Traveling the United States, one State at a time.

April 12, 2010

Oh my! It has been so long since the last post. We have stayed so busy. We had friends that said, when they retired they were even busier than when they were working. That was so hard to believe, till we retired. You have so much time on your hands. You have so many places to see. You run out of time just doing the things you could not do while working. Like keeping up with these postings. We go out and venture around everwhere we visit. We get to a campground and the first thing we do is go to the visitors center in the town visiting and see what there is to do in the area. That helps determine how long we stay in the area. Believe me when I say, this country has so much to see and so many places to go, you never get tired of traveling. The people we talk to are so pleasant. They always enjoy hearing us talk about where we have been and where we are going. Some say, when they retire we want to do the same thing you are doing. Of course we encourage them to save and go out and enjoy their retirement while they can.

Let me try to catch you up on our travels. We traveled up to Northern California to visit our kids and grand kids. As always, these visits are far too short. The grand kids are getting so big and are taking on such great personalities of their own. We truly miss seeing all of them. Our youngest son, recently married and has taken on two children of his own. Have a wonderful life Seth and Courtney. Don't sweat the small stuff life throws at you. Love each other and live happy.

Next we are off to see Mom and my sister and brother in Oregon. We all have planned a visit to the coast later this year and that will give us the time we all need to catch up on our lives. So many of our nieces and nephews are leaving the nest, it is sometimes hard to keep up with them all. We do send out love to all of them and wish them a long and happy life in what ever they choose to do in in the future.

We started traveling across the northern part of the United States,visiting states we had never been to. Again, so much to see and so little time to see it all. We continued over to Chicago, where I am from. The family opened up their doors for us. We shared so many memories and we had a chance to meet some of the new members of the family. I have cousins I have not seen in many years, but as a kid, we shared many great times together.

We did loose a couple members of our family this year. My dear Uncle David, passed away. He was one of the many brothers my Mom has. He now is resting in heaven and is looking down and smiling at the rest of us. We miss you Uncle David, rest in peace.

We also lost my Uncle Bob. Uncle Bob lived every day to the fullest. He loved to laugh, dance and enjoy a few drinks along the way. We will miss you Uncle Bob.

It was time to move on. We traveled to Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks. Time to pay a visit to Mary Jo's side of the family. Frank andf Debbie moved from So. Californina, two blocks from the beach, to Missouri. While the move from the beach was hard for all of us to believe, they did move into a new home on the lake. We had the opportunity to pay a visit for a few weeks. It is truly heaven here. So now we understand why they made the move. We are heading back to see them in a few months and we may never leave!! Well, maybe when winter sets in. But we will be back for sure.

It was time to head to Sedona, Arizona. Mary Jo needed time to rejuvinate there. The red rocks of Sedona are so beautiful this time of the year. The sun would come out and the mountains would again come alive with color. What a truly relaxing place this is.

We slowly headed West. Back to Southern California. We had missed Mary Jo's her sisiter and brother-in-law, Susan and Andy, so much. They also needed Mary Jo's help in doing the gardening. This is one of the biggest things Mary Jo had to give up when we went full time. She loved gardening. She also loves cactus. So, have several plants we place on the front dash of the motor home. So many people walk by and enjoy seeing them. They often ask how we drive with the plands on the dash? We explain, we put them into plastic bins on the floor while traveling.

While here in So Cal. we decided to take a little 7 day Mexican Riviera Cruise. Wow, how relaxing. You really are spoiled with the service on board. We took a shore excursion one day of the cruise. We were taken on a 45 minute boat ride to the shores out of the town of Puerta Villarta. When we arrived, there were natives in dress, and beating on drums welcoming us to shore. We were given this little table right next to the waters edge, looking out to sea. The waves were kissing the rocks on shore. The buffet style food wasn't anything to write home about, but the landscape was awesome. Then off to a live show. We were sent walking along a dirt path, which has small candles all along the path to light the way. Torches were also lit adding that tropical touch to an already beautiful place. Even the restrooms had candles lit in the room for light. There's no electricity here. So candle light and torch light is what leads the way down the paths. It is so beautiful. After the show by some of the natives, we were wisked back to the boat for the ride back to the ship. While on the water, the staff of the boat and some of the guests went up on deck and entertained us all with a little dancing. Now remember, we were on a boat, moving across the water with a few ups and downs. It was very entertaning to watch. Fun was had by all.

The vacation ended, back into port. Ok, I know, some of you say, what vacation, you are always on vacation. When you travel in a motor home your in close quarters, you sometimes need a little room to spread out. Living in a motor home is fun, exciting, and a great life, but, getting out and having say, a larger bed to sleep in, or a kitchen where you don't have to squeeeze by each other is a real treat.

Well, a few more weeks here in So Cal and it will be time to get back on the road Driving Mrs Davis. So many places to see and so many adventures to enjoy. We hope you enjoyed reading about our adventures. I will try to post more often, but there are only so many hours in the day.

Till next time, be safe, love your family and happy travels to all of you,

Mike and Mary Jo

October 10,2009

We finally reached Southern California. The weather has been excellent all over the country and now in So. Cal. it is no different. We are looking forward to winter thou. We love the changing of the seasons. Now it's time to visit FAMILY. We have missed them so much. Our grandkids are getting so big and smart. We need to desparately hook up with them to stay in the goove......what an old clishe. We are stayng up at our favorite campground by Idlywild. Silent Valley is having a haunted forest at the end of this month and the park will fill up with alomost every site taken. We will not be up here for the haunted forest. We have other plans. There are so many people to see while we are here.

It will be time however, to start heading up North, and to go East to Sedona. There are so many places to still want to visit. So, after a little rest and a few visits to friends and family, we will be back on the road. We both hope you all have a safe Halloween. Send us your feed back and keep iin touch. Love to all, Mike and Mary Jo

August 17 2009

What a great time we are having on the road. We left So Cal the end 0f January and worked our way up north and into Chico to visit our kids and grandkids. There is never enough time to spend with the family when your on the road. We want to send our son Seth a special We Love You.

We worked our way up to Redding to spend time with my brother and his wife. Then up to Oregon to see Mom. We even had time to coax my brother, Ron, and his wife, Jan, from Redding to come up and help paint Mom's house. It was time to head to cousin Kim and her family. As always they welcomed us with open arms and invited more of the family for us to visit with while we were there.

We had absolutely the best time going up to Northen Washington and were able to visit Canada and were able to take a driving tour around the area.

It was time to start heading East. Stopped in Idaho and several other states along the way. The next stop was Chicago. Now, I have lots of family still in Chicago. The were gracious enough to throw a party for us so we could see all the family in one place. Our love and Thank You to my Aunt Vicki and Uncle Russell for the party. One of my other Uncles, fresh out of the hospital, held another gathering. My Uncle Denny and Aunt Kathy are imbedded Chicagoans, if that is a word. No one knows the city like they do.

Again, while in Chicago, my Dads side of the family held a gathering also. Cousins, Patty and Cathy, and my Uncle Bob, who... oh, my word, know how to party, threw together a great dinner for us. We had the chance to reminice about the old Davis Olympics parties we use to have for the family. So many memories. Thank you again for the care package, Cathy.

It was timea to start heading south towards Lake of the Ozarks. Mary Jo's cousin Frank and his wife Debbie have built this incredible home right on the lake. We have been asked to stay longer than we had planned, but let me tell you, this lake is so much fun during the summer months. We have been floating in the lake almost everyday in the late afternoon. After all, the humidity is as I am writing this, 100%!!! We have the pleasure of taking their boat out for several runs across the lake. Going to lunch one day, cruising the lake on another. How can you not relax here. We keep telling them we are on vacation! Well, off to travel West, till next time, Love to you all.

Happy Birthday Mary Jo!

This blog is being officially hijacked by her daughter-in-law, Lisa. We wanted to tell you all how special Mary Jo is to us! Her birthday was today, did you know that? Yes, it's late for me to be posting this, our lives are an unending chaotic overture and we never know where each day will lead us, but we did not forget your birthday mom.

Mary Jo has been the MOST wonderful mother-in-law I could ever hope to have. I am NOT kidding you. She is one of my best friends and I adore her! I am blessed beyond measure to have her in my life and just typing this brings tears to my eyes.

Let me tell you how great of a mother-in-law she is to me. She never buts into our relationship with our children, like the stereotype TV mother-in-laws do. She may disagree with some things I do, but she never says anything. She respects my role as a mother and wife and has been beyond gracious to me. Her patience with my most immature moments surpasses that of most friends I have ever had. During the roughest parts of my adult life, she was there for me. She hugged me and held me while I cried.

Mary Jo is a fabulous grandmother, as she is called Non, her grandchildren adore her as well. There are times while she is traveling that the children cry because they miss her so much! They count the days when they will see her again and look forward to every moment they get to spend with her. I'm beginning to sob as I type this out right now.

Words just cannot describe how much she is loved. There's rarely a day when the children don't mention her name for one reason or another. We have a tremendous amount of time with her, even though I think she misses some things if her hearing aids aren't in. She still smiles and nods as if she heard us. She's so cute! I love seeing her laugh and giggle with the grandchildren. She thoroughly enjoys each one of them and makes time for them individually. How precious!

When I brag to my friends about how my mother-in-law is coming to town they look at me like I've got a few screws loose. (Not that they know anything bad about MJ, but they don't have this kind of relationship with their husband's mothers) People have a hard time understanding how much we get along and that just goes to show you how special she really is. She is a rare jewel that is not found often in this world.

I am grateful for having Mary Jo for my mother-in-law. I couldn't have asked God for a better one! Happy Birthday Mom! Love, Scott, Lisa and the children. ;O)

June 6 2009

Well, it's been awhile since our last post. We have traveled many places up thru California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and now into Idaho. We are slowly working our way to see family in Chicago, which is where Mike was born. Mary Jo in Pennsylvania and we will do our best to make sure we visit there.

While visiting our kids and grand kids in Chico, my son, his son, and I were treated to a special time. We had a friend take us up in his cessna airplane. What was so special about this was that this was Timmy's first airplane ride!! With headset on and fastened in tight, we took off. Timmy was full of questions, but the first time flyer was in awe of his first flight. And you know, I am so proud that I, Poppop, was able to join Timmy on this special occasion.......you see, my Dad was a small plane pilot, and the first time I flew, I always wanted to go back up and get lost in another place in time. We are bonded for ever.

A stop in San Francisco was a must. Muir Woods National Park is spectacular. The quiet setting, the trails, the trees, the water with fish, not an aquarium at Walmart! So peaceful you could spend weeks in this peaceful place.

A stop a one of the many local museums, we noticed people standing around this giant circle with a pendulum swinging around this circle?? It turned out to be a giant clock that swings with the rotation of the earth, knocking down these pins set up on the floor as it rounds the clock. It was hard not to take you eyes off the pendulum.

A stop in Oregon at Mike's moms. It was a relaxing stop?? OK, we did manage to do a little work around ther outside and inside of the house! We do miss having a house to tinker on. Mother's day was approching, we had to do something for mom. Then on the road with Mom and brother Rick for a little stay in Brookings Harbor. Right on the harbor. What a spectacular view. A stop in Silverton, Oregon. As we drove along the country roads, there were fields and fields of Christmas trees??? As a kid, I thought the trees were farmed way up in the Oregon mountains and trucked down to So. Cal for us to enjoy at Christmas. Well, I really wasn't reallly disappointed, but an illusion was busted for sure.

Gig Harbor.....OH, so beautiful. We could just sit here and watch the water and boats all day long. A little shopping was in order, ok, just to stretch the legs after lunch!

Friday Harbor. This is in an area where everything has to be reached by ferry. We did take the car along to explore the Island. While drving down the road, Mary Jo noticed some special gates to properties that we had to turn around and take pictures of. The imagination of some people is amazing.

Back on the road it was time to head to Bothel, Washington. I have a cousin, Kim and her family who live in a wonderful home in town. Kim always let us know where the best places to see and eat are. Her family is a joy to visit with and her inlaws are a kick. So knowledgeable about the area. We thank them for having us.

What can I say about Seattle. We had the opportunity to go up the Seattle Tower. What a view. Then we decided to take the cruise from Seattle thru a lock from the fresh water to the sea water. Around we went, watching as we go, the Cruise ships leaving port for Alaska and more. While traveling past the lock, we were asked by the skipper to look at this little blue house, with benches along the waterway. It happened to be the house where Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks filmed Sleepless in Seattle. Heading out again, we rounded the corner of land, and just ahead of the bow of the boat, was a view of Seattle that was breath taking. Just to the right an absolutely beautiful and clear view of Mr Rainer. The boat ride will be remembered as one of the best adventures we have ever taken for sure

We did manage to take the Ferry to British, Columbia. We stayed in Anacordes, Washington. A few miles away was a ferry to take you to B.C. The people there are very nice and so helpful. While sitting in the car, we we looking at a map of the area. A gentleman walked up and asked us if we needed help to read the map or show us where to go. You just dont get this in other parts of the country. Shopping was again on the list of things we had to do.

It was time to leave Washington. We only touched all there was to see and do. But, we do have a timeline to follow. Chicago is calling. Our next stop is Iowa. We will pick up our travels from there. We hope you enjoyed our blog and the pictures. Please feel free to make comments and suggestions. This is why we post, for you all to see and enjoy what there is to see in this beautiful country of ours. Love to you all, and happy traveling. Mike and Mary Jo

April 12,2009
Well, Happy Easter to all. We have arrived in Eagle Point, Oregon. The weather is wet, but it's nice to be up north. We had a GREAT visit with our kids and grand kids. We do miss them very much when we are on the road. I will be posting pictures and a more detailed blog later. Just wanted to say Hi and hope you all see the Easter Bunny, say HI for us both. Talk later, Bye

On the Road Again

Hi to everyone. Well, we finally are on the road again. We made our first stop in Jalama Beach. Its a beautiful beach above L.A. and is one of our favorites. The sunsets were spectacular! We ate one of the famous Jalama Burgers...yum yum, and then enjoyed one of the greatest sunsets we have ever seen. We will be back for sure.

We have been slowly working our way up the coast enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery California has to offer. ,The coast has some of the most winding roads we ever driven, and in an RV, Ill tell you, don't let your eyes stray. We made a quick stop off the highway just beyond San Simeon where we saw some elephant seals enjoying the sun and beach. I must say, some were very large and loud.

We joined up with my brother and sister in law in San Francisco for a few days. We stayed at an RV park in Pacifica right on a bluff overlooking the ocean; a great spot for watching a sunset before going to dinner. We found a terrific Chinese restaurant called "Tam's" where we had the best Chinese food on the planet . We enjoyed a harbor cruise and visit to Sausalito and a walk around the San Francisco wharf. We went to the newly re-opened Natural Science Museum in Golden Gate Park. What a fantastic place. Our favorite part was the new planetarium. It's an auditorium in the round. The entire ceiling is round and the view of the earth and space was spectacular. We need to protect our planet, its the only one we have!

We then moved on to Napa. The weather has been raining, but this did not stop us. Again out to explore the area. This is a place where you want to come back during the harvest of the grapes. This is when all the action happens. We will be back.

We are working our way up north and will be visiting family and friends for awhile. Our family has been waiting patiently for our arrival and we will soon be on their front porch to show them all the places we have enjoyed on our adventures. And to also teach them the only way this planet will survive is to recycle and take care of what we have here on planet earth.

Ok, I couldn' resist adding one of my favorite pics of our kids and grand kids on vacation. Love to everyone.

Enjoying life, one road at a time.