Clinton, Indiana

Our First Geocache in Indiana

We enjoyed our time in Clinton, IN.  We couldn't dance, but we did geocache some.  The caption says it's our first in Indiana.  Although we've been in almost all the states at one time or another, we didn't start caching until 2009.  So we have found caches in all the states west of the mississippi and a few more.  This trip winding up in NH should allow us to log many more.  

Winery and Beer Crafting facility in Clinton

Eloise at the town "Coal Fountain"

 The coal fountain was erected to honor the town forefathers; immigrants who were mostly coal miners.  Sort of funny though, the fountain is made from granite quarried from Wisconsin!  Coal wouldn't have held up very well over time.  

While here we stayed at a Thousand Trails park called Horseshoe Lakes.  There were very few sites available, but we got an electric/water site near the main lodge. We could have had a full hookup site but then we would have just had a 30 amp site and no access to satellite.  With the recent heat this was better, and since we are members of TTN there was no charge.

Before we got to Clinton, we were with our youngest daughter, Kim near St Louis, MO.  
 

Bianca and Kim

We were able to enjoy an Italian dinner with Kim, her daughter Jessica and Jessica's  friend Kevin.  Kim's friend Frank came by after work but was too late for the picture.  We don't always eat.  Wait, yes we do.


 

Jessica, Kevin, Kim and Eloise

When we travel to see Kim we stay at Babler State Park, near Chesterfield.  It's a clean, well-run park and we like it there.  But like every other Missouri State Park we've stayed in, their only site amenity is electricity.  Water is available in several areas, however it is not exclusively for an individual site.  The dump station is clean and nicely maintained.  Nicest feature is that for seniors the price is $21 a nite for a 50 amp site.  It was only $19 at Weston Bend when we visited Ginger because we could only get a 30 amp site.

 I didn't ask Kim if it was okay to publish a picture of her very first effort at a still-life painting.  So, don't tell.



Kim had business out of town for most of the time we were there.  We found there were going to be a couple of square dances we could attend.  First one had more than 10 squares, Dean Dederman calling.  The second one, an Advanced dance had three squares and we danced to recordings.

 After leaving Babler S.P. we traveled over the Mississippi River to my 92 years young Aunt Dee Cunningham's apartment in Jerseyville, IL.  We found a RV park about 20 miles away in Greenfield, there wasn't a closer alternative.  It was a nice quiet little park.  

Greenfield City Park

Nah, not for real...

Entrance to the city park

 Next stop planned is at the Air Force Museum near Dayton, Ohio.  We visited this Museum 25 years ago, about the time our grandson Sam was born.  We have been hearing that it has more than doubled in size.  We will clue you in after our visit. 



 

Leavenworth, Kansas

Buffalo Soldier Monument

Fort Leavenworth Museum

Leavenworth Historical Musuem

Weston Bend State Park

There's lots to do in Leavenworth.  Be sure to visit the Fort museum, stop to view the Buffalo Soldier Monument and check out the historic buildings there also.  If you're not military, there is a visitor check in area on 4th street.

We came here this year to visit with daughter Ginger and her husband Duane.  A bonus this visit was that granddaughter Lauren and family were also visiting here giving us an opportunity to see the great grands again!  Yea!

We are staying at Weston Bend, a Missouri State Park, .  The park has some 50 amp sites, most have some shade.  Missouri doesn't seem to believe in putting water or sewer at the sites, but potable water is available at the dump station or several random locations around the park.  Because we are dealing with the 4th of July holiday, we had to take a 30 amp site which means we can only run a single A/C at a time.  In this near 100 degree heat, it's been a challenge to stay cool when in the rig.  Mostly we were in Lansing with the kids though.  Lansing is town bordering Leavenworth.

Clockwise:  Ginger, Joe & Betty Robertson, Berneice  Allen, Eloise

We were pleased to arrange a lunch get-together with two of Eloise's sisters, and Bro-in-Law Joe.  Berneice lives in St Joseph, and Joe and Betty live in Belton, MO.  The eatery was the Bee Cafe in Platte City, MO.  Good food, we can recommend it!

Lauren, Natalie, 2 strangers and Ginger with Finn

After a nice supper at an Italian restaurant, Natalie had a chance to run amok in the water area next to the restaurant.  She sure had a good time.

Our last day in this area was spent at the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead.  Only 2 bucks admission to a pretty nice petting zoo.  Natalie wasn't so very interested in the many animals, but seemed to like running around!  

Baby goat bottle feeding

Click on Arrow

Yes, you're so cute!

Grandma Ginger showing Natalie how to milk a cow.

Last picture was designed to show how cows are milked, however Natalie was more interested in playing in the water buckets.

So, that was our week.  Next we spend a couple days on the road, and will see Kim on Sunday from Babler; another Missouri State Park near St Louis.





 

Hutchinson, KS

We have come to Hutch (as the locals call it) to see our granddaughter's family:  Andrew, Lauren and their daughter Natalie, and our newest great grandson Finn.  Both Natalie and Finn were born exactly one year apart on December 23.  Finn is now 6 mos and Natilie is 18 mos.  I personally sorta think they're going to get gypped out of either Xmas presents or birthday presents...

Great Grandma Eloise, Natilie and Finn

Great Grandpa Gary and Finn

Daddy Andrew

Natalie and um Natalie

Finn

Finn

 Okay, I need to get a picture of Lauren inserted.  Also, we have about a bazillion more pictures of the cute kids.  Want more?   Just ask, I dare ya!

K State Fair Ground RV Park

We're camped at the Kansas State Fairground RV park.  Scads of spaces here at $30 a day, full hook-ups.  Central to town, and attractions.  

Terry Gaylon Inverter Technician

 Terry is listed as the area's Xantrex repair facility.  Our's went 'out' at the same time the generator went out.  Terry took the unit with him, but made sure we could have power for our A/Cs.  He brought it back late the next day, installed it, and it's working great.  Only cost $524 clams.  This is getting to be an expensive trip!!!

SR 71 Blackbird

Hutchinson is the home to a terrific museum of space artifacts called the Cosmosphere.  Hanging in the lobby is a 'flown' SR 71 Blackbird, the fastest airplane ever built.  Also houses an IMAX domed theater.  We were here years ago and found the museum to be unique and worthy.  A bit expensive today at $26, but seniors get a little break.    The following is a cut/paste from the brochure:

FOUNDING THE COSMOSPHERE

In 1962, Cosmosphere founder Patty Carey set up a used Planetarium Projector and rented folded chairs in the Poultry Building of the Kansas State Fair Grounds and created one of the first public planetariums in the Central United States. Four years later, the planetarium was offered a new home on the campus of Hutchinson Community College and a new, enlarged science center was constructed.
Encouraged by the planetarium's popularity, Patty and the board of directors began an expansion campaign to develop a space and science center worthy of international recognition.  When it opened in 1980, the 35,000-square-foot facility included the planetarium, a three-level exhibit gallery, new classrooms for expanded school programs and one of the first-ever IMAX® Dome Theaters.
In 1997, a major building addition expanded the facility to 105,000 square feet and allowed for the display of a flown SR-71 Blackbird in the lobby. In 1998, the Cosmosphere was named one of the first affiliates of the Smithsonian Institution, formalizing a long-term relationship with the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum.
In 2014, the Cosmosphere announced plans for another major renovation to support more interactive science education opportunities and to showcase its world class collection of artifacts in the type of engaging and stimulating environment today’s museum visitors expect. "

You can take a virtual tour here:  Virtual Tour



 Another don't miss thing to do in Hutch is to tour an active salt mine.

Underground in the Salt Mine

 Morton Salt has been here since the 1880's.  There is a tram ride tour.  One section of the mine is dedicated to preserving priceless things.  One debatably priceless things are old Hollywood films.  It's called Strataca:

"Travel 650 feet underground into an active salt mine!  Experience a cool and soothing subterranean world formed by salt deposits in the Permian Sea long ago. See the raw mine as it was left more than 50 years ago on the Salt Mine Express train ride and catch a guided tour on a tram to the Dark Ride. You won't want to miss a special gallery filled with authentic movie costumes and memorabilia. And don't miss the SALT SAFARI add on tour. A one hour guided adventure tour that goes BEYOND STRATACA. See salt formations not available to the general public until now! Limited capacity -- only 12 visitors at a time depart 3-4 times a day."

....that's from the brochure.  It's closed on Mondays.  You'll wear a hard hat, so don't bring your own.  It's Fun!

Now heading for Lansing, KS

El Reno, OK

On our way from Rochester to Hutchinson we stopped for an overnight at a casino RV parking area.  There was no charge to stay and with full hook-ups, but I figure they expected to make some dough from us in the casino.  Boy, they're going to be surprised...  just going inside long enough to register we inhaled enough second hand smoke to make us choke up. 

There were some geocaches in several of the surrounding cemeteries.    They were pretty interesting.  One was one devoted to the Mennonites who came thru as pioneers, stayed and passed away.

As we were walking around in another after finding the cache, I noticed this head stone:

The Lord is my shephe-
rd

Maybe syllables were different then??

Where the heck is that cache??

This cloud appeared to the east late in the day.  We decided to stay over another day so as to not have to drive in the storm's aftermath.  Good thing.  Wow did it ever blow and rain that night.  Even though our stabilizer jacks were solidly on the ground, the RV was getting blown around.  Oh, well.  Another free night can't be so bad.

I'm putting this in belatedly.  It's from the earlier visit to Tent Rocks, but wanted to show off the 'head nets' that we got for 2 bucks at Wally World.  If you've ever been bugged by insects flying into your ears, eyes and nose, then these are the handiest things.  There were pesky flies that simply wouldn't leave us alone back at Tent Rocks.  Eloise got hers out and used it.  I suffered along until we were out of that area. 

Stylish, no?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rochester, TX

I have to apologize for the blur.  I have what is called 'essential tremors' and that condition causes shaking hands.  Sometimes it is worse than at other  times , but very annoying when trying to take a picture. Distance pictures are not a big problem for me though.    Eloise says it was maybe just the wine.

We have known Jack and Linda Parsons since early in our motorhome travels.  We first met at a Thousand Trails park near Cottonwood, AZ, during a line dancing session.  We have been at many square dances with them too and over the years we have met up in various places around the country.  In 2006 they bought a home in Rochester, TX a town of 300 souls north of Abilene.
 

Parsons residence 








We spent a very enjoyable 4 days here.  We were comfortable in the back yard with the full hook ups for our RV:

Our awning not fully extended as a caution against sudden wind







Linda is a terrific cook.  One night she made what she called 'braided salmon'.  A mixture with salmon and covered with a braided dough.  Looked like this:

                                Before...

Yummy







Eloise and I  walked into the farm land each morning before breakfast.  On one of our jaunts, a couple mutts from a yard near the Parsons came out into the street and introduced themselves.  We were at first afraid of getting bit, but kept walking.  They fell into step with us and we became at ease with them.  We expected them to get bored and turn back, but they stayed with us our entire walkabout, which that morning was over 3 miles. 

The darker one must have been used to a leash, it would mostly trail just off to one of our sides.  When we got back to our RV they were still with us.  We tried to shoo them off, but they were still waiting for us when we emerged after breakfast.  We were back inside when Linda came out of the house and shooed them away properly!  They have a rescue cat that doesn't care much  for the canine folks.

Built in dishwasher.  Same brand as ours.







We are heartened that the Parsons are considering doing some of next winter in the Mesa vicinity.  Even though they no longer dance, it will give us a chance to play board games and cards with them, which is what we love to do.

We're off now to see our great grand babies and family in Hutchinson, KS.

Amarillo, TX

Famous for it's free 72 oz steak, IF you eat it and the trimmings within one hour!  That would be a shrimp cocktail, baked potato and rolls.  This is what the interior is like.  Eloise and I had one of their least expensive menu items for steak, a 10 oz double cut (2-5 oz) for 2 people.  I'm not kidding, I think it was the best steak I've ever had in my life.  I'm drooling now just remembering it!

 Scrumptious cheesecake with strawberries and whipped cream!

 "The cooks"

And this is the area where the people trying to eat that much steak sit.  Notice the timers in back.  They are not allowed to stand or have anyone else touch their plates.  We were here a few years ago when there were a couple people who tried and failed.  This time, nobody was that nuts.  If they don't qualify for the free steak, the cost for trying is $72.00

Amarillo was the closest town that could repair our generator.  It's an Onan generator and so belongs to under the Cummins engine umbrella.  I was able to get an appointment with Cummins before we arrived in town.  The day we showed up with our RV we were informed that the mechanic (the only one there qualified for Onan) called in to say he wouldn't be in.   (Not sick.)  The clerk says he does that sometimes.  Hmmm.  We were fuming and fussing and then trying without success to find another shop to work on the generator, when he walked into the Cummins shop.  He proceeded to check out our engine at $145 an hour.  Here's where you fellow Tiffin motorhome owners should pay attention:  There is a fuel filter for the generator that is on the rail, before the generator's own filter.  If you've been changing only the generator's filter, you will likely end up broken down like us!!  That filter had been on since new in 2005.  That is what was clogged up with gunk.  You could tap the filter and get black 'stuff' coming out.   Nowhere does it cover that filter in any of our material.  The technician says it is often the case with Tiffins and another brand he couldn't remember, when they come in with problems.  In our case, he replaced it with a 'see-through' filter from O'Reileys and showed me where it's located, so that we can see if there's foreign material, and clean and replace the filter.  Total cost for our ignorance: $467.47, that with a 10% discount for being a member of the Cummins Power Club!  

A highlight of our stay in Amarillo was the evening we spent square dancing with the Whirley Birds!  There were just 2 squares that evening with Jimmy Gouge calling MS and a little plus.  Cannot remember a club that was more outgoing and friendly than this one!   One couple there offered to pick us up from our RV park and take us to a world class concert in Palo Duro Canyon the next night.  https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon   Palo Duro is like a mini-grand canyon.  There is a huge ampitheater where the concert was to be held.  A very beautiful state maintained place with campground to spend a day or week.  We were there in the past and it is truly a must see spectacle. 

Of course we were able to find time to do some geocaching -- this time on some of the property that at that time was Amarillo Air Force Base, now closed.   The area now houses a college and truck driver training facility.  I was stationed there as a raw recruit in 1965 for completing Administrative Technical School.  Didn't like it there much at that time.

We're off to see some friends who live near Abilene.  Later.