We met our trainers Marci and Chad, daughter and son-in-law of the owners, at 9:30 and began learning their system for cleaning the bathrooms. (A far different and more efficient approach than the "hose down everything" system at Killens Pond!) Chad is an excellent teacher and provided instruction as well as the rationale.
Tomorrow we'll be with Marci to learn how to clean the bedrooms. Later in the week, Dixie will teach us how to prepare breakfast and to handle reservations and check-ins.
We went into tiny Tropic, bought a few hardware items, picked up our mail at the post office and took care of some ; chores we didn't have time for yesterday.
Beautiful, clear day; temps are still chilly.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
First Day Off
We were scheduled to begin working today but the couple who will train us had another obligation so we'll start tomorrow.
This morning we moved the RV about 10' forward in order to get a more direct internet signal. It was as much work as moving to another site but the improved reception is worth the effort.
After lunch we took three short hikes, Arches and Pink Ledges trails in Red Canyon (part of Dixie National Forest) and Mossy Cave trail in Bryce Canyon National Park. Saw some arches, windows, hoodoos, vistas, a waterfall, a slimy cave and a few very early wildflowers.
The stress of traveling and the labor of settling in has caught up with us; we're pretty tired and considering an early bed-time.
Scenes along the Arches Trail--Red Canyon
Scenes along Pink Ledges Trail--Red Canyon
Scenes along Mossy Cave Trail--Bryce Canyon National Park
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Day 6: Green River to Tropic, Utah
Details: 4.75 hours travel time; 237 miles Total miles: 2,227
It was cold in Green River last night with temps well below freezing. Thankfully, the gusty winds subsided and the RV stood still and steady from sunset onward. This morning, the sun warmed the campground quickly. (Actually, it thawed the tenters too quickly--we had to wait for showers in the bath-house.)
Before starting a third day on I-70, we had complimentary coffee and pastry in the campground office and then strolled a block to the Green River, where John Wesley Powell began his exploration of the Colorado River.
The most stunning scenery and the most magnificent vistas in the seven states we traveled were contained in today's final 237 miles. Don't assume they were easy miles, though. There were warnings about deer, elk, ice, slippery when wet road surfaces, no gas for 106 miles, gusty winds, falling rocks, steep grades. And then there was the snow--on the mountains, along the roadside then falling from the sky.
This would be a terribly depressing saga if the destination weren't worthy of the effort to reach it. I'm thrilled to report that this is a beautiful place, both the Stone Canyon Inn itself and its location, looking upward into Bryce Canyon.
We met the owners, Dixie and Mike, briefly before they joined four of their children and thirteen grandchildren for a belated Easter egg hunt. We spent about an hour with Keith and Sandy, the other work-kamper couple, who arrived three weeks ago. Everyone seems energetic, enthusiastic and very happy to be here. It looks like this will be a great summer!
It was cold in Green River last night with temps well below freezing. Thankfully, the gusty winds subsided and the RV stood still and steady from sunset onward. This morning, the sun warmed the campground quickly. (Actually, it thawed the tenters too quickly--we had to wait for showers in the bath-house.)
Before starting a third day on I-70, we had complimentary coffee and pastry in the campground office and then strolled a block to the Green River, where John Wesley Powell began his exploration of the Colorado River.
The most stunning scenery and the most magnificent vistas in the seven states we traveled were contained in today's final 237 miles. Don't assume they were easy miles, though. There were warnings about deer, elk, ice, slippery when wet road surfaces, no gas for 106 miles, gusty winds, falling rocks, steep grades. And then there was the snow--on the mountains, along the roadside then falling from the sky.
This would be a terribly depressing saga if the destination weren't worthy of the effort to reach it. I'm thrilled to report that this is a beautiful place, both the Stone Canyon Inn itself and its location, looking upward into Bryce Canyon.
We met the owners, Dixie and Mike, briefly before they joined four of their children and thirteen grandchildren for a belated Easter egg hunt. We spent about an hour with Keith and Sandy, the other work-kamper couple, who arrived three weeks ago. Everyone seems energetic, enthusiastic and very happy to be here. It looks like this will be a great summer!
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| Home, for the next 4 months |
Views from our campsite
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Friday, April 29, 2011
Day 5: Strasburg, Colorado to Green River, Utah
Details: 9.75 hours travel time; 386 miles Total miles: 1990
Thanks to all of you who have sent your good wishes. We love hearing from you!
Although the Strasburg campground was nice, it was also extremely noisy, with I-70 just to the south of our site and the freight tracks to our north. Fred was able to sleep but I woke often worrying about the next leg of this undertaking.
Even though we set out during rush hour, I-70 traffic through Denver wasn't heavy and moved along without delays or bottlenecks. Immediately beyond the city limits, the highway begins the ascent of the western flank of the Rockies. Signs warning "Ice on Roadway," Watch for Wildlife on Road" and "Runaway Truck Ramp Ahead" were as unsettling as the deep snow covering the hillsides. We crossed three passes (10,000' to 11,000' elevation) each followed by a long, steep descent. The poor RV struggled in both directions--the engine labored uphill and the brakes strained on the downhill. Fred did an impressive job of getting us up and over. We decided that the Rocky Mountains are best appreciated from a distance--the narrow route is claustrophobic and the rocks and vegetation on the slopes aren't particularly attractive when seen up-close.
The AAA book warned that 'limited services' are available between Green River and Salina, Utah so we decided to buy groceries and gas in Grand Junction, Colorado. Thank heavens we did because we saw no stores and only one gas station (regular for $4.10/gallon) after crossing the state line. What we did find was wind. The gusts made the RV swerve from one lane to the other and Fred had to struggle continually to keep it on course.
Tonight we're encamped at the Green River KOA and still being battered by the wind--the RV is rocking back and forth like a ship! Hopefully the wind will subside after the sun sets. But when it does, the temperature will plummet toward the predicted low of 26*, setting the stage for tomorrow's snow showers. Weatherwise, late April has been a stressful time to travel this route.
Details: 9.75 hours travel time; 386 miles Total miles: 1990
Thanks to all of you who have sent your good wishes. We love hearing from you!
Although the Strasburg campground was nice, it was also extremely noisy, with I-70 just to the south of our site and the freight tracks to our north. Fred was able to sleep but I woke often worrying about the next leg of this undertaking.
Even though we set out during rush hour, I-70 traffic through Denver wasn't heavy and moved along without delays or bottlenecks. Immediately beyond the city limits, the highway begins the ascent of the western flank of the Rockies. Signs warning "Ice on Roadway," Watch for Wildlife on Road" and "Runaway Truck Ramp Ahead" were as unsettling as the deep snow covering the hillsides. We crossed three passes (10,000' to 11,000' elevation) each followed by a long, steep descent. The poor RV struggled in both directions--the engine labored uphill and the brakes strained on the downhill. Fred did an impressive job of getting us up and over. We decided that the Rocky Mountains are best appreciated from a distance--the narrow route is claustrophobic and the rocks and vegetation on the slopes aren't particularly attractive when seen up-close.
The AAA book warned that 'limited services' are available between Green River and Salina, Utah so we decided to buy groceries and gas in Grand Junction, Colorado. Thank heavens we did because we saw no stores and only one gas station (regular for $4.10/gallon) after crossing the state line. What we did find was wind. The gusts made the RV swerve from one lane to the other and Fred had to struggle continually to keep it on course.
Tonight we're encamped at the Green River KOA and still being battered by the wind--the RV is rocking back and forth like a ship! Hopefully the wind will subside after the sun sets. But when it does, the temperature will plummet toward the predicted low of 26*, setting the stage for tomorrow's snow showers. Weatherwise, late April has been a stressful time to travel this route.
Green River KOA
Saturday morning
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| Fred near the John Wesley Powell Museum Saturday morning |
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Day 4: Russell, Kansas to Strasburg, Colorado
Details: 6.25 hours travel time; 329 miles Total miles: 1604
What a lovely day! Clear skies and sunshine--no rain, no wind, no hail, no storm warnings. Traveling is much more enjoyable under such favorable conditions.
We were stunned that the tornado system which missed us Tuesday night in southeastern OK swept into the south causing massive death and destruction. Being under a tornado warning was frightening; I can't imagine how terrifying being in a tornado must be.
We finished crossing the Northern Plains, from northwestern Kansas through northeastern Colorado, by lunch-time. I-70 is a good road with light traffic and gentle grades, gaining almost 3500' in elevation in about 240 miles. We saw lots of farmland, pastureland; grain elevators, hundreds of them, dominated the landscape. We also spotted a several patches of snow, a large cluster of immense wind turbines and very few trees and none which had leafed out.
The highlight of today's trip was my first glimpse of the Rockies. The snow-covered peaks shimmered in the distance, seeming to float between the horizon and the sky. Magnificent!
(They look just like the picture on the Coors label--honest.)
Thank you, electrical elves, for fixing the tail-light problem and getting the radio to work. We were completely unaware of your clandestine visit but we certainly appreciate your kindness!
Did you siphon off some of our gas in return? Just asking....
We're spending the night at a nicely-appointed KOA in Strasburg, 25 miles east of Denver. AND located right beside the railroad tracks near a crossing (= extensive whistle-blowing).
What a lovely day! Clear skies and sunshine--no rain, no wind, no hail, no storm warnings. Traveling is much more enjoyable under such favorable conditions.
We were stunned that the tornado system which missed us Tuesday night in southeastern OK swept into the south causing massive death and destruction. Being under a tornado warning was frightening; I can't imagine how terrifying being in a tornado must be.
We finished crossing the Northern Plains, from northwestern Kansas through northeastern Colorado, by lunch-time. I-70 is a good road with light traffic and gentle grades, gaining almost 3500' in elevation in about 240 miles. We saw lots of farmland, pastureland; grain elevators, hundreds of them, dominated the landscape. We also spotted a several patches of snow, a large cluster of immense wind turbines and very few trees and none which had leafed out.
The highlight of today's trip was my first glimpse of the Rockies. The snow-covered peaks shimmered in the distance, seeming to float between the horizon and the sky. Magnificent!
(They look just like the picture on the Coors label--honest.)
Thank you, electrical elves, for fixing the tail-light problem and getting the radio to work. We were completely unaware of your clandestine visit but we certainly appreciate your kindness!
Did you siphon off some of our gas in return? Just asking....
We're spending the night at a nicely-appointed KOA in Strasburg, 25 miles east of Denver. AND located right beside the railroad tracks near a crossing (= extensive whistle-blowing).
April 28, 2011
Strasburg, CO
Rockies in background
(look closely at horizon)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Day 3: Sallisaw, Oklahoma to Russell, Kansas
Details: 8.25 hours travel time; 429 miles Total miles: 1275
Obviously we survived last night but I'll remember it as one of the scariest that I've ever spent. A tornado touched down in Fort Smith, Arkansas--which we'd driven through a few hours earlier. Thank heavens we decided on the campground 40 miles farther west!
We weren't totally unscathed, though. Early this morning the sky darkened and thunder rolled over, heralding a hail storm. For about ten minutes we were pelted with mothball-sized hail. After it passed, we quickly unhooked the utilities, stowed our gear and got on the road about 8:00.
We'd spent Monday and Tuesday pressing west on I-40. Today we turned north and traveled
from eastern OK into central Kansas. As far north as Tulsa, every body of water was above normal level if not flooded. From Tulsa northward the terrain shows a slight but constant elevation gain and occasional rolling hills. There were no signs of massive rainfall or storm damage so perhaps this area missed what had swept through to the south.
It would be inaccurate to describe the scenery in OK and KS as 'dramatic' or even 'interesting.' By default, the best parts of our day's journey were: #1 listening to Morning Edition on NPR and #2 finding a wonderful travel center with easy-in/easy-out gas pumps and an upscale McDonald's. Really!
We're spending tonight in Russell, Kansas, whose claim to fame is being birthplace of Bob Dole. No wonder he spent so many years in Washington! There's a pizza-and-beer joint, an Italian buffet, a Pizza Hut, a McDonald's (definitely not upscale) and two sad RV parks. We are staying in the one next to the historic oil rig museum.
Forecasts show that the violent storms are moving east and this region will be clear and calm for the remainder of the week. Good weather will certainly reduce a significant amount of this trip's stress.
The Jeep's left tail-light doesn't operate when it's attached to the RV's electrical system. We played around with the cable and it worked briefly but shortly went 'on the blink' again. While bouncing along an extremely rough section of concrete highway, the radio jarred loose from its slot in the dash and stopped working completely. I forgot to bring the can-opener.
Obviously we survived last night but I'll remember it as one of the scariest that I've ever spent. A tornado touched down in Fort Smith, Arkansas--which we'd driven through a few hours earlier. Thank heavens we decided on the campground 40 miles farther west!
We weren't totally unscathed, though. Early this morning the sky darkened and thunder rolled over, heralding a hail storm. For about ten minutes we were pelted with mothball-sized hail. After it passed, we quickly unhooked the utilities, stowed our gear and got on the road about 8:00.
We'd spent Monday and Tuesday pressing west on I-40. Today we turned north and traveled
from eastern OK into central Kansas. As far north as Tulsa, every body of water was above normal level if not flooded. From Tulsa northward the terrain shows a slight but constant elevation gain and occasional rolling hills. There were no signs of massive rainfall or storm damage so perhaps this area missed what had swept through to the south.
It would be inaccurate to describe the scenery in OK and KS as 'dramatic' or even 'interesting.' By default, the best parts of our day's journey were: #1 listening to Morning Edition on NPR and #2 finding a wonderful travel center with easy-in/easy-out gas pumps and an upscale McDonald's. Really!
We're spending tonight in Russell, Kansas, whose claim to fame is being birthplace of Bob Dole. No wonder he spent so many years in Washington! There's a pizza-and-beer joint, an Italian buffet, a Pizza Hut, a McDonald's (definitely not upscale) and two sad RV parks. We are staying in the one next to the historic oil rig museum.
Forecasts show that the violent storms are moving east and this region will be clear and calm for the remainder of the week. Good weather will certainly reduce a significant amount of this trip's stress.
The Jeep's left tail-light doesn't operate when it's attached to the RV's electrical system. We played around with the cable and it worked briefly but shortly went 'on the blink' again. While bouncing along an extremely rough section of concrete highway, the radio jarred loose from its slot in the dash and stopped working completely. I forgot to bring the can-opener.
Russell, Kansas
April 27, 2011
Scenic Surroundings
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Day 2: Hurricane Mills, TN to Sallisaw, OK
Details: 8.25 hours travel time; 457 miles Total miles: 846
Last night was a noisy one. Shortly after we went to bed, the weather radio squawked a blaring severe thunderstorm alert. It took a while before we were able to get back to sleep. Sometime after midnight we were awakened by heavy rain beating on the roof of the RV. Exhaustion finally triumphed over the racket and we slept uninterrupted until about 6:30.
Gaining an hour by crossing into the Central Time Zone yesterday helped us start out early this morning. As soon as we pulled onto I-40W we began to see the results of last night's storms: trees sheared-off about 20 feet from the ground, large signs blown down, a tractor-trailer tossed on its side. Every body of water we saw--creek, river, lake--was high and brown. The "Big Muddy" was just Big Mud today.
In my opinion, Arkansas is a state one goes through rather than to and the quicker one goes through it the better. (To be fair, the section from Little Rock to the Oklahoma border is more scenic with a better road surface and less traffic than the West Memphis to Little Rock stretch.) A woman at the Welcome Center told us a tornado hit near Little Rock last night; we learned later that 10 people had been killed.
We reached tonight's destination, Sallisaw, OK, about 3:30 and had the RV hooked up by 4. Since then, we've been watching local TV forecasters warn about and track approaching storms. A line of severe thunderstorms and a tornado have already skirted this area but more clusters are moving toward us; there's a tornado warning for this county until 10 PM.
Sallisaw KOA
Last night was a noisy one. Shortly after we went to bed, the weather radio squawked a blaring severe thunderstorm alert. It took a while before we were able to get back to sleep. Sometime after midnight we were awakened by heavy rain beating on the roof of the RV. Exhaustion finally triumphed over the racket and we slept uninterrupted until about 6:30.
Gaining an hour by crossing into the Central Time Zone yesterday helped us start out early this morning. As soon as we pulled onto I-40W we began to see the results of last night's storms: trees sheared-off about 20 feet from the ground, large signs blown down, a tractor-trailer tossed on its side. Every body of water we saw--creek, river, lake--was high and brown. The "Big Muddy" was just Big Mud today.
In my opinion, Arkansas is a state one goes through rather than to and the quicker one goes through it the better. (To be fair, the section from Little Rock to the Oklahoma border is more scenic with a better road surface and less traffic than the West Memphis to Little Rock stretch.) A woman at the Welcome Center told us a tornado hit near Little Rock last night; we learned later that 10 people had been killed.
We reached tonight's destination, Sallisaw, OK, about 3:30 and had the RV hooked up by 4. Since then, we've been watching local TV forecasters warn about and track approaching storms. A line of severe thunderstorms and a tornado have already skirted this area but more clusters are moving toward us; there's a tornado warning for this county until 10 PM.
Sallisaw, OK
April 26, 2011
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