Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee

Once we arrived in Memphis and got all set up at the Elvis Presley RV Park. We walked across the street from the campground to Piccadilly Cafeteria for a late lunch. They really have good food with all the seasonings done the correct way.

From Graceland

http://picasaweb.google.com/pfradycate/Graceland#5252340604064514482

After lunch we walked the 5 blocks down to "GRACELAND", home of Elvis and Priscilla Presley. We took the total tour seeing the mansion, then to the cars, costumes, and airplanes that were owned and worn by Elvis from 1955 - 1977. We had been here in 2005 and still enjoyed taking the tour.

We then walked back to the RV and just enjoyed the afternoon. I did take a short nap and when I woke up, went outside and talked with the neighbors, Patricia and Tom. They are returning to Florida after being in Alaska for the past few weeks.

We moved again on Tuesday to Nashville. Will do a post on it later. Until then, Take Care.

Catching Up from the Rally

Sorry that it has been a while since I last posted but we were very busy during the FMCA Rally at North Little Rock.

From Rally at the Rock

http://picasaweb.google.com/pfradycate/RallyAtTheRock#5249796327886971906

We were parked up in the Wheat field area above the Sand Pit and Rock Garden. There were approximately 75 - 80 rigs parked in the Wheat field. Once we got set up and electricity was finally flowing to our little home on wheels, we were very happy campers. We enjoyed live entertainment every night (4). We did not move the car the entire time we were there as we took the provided trams or golf carts that were making rounds on a daily basis. The Rally Mall was well staffed with all types of vendors selling RV goods and services. The quilts that were on display were beautiful and those receiving them will be very proud.

From Rally at the Rock 1

http://picasaweb.google.com/pfradycate/RallyAtTheRock1#5252312162859091618

The city of North Little Rock allowed all in attendance with their badges on to ride the electric streetcar across the river to Little Rock and enjoy all the museums, restaurants, city library, hotels (Peabody with the Duck Walk), and the Clinton Presidential Library.

There was also a Dealer's Party where the new motor home dealers served Margarita's, Smoothies and Ice Cream Sandwiches while people enjoyed going through the new rigs. They had a couple of high end Newell's there as well as many other kinds of motor homes. It was fun going into all of them and just looking to see if there was something that you could not live without. I found nothing that I liked better than what I have now. No trade here.

On Saturday and Sunday afternoon there was an ice cream social out in front of the Rally Mall. We had our ice cream and then went to the Irish Pub down the street for dinner. I had fish and chips and Russ had the beef stew and mashed potatoes. The food was really good.

On Sunday morning, the Wyndham hotel provided a breakfast buffet. There were 3 different settings and they provided eggs, bacon, potato patties, biscuits and gravy. It was good and everyone got there fill.

We did not win any of the door prizes but we did have a good time and will go to more of these rallies in due time.

We had said that we were not going to be in any big hurry to leave on Monday morning, but as most of you know us, we had everything picked up, jacks stowed, car attached and were ready to leave whenever we could get out. The people next door had their car parked in the middle by the generator and we could not move. Finally about 8:15 he came out and I asked if he would move the car and we would be out of his way. He did and down the road we went heading for Memphis, Tennessee. We had only 142 miles to travel and it was a very easy drive. Some of the trees are beginning to change color and there was no construction so as I said a very easy drive.

Will talk about Memphis soon so take care.

Rally at the Rock

We left Carthage on Monday morning bright and early heading south on Hwy 71 toward Fort Smith, Arkansas. Once at Fort Smith, we headed east along I-40 to North Little Rock. All along the way we had a pleasant drive with no incidents including two stops at Flying J Travel Plazas.

From Rally at the Rock

http://picasaweb.google.com/pfradycate/RallyAtTheRock#5249797452573291058

We arrived in North Little Rock at approximately 1:20 pm and it took until after 4 pm to get to our camping space for the week. We have heard all kinds of reasons that it took so long to get to the area and we have also heard many disgruntle persons about how this rally is being run. We were guaranteed that we would have 30 amp electric for the entire rally and it took until after 12 pm today to finally get it. All of the seminars, entertainment and food is over two miles away from where we are and we are being eaten alive by fire ants. The trolleys, buses and mini-vans did start to move this afternoon so we can at least get up to where all the action is going on. We are also told that this is not the most desirable part of town; so, we have police security all around once the sun begins to set.

Oh well, we will see what tomorrow has in store when the rally actually starts and we have to be in certain places at certain times. This is when I will just continue to enjoy and make the best of all situations.

Until next time, Take Care.

Carthage, Missouri

This morning as is true for any moving day, we were up by 6:30 am and getting ready to move on down the road. We left Spring Lake RV Resort in Halstead, Kansas at 7:50 am and headed east on K-50 then took I-35 south to K-96 and then US-400 east to Carthage, Missouri. We arrived at 12:20 pm and got set up at Big Red Barn RV Park off of MO-71. The campground has 65 sites and when we arrived was not very full. By 6:30 pm about 75% of the sites were taken and I expect that a few more will be taken before morning.

From Big Red Barn

http://picasaweb.google.com/pfradycate/BigRedBarn#5249019852474403090

After we got set up I went over to the "Precious Moments Chapel and Museum" in Carthage. I had heard that it was well worth going over there and I am glad that I did. The work is outstanding and very moving. I spent about 2 hours there just looking at the glass windows, then strolling the grounds and seeing the museum. They were also having a big sale on all of the figurines so bought one for my great-niece and one for my sister.

From Precious Moments Chapel and Grounds

http://picasaweb.google.com/pfradycate/PreciousMomentsChapelAndGrounds#5249020501637770498

On the way back to the RV, I stopped at Wal-Mart as we needed some cash for the next week and that is the easiest place to get it.

Until next time, Take Care.

The Badlands of South Dakota

Happy Birthday Russ. Well today you are officially old. You have completed the paperwork to receive Social Security and so you should see your first check the second Wednesday of November. That means that we can do a little more exploring this great United States of America. I hope that you have many more birthdays.

We left our little home just after 8 am this morning and stopped at the Flying J for gas and decided to have breakfast there also. The food was excellent and we checked out the area for getting Diesel on Thursday. No problem, a big wide fueling area and room to turn and get out.

We then headed east on I-90 to Wall, South Dakota. This is where the famous Wall Drug is located. Wall Drug became famous for the Ice Cold Water that was served to travelers beginning in 1931. Today they still take pride in serving the water and having signs all over the USA plus a number of foreign countries. We checked to see if they had a pair of boots in Russ' size as this is where we had found they last pair for him. No Boots today.

From Wall Drug Store

http://picasaweb.google.com/pfradycate/WallDrugStore#5244161833909826018

We left Wall Drug and continued south on Hwy 240 to the Badlands National Park. I could not believe what I was seeing. From what we had seen yesterday and then seeing what we did today was just like we were on two different planets. WOW. Please look at the pictures in my album to get a good idea of what I am talking about.

From The Badlands of South Dakota

From The Badlands of South Dakota

http://picasaweb.google.com/pfradycate/TheBadlandsOfSouthDakota#5244156941958172610

On our way home, we stopped by Wal-Mart for a loaf of bread and some cash. We then decided to have a late lunch/early supper at TGI Friday's. Here on Tuesdays they have buy one get one burger free. Russ also got a chocolate sundae because it was his birthday. We both enjoyed that sundae.

Until next time, Take Care.

Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood and Tatanka

Hooray, the sun was out after not seeing it since last Tuesday. We decided to go and drive through Spearfish Canyon. We drove along Hwy 14A seeing gorgeous scenery, beautiful waterfalls, awesome cliffs of limestone and just a wonderful outing in this part of the country. It is hard to believe the sights that we have been able to see since leaving San Diego area last February. We know that right now that we are in the most spectacular part of the country when it comes to the sights.

From Spearfish Canyon

http://picasaweb.google.com/pfradycate/SpearfishCanyon#5243860503387082898

From Spearfish Canyon

We continued east along 14A and 85 through Lead and up into Deadwood where we went to Kevin Costner's Tatanka "The Story of the Bison." This was very interesting and well worth going to see.

From href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pfradycate/Tatanka">Tatanka

http://picasaweb.google.com/pfradycate/Tatanka#5243864576134974914

We stopped in the Golddigger for lunch and put a few coins in their slot machines. I ended up losing but Russ came out ahead and we left as "Happy Campers, again."

We followed Hwy 85 back to I-90 through Sturgis where they have a humongus motorcycle rally every August. All of the towns around are just inandated with motorcycles for about 2 weeks.

We arrived back at the motor home total worn out but feeling good about what we had done and seen. Live is great.

Until next time, Take Care.

Bear Country USA

Saturday morning we awoke to sunny skies but knew that if we wanted to see anything that we had better get going as they were calling for rain during the day. We drove about 4 1/2 miles down Hwy-16 to Bear Country USA. This is a 200 acre natural Black Hills habitat where the animals can roam freely. Being a cool day they animals were up and moving all over the place.



http://picasaweb.google.com/pfradycate/BearCountryUSA


We saw Rocky Mountain Elk, Wild Turkey, Reindeer, Arctic Wolves, Big Horn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat, Black Bear, Timber Wolves (who were after the bears at times), Mountain Lions, Buffalo including a white one, Miniture Donkey. we went to the small animal exhibits where we saw river otters, porcupines, red fox, coyotes, lynx, raccoons, badgers, and the bear cubs. The cubs were all over the place and just made for a wonderful time of watching them play and frolic. I could have stayed and watched them all day.

We then took a ride down to Keystone and something was going on as traffic was backed up about 2 miles from town. We decided that we would not wait to find out what was happening. We turned around and went to the Christmas Village, just looking at all the Christmas ornaments that they have.

We decided to come back to the RV and just as we opened the door, there was a flash of lightning, a roll of thunder and the rains started. Along with the rain was some hail but now real winds. Thank goodness. This lasted about 30 minutes and then we had a little sun but mostly clouds.

At 2:30 pm it was cloudy but no rain so we decided to go and see the Chapel in the Hills. This is an exact replica of the Borgund Stavkirke located near Laerdal, Norway. When we got there the host told us that there was to be a wedding at 3:30 pm but that we could visit the chapel until then. There was a narration all about why and how they had brought the buildings from Norway and what all the meanings were in the sculpting around the doors. Very interesting. There was also a Norwegian Cabin on the grounds with many interesting pieces of furniture and living tools. This is a must see if you are in the Rapid City area.



http://picasaweb.google.com/pfradycate/ChapelInTheHillsReplicaOfTheBorgundStavkirkeLocatedNearLaerdalNorway#


While we were at the Chapel, the rains again started so we came on back home and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon working on uploading all the pictures I had taken for the day. Bear Country (95) Chapel in the Hills (25). I hope that you will take a look at them and enjoy as much as I am.

Until next time, Take Care.

Seeing Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park and Crazy Horse, Again

Friday morning came early for us, as we had made reservations with Ft. Hays Tours to go on their 9 hour tour of Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park and Crazy Horse. We arrived at 7:45 am and purchased our tickets. Breakfast was included in our tour package. I had pancakes and sausage along with orange juice. Russ had the biscuits and gravy with sausage and coffee. After breakfast we had a few minutes to wait for the bus so we toured the shops that Ft. Hays has set up. This is also the place where they have the set from "Dances with Wolves starring Kevin Costner.

We boarded the bus and left the parking lot at about 9 am heading for our first stop which would be Mt. Rushmore. We always enjoy going here and seeing the wonderful work that Gutzon Borglum did on the carving of the mountain with the four presidents.

http://picasaweb.google.com/pfradycate/MtRushmore#5243011532827112034

We continued on Hwy 16A crossing pigtail bridges, going through tunnels that were just wide enough for the bus and doing switchbacks where you thought the people in the front of the bus were going to speak to the people in the back. It was a fun trip.

We then went into Custer State Park where we encountered the donkeys who await the bus for feeding. They know that there is always food for them and they also enjoy the petting. We then visited "The Game Lodge." This is where Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Dwight D. Eisenhower made their Summer White House during their term in office. We also had a delious buffet lunch.

http://picasaweb.google.com/pfradycate/CusterStatePark#5243036904995035154

Continuing on from Custer State Park we made our way to Sylvan Lake.

This is a beautiful and peaceful place as you can see from the pictures.




http://picasaweb.google.com/pfradycate/SylvanLake#5243041348214263330

It was then to Crazy Horse Mounment. Work has been going on here for 40 years and they are still not anywhere close to being finished. Here are pictures of what has been done and what is to be done.




http://picasaweb.google.com/pfradycate/CrazyHorse#5243043712952189058

It is now after 5 pm so we are headed back to Ft. Hays where we will have a "Chuckwagon Supper" and entertainment. A fun filled day.

Until the next time, Take Care.

Rushmore Shadows Resort, Rapid City, SD

 
 
 
 

This morning we were again up early eager to get on the road heading for Rapid City, SD. We traveled east along Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota Hwy-212. This is mainly a dual lane highway with occasional passing lanes and a number of small towns to go through. We encountered two construction areas where we had to follow a pilot car.

We arrived at Rushmore Shadows Resort at about 1 pm. We got the rig all set up in Space 317, at the back of the park, then headed out for a late lunch early supper. We went to Golden Corral over by Wal-Mart. After lunch we came back to our little house and made reservations to go on a 9-hour tour of Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, and Needles Highway. We will also have breakfast there and return to a chuckwagon dinner and show. We did this tour three years ago and can't wait to do it again tomorrow.

Tonight is being spent watching Big Brother, Russ watching the football game and the RNC speech by John McCain.

Until next time, Take Care.

"SmokeJumpers"

Today as yesterday, we had periods of rain for most of the morning. Russ and I had a nice breakfast and watched some TV while waiting for it to clear. Our mail was also delivered to us so I went through that finding only a couple of things that need real attention.

We then decided to take a ride finding the "SmokeJumpers" School. We stopped in for a great tour given by Kelsey, a junior at University of Montana. She was very informative and we all got a better understanding of what the courages firefighters do and what they go through. If you are in the Missoula area, this is a must see.