Tag: state park
Winter Travel from Alberta to Arizona with an RV
March 14, 2022
Travelling south to Arizona from Alberta in the winter with an RV
The Canada/USA land border was open. Christmas was over. We had booked our Mexican campground. All that was left was to decide the best day to leave from Alberta. What would winter travel with an RV be like as we travelled from Alberta to Arizona? We had done many road trips in the summer but we knew this would be different.
Packing the 5th Wheel
January 2022 began with very cold temperatures in the -20’s C which made it very difficult to pack the trailer for 3 months away from home. The trailer leg blocks were frozen to the ground. The closed slide blocked our pantry cupboard. Fresh food would freeze. It was just too cold to be outside long enough to take clothing and other necessities to their places.
January 10 predicted a change with temperatures forecast to be above zero. We started up the furnace the day before to warm the trailer. Friends were travelling with us as far as their home in Arizona. They drove a 32-foot motorhome and towed a covered trailer for their desert toys.
Day 1 Travelling in a Winter Chinook- Rocky Mountain House, Alberta to Conrad, Montana. AB 2-I-15 642 km
It was above freezing as we threw in the last of the items, filled the propane tanks and topped off the gas in the truck. The sun began to rise as we turned south and faced into the Chinook Winds. These winds begin in the Pacific and head east over the Rocky Mountains. Moisture is dropped as snow at the continental divide then the air gains energy as it drops down into Alberta. These winds are warm and very strong as they are forced through the mountain passes. They form an arch of clouds over the mountains in the west and really affect gas mileage when a truck towing a 5th wheel is driving straight into them. We were barely 2 hours from home and had to stop for gas.
Although the mountain views were spectacular, the snow blowing straight across the road created traction and visibility issues. We had to use 4 wheel drive to get back on the road after a coffee stop in Claresholm. We saw a trailer in the ditch and semis blown off the road. Winter travel from Alberta to Arizona was looking like a bad idea.
Montana
The border crossing was uneventful. Covid tests were not required at land crossings, and apparently, vaccine records were not necessary as we weren’t asked. The wind continued to buffet us from the SW, although the amount of snow blowing across the road diminished as we travelled further into Montana.
After filling with gas every 2 hours, we arrived in Conrad, Montana. It is a town just north of Great Falls off of the I-15. The Pondera RV Park was open. When we arrived, there was no one to be found. After calling them the owner said, “Are you a trailer and a motorhome? We saw you on the bridge and figured that was where you were headed.” January small town service! Although there was 10 cm of snow on the ground, the power, water and washrooms were available. We paid $42.30 each for the night.
Day 2- Conrad, Montana to Idaho Falls. I-15 to Boulder, MT 69 to Whitehall, MT55/41 to Dillon 658 km
Before leaving, we decided to empty the antifreeze from the lines and add some water to the tank. This allowed us to be self-contained if we had to stop somewhere along the way.
The wind was less and the blowing snow was mostly gone. To avoid the climb over the pass at Butte, we took an alternate route from Boulder to Dillon. We passed a Historical Old Spa at Boulder where we started on route 69. The road was only 2-lane, but passed through some beautiful ranching and fly fishing country. It was quiet and had a gentle elevation change. Monida Pass at the Montana/Idaho border was still a big climb to 6800 ft. but the views were impressive. Lots of snow at the top but the wind was less and the roads were clear.
Snake River RV Park in Idaho Falls is open year-round. It was -9 at night, but our furnace and a tap with a slow drip kept the water lines open. It was $35 with a Good Sam discount and included a spectacular sunrise the next morning.
Day 3 Idaho Falls, ID to Mesquite NV I-15 885 km
We finally were able to stop for some groceries that wouldn’t freeze and more gas then began to actually enjoy our journey. The skies were blue and the temperature ranged from -7 to +7, depending on the passes. Idaho had snow, but it wasn’t blowing. We experienced big elevation changes up and down into valleys and over the Malad pass into Utah.
Utah-Legacy Parkway (ring road Salt Lake City)
As we entered Utah on the I-15 it was a treat to see green fields in the lower areas. The mountains weren’t as clear due to the pollution and all the trucks on the road. We took the Legacy Parkway (215) which was a great option to get away from the traffic of the I-15 and miss half of the Salt Lake City crowds. Big trucks weren’t allowed.
We travelled uneventfully through Utah to St. George at the southern border. We gassed up at Costco. Although it is cheaper, as a Canadian, there are challenges. Costco in Canada only takes Mastercard. In the USA the pumps only take Visa. We have to buy a gift card inside with our Mastercard, then use it at the pumps outside.
We also discovered that just because a car wash says 11 ft clearance, and you can drive inside, it doesn’t mean that the sprayer hose will clear your air conditioner. After trying to remove some of the mud and slush from our first couple of days, the cover of our air conditioner caught on the sprayer. I was able to climb up on top and remove the broken pieces as well as extricate the sprayer. Backing up was the only way we could get out and I had to crawl back down after ensuring everything was clear. Lesson learned…Know exactly how tall everything is on your unit.
Mesquite, NV
The first place you come to in Nevada is Mesquite. As you leave Utah, you travel through the beautiful Virgin River Canyon. If we had arrived earlier in the day, it would have been a great place to camp. As we were delayed due to our trailer washing debacle, we continued to Mesquite and camped in the gravel lot behind the Virgin River Casino. It was free to stay and reminded us of the importance of having water on board. Our trailer also has a good solar system so we had lots of power as well. Twenty units parked there on that night.
The buffet was a good option after 885 km of driving.
Mesquite, NV to Parker, Arizona 418 km I-15, 167/169 95S
We travelled from Nevada to Arizona to California to Arizona. Each state had a time change.
The morning through the desert was spectacular with the early light glowing off the brilliant red and golden rocks. We took the cutoff on 167/169 to Lake Mead Recreation Area through the Valley of Fire. The road was very quiet and we didn’t have to travel through Las Vegas. And did I mention the views!
We stopped in Henderson for a new AC cover. It took some time but we got exactly what we needed. We headed back out on the 95S to Needles. It was a good 2 lane road and avoided most of the truck traffic heading to and from Los Angeles on I-40.
Lake Havasu, Arizona
Lake Havasu City is beside one of the reservoirs on the Colorado River. London Bridge is located there. It was located in London until 1971 when the masonry from the 1830 bridge was used to clad a concrete structure over a canal. Since we were hauling a trailer through the city, we decided to skip the view of the bridge.
We drove around Lake Havasu and enjoyed the beautiful peaks, following a large body of water and a surprising wetland area at the end of the lake. BLM camping was popular on both sides of the road.
Buckskin Mountain State Park was just before the town of Parker on the 95. We got the last 2 sites. The price was $35 for power and water. Our friends had suggested earlier in the day to get a spot at the state park. It turned out that there is more than one state park and this one didn’t have cel service. When you are accustomed to being connected, I wasn’t sure how to let her know which campground was our home for the night. I was receiving messages, but couldn’t send them. I finally found the wifi spot in the campground and we were able to connect.
The temperature was around 20 degrees C and we finally felt like we were camping. We ate supper around the propane fire ring outside with just a light jacket. We didn’t need the furnace.
Parker, Arizona to Maricopa, Arizona 333 km
Our final day was easy. After a walk along the Colorado River in the campground to stretch our legs, we took quiet backroads to Maricopa, where our friends have a home. We tried the Don’s Famous Cactus Bar in Salome for lunch. Plenty of patrons were in the bar at 1 pm but the restaurant was closed that day. We’ll have to try it another time.
We finished our winter travel from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta to Arizona in the early afternoon a distance of 2936 km (1824 miles) It was 20 degrees with blue skies and sunshine.
Advisability of winter RV Travel from Alberta to Arizona
My conclusion on the advisability of winter RV travel in January from Alberta to Arizona is that it would have been better to travel in the cold than in the wind. It was a dangerous situation for the first day and part of the second day as trucks were being blown off the road and slush and icy roads grabbed at our tires. We should have waited another 3 days, according to the forecast, until the winds died down. A couple from Edmonton, Alberta that we met in Buckskin Mountain State Park travelled in the cold and stayed in hotels for the first couple of nights until it warmed up. Although it was cold, the roads were clear. Luckily we arrived at our destination without incident.
Athens, Ohio…What to do in a college town?
November 8, 2019
Athens, Ohio
Athens, Ohio is a college town in the SE corner of Ohio, nestled against the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. No one knows the population of the permanent residents, but there are over 20 000 students who join them each school year to attend Ohio University. A college town is different from other places of comparable size.
My daughter is a professor at Ohio University so I have had the opportunity to visit this area a couple of times so far. The culture of a college town is quite new to me as a Canadian. I felt like I was visiting a different country. Not all American locations are so different from home.
HIstorical signage 
Entrance to College Green 
Court Street, Athens
Homecoming
Our first weekend in Athens happened to be Homecoming. Several special events were planned for the alumni who came to town. We started the day at a catered breakfast hosted by the business school. Cakes, croissants, hot apple cider, mimosas, and Bloody Mary’s were available. Faculty, students, alumni, and their families mingled on the lawn outside the Business School. Everyone had layers of Ohio University and Bobcats gear to keep them warm on an unusually cold October day in Ohio.
Homecoming Parade
Everyone gathered along the sidewalk to watch the Homecoming Parade. The Marching 110 band led the parade. The ROTC marched close behind, although a few straggled behind to hand out candy to the children along the route. The sororities marched with banners and cheering members. Local groups in town advertised their events and activities. The “Men Who Sing” group added more music to the event.
Community turnout at Homecoming Ohio University gear ROTC marching in parade Not everyone marched Marching Band 110
My favourite group of performers was the Marching 110 Alumni Band. They are former members of the marching band who gather for the Homecoming Parade. They carried their instruments wearing their Ohio University jackets and marched along the route. The drums played. They demonstrated some of their marching band moves, although it was difficult for some of the class of ’69 to get down and back up again.
Drummers kept the beat Alumni band members Doing the old moves Band member 1967-70 Alumni Band Ohio University
Tailgating
My football experience is primarily Canadian, small-town high school. Tailgating before a college game was a new opportunity. We were lucky enough to have acquaintances with a parking pass for the football stadium. Tents set up along our walk provided places for alumni to gather as well as to sell beer as fundraisers for some college groups.
Our hosts provided snacks, drinks, and good conversation. Some people came and went while others stayed until the game began. Police were monitoring this event and one suggested that he didn’t want to notice an actual beer can. Drinks in cups were not his concern. I quickly emptied my fundraiser beer into a cup.
Bobcats Football
Ohio University is a Division I school. Their team played the Northern Illinois Huskies from DeKalb, Illinois. Fans were all adorned in their team gear. We had faculty tickets that were opposite the free student seats. Attendance for the game was 18019.
It was fun to watch. The commercial time outs provided an opportunity for the university to recognize different groups and alumnus. The Bobcat mascot and cheering squad kept the crowd entertained, especially after each point scored the team when they would drop down in the end zone and do the number of pushups that represented the total score for the team. The band was sitting in the stands opposite our seats and played during pauses in the game.
Halftime
Halftime was my favourite. The marching band took to the field and did several songs and interesting maneuvers. Some songs had the band making formations of OHIO. Other times they played and did dance moves on the spot. The musicianship and overall performance were impressive.
The final number included the Alumni band on the field with the current marching band. They performed Best of Both Worlds by Van Halen. The 2 bands numbered over 200 and were very entertaining.
We were cold after sitting on the shady side of the stadium and left at halftime. Unfortunately, the Bobcats lost 39-36.
Athens, Ohio Activities
Golf
Our golf course closed due to snow at the beginning of October. It was wonderful to get to play in the sun and changing leaves in Mid-October in the midwestern USA. Ohio University has a 9 hole course on campus, along the Hocking River. If you booked certain times on-line, you could golf for $10 per person with a cart. The holes had lots of variety. There was some water, sand, and challenging greens, although the course was not as well maintained as our course at home. That did not surprise us for it being late in the year. We played there a few times during our stay.
Athens also has a 9 hole course at the Athens Country Club. It is a private club and you must play with a member.
Ready to play Ohio University Golf Course Bridge to hole 3, Ohio University Tee box #3
Other Activities
A bike/running trail runs along the Hocking River. The trail allows you to visit several Craft Breweries in the area. Little Fish Brewing Company is one of these. I drove there on a Sunday morning for a yoga class. Classes are offered on a donation basis and held outside or inside the brewery when the weather dictates. You can stay for brunch or a beer afterward.
Athens, Ohio is in an agricultural area and there is a large variety of local food products and produce available at the Farmer’s Market held Saturday morning and Wednesday evening on State St. We bought a delicious raspberry Salsa where you could taste each recipe to find the one you liked best.
Restaurants and Bars
The advantage of having a large number of temporary residents is the number of bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. There are several chains like Texas Roadhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings and Applebee’s.
There were also many local restaurants. Casa Nuevo is very popular for Mexican food. We ate there on a Monday night and could only get into the bar as the restaurant was full. Jackie O’s has a taproom with a food truck as well as a restaurant.
Little Fish Brewing Company has a family-friendly outdoor space for food and drink. I loved their Beet Repeat beer with a splash of homemade ginger ale. Their cheese platter was not only beautiful but delicious.
The West End Cider House had a nice atmosphere. Their staff were knowledgeable about the different ciders and cocktails. They make their own ciders from Ohio apples. We tasted a flight where the samples were all different, but delicious. Cocktails are a specialty and their homemade ginger drink was non-alcoholic and really good. This location had a nice little patio that felt European and cozy.
Several of these local gathering places provide live music as well. There are many places that cater to students with smaller budgets where the ambiance and service are not as important. Court Street has lots of these.
Little Fish Brewery offerings Outside beer garden Family friendly Local cheese. Beet beer in the center Casa Nuevo Flight of Cider West Side Cider House patio
Outside of Athens, Ohio
We visited a couple of State Parks within 30 minutes of Athens. The countryside consists of rolling hills covered in forests.
Stroud Run State Park
This park is about 15 minutes from downtown Athens. There is a man-made lake where you can paddle a rented kayak. Many walking and hiking trails can be found in the park. Camping space is also available.
We were there late afternoon in October. It was almost empty. The water was still and the leaves on the trees were beginning to turn colour. It was such a quiet and serene place to getaway. I’m sure a hot summer day would be different, but it is a nice natural area.
Fall colours More fall reflections, Stroud’s Run Stoud’s Run view
Hocking Hills State Park
This park is about 50 minutes from Athens, Ohio. We drove there on the freeway but returned on the backroad, #56, which was very scenic and not too busy.
The area around Old Man’s Cave so impressed me. A deep gorge is the main feature, with naturally formed caves within the cliffs. Only In Your State says, “Hocking State Forest surrounds the state park and nature preserves. Its large boulders, giant tree roots, and abundance of greenery make you feel like you’re traveling to Middle Earth. “
Old Man’s Cave Visitor’s Center has some interesting displays of the history and geography of the area. Washrooms were available as well as maps and information.
We discovered a Sunday afternoon in late October to be extremely busy. The parking lot was full of drivers waiting for others to leave. The trail to the main caves was full of families, singles and couples all enjoying the views, unusual geological formations, and waterfalls. There are other places to visit in the area, but there was a lot to see packed into this small area. I would like to visit again on a weekday when there was more water flowing.
Old Man’s Cave “Middle Earth” bridge Bottom of the Old Man’s Cave gorge Interesting bridge over dry creek bed. Cool and moist at the bottom A bridge above the waterfall A reflective pool seen from the bridge above the gorge. View on route 56 View on route 56 Fall archway on route 56
What to do in a college town?
I have visited Athens, Ohio twice, once in the summer before the students arrived, and once in October. We found lots to do there. I know there are family events and activities as well as several music, art, and beer festivals planned throughout the year. Hallowe’en is a big event in this town.
In conclusion, Athens is in a beautiful part of Ohio. It is a regular small town except for the services that provide for 20 000 extra citizens each school year. There are many ways to stay active, natural areas to visit and places to eat/drink. Add the sporting events, the arts and academic opportunities at Ohio University and you will always find lots to do in this college town.
Stockton,California-The last chapter of our road trip to the airport
November 1, 2016
We are already in Thailand, but we were without wifi while we were travelling. Â I did my writing in my journal and will get them transferred quickly to complete the Road trip to the airport portion of our adventure.
Napa Valley
Napa Valley is a well established wine growing and wine making region in California. It was the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon on our road trip to the airport. Â We enjoy a particular Beringer Cabernet at home so we went to their estate to check out some other wines.
Beringer Grounds
Two brothers from Germany planted grapes in 1876 and started a winery.  It is a beautiful place with gardens and old stone buildings  We decided to taste the reserve wines that are normally around $130-150 a bottle.  We were curious how they were different.  I was surprised that although they have many more layers of flavor, I really prefer my $15 bottle version.  I can enjoy it without feeling I need to analyze every swallow.
We carried on our journey for a couple more hours through vineyards and orchards of olives, walnuts, almonds and unknown fruits to our daughter’s house in Stockton. Â It is a city that services the agricultural industry. Â The city itself declared bankruptcy a few years ago and now has a reasonable cost of living for rent and houses. Â There is also, unfortunately, a high crime rate in many parts of the city.
Our daughter teachers Sports Administration at the University of the Pacific, which ironically has been recognized as one of the most beautiful campuses in the USA Â We like it because her home is a great base to get to Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and Calaveras Big Trees State Park that we visited on Wednesday.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Gigantic base but shallow roots
The Giant Sequoia are related to Redwoods but while not as tall, they contain incredible mass. Â These trees can grow for over 2000 years. Â They have certain water and temperature requirements so are only found in small groves on the west side of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Â The guided trail through Big Trees explained how they grow and survive fires due to their branches growing so high up on the trunk and their special spongy bark that can be 2 feet thick. Â The bark also contains chemicals that make it resistant to burning. These trees are hard to describe. Â Their branches can be 6 feet in diameter!
Fallen tree from a hundred years ago.
Branches grow at the top
They were exploited in the early 1900’s. Â Holes were cut so cars could drive through them. A promoter got the idea of stripping off the bark in 6 ft. sections, then reconnecting them in London to show the size of these massive trees. Â It was a way to make money off a “wonder of the world.” Â He was surprised at the negative response, which resulted in the failure of his show, but the beginning of a movement to preserve these trees. Â By 1935, the Giant Sequoia groves were protected areas.
Great for pics but tree is dead at the top
Reclining bench so you can see up to the top of the tree
University of the Pacific
I spent a little time each day walking through the University of the Pacific campus. Â It really is an oasis in the city. Â The buildings are 2-3 story brick and most of the campus is only accessed by sidewalks. Â The roses were still blooming and the community garden had a big row of ripe strawberries. Â The athletic facilities were extensive and included an outdoor pool. Â We went there Friday night to cheer on the Tigers playing water polo against Long Beach. Â I’d never seen this sport played live before. Â Such athleticism! Â It was fun cheering with the hometown fans, outside, at the pool in October.
Water polo
Lodi Wines
We enjoyed another wine tasting near Stockton in an area near Lodi.  It’s an up and coming wine region for visitors, although there are hundred year old vines still producing grapes.  Lodi is where A&W and their famous root beer originated.  Now it’s primarily known for its rich and jammy Zinfandel wines.  Our daughter is a member at a couple of wineries.  She commits to buy 8 bottles of wine through the year, then gets free tastings, with her friends and family…which would be us.  We tasted at Peltier Station and M2 and tried a range of wines from sparkling whites and dessert wines to naturally fermented zins and a wonderful port.  The views may not be what you get in Napa or the Okanagan, but the tasting rooms have character, the wines are delicious, the stewards know their stuff, and it’s less than an hour from Stockton  Unfortunately most of the wines aren’t available in Canada.
One more day and we are on our way. Â Our California road trip to the airport is almost finished.
Road to the Airport-Seaside, OR to California’s Redwoods
October 29, 2016
After fog and rain for so many days, both at home and on the road, we finally moved into mixed sun and cloud. Â We drove to the coast of Oregon and arrived in Seaside, OR. Â We had been there before in the spring as well as in the summer on previous trips. Â It’s a cozy little town that is geared to visitors. Â It has never been very busy though, regardless of the season.
If you know me, I tend to prefer to live on the more frugal side of things. Â Sleeping in a tent in a state park for $20 a night has a satisfying appeal. Â I decided I wanted to really live it up in Seaside and stay in an ocean front hotel. Â Usually at this time of year, you can just walk in to a hotel and request a room. The first hotel I tried was doing painting and deep cleaning and didn’t have any rooms left with a view. Â The second one, the Shilo Inn
Sunset at Seaside
had an ocean front room with our AMA discount for $149 a night. Â It was reasonable for the location, we decided. Â When we got to the room, not only did it have an unobstructed view of the ocean and beach, but it had a kitchen and fireplace too! I was ecstatic. Â Sometimes you just have to decide not to cheap out when you have a chance to take advantage of such a special experience. Â After a meal of fantastic clam chowder and fresh seafood at Norma’s Diner, we slept with the doors open, listening to the waves crash into the beach.
It was so relaxing there, we decided to stay for 2 nights. Â We walked along the beach and took pictures. When the ocean showers came along, we sat next to the sliding doors by the deck and worked on pictures and reflections. When the rain stopped, we flew kites on the beach. We bought our own lobster and shrimp to cook for dinner our second night. Â With only a broiler top and a small fry pan we managed to make a great meal with some creative planning.
How to spend a rainy afternoon at the beach
On our final morning, there was a crowd gathered on the turnaround below our window. Â Speakers were set up and before we knew it, people were square dancing to a master caller. Â It was the weekend of the Seaside Sashay. Â The dancers were all ages and dressed in a variety of styles, but they all knew the steps and were very entertaining to watch. Â I wish I knew enough to join them. It was so refreshing to see everyone keeping a perfect beat with their feet.
Seaside Sashay below our window
We finally pulled ourselves away from our window and headed down the coast. Â We had a quick stop in Tillamook at the Cheese Factory. Cheese doesn’t travel well to Thailand, but the pumpkin pie and marionberry ice cream were worth the stop.
Most of the road follows closely along the coastline, which is great for the passenger when you are travelling from north to south. Â There are long beaches as well as rocky cliffs. Â We stopped and saw some whales breaching just south of Depoe Bay. They were close enough we could see the puffs of breath and body parts above the water line, but too far away for my camera to really capture them. Â Some things you just have to take a picture with your mind. Â We spent the night in our tent in the rain at Carl Washburne State Park. Parts of it were closed, but there were quite a few units and tents staying there.
In the morning, we walked the trail to the beach. Â The trees were engulfed in moss. There was no one at the beach. Â We tried to fly the kite, but there wasn’t enough wind. Â Time at the beach in the morning was a treat we could afford because of our open ended timeline.
                    
There is a working lighthouse at Heceta Head and a nice view looking back up the coast.
Heceta Lighthouse
Oregon Coast road
It was almost dark before we arrived into Northern California where the Red Woods start. The state park was surprisingly called Prairie Creek State Park. Â The trees are enormous but they just suck up all the light. Â Day is dark, and night is blacker. Â We set up near the washroom so we could see the light from it. Â It was easy to feel like we were all alone, absorbed by the darkness.
The wind in the night sounded like a train up in the trees, although it was quiet at the tent, except for the falling needles and leaves. Â The rain started about 6:30 am. Â We planned to wait until it got light to pack up, thinking the big trees would shelter us. We fell back to sleep. Â By 8, the ground and our tent were saturated and the wind was howling. Â The umbrellas helped us a little, but it took 2 days for the tent to dry out. Â We continued to drive south along the 101 with the wind howling out to the water from the inland side. Â That area received over 6 inches of rain that day. The Pacific Highway #1 is pretty special south of San Francisco but the northern end is very twisty and hilly with few views of the ocean. Â I’d take the Oregon road anytime instead.
Redwood forest storms
Our search for Hyperion, the tallest redwood was put on hold and we headed to Napa instead to do some wine tasting. Â Again we were reminded that you can’t control the weather. Â You always need a plan B in mind. Â Napa is a pretty tough plan B to take.