven through some different terrain than I have ever seen and been passed by some trucks that can really fly on these roads!
Close to Olympia WA
I have tried unsuccessfully to load pictures a few times and haven't had wifi until this point...so I will try again before I log off.
We finally made it out of California after William caught 14 fish in Crescent City. They were black snapper and we had them for 3 meals in a row...okay, not the children, they still prefer peanut butter to fish, but William and I enjoyed them.
They have a batter up here called 'Pride of West' and it is a really nice taste and texture. We met an older man at the docks and he told us to go to Ray's grocery and get some Pride of the West...and he was right!!!
Well, let me backtrack a bit.
After leaving Pacifica last Friday, we went up past San Francisco on the coast--a really really curvy piece of the hwy 1 we only made it to Muir woods and camped on a cliff on the side of the road. The view was incredible.
They next day we made just a bit more up the coast to Salt Point, CA and camped down by the ocean where William tried to fish off some big rocks in the ocean. The children loved playing on the rocks and John really showed his daredevil side by climbing as all over as I chased him to make sure he didn't fall to his demise!!
I think the campgrounds name was Gerstle Cove in Ca State park sys, they put us in overflow which was more beautiful than the regular spots.
Then Sunday, we made it to Eureka...which sounds nice, but we stayed on Samoa island and it was a yucky little spot, but William did get to fish of jetty. John lost a a grey new balance tennis shoe in grey beach sand. So we spent a while search until we decided that we were glad he had nearly outgrown that pair of shoes!
Julia made friends with the campers beside us, Nancy and Bill, they were really sweet and let Julia look around there camper over and over again. She's so curious about what is inside everyone elses camper (like they have a Willy Wonka factory inside their camper :)
Well, we were glad to press on north bound to Cresent City. We stayed really close to the beach and it was perfect because William got a chance to fish while we played at the beach.
Tuesday we had a harrowing experience as we went up to Gold Beach Oregon and turned off East to go towards Grants Pass onto a road that should never be travelled by RV's. I think it was the 23 E and park road and it was AWFUL!!! We only went 30+ miles on it which took atleast 3.5 hrs. It was one lane with turnouts, and gravel breaks everywhere with huge drop offs to oblivion!! On the way down the brakes caught fire they got so hot even though we we going in low gear as much as possible. So we had to stop for a while to let them cool. We got our picnic chairs down and thought we'd have a picnic when huge swarms of mosquitos attacked! Then when we started driving again, a plague of locust looking bugs started showering the windscreen....I thought I was in a chapter of the Old Testament.
But then God seriously had grace
1. By allowing us to reach the otherside of the mountain alive
2. By leading us to the nicest campground ever (Indian Mary -just E of Grants Pass)
We revived our spirits and took warm showers, played at the playground, cooked our fish. And ate drank and were merry!
Yesterday, we made it through Oregon and went to Multnomah Falls (amazing)
and last night made it just South of Olympia WA where we stayed in a Walmart along with atleast 10 other RV's. We hope to make it across into Canada today...We are a bit worried about border crossing with our trailer so full. If they search we may never get it all packed back in...so pray for an easy border crossing.
No luck loading pics again.
Love Winnie Gypsies
We finally made it out of California after William caught 14 fish in Crescent City. They were black snapper and we had them for 3 meals in a row...okay, not the children, they still prefer peanut butter to fish, but William and I enjoyed them.
They have a batter up here called 'Pride of West' and it is a really nice taste and texture. We met an older man at the docks and he told us to go to Ray's grocery and get some Pride of the West...and he was right!!!
Well, let me backtrack a bit.
After leaving Pacifica last Friday, we went up past San Francisco on the coast--a really really curvy piece of the hwy 1 we only made it to Muir woods and camped on a cliff on the side of the road. The view was incredible.
They next day we made just a bit more up the coast to Salt Point, CA and camped down by the ocean where William tried to fish off some big rocks in the ocean. The children loved playing on the rocks and John really showed his daredevil side by climbing as all over as I chased him to make sure he didn't fall to his demise!!
I think the campgrounds name was Gerstle Cove in Ca State park sys, they put us in overflow which was more beautiful than the regular spots.
Then Sunday, we made it to Eureka...which sounds nice, but we stayed on Samoa island and it was a yucky little spot, but William did get to fish of jetty. John lost a a grey new balance tennis shoe in grey beach sand. So we spent a while search until we decided that we were glad he had nearly outgrown that pair of shoes!
Julia made friends with the campers beside us, Nancy and Bill, they were really sweet and let Julia look around there camper over and over again. She's so curious about what is inside everyone elses camper (like they have a Willy Wonka factory inside their camper :)
Well, we were glad to press on north bound to Cresent City. We stayed really close to the beach and it was perfect because William got a chance to fish while we played at the beach.
Tuesday we had a harrowing experience as we went up to Gold Beach Oregon and turned off East to go towards Grants Pass onto a road that should never be travelled by RV's. I think it was the 23 E and park road and it was AWFUL!!! We only went 30+ miles on it which took atleast 3.5 hrs. It was one lane with turnouts, and gravel breaks everywhere with huge drop offs to oblivion!! On the way down the brakes caught fire they got so hot even though we we going in low gear as much as possible. So we had to stop for a while to let them cool. We got our picnic chairs down and thought we'd have a picnic when huge swarms of mosquitos attacked! Then when we started driving again, a plague of locust looking bugs started showering the windscreen....I thought I was in a chapter of the Old Testament.
But then God seriously had grace
1. By allowing us to reach the otherside of the mountain alive
2. By leading us to the nicest campground ever (Indian Mary -just E of Grants Pass)
We revived our spirits and took warm showers, played at the playground, cooked our fish. And ate drank and were merry!
Yesterday, we made it through Oregon and went to Multnomah Falls (amazing)
and last night made it just South of Olympia WA where we stayed in a Walmart along with atleast 10 other RV's. We hope to make it across into Canada today...We are a bit worried about border crossing with our trailer so full. If they search we may never get it all packed back in...so pray for an easy border crossing.
No luck loading pics again.
Love Winnie Gypsies
Monday, June 15, 2009
Cresent City
We have finally made it to the top of California. I will update our last couple of days maybe tonight...but til then we just pulled in near the beach here in Cresent City and we need to enjoy it while the sun's shining!
William also is going to try and catch us a fish for dinner. He has tried for the last few days, but no success as of yet.
Off to buy a few groceries and wash all our dirty clothes. Never been so excited about a shower as I am today. A lot of nights we either stay roadside or the showers are pay showers (which aren't even clean enough to bathe in--so we don't)...not tonight though this RV park is supposed to have clean free ones!! And yes, our camper has a bath, but it's just nothing like a REAL high water pressure shower!
Pics to come...
William also is going to try and catch us a fish for dinner. He has tried for the last few days, but no success as of yet.
Off to buy a few groceries and wash all our dirty clothes. Never been so excited about a shower as I am today. A lot of nights we either stay roadside or the showers are pay showers (which aren't even clean enough to bathe in--so we don't)...not tonight though this RV park is supposed to have clean free ones!! And yes, our camper has a bath, but it's just nothing like a REAL high water pressure shower!
Pics to come...
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Santa Rosa so far
We haven't made it very far yet today. Just meandered up the coast a bit and then inland to get to a Walmart for some new window shades for Winnie.
Yesterday afternoon we went to Pacifica to fetch some keys that had been mailed to us. We forgot the keys to William's gun safe in Arkansas and thought we had better get them in case the Canadian border patrol needs to search the trailer on our way up. In Pacifica, we went to William's 2nd cousins house. Her nickname is Cookie, which completely puzzled Julia. It was nice to meet her family. We travelled on across the Golden Gate Bridge last night and along a very curvy portion of the Hwy 1 until we stopped at the edge of an oceanside cliff and slept the night.
TOP TEN THINGS I LIKE ABOUT LIVING IN A WINNEBAGO:
1. The incredible views -everchanging.
2. Julia sleeps all night because she isn't afraid of the dark when we're all in the same room
3. Housekeeping is easy! I clean the windshield with windex and sweep beach sand out of the back door and I am all done.
4. Free Wi Fi at most shopping centers.
5. Campfires instead of casseroles...okay, I will be ready for a homecooked meal once we get settled!
6. Making memories and counting our blessings.
7. NO T.V. - not even a portable dvd player...that's right, we must have left that behind in Arkansas as well, but it has been really a good thing!
8. New neighbors every night!
9. No rent or MLGW bill. Especially when you pull over on the the side of a cliff to sleep.
10. Happy children having the experience of a lifetime.
Yesterday afternoon we went to Pacifica to fetch some keys that had been mailed to us. We forgot the keys to William's gun safe in Arkansas and thought we had better get them in case the Canadian border patrol needs to search the trailer on our way up. In Pacifica, we went to William's 2nd cousins house. Her nickname is Cookie, which completely puzzled Julia. It was nice to meet her family. We travelled on across the Golden Gate Bridge last night and along a very curvy portion of the Hwy 1 until we stopped at the edge of an oceanside cliff and slept the night.
TOP TEN THINGS I LIKE ABOUT LIVING IN A WINNEBAGO:
1. The incredible views -everchanging.
2. Julia sleeps all night because she isn't afraid of the dark when we're all in the same room
3. Housekeeping is easy! I clean the windshield with windex and sweep beach sand out of the back door and I am all done.
4. Free Wi Fi at most shopping centers.
5. Campfires instead of casseroles...okay, I will be ready for a homecooked meal once we get settled!
6. Making memories and counting our blessings.
7. NO T.V. - not even a portable dvd player...that's right, we must have left that behind in Arkansas as well, but it has been really a good thing!
8. New neighbors every night!
9. No rent or MLGW bill. Especially when you pull over on the the side of a cliff to sleep.
10. Happy children having the experience of a lifetime.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Pacifica
Well, Wednesday we weaved around lots of steep cliffs and drove along a lot of pretty beach to get just past Ragged Point CA and camped at Plaskett Creek state park. It was very pretty. John was running a fever and lethargic all day and night. Poor thing, he was just miserable. He needed lots of mommy time. Thursday, we drove on up further north and did some minor repairs in San Luis Obispo and played at the pebbly beach in Carmel. We ended up last night about 25 miles N of Santa Cruz at Gazos gas station just across from a gorgeous stretch of beach where we found starfish and played in the sand. We also saw a little baby sea lion come ashore. I will try to post pics later. Thankfully, John is feeling better and back to his happy self! Thinking of you all!
Love WGypsies
Love WGypsies
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Pismo Continued
Start me up!
We found a lot of sandollars.
that hair!
Rise and shine
We're moving on up today. Will post again when we get a signal...
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Destination : Pismo Beach
Here are a few pics from The road and Disneyland.
This is how we roll ...LOL
Dumbo ride...so much fun!
Julia met a few princesses in the park...Ariel, Jasmine, and Belle. She loved it. Her favorite princess is Cinderella and she was getting some beauty sleep so we didn't see her. I think the character meals are the way to go if you want to see specific characters, but we just had a day at the park and it was tons of fun even without Cinderella!!
We loved the teacups!!! Love this picture too-- such a happy moment!
Who knew Minnie had such a cool kitchen!!!
Hi All,
We made it to Pismo Beach CA today. My brother said it would be a nice spot to be and he was right!! It is so pretty. We're at a campground close to the beach. The kids are lovin' it. There are 4 playgrounds, a little carousel, the Beach, lots of other children!! It is a bit windy and chilly tonight.
We did a bit of laundry--that's a major ordeal to keep up with on the road-- only 3 outfits have perished so far due to mold or dramatic staining! I need to have children that will wear bibs--but I don't! Oh and on top of it all ... we did have a bottle of tequila break in our laundry bag on the way out of the Hyatt this morning...but we got it all 'Bounced' tonight.
Ole Winnie is doing her part. Just had to tighten up a few hoses today and she was on her way. We do have a brake light that we need to replace tomorrow.
We are missing our family and friends and I was just saying tonight that I just can't really believe that we are on our way to Alaska for good yet. That won't sink in until we get there, so maybe that's why we are taking our time getting there. That and the fact that the Alaska Board takes forever to get their licenses processed!!
"I am the Vine: You are the branches" John 15:5 hangs in Winnie and it reminds me of where we stand each day. Where we need to focus and what is most important. We are happiest like this : just living & loving in Jesus!!
Miss you all
Love Winnie Gypsies
Ps disney was magical!
This is how we roll ...LOL
Dumbo ride...so much fun!
Julia met a few princesses in the park...Ariel, Jasmine, and Belle. She loved it. Her favorite princess is Cinderella and she was getting some beauty sleep so we didn't see her. I think the character meals are the way to go if you want to see specific characters, but we just had a day at the park and it was tons of fun even without Cinderella!!
We loved the teacups!!! Love this picture too-- such a happy moment!
Who knew Minnie had such a cool kitchen!!!
Hi All,
We made it to Pismo Beach CA today. My brother said it would be a nice spot to be and he was right!! It is so pretty. We're at a campground close to the beach. The kids are lovin' it. There are 4 playgrounds, a little carousel, the Beach, lots of other children!! It is a bit windy and chilly tonight.
We did a bit of laundry--that's a major ordeal to keep up with on the road-- only 3 outfits have perished so far due to mold or dramatic staining! I need to have children that will wear bibs--but I don't! Oh and on top of it all ... we did have a bottle of tequila break in our laundry bag on the way out of the Hyatt this morning...but we got it all 'Bounced' tonight.
Ole Winnie is doing her part. Just had to tighten up a few hoses today and she was on her way. We do have a brake light that we need to replace tomorrow.
We are missing our family and friends and I was just saying tonight that I just can't really believe that we are on our way to Alaska for good yet. That won't sink in until we get there, so maybe that's why we are taking our time getting there. That and the fact that the Alaska Board takes forever to get their licenses processed!!
"I am the Vine: You are the branches" John 15:5 hangs in Winnie and it reminds me of where we stand each day. Where we need to focus and what is most important. We are happiest like this : just living & loving in Jesus!!
Miss you all
Love Winnie Gypsies
Ps disney was magical!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Winnie Revealed
Here she is - our Winnie
The grand canyon
More Canyon
Lake Mead
Winnie at the Trump Vegas
More Grand canyon
And a random but precious pic of a happy family...Aunt Jodi, Uncle Steven and their favorite little rascals in Nashville the night after William's graduation.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
On the Road
Well, we've been travelling gypsies for a week now. It has been a whirlwind so far.
The first day, we made it all the way to Rio Rancho, New Mexico to see William's second cousin Maggie G. It was about a 900 mile maiden voyage with only a few hiccups ,like Julia getting carsick all over herself and carseat. That was tricky to clean up!!!! We played a lot of lincoln logs and took really necessary showers at Margarets house and enjoyed the beautiful view of the valley and mountains. The 2nd day we made to the Grand Canyon just in time to enjoy the sunset. It was beautiful and chilly that night. We stayed in Trailer Village RV park in the Grand Canyon. We grilled yummy burgers. The next morning we rode the free bus shuttles around to different parts of the canyon. Then, we moved on to Lake Mead. Once again arriving right at sunset (Julia says each time "we beat the sun again!!") We couldn't drive over Hoover Dam because we are pulling a trailer behind us. So, we missed that landmark, but Lake Mead was a really beautiful spot to park "Winnie" for the night.
Speaking of ole Winnie, she has been a REAL trooper for her age. She's almost as old as me!! I wanted to load some pics today, but I can't get my software to load up on this laptop for some reason.
Okay,
on with the travel log... Then, on to Las Vegas. We went there for me to take the Western Regional Boards to get my dental hygiene certification for Alaska. They we no fun!! After practicing for 11 years they should just tell you you're too old to retake any kind of board exam and maybe just get a job at a coffee shop! i felt so unprepared compared to all the girls that had just finished up their dental hygiene programs and had all the current mock boards,etc. But I did it and I will get results in the mail in 3 weeks. I need major prayers for a miracle in that department!!
So, Vegas was totally NOT kid friendly--totally sin city. Which we knew already, but you are grafically reminded everywhere you look!! We pricelined our hotel and got to stay at Trump--which was GREAT. We had a suite and it was smoke free/casino free!!! Our hotel room and eating at In/Out Burger was the highlight of our time there.
So, that brings us to where we are now. We left out soon after the end of my exam yesterday and made it to Victorville CA. The campsites in town were full. So, we are REAL roadies now---Wal Mart parking lot ones!! And free WIFI - sweet, we must be pulling off someones connection parked near us in their 1800rvforrent --those are everywhere we go. We head on to Disneyland next. Can't wait to post pictures. I will as soon as I can get some software loaded right.
Love to all friends and family, the Winnie Gypsies
The first day, we made it all the way to Rio Rancho, New Mexico to see William's second cousin Maggie G. It was about a 900 mile maiden voyage with only a few hiccups ,like Julia getting carsick all over herself and carseat. That was tricky to clean up!!!! We played a lot of lincoln logs and took really necessary showers at Margarets house and enjoyed the beautiful view of the valley and mountains. The 2nd day we made to the Grand Canyon just in time to enjoy the sunset. It was beautiful and chilly that night. We stayed in Trailer Village RV park in the Grand Canyon. We grilled yummy burgers. The next morning we rode the free bus shuttles around to different parts of the canyon. Then, we moved on to Lake Mead. Once again arriving right at sunset (Julia says each time "we beat the sun again!!") We couldn't drive over Hoover Dam because we are pulling a trailer behind us. So, we missed that landmark, but Lake Mead was a really beautiful spot to park "Winnie" for the night.
Speaking of ole Winnie, she has been a REAL trooper for her age. She's almost as old as me!! I wanted to load some pics today, but I can't get my software to load up on this laptop for some reason.
Okay,
on with the travel log... Then, on to Las Vegas. We went there for me to take the Western Regional Boards to get my dental hygiene certification for Alaska. They we no fun!! After practicing for 11 years they should just tell you you're too old to retake any kind of board exam and maybe just get a job at a coffee shop! i felt so unprepared compared to all the girls that had just finished up their dental hygiene programs and had all the current mock boards,etc. But I did it and I will get results in the mail in 3 weeks. I need major prayers for a miracle in that department!!
So, Vegas was totally NOT kid friendly--totally sin city. Which we knew already, but you are grafically reminded everywhere you look!! We pricelined our hotel and got to stay at Trump--which was GREAT. We had a suite and it was smoke free/casino free!!! Our hotel room and eating at In/Out Burger was the highlight of our time there.
So, that brings us to where we are now. We left out soon after the end of my exam yesterday and made it to Victorville CA. The campsites in town were full. So, we are REAL roadies now---Wal Mart parking lot ones!! And free WIFI - sweet, we must be pulling off someones connection parked near us in their 1800rvforrent --those are everywhere we go. We head on to Disneyland next. Can't wait to post pictures. I will as soon as I can get some software loaded right.
Love to all friends and family, the Winnie Gypsies
Monday, May 25, 2009
Wrapping Up
This is what one of our neighbors gave as a going away pressie -- all summer fun essentials! Guess she doesn't want us to forget how warm feels! She is known for laying out in here bikini in her front yard. It was actually the first things we noticed while we were moving in 4 years ago. She has turned out to be a great neighborhood watchdog during our times away from home and just really kind hearted.
One of my favorite gifts is definitely a special journal - not the journal to just write all the good pretty pretties in life, but the one to vent frustrations and write it life as it really is. Thanks Cindi!
Well, craigslist has made us some gas money for the trip this week. We have sold so much on there. Even our dining room table. Pictured above is our new dining room table.
This is someone soooo special to my heart - AMY.
Julia has been lucky enough to have her as a teacher in preschool for the last two years. She just wrapped her arms around our family. Thanks!!
Diane is John's first love. All we heard after he met her was "Miss Diane-go to Miss Diane". She will be missed!
Our zoo pals and all our pals have been great -thanks!!! We will miss all of those people who have touched our lives.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Well, we are nearing our departure for Kenai Alaska. William graduates this Friday and we are just crazy busy trying to get things rapped up for our move. In the last few days we gave Winnie (our motorhome) a new coat of paint. She's a true beauty now!
Below is the record King Salmon which maybe William can top this summer.
Longtime Alaskan and resident of Soldotna, Les Anderson (in orange rain suit) admiring his catch while a friend holds it up for photos. This picture was taken in the early afternoon and after the King Salmon had been officially weighed on a certified scales at Echo Lake Meat Lockers. The official weight in the record books is 97 pounds 4 ounces. The fish was not weighed until several hours after it was caught and Fish & Game estimates that due to evaporative weight loss, the fish may have broken the hundred pound mark if it had been weighed promptly after being caught.
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