Big Adventure 2022 Begins

 Hi all

Finally we are able to escape the cold and snow of the Northern Great Plains. The morning we left home it was 18 degrees. By the time we stopped for the night it was 65. We stayed in the "RV Park" at a small casino in Iowa. Was mostly just part of their parking lot with electric hook ups. Much quieter than a Walmart or truck stop and maybe safer with the casino providing 24 hour on site security. Pretty sunset and sunrise. All above a concrete parking lot.

Next day we moved further south to a State Park in Missouri. Located nearby one of Millie's favorite quilting towns. Along with brewery and wineries, quilting will be a big part of our days here. Weather again it beautiful, 75 degrees when we stopped and we got to sit outside and enjoy the weather.

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Had a nice quiet morning as the weather warmed up. About 40 this morning and we left for Hamilton about Noon and 75 degrees. Light winds and sunny made this a perfect spring day. Quilt shops, lots of quilt shops. 

A bit of a variety.

OK, back to quilting.

Wow, all the different stores.

Fabric, thread, parts, patterns and quilt talk most of the afternoon. Millie went back to one shop where she had entered a drawing and had to be present to win............I went to the brewery. Had a nice conversation with some locals who were also enjoying a good beer. Millie joined us after NOT winning the drawing. (sad face) Enjoyed the beer and conversation. 

A quick trip for some groceries and back to our home on wheels. 

While enjoying a glass of wine, the sunset and the nice weather, met a young man from The Netherlands. Bjorn and his Father are vacationing and also delivering a Class B from Iowa to Denver, sort of a working vacation with the only rewards to get to drive a brand new motorhome with a 2500 mile limit while delivering. Iowa to Denver is only about 1000 miles so they could side trip up to the allotted miles. Their plan is to see the Grand Canyon and as many other National Parks as they could fit into the miles and 14 days. Did not meet Bjorn's Father and after visiting with Bjorn, I think his Dad would have been also fun to meet. 

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The next day we were back in Hamilton. Millie was going to a "Trunk Show" which is apparently where a well known Quilter brings their quilts and presents them like a "show and tell". Of course I had little interest in going to the show, so Millie let me loose at the brewery. 

While Millie was loving her afternoon and so was I. For a couple of hours and a couple of tasty beers, I had some great interactions and conversations with the Brewmaster, a visiting "husband" (she was at the Trunk Show, too), the Mayor of Hamilton and even Joe and Bob from the day before who had returned. Was a lot of fun and Millie joined us, after the show, for a cool frosty one. Then Millie went over to the Missouri Quilt Museum while I finished my beer. 

I joined her shortly afterward and we saw lots more quilts. I think I am quilted out, but I'm sure Millie could do more. 

And toy sewing machines, at least one  room full of them.

Yes, this is a quilt.

These are Miniature Quilts. My truck key gives some perspective on their size.

 

Millie drove us home after picking up the missed groceries. Sure made for a fun and relaxing day.

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Today we did some other more normal activities that we are know for while traveling. A couple of Thrift Stores, a couple of wineries and of course Walmart. It was a grey and windy day, but still mild temps so we enjoy the weather and the wandering around the countryside following the GPS to find the wineries. Did not find anything that peaked my photo instincts so no pics from today. Think I may have to try harder. Back home and relaxing for the evening.

Enjoy your journey.

Tom and Millie

 Hi all, well, Fall 2021 Big Adventure has come to an end. Although our big adventure will continue with family and the holidays. Here are the two final days of our travels this fall.

Day 52

Morning at Cabela's.

Fueled up at Sam’s Club and headed East. Fueled up again in Glendive, MT and kept rolling. Switched drivers a couple of times and had a few breaks, then stopped in Dickenson, ND to pickup a few items at Walmart. Millie shopped and I kicked back with the Boyz, after all they had a long hard day of travel. 

Sunset occurred while we were driving to our destination for the night, a BLM campground near Richardton, ND. Twilight was good so no problem finding and setting up camp. Really nice, but small, out of the way place in a small valley with trees on the creek side and prairie on the other. Only one other camper there and we could not even see one another from our sites. The Boyz explored close by and we had supper, a little steaming on the TV and off to bed.

Day 53

Wind is blowing this morning, in the perfect direction to assist us home. Sunrise was great, 

and it changed so dramatically as the cold front moved in. 

The campground is very nice, no services, other than vault toilets. Well kept and $5 per night or $2.50 with the senior pass. Coffee, breakfast and a nice walk with the Boyz, then on the road. After the front moved through the sky became partly cloudy.

Truck must have learned something as we had no issues and with the wind we got great mileage. OK, for towing a 12,000 lb, 13 foot tall box. 

Made it home safely and got parked and ready to empty and winterize. Likely going to be a long cold winter, as it usually is here. 

Time to remember our travels, people and places. Thanks to all along the road we met and spent time with. And special thanks to all who allowed us to camp at their homes. Enjoy your journey as life moves on for all of us. Spend time with those you love and make your day great.

Have some great times and enjoy the holidays.

Tom and Millie

 Hi all, almost the end of this journey, so here's the latest.

Day 50

Long day for us although only 325 miles. Truck tried to not do a regen and gave lots of warning lights, so I drove at 50 MPH in 4^th gear for about 30 minutes and it did do the cleaning. Still cannot understand why it won’t regen by itself. Otherwise the drive was pleasant and the scenery was great. Made it to Beaverhead BLM Campground on the Clark Canyon Reservoir near Dillon, MT. Dry camping with water available, did not check if operating, and the cost was ideal, $0. Fire rings and shelters at each site. Pretty mountain view across the reservoir and sunset. 

A little breeze and I expect it will get chilly tonight and we will be warm and cozy in our Fox. Chris’s homade chicken noodle soup for supper with a nice Rose from last fall’s Michigan trip. Play some games tonight and book reading before bed.

 

Day 51

Morning at Beaverhead Campground brought the start of a great sunrise, then the clouds moved in and they were low. Mountain tops were gone and hopes of a colorful sunrise dashed. 

As the morning wore on the clouds started breaking up and we were presented with a pretty unique sunrise. Good thing we had snow capped mountains in the background. 

Cooked breakfast and packed up to hit the road. 

Weather was good and the roads were not crowded. The truck however thinks that it needs to clean the Diesel exhaust filter every 100 miles. Will have to get this sorted out when home. Made it to Billings in the Cabella’s parking lot. Shopped Cabella’s and Sam’s Club next door. Likely to hit the road early, for us, tomorrow. Headed for Richardton, ND. Two more days of travel and we will be home. Off to bed for and early start tomorrow.

Make your day great and enjoy your journey.

Tom and Millie

Hi all, update time and a glitch in our travel plans.  

A summer sunset at the lake cabin.

Day 48 (Oct 31)

Happy Halloween! Travel day from West Wendover, Nevada to the Salt Lake City area. Had some additional truck issues and was fortunate to make an appointment, online, for service Monday bright and early. Made it to Chris and Rob’s and got parked in the driveway, they even fed us homemade chicken soup and salad. So enjoyable to sit and visit with them. Talked for hours and now off to bed at a reasonable time and up early to get the truck to the Doc.

 

Day 49

Up early and got the truck to the Ford Doc. Back to Rob and Chris’s and visited with Rob for a couple of hours. Chris had to work today and Rob had an afternoon commitment for a couple hours. Millie got to sewing, surprise, and I took a short nap. Got the truck back all ready for travel and our bank account a little thinner. All part of the cost of having toys and enjoying travel, although not planned at this time, repairs and maintenance is not unexpected. Later Rob gave me a hand, and loan of some tools, to rotate tires on the RV. Got that completed and cleaned up and went out to eat. Had a great burger and Millie had wonderful fancy grilled cheese. It is so fun to spend time with Rob and Chris. After supper we visited until all hours, OK, maybe it was only 9 PM. It must have been fate that presented our truck issues where, not only could we get the work completed quickly, we had great people and a good place to park. Off to bed and plan to get rolling in the morning.

Make your day great and hug someone you love, for no reason other than you love them.

Tom and Millie