Isn't this a beautiful creature? The Bald Eagle!
Friday, September 11, 2009
On to Alaska
After Glacier Park Gary and I were headed to Whidbey Island. We stopped in Wenatchee River Park in Monitor WA. This is beautiful county park. I had the most fun there. I would certainly recommend this park. Gary and I went bike riding! It was a bicycle built for two. Gary sat on the front seat and I on the back seat. First lesson: the short person goes on the front seat. I couldn't see around GW so I was pedaling as fast as I could. I did not want to be accused of not doing my part! We were going rather fast around the circles in the park;I had no idea I should slow down because I could not see! Second lesson: Better communication! So we did great around the circles a little scary but we did fine. The last road we took (our goal was to go on all the roads in the park) was not a circle, but a dead end! GW said slow down! I again could not see so I kept pedaling. GW could not turn fast enough because it was a dead end. Well needless to say we hit a fence. What a trip! No one was hurt but it was quite embarrassing ! We regined ourselves and then rode back to the front office. We turned in our bicycle built for two then checked out a movie and headed home. Third lesson: Stay within your limits!! HAHA! WE did have fun!!!
We then stayed on hwy 2 all the way to Whidbey Island. This also is a beautiful spot. It is right on the ocean. We could look out of our window and see the ocean. We walked along the beach several times and sat on huge tree stumps and talked while the tide rolled in. We were three days. We headed off to Vancouver to catch our ship to Alaska. We left our RV at Whidbey Island and just drove the truck. I was sure glad that is what we decided to do after getting into Vancouver. The traffic was terrible. The streets were narrow. We Parked the truck and boarded the Holland America Zuierdam. Of course the first thing you do when you get on ship is eat! so we ate lunch and then walked around some and then headed to our stateroom for a nap. We left the port at 5pm headed for the open seas. Our first stop was Juneau. There we went whale watching. For the first time ever I got to see a Humpback calf breech. Oh my gosh it was great. I don't know what it is about seeing nature in the wild do what they do; but it was so exciting. We were able to spot several whales. Then we went to a small island and saw hundreds of stiller seals. These were all males that were resting on the island after 12 weeks of mating. They were all asleep!
The next stop was Skagway. There GW and I went dog sledding. The dogs actually pulled us for one mile in a cart. The cart held seven people and then the weight of the cart totaled about 2200 lbs. There was a team of 16 dogs. They pulled the cart so fast my eyes were watering from the wind. This camp is where the dogs go to keep conditioned for the big winter races. And then of course we were able to interact with the dogs. I did give all the dogs a pat and told them good job. No they do not whip the dogs like it shows in the movies. They just say "ready let's go" and they are so excited to run that they take off. I did get to hold a puppy. He was 3 weeks old. GW told me I had to put him back:( And by the way I forgot to mention that in the bus ride to the musher camp we saw 2 grizzly bears. We saw one of the bears go into the river and catch a Salmon. The bears are as fast as they say the are, he had that fish caught and upon the shore eating before you knew it. Then we headed back to the ship for dinner. Of course the food is always great on the ship.
The last stop that we had a shore excursion was Ketchikan. There GW and I went for a stroll through the rain forest and saw a beautiful Bald Eagle and a huge Screech Owl. Both of these birds had been wounded and were not able to fly in the wild or hunt so they were in the preserve. It was sorta sad that they could not be in the wild but also comforting to know they were well taken care of.
While were going through the inside passage, we sailed into the Tracy Arm Fjord. We were able to go really into the fjord. It was beautiful. Scenes like that are breathtaking. The sailing into glacier bay was beyond words. It was so beautiful. Words or pictures do it no justice. It is something you have to see to believe.
We arrived back in Vancouver the following Saturday and headed back to Whidbey Island. We stayed there until Thursday and now we are at Lutherwood Bible retreat in Bellingham WA. GW is helping them do some work. It is a campground for kids. GW is going to help build some picnic tables and paint.
Our next move will be along the coast of Oregon and we hope to be able to stop in Redding CA.
So when we decide for sure I will let you know. Sorry for the long time span but we did not have service in Whidbey.
Luvs to you all I miss you kids and my babies!!!!
We then stayed on hwy 2 all the way to Whidbey Island. This also is a beautiful spot. It is right on the ocean. We could look out of our window and see the ocean. We walked along the beach several times and sat on huge tree stumps and talked while the tide rolled in. We were three days. We headed off to Vancouver to catch our ship to Alaska. We left our RV at Whidbey Island and just drove the truck. I was sure glad that is what we decided to do after getting into Vancouver. The traffic was terrible. The streets were narrow. We Parked the truck and boarded the Holland America Zuierdam. Of course the first thing you do when you get on ship is eat! so we ate lunch and then walked around some and then headed to our stateroom for a nap. We left the port at 5pm headed for the open seas. Our first stop was Juneau. There we went whale watching. For the first time ever I got to see a Humpback calf breech. Oh my gosh it was great. I don't know what it is about seeing nature in the wild do what they do; but it was so exciting. We were able to spot several whales. Then we went to a small island and saw hundreds of stiller seals. These were all males that were resting on the island after 12 weeks of mating. They were all asleep!
The next stop was Skagway. There GW and I went dog sledding. The dogs actually pulled us for one mile in a cart. The cart held seven people and then the weight of the cart totaled about 2200 lbs. There was a team of 16 dogs. They pulled the cart so fast my eyes were watering from the wind. This camp is where the dogs go to keep conditioned for the big winter races. And then of course we were able to interact with the dogs. I did give all the dogs a pat and told them good job. No they do not whip the dogs like it shows in the movies. They just say "ready let's go" and they are so excited to run that they take off. I did get to hold a puppy. He was 3 weeks old. GW told me I had to put him back:( And by the way I forgot to mention that in the bus ride to the musher camp we saw 2 grizzly bears. We saw one of the bears go into the river and catch a Salmon. The bears are as fast as they say the are, he had that fish caught and upon the shore eating before you knew it. Then we headed back to the ship for dinner. Of course the food is always great on the ship.
The last stop that we had a shore excursion was Ketchikan. There GW and I went for a stroll through the rain forest and saw a beautiful Bald Eagle and a huge Screech Owl. Both of these birds had been wounded and were not able to fly in the wild or hunt so they were in the preserve. It was sorta sad that they could not be in the wild but also comforting to know they were well taken care of.
While were going through the inside passage, we sailed into the Tracy Arm Fjord. We were able to go really into the fjord. It was beautiful. Scenes like that are breathtaking. The sailing into glacier bay was beyond words. It was so beautiful. Words or pictures do it no justice. It is something you have to see to believe.
We arrived back in Vancouver the following Saturday and headed back to Whidbey Island. We stayed there until Thursday and now we are at Lutherwood Bible retreat in Bellingham WA. GW is helping them do some work. It is a campground for kids. GW is going to help build some picnic tables and paint.
Our next move will be along the coast of Oregon and we hope to be able to stop in Redding CA.
So when we decide for sure I will let you know. Sorry for the long time span but we did not have service in Whidbey.
Luvs to you all I miss you kids and my babies!!!!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Glacier Park
We arrived at Glacier Park about 9:30 am on Aug. 18th. It was a beautiful drive into the park.
The first stop that we made was Lake Mc Donald lake. Oh my gosh! it was so beautiful. The water was so clear that I was able to take pictures of the rocks on the bottom of the lake. I took a couple of pictures where the water line began and you can hardly tell where the water started. I think for that day that was my favorite place. I have never seen a lake that had no pollution. Too bad all lakes don't look like that, of course that is what makes it so special.
While driving a little farther we saw a stopping place that had a bridge that you could stand on and watch a waterfall. It was not a big waterfall but so gorgeous. The sound that the water made flowing over the rocks was so relaxing. I looked up into the woods across the bridge and there was a buck that was waiting to cross the bridge. There were several people on the bridge so he was not willing to cross over. I did get a couple of pictures of him waiting patiently. He surely did not mind that everyone was staring at him!
We are driving up Going to the Sun Highway. We saw mountains that had glaciers on them. You could definitely tell how the glaciers formed the mountains. There were so many waterfalls that were coming out of the mountains. They were everywhere.
The next morning John left us. He decided he should return home. He did text us and he did make it home safe and sound. We had a great visit. The next morning GW and I drove up on the West side of Glacier Park. We had prayed that morning that we would see a bear. That is the only animal left that was on my list to see in the wild. I think that we drove for probably 6 miles or so and Gary said there he is! I looked out of the window and there was a bear running across the field trying to get out of the open. It was awesome. I was so happy that I did get see my bear. It made my day for sure.
As we were driving down from the west side we saw a old log cabin. The logs that were made out of local logs were pretty rotten and falling down. I was on a little hill right next to a flowing river.
We are now in Spokane Washington. We are staying on Fairchild AFB. It is a very pretty post. I would highly recommend this spot. It is very different being in the city as opposed to the mountains. The beauty is just special in the mountains!
Well all it is getting close to my retirement bed time. We will be here until Tuesday. Then we will head for Seattle. We will be there for 3 days before we begin our trip to Alaska!
Love you all!!!!
The first stop that we made was Lake Mc Donald lake. Oh my gosh! it was so beautiful. The water was so clear that I was able to take pictures of the rocks on the bottom of the lake. I took a couple of pictures where the water line began and you can hardly tell where the water started. I think for that day that was my favorite place. I have never seen a lake that had no pollution. Too bad all lakes don't look like that, of course that is what makes it so special.
While driving a little farther we saw a stopping place that had a bridge that you could stand on and watch a waterfall. It was not a big waterfall but so gorgeous. The sound that the water made flowing over the rocks was so relaxing. I looked up into the woods across the bridge and there was a buck that was waiting to cross the bridge. There were several people on the bridge so he was not willing to cross over. I did get a couple of pictures of him waiting patiently. He surely did not mind that everyone was staring at him!
We are driving up Going to the Sun Highway. We saw mountains that had glaciers on them. You could definitely tell how the glaciers formed the mountains. There were so many waterfalls that were coming out of the mountains. They were everywhere.
The next morning John left us. He decided he should return home. He did text us and he did make it home safe and sound. We had a great visit. The next morning GW and I drove up on the West side of Glacier Park. We had prayed that morning that we would see a bear. That is the only animal left that was on my list to see in the wild. I think that we drove for probably 6 miles or so and Gary said there he is! I looked out of the window and there was a bear running across the field trying to get out of the open. It was awesome. I was so happy that I did get see my bear. It made my day for sure.
As we were driving down from the west side we saw a old log cabin. The logs that were made out of local logs were pretty rotten and falling down. I was on a little hill right next to a flowing river.
We are now in Spokane Washington. We are staying on Fairchild AFB. It is a very pretty post. I would highly recommend this spot. It is very different being in the city as opposed to the mountains. The beauty is just special in the mountains!
Well all it is getting close to my retirement bed time. We will be here until Tuesday. Then we will head for Seattle. We will be there for 3 days before we begin our trip to Alaska!
Love you all!!!!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Retirement Life
It has been a very long time since I have been able to even sit down at the computer! Gary and I h ave been very busy this last month! Hopefully Iwill be able to keep up a little better now that we have slowed down a bit!
Last month we helped Ashley and Railee move to Texas! She is living very close to her sister and already has a job there. the hours are great because Ash works opposite shift from Kellie so Railee does not have to go to a daycare! There will be family with her all the time. David has sacrificed his time as well with Railee. He has been great about the whole situation and do we ever appreciate him!!! Thanks so much David! The whole family has pitched in and helped Ash recover from having a newborn and going back to work!
Stephen and Stephanie and the boys are moving into our house in C/S and will live there as long as they like. They are doing all the hard work that we left behind! Thanks guys!! And to let all know they are expecting a new little one March 25th. Congrats! to them! We are excited.
Gary and I finally started our travels! It has been marvelous!! We left Aug 5th from C/S about noon and drove all the way Cheyenne WY. For those of you that do not know it is only about 200 miles! But we stopped and took a break! It was nice! While we were there we went to a museum and to the Governor's Mansion. I learned a lot of info but when I tried to share with those back home the weren't near as excited as i was. After Cheyenne we drove to a town in WY called Lander. It was a very nice town! very clean and friendly and we were able to stay in the city park free. We were camped next to a little river so nice and quite. But we could not get Internet there. We went to a pioneer museum there! I could share so much with you but I am sure you all know how to make saddles and bows and arrows and stuff like that. however if you would like me to share details just give me a call.
After Lander we went to West Yellowstone! Oh my gosh talk about beautiful!!
This is a picture of some beautiful Lilly pads at the continental divide! very nice!!!!
In the park Gary took me to On the Brink waterfall! That was a beautiful sight. The river was swift and Chrystal clear. The falls were just beautiful!! i would recommend them to any one. We walked down a 600 foot drop path to the falls. Going down was easy! But let me tell ya I found how out of shape I am coming back up that 600 foot drop path. I had to stop 4 times and rest. I certainly know I need to walk a lot more!!I was going to send more pics but I don't know how to place them where I want them yet so until I do you will just have to read! Sorry!
We saw elk crossing the river with their babies. that was so neat! There were 2 sets of moms and babies that crossed the river. I am supposing that they thought the grass was greener on the other side. Most of us do right?
We of course went to Old Faithful and waited about 1hr for her to erupt! What a thrill! The sight was well worth the wait. I have never seen such beauty! The geyser will go off every 90 Min. and have a fountain of water and steam and mist, and be such an entertainer for all to see. We found that there are hundreds of geysers at Yellowstone. Some of which are more entertaining than Old Faithful; but are simply not as famous. The pools of mud are also something to see,they bubble and spit mud. I have never seen anything like it. And it all sits on a volcano table that the say will not erupt for thousands of years.
After Old Faithful we drove around the park and I got to see Buffalo along the sides of the road. They are huge animals!! I can clearly see now why they warn people that there have been people gored. Those guys don't even look friendly!
As we started to leave the park we saw an eagle's nest with mama in the nest. She was beautiful and sitting proud. Seeing that made me realize that I am happy that they do all they can to preserve them.
We headed for home and Gary decided that he would take me to Beaver Creek road where he and Harry camped when the came on their vacation. It was so pretty there, very quite and serene. He actually took me so that I could see a Moose. That is the one animal that I really wanted to see. Lo and behold we got to the end of the road where the turnaround was, probably about 6miles or so and there was a Moose out in the field! I didn't get to see it too well because he was so far away but i did see him. That was so exciting for me!!!!
We stayed in Helena MT after we left Yellowstone! We stayed on the army national guard post. It was a terrible place!! We did not go anywhere!
Now we are in Great Falls MT. Yesterday we drove over to FT. Benton. it is a very quaint little town. We met a man named Gail who lived there since 1952! He gave us a lot of information about the town. We went to the Agricultural Museum. We saw lots tractors, tools and weeds and stuff. Dad and John loved it. I did forget to mention that John has joined us for a few days. I am not sure but i think that we are wearing him out. He has been going out and meeting people of the area. He has enjoyed that a lot.
That is all for now folks! I am going to do a separate blog with the pictures. That is the only way I know to post them.
P.S. be sure to ask David about his sock throwing incident!!!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
4th of July Hoilday
We had a great 4th of July! David and Kellie and the kids came down from Sherman. We played all weekend.
They arrived Thursday night and Friday morning we hit the water running! We rented a boat here at Goodfellow and Dyson tried to ski. He did really well but the first go he sorta forgot to let go of the rope when he fell and felt like he drank the whole lake!:) Needless to say he was pretty much done with that! Then Kaylynn tried and tried and tried,she came so close to getting up but unfortunately close wasn't good enough for her but her body said enough!! Then Kellie gave it a great effort. She did get up and that was all she needed. After all that workout the crew went tubing for a good hour. All finally got tired and we came back to shore. believe it or not all that was only 2 hours. After that we celebrated Dyson's B-Day! He doesn't turn 9 until the 13th of July but Popi and I won't be able to be there that day so we did it early here. We got him a hamburger cake it was so cute!
The next morning we hit the water running again! David skied and got up and went for a while. Popi tried to ski but he pulled his hamstring and that ended that! He is still very tender but thank goodness it wasn't a severe pull. Then the kids went tubing again and had a blast. After all the water activities we all went fishing at my mom's. Kaylynn caught 5 fish. she caught 3 catfish and 2 bass. She was quite thrilled with her adventure! Dyson didn't catch any on his new pole but he took Kellie's cain pole (while we were untangling his) and caught the biggest fish of the day! He was pretty happy!!
The last day we had hambergers and hot dogs and rested. About 7 kellie and I and the kids went fishing again. Kaylynn caught her one catfish and Dyson finally caught a pearch on his new pole! He then declared it to be lucky!
After dark we watched the fireworks here on the base! They were beautiful! I think the kids were pretty impressed.
This morning we got up and drank our coffee and then the kids loaded up and headed back to Sherman.
I did miss Stephen and his family and i missed Ashley and Railee's first 4th;but I did get to say hi on the telephone! Thank goodness for cells!!
Tomorrow GW is going to see his brother and I am gonna stay here and visit mom. I will keep ya posted on our next adventure!!
They arrived Thursday night and Friday morning we hit the water running! We rented a boat here at Goodfellow and Dyson tried to ski. He did really well but the first go he sorta forgot to let go of the rope when he fell and felt like he drank the whole lake!:) Needless to say he was pretty much done with that! Then Kaylynn tried and tried and tried,she came so close to getting up but unfortunately close wasn't good enough for her but her body said enough!! Then Kellie gave it a great effort. She did get up and that was all she needed. After all that workout the crew went tubing for a good hour. All finally got tired and we came back to shore. believe it or not all that was only 2 hours. After that we celebrated Dyson's B-Day! He doesn't turn 9 until the 13th of July but Popi and I won't be able to be there that day so we did it early here. We got him a hamburger cake it was so cute!
The next morning we hit the water running again! David skied and got up and went for a while. Popi tried to ski but he pulled his hamstring and that ended that! He is still very tender but thank goodness it wasn't a severe pull. Then the kids went tubing again and had a blast. After all the water activities we all went fishing at my mom's. Kaylynn caught 5 fish. she caught 3 catfish and 2 bass. She was quite thrilled with her adventure! Dyson didn't catch any on his new pole but he took Kellie's cain pole (while we were untangling his) and caught the biggest fish of the day! He was pretty happy!!
The last day we had hambergers and hot dogs and rested. About 7 kellie and I and the kids went fishing again. Kaylynn caught her one catfish and Dyson finally caught a pearch on his new pole! He then declared it to be lucky!
After dark we watched the fireworks here on the base! They were beautiful! I think the kids were pretty impressed.
This morning we got up and drank our coffee and then the kids loaded up and headed back to Sherman.
I did miss Stephen and his family and i missed Ashley and Railee's first 4th;but I did get to say hi on the telephone! Thank goodness for cells!!
Tomorrow GW is going to see his brother and I am gonna stay here and visit mom. I will keep ya posted on our next adventure!!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
we've started retirement
Well here goes my first blog! I am brand new at this so you folks be patient and hold your giggles to yourself!
GW and I have officially taken our first retirement trip! We went to Panama City Beach FL. This was somewhat a family vacation and retirement trip all in one. We had so much fun. We left my mom's in San Angelo,TX on June 11 and headed for FL. We had an uneventful trip getting there; however we did not realize it was so far! 1000 miles. We stopped in Pensacola for the night and then drove the last 2hrs the next morning! We wanted to be refreshed ha ha!
We got settled into the house we rented for the week and the the fun began! We spent time at the beach and met family we had not met before and ate a lot. Grand ma-ma Jean can make the best cakes and Alabama garage fried chicken you have ever tasted.
We also had a great scavenger hunt. Our son's team won; because we would not allow David to claim a dog manikin as his undressed manikin.
We also did some art! Went to a place where you paint your own pottery and then keep it for a keepsake. This was a totally new experience and one I highly recommend.
Last but not least our grandsons Spencer(4) Stephen Douglas(9) and Dyson(9) found the biggest treasure on the beach that you can imagine. They found a bottle on the beach with a treasure map and clues to where the treasure was buried,and followed them so well that they were able to dig up the fullest treasure box I have ever seen! They found jewels and money! We never thought they would be so lucky on vacation! They were thrilled!!!!
Our ride on our pontoon boat was an adventure too. Gary tried to assure the family that we were all fine as the waves came up over the front of the boat! We were not so sure:)
After all is said and done we all returned to our original destinations some of us quite toasted from the Florida sun, we had a wonderful time!!!
Let me take this opportunity to wish my sweet husband a very "HAPPY BIRTHDAY"
GW and I have officially taken our first retirement trip! We went to Panama City Beach FL. This was somewhat a family vacation and retirement trip all in one. We had so much fun. We left my mom's in San Angelo,TX on June 11 and headed for FL. We had an uneventful trip getting there; however we did not realize it was so far! 1000 miles. We stopped in Pensacola for the night and then drove the last 2hrs the next morning! We wanted to be refreshed ha ha!
We got settled into the house we rented for the week and the the fun began! We spent time at the beach and met family we had not met before and ate a lot. Grand ma-ma Jean can make the best cakes and Alabama garage fried chicken you have ever tasted.
We also had a great scavenger hunt. Our son's team won; because we would not allow David to claim a dog manikin as his undressed manikin.
We also did some art! Went to a place where you paint your own pottery and then keep it for a keepsake. This was a totally new experience and one I highly recommend.
Last but not least our grandsons Spencer(4) Stephen Douglas(9) and Dyson(9) found the biggest treasure on the beach that you can imagine. They found a bottle on the beach with a treasure map and clues to where the treasure was buried,and followed them so well that they were able to dig up the fullest treasure box I have ever seen! They found jewels and money! We never thought they would be so lucky on vacation! They were thrilled!!!!
Our ride on our pontoon boat was an adventure too. Gary tried to assure the family that we were all fine as the waves came up over the front of the boat! We were not so sure:)
After all is said and done we all returned to our original destinations some of us quite toasted from the Florida sun, we had a wonderful time!!!
Let me take this opportunity to wish my sweet husband a very "HAPPY BIRTHDAY"
Monday, May 18, 2009
Kellies Mothers Day Visit
Gods Gift to man, Life!
Sisters support one another like no other!
All the Grand Kids. From the left, Stephen Douglas, Spencer, Dyson, Kaylynn, and Railee. Kellie drove up from Sherman, Texas to be with Mom for Mothers day, and help Ashley with Railee. This is the one shot out of about 15 that all three of the boys had other than weird faces.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Railee Homecoming
Railee and her Mom were discharged from the hospital today and both got some really good rest this afternoon. Railee is eating and sleeping well. Isn't that how it works, sleep until you eat and eat until you sleep? Tomorrow will bring us closer to a routine, and then Ashleys first "Happy Mothers Day".
I pray all Mothers have a blessed Mothers Day with Love, Joy and Peace in your families.
gw
I pray all Mothers have a blessed Mothers Day with Love, Joy and Peace in your families.
gw
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Railee Ann Hinds
Railee (pronounced "Ray-lee") was born on April 35, we joke about it because Ashley wanted their birthdays in the same month, hers is April 9th. Railee weighs 6 pounds and 11 ounces and was born C section at 7:41pm. Patsy and I both got to go into the operating room with her, and it was quite an experience. Though less than ideal circumstances, there was peace and joy at the arrival of new Life. Ashley has done extremely well, she was up and around yesterday, and has had several good feedings with Railee, they are bonding and will be discharged tomorrow. Sister Kellie will be here to help over Mothers day weekend from Sherman, Texas. We are really excited about her visit, though it's still a secret from Mom. She won't find out until tomorrow when Kellie gets here, so if you read this before then, keep a "secret". The kids were talking and as always trying to figure out what to get their Mom for Mothers day that would be really special, so they decided Kellie coming up from Texas would be the ultimate! I think I can speak for all Moms; to have families together in unity for these special occasions is the greatest gift of all!
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