Making Leaps and bounds today.
We got the keys to our new apartment today. Yee Haw!
Good bye Winnie - Hello running water and electricity!
We are on our way there to unpack, just stopped at Safeway to use the Wifi.
Julia can't wait because she knows her barbie house is in the enclosed trailer and it gets to come out today. Pictures to come soon.
The landlord is letting us do a month to month lease which is so great and hard to find! Thanks for all the love and prayers. Miss you all!
The out of the Winnie Gypsies!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Our first Suubie
We found a little old Subaru yesterday. She's not a real beauty, but she will certainly get us around town and cut down the gas mileage a bit.
All of $500--that's right --no need to spend 20thousand when you can get a car for $500! Okay, I am very blessed to have a father and husband that are mechanically inclined - between the two of them they can keep anything running!
Today is a gorgeous day. Sunny clear skies about 75F. I know I will be SOOOO jealous when everyone back home is telling me that it is only 50F and we are at 30 below up here! But seriously, book your tickets for a trip up here and come escape that southern heat!
We went around looking at different areas and played at the park again today. Not much going on at the moment, or it feels like it since we aren't driving 800 miles a day. We could see Mt Redoubt yesterday across the ocean. It was steaming a bit. We haven't felt any quakes yet though.
Just thinking of you all. We plan to make a trip down to Homer mid week to see what is is like. Everyone here says how pretty Homer is. So, while we have a bit of down time thought it would be a good side trip. It is only a little over an hour away.
Keep in touch and tell us your news!
We're still in Winnie in the Fred Meyers parking lot. It's a pretty good deal(free)!
All of $500--that's right --no need to spend 20thousand when you can get a car for $500! Okay, I am very blessed to have a father and husband that are mechanically inclined - between the two of them they can keep anything running!
Today is a gorgeous day. Sunny clear skies about 75F. I know I will be SOOOO jealous when everyone back home is telling me that it is only 50F and we are at 30 below up here! But seriously, book your tickets for a trip up here and come escape that southern heat!
We went around looking at different areas and played at the park again today. Not much going on at the moment, or it feels like it since we aren't driving 800 miles a day. We could see Mt Redoubt yesterday across the ocean. It was steaming a bit. We haven't felt any quakes yet though.
Just thinking of you all. We plan to make a trip down to Homer mid week to see what is is like. Everyone here says how pretty Homer is. So, while we have a bit of down time thought it would be a good side trip. It is only a little over an hour away.
Keep in touch and tell us your news!
We're still in Winnie in the Fred Meyers parking lot. It's a pretty good deal(free)!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Anchorage tonight
Today we played at a great little park while William filled out paperwork. Then we made our way up to Anchorage. I needed my Target fix for the month. They just got their first Target a few months ago...How did people live before Target? Just kidding, but I really think Target is a pretty store and my girly girl side really likes it. All silliness aside, we came up to look at a car we found on Craigslist and of course it was in terrible shape. But we decided to make the most of it and had fun going to stores that are normally within 5 minutes of our house like Target and Walmart. In Soldotna, they do have a huge store called Fred Meyers which is like a Wal Mart and has SO much it is overwhelming. They let RV's camp out 3 nights in a row for free and they provide free water and a dump station for their fellow rv'ers. We stayed there last night and were among atleast 25 other motorhomes parked in their lot.
Soldotna is about a 3 hour drive from Anchorage so we are staying the night in Anchorage in Winnie. That's right she's still going strong. We did put the enclosed trailer in storage until we can unload it. The man that owns the storage place seemed as if he may want to buy Winnie when we get settled, so who know where she may roam in the future.
Well, it is 1am and I am ready for sleep. Night night.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Soldotna parking behing the Best Western
Well, our wifi is very occaisional at the moment, while we get our bearings. So hang in there with me updating. We have been meeting with other Dentists, William has been filling out TONS of paperwork! He has so much to still fill out that tomorrow they are going to give him an office to do it in.
We still haven't found a car or home, but are in contact with a realtor and have called about some rentals. We have met really nice folks so far. Will update when there is something more exciting to say!
Thinking of you all!
Love the still in the Winnie Gypsies!!
We still haven't found a car or home, but are in contact with a realtor and have called about some rentals. We have met really nice folks so far. Will update when there is something more exciting to say!
Thinking of you all!
Love the still in the Winnie Gypsies!!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Sterling AK
Only 15 minutes from Soldotna now. We just couldn't make it another mile! We made it out of Watson Lake and to a rest area just outside of Haines Junction last night and then this morning we made it across the border and back into the good ole USA!
We have driven a bunch of miles and are just so happy to be close to our destination.
At 11:45 pm there were hundreds of people still out fishing on the Kenai river (maybe dip netting?) It is just now getting dim outside.
I am going to catch a bit of rest before we go and face the unknown tomorrow. Things like where to live, how much longer we will share this itty bitty space, find a car, find out when William will start work?
Alaska is even more beautiful than I remember from last summer...maybe because we took the road less travelled and it took such a long time to get here.
We have driven a bunch of miles and are just so happy to be close to our destination.
At 11:45 pm there were hundreds of people still out fishing on the Kenai river (maybe dip netting?) It is just now getting dim outside.
I am going to catch a bit of rest before we go and face the unknown tomorrow. Things like where to live, how much longer we will share this itty bitty space, find a car, find out when William will start work?
Alaska is even more beautiful than I remember from last summer...maybe because we took the road less travelled and it took such a long time to get here.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Still Watson lake
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 :)
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 :)
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!
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