Day 4.

Started with a lovely cup of coffee and chat with Greg looking out on their beautiful view of the Three Sisters. The kids were giggling, and playing devices in bed upstairs. Compared to staying at the Crystal Hot Springs campground during a hot wind storm this was a luxurious lodge with all the amenities. We were so grateful to be able to stay and visit. We left to go to Crater Lake and had some delay due to some construction on the Rim Road. Some of the pull outs were closed and at times one way traffic was alternated. The day was clear and gorgeous. 90 in town was 70 at the top. This made up for the last time I took Chris to Crater Lake. 19 years ago, also in July, I did not have a website to check, and did not think to call and check the weather. But when we got there, both sides of the road were packed with snow like a tall white corridor. We got to the top and the power was out at the gift shop, purchases were cash only. And to top it off the lake was impossible to see, a cloud had set in out so all we could see was a wall of white. His picture of Crater Lake was only a postcard. Today the view was spectacular and I can't wait to frame one of our very own photos. The kids got their stamp in their national park passports. We had our family photo taken by a lady who was on the PCT. She and a friend were traveling from Canada to Mexico. This takes 5 months on average. Back in the car, and on our way to Ashland, Or to visit with our friend Linda and explore. One of Chris's wishes was to see Rogue River, so we see an overlook sign and stop. This is called Natural Bridges on the Rogue River trail. We follow a path into the woods, lush and thick with undergrowth. Mason says, "Now, this is the Oregon I know and love." :-) The path opens up and meets the river, and here we see a unique phenomenon. The old lava flow has become the path of the river, the river looks as if it appears and disappears. The water is taking the lava tubes and becoming an under ground river. It bubbles up through holes and swirls into caves. A natural bridge of solidified lava flow completely crosses this raging river and the water comes spouting out down below. A beautiful, mysterious demonstration of nature's power. On to Ashland, we arrived at Linda's and had a lovely visit. She made dinner and we enjoyed each other. We took a walk, taking in the rolling hills, horses, wild blackberries, and setting Sun.

Day 3.

The family welcomed us with open arms and a delicious dinner. Greg and Cindy's home is even more beautiful than I imagined. The view, the stars, the lizards in the garden of lavender. On Monday, we decided to hike with Greg and explore one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, Smith Rocks. 4.5 miles round trip, Misery Ridge trail. When we reached the top my eyes filled with tears with the beauty of Oregon. My heart was filled, exhausted but happy. We all took it in, reached Monkey Face rock a frequent climbing area, and then proceeded with our decent. The scenery with the Three Sisters, Black Butte, Three Finger Jack, Mt Jefferson, Mt Bachelor, and Mt Hood were just incredible, it felt like the top of the world. We drove into the town of Bend, to Deschutes Brewery, sampled and toured the facility. Did you know that local artists compete annually for label art of Central Oregon for seasonal winter ale Jubelale? Also, Deschutes is opening a new location in Virginia. And soon will also start a canning line. (Good news for river folk!) Next, we drove into Sisters, Or. Chris and I figured out that we had visited this same area on a road trip exactly 19 years prior, after dating for only 3 months. Even then we spoke of our love for this region and retiring here. This time, we walked the shops, found local fudge of course, and took in the local scene. The annual Quilt festival had just taken place and Rodeo happens every June. After much great conversation with Greg and Cindy we found out about the Sisters folk festival every September. Chris and I agreed to make that a priority. Spaghetti dinner, ice cream, and the most comfortable beds made our evening. A Great visit with family, you will always be near and dear to our heart. Thank you Greg and Cindy, Alan and Elizabeth. "In the end, only kindness matters." -Jewel

Day 2.

Utah never disappoints. Last night, the hot springs were to die for. Highly recommended. 7 different temp pools. Water slides. Open until 11pm. Oh ya, and ice cream! We were worried when we pulled up, wind and dust storm came in, it looked as if our luck would be lightning delay. We warmed up pre made chicken, rice, and bean burritos for dinner and set up camp. Kids were so eager to check out the springs so we took a chance and walked over. Wind was so high the pool had white caps! But most importantly it was open! We swam for four hours total with a small break all the way until closing. What a fantastic place. Lily said "I have to come back here in my lifetime!" Today, we did not rest well but made sure we started early for the next leg. The big push through too Sisters, Or to see Greg and Cindy V. And their gorgeous home. Chris and I drove through Sisters 19 years ago, and even after dating for just 3 months, both said we would retire here. Idaho was plentiful with produce. Wished we could have stopped to see baby Preston, or his parents. But we only stopped for gas and bathroom. Long day. Eastern Central Oregon state, like Colorado, is a little bland. And it would really be nice to know that you could quite possibly be going 300 miles without services of any kind. Thank goodness for a sweet old guy about 200 miles in to help us refuel. Towing the Lovebird (trailer) is quite an undertaking! I hear there is chicken on the smoker tonight and family gathering, with 30 minutes left, we are ready! Thank goodness for kindness, generosity and beer when we get out of this van.

Road Trip 2017. Day 1.

Day 1. Happy Day! Finally, the time has come, the teacher schedule is paying off. Not financially but with time freedom. Took a few weeks to prepare for this journey. New tires, New spare, repacking the bearings, New security tow chain, tow package on van. Planning for 3 weeks of meals. Itenerary and camping planning. Reservations. Scheduling and confirmation with the many family and friends. National parks pass purchase. Chris even stayed up late making road trip mix cds for the dead spots. I know you Sirius people are like, What? Cds? Hey now, I still have my Walkman and favorite cassette tapes from high school. I think I lost some of you at tapes. Anyway, the morning consisted of a couple stops for coffee, gas and well you know. Lunch worked with sandwiches, fruit and veggies followed by frisbee at the rest stop. We met a family of 7, 4 boys and a girl from OK on their way to the Tetons. They asked about the trailer and the journey. I over heard the mom talking about the story of Lewis and Clark. She told the kids about Sacagewea, and how she helped the travelers and spoke with the natives. She told them they would be visiting her grave in Wind River Indian Reservation in Fort Washakie, Wy. This made my heart so happy that American history was not only shared, but visited, and made relevant to them and their lives. A special reminder to share history with your children. So much is lost along the way, busy lives, different priorities, instead of having meaningful personal interactions between each other. Deep thoughts. Onward, Co, Wy, Ut.  Destination Crystal Hot Springs, UT.

Long time no blog

Getting back in to document the long road ahead. Bear with me...

AGE 1st Annual Science Fair 2010

Mason had his first science fair at school today. He had Magnet Power demonstrating how magnets move things. Chris called it a Rail Gun or the same technology as the Maglev trains or Magnetic Linear Accelerator. Everyone loved it! Interactive so they could all play with it. He got FIRST PLACE with a 3 way tie! And two 2nd place winners. Pretty cute, he is quite the little scientist! He and Dad had so much fun with this and it gathered quite a crowd. In addition to all this fun, it was take a child to work day. Dad said "Mason bounced around Lockheed today with me. Explosions, Nitro man and lots of cool space shwag! He loved it I loved it something like that!"

EASTER 2010!

EASTER!! We drove down to Pueblo, along with Mimi and Papa and had a good ol' egg hunt, goodies, and lots of yummy food. Cousins in order Mason, Kailey, Kiersten, and Lily (missing Celeste). The kids had over 100 eggs to find including golden eggs with $5 bills inside! So much fun!