Captain's log: 4-20-11

     So thought we woild sit out a day and miss the snow storm. A little misty when we left but, it will clear up right?     Within about ten minutes we were in a full fledged blizzard.

It didn't last long but for a few minutes I was contemplating spending the night at a roadside rest. A few minutes later the sun was shining . Gotta love Minnesota.

Captain's log: 4-19-11

ARE YOU SERIOUS!!!

Yes, that IS ice! We definitely came back 2 weeks too early. Trying to get across southern MN. today but, 4-5" of snow predicted. Currently raining here but, waiting for a call from St. Charles before heading out.

     This was my view of the lake out my front window earlier this week. The white stuff is not sand. Well you know what they say... "when life gives you lemons"...   So since we are in the Christmas mood I thought you might find this interesting.......About 45 years ago a reatively poor young man started a Christmas tradition. His wife (my mom) brought home a wax covered wine bottle and a "drip" candle from a home decorating partiy. He started burning it with his kids a little bit each Christmas and lately it was pretty much forgotten but, a grandaughter (Paige) kept the tradition going with grampa each X-mas. Now that grandaughter is getting married and wants that candle at her wedding. Guess who gets the job of transporting the treasured heirloom.

Paige, about 12 years ago, burning "the candle" at X-mas. (circa 2000)

Me, yesterday, trying to figure out how to transport this giant across the state. Notice the growth in the past 12 years. We finally decided to wire it up in the closet in the coach.   Now that's some "unity candle"!!!!

All wired and ready to travel. But wait, just heard from St. Charles and it is snowing so we will sit it out a day.  Merry Christmas!! LOL.......!!!!

captain's log: 4-15-11

     When people ask me what our boat name "30 Below" means , I tell them, I'm from 30 below zero and I am headed to 30 below lattitude AND... I never want to see snow again!!  Well, I have failed. It is currently snowing, there is snow on the ground and it is 30 degrees! (that's temperature not lattitude!) It was apparently waiting for us at the MN. border because it was 75-80 degrees almost exactly to the state line, then...BOOM (that boom's for you Lu)     Seriously , when my fingers thaw out I may blog again.

Captain's log: 4-11-11

     That was so much fun we thought we would do it again....Walmart ,that is. Hannibal Mo. has a great Walmart, Lowes, Radio Shack, etc. Also decided to stay another day to explore historic downtown HANNIBAL. we stopped here with the boat back in Sept. when the river was starting to flood. Guess what, It's higher now than then. Almost to the bottom of the railroad bridge and of course much more coming down from up north. It is about 10 feet from the record high back in 1993.

That bridge is probably going under if they get what they are predicting.
     When we were coming into Hannibal Bruce's coach blew an inside dual. Sounded like a cannon! Local shop had a tire and for 600 bucks (good deal) he was ready to go in under an hour.

Dorene seems to think she has found the ultimate (ultimate not intimate) store for her and all her friends.

Shoot! You can't read the small print but, basically there is everything from bling bling, shoes, to saddles. Cards and dice for Joyce and it's heaven.


     Parting thought for the day:    We were sitting in the coach having a little wine last night when I thought ( I have some of my best thoughts while drinking wine) I thought I know everyone knows you shouldn't drink and drive home but..... what about drinking and driving your home?  I was sitting in the drivers seat at the time watching TV.      Oh don't call the cops it was just a thought.

Captain's log: 4-9-11

      Well my evil plan is almost complete.   Without her even suspecting it, I have taken my high class wife ( I mean that in a good way) and reduced her to sleeping in Walmart parking lots. Ha Ha Ha Ha (that's a scary Ha Ha)

See the Walmart sign in the background? Hey the tree is bigger than the "real" campground the night before! Seriously it wasn't that bad. But my opinion is tainted by the fact that it was free.

Ah, It ain't the beach but there is still something special about a sunset at Walmart.... Could this really be like the side of the coach says? The American Dream?

Last night's sight. Modest campground but, it did take 2nd overall in the toilet contest. 2nd only to the Hotel in Destin, Fl . Because they handed you warm towels.

Marble tile and crown molding!

This was right outside our coach door tonight. Very dedicated mother. She was only about 6ft up and wouldn't leave even when we walked right up to her. (I think a morning dove.)??


     A parting thought with some help from my son, Drew, in Maui.....
"What goes in, must come out"

     Tomorrow... Hannibal Missouri?
       

Captain's log: 4-7-11

      Today was the 3rd day of driving the "Big" rig. We've covered about 400 miles and it's starting to feel more comfortable. It actually drives and rides great. We have stayed in campgrounds mainly along the freeway. Not much for views but, easy in and easy out. Good for the rookie!   Answer me this: Why can a 60 ft. motorcoach and trailer stay in a campground for $18 a night and a 40 ft. boat is $80?

At last nights campground near Tallahasee, Fl.

At the Alabama border with Bruce. Everyone remember Bruce from Way back on the Mississippi River?       Some of you might remember my earlier descriptions of the various bathroom facilities at river marinas. From a hole in the wall to warm towels handed to you from a bathroom attendant. Which by the way is just kinda creepy. I guess I'm just not THAT sophisticated.  Well anyway one of you suggested that I should have taken pictures.  You were right but, it's never too late so here's the first one from campgrounds south to north....

The interesting thing about this one was it was a "clean up after yourself" co-ed toilet and shower. Showers were side by side. Not really sure how that was supposed to work. Get in, get out as fast as I could.   Now if I can just keep from getting put on some kind of list for taking a camera into restrooms.

Mansion in Micanopy , Fl.

Spanish moss covered trees near same mansion......... 
   
....Just a couple more pics from Maui....

Rainbow trees on road to Hana.

Drew, trying to get his inheritance quicker by taking us on a mountain hike.

Chicken crossing the road to Hana...... Why did he do it? I don't know.
   

Captain's log: 4-4-11

      I'm baaaack!   Where have I been? Where am I now? Did you miss me? Answers: Maui, Some campground in Florida (heading north), and ... of course you missed me.
      Sorry I didn't get back here sooner but with putting the boat to bed for the next 6 months and getting the motorcoach loaded and ready to roll we've been pretty busy. So today was our first day on the road with 60+ feet of motorcoach and car hauler or should I call it a train?
 It's kind of like a semi-tractor in reverse (long end in the front and short end in the back) but less manuverable. Pictures of that tomorrow. But first: I'm sure you all want to see what a tsunami  looks like first hand. Yup, second day on Maui and they got hit with the Japan tsunami. I got a great picture of what an actual one looks like. .....Here it is....

Sorry. Not real exciting but that was about it for us. Walked up the hill about a block and slept on the couch of a friend of Sierra and Drew's. In Hawaii, unlike Japan, they had at least 8 hours warning. And unlike tornado warnings in the midwest where everybody hides and waits to die, (ha-ha)..in tsunamis you walk to higher ground and you know you are safe. So no constant adrenalin rush for you thrill seekers out there.
     They did get a surge in maui that tipped over some smaller boats (16-20ft) in the harbor but all of the bigger boats had been taken out to sea earlier. Like the one Sierra works on below.

          Before I start the "wheels" adventure back north I should show you a few highlights from Maui. Sorry I can't show you all 1800 pictures. (that's NOT a joke) Ahh, the wonders of the digital age. Here is a few from the first day.

Dorene with new friend on front street, Lahaina.

Sierra working on the Pacific Whale Foundation's boat. Note the cool dude in the background whale watching!

Whales. dah

Me and my new friend on front street. (3-legged dog)
Oh! I almost forgot...

Dorene, getting leied on first day!        
       She just read this and I just got hit. I couldn't resist. How many times in a life do you get the opportunity for such low humor?
     Next: Maui-Day 2       Welcome back everybody!