The Family Good-Byes

Instead of leaving on Monday, Kirk and I decided to depart on Sunday We were ready to roll out at 2:00 PM. We were so exhausted but decided it was time to "get out of Dodge!" We thought we could scam a meal from Patti so we headed for Davey Nebraska and left the homestead in the good hands of our neighbor. We said our final goodbyes to Rob and family and to Patti and family. As you can see, there were some sad moments! I will miss all of them so much!

Bon Voyage Party

As if we did not have enough to do, we decided to celebrate our departure by inviting friends and golf buddies over. The idea was to get rid of all the food in the refrig and the cupboards. As you can see we had a great turnout. And to make an official camping experience we had the party in the driveway under the camper awning complete with s'mores later in the evening. Everyone left by 11:30 PM and Kirk and I did our late night cleanup. But we had never worked with the awning. We managed to get it out but at 1:00 AM we could not figure how to put it back up. It was a spousal moment with both of us crabbing at each other for the poor instructions I had taken. We had to finally resort to reading the owners manual. How the heck was I supposed to remember the scanty instructions! Kirk kept saying there was a button to push! Where the hell was that button anyway! By the time we went to bed we were thoroughly pooped. Whose idea was it anyway to have this party!

Packing Clothes for the Trip

Today was packing day! How do we pack for 75 days so that we have everything we need for all of the activities we are planning to do! Golfing, hiking, fishing, biking (Kirk will have none of that!), running (another no-no for Kirk!) lounging (now that's what I'm talkin' about!), hot Phoenix weather and cool mountain temps and just hanging out by the trailer sippin' cold beer.

Here are two pictures that will illustrate the difference between us. Kirk's pile is like a little overnight stay - he obviously does not plan on a lot of variety. And baby...check out those shoes! I on the other hand am prepared for everything! No matter what the weather or the activity, I have a suitable outfit! I am overjoyed to announce that there are no panty hose or fancy outfits on this trip! Otherwise I would have had to pack more shoes and coordinating jewelry!

The Last Tryout Before the Trip

This was our last chance to tryout the trailer before the big trip. As always,it rained and was chilly (so what else is new!) Kirk watched me blog away and I spent the afternoon reading. Thank goodness Patti brought the children over to spend the rest of the weekend. That kept Kirk and I from having to talk to each other all weekend. As you can see by the photos, the children were busy and I was able to once again sit back and watch Kirk do the cooking! The rest of the weekend was glorious except for cool temps in the AM. We were very disappointed that the other local grandchildren could not join us.

The real excitement came on Sunday when I drove the truck and trailer home from Mahoney. I did not think it was possible to grip a steering wheel any tighter! If only I could have driven 30 miles per hour it would have been a breeze! Kirk would not allow me to be the little old lady from Pasadena putzing along the interstate. I sucked it up and prayed the whole way! My prayers were answered and we arrived home safe and sound. After unloading, cleaning and restocking all the towels, linens, etc. the trailer is ready to roll. In two weeks we will be on the road.So much to do before we go. Thank goodness Kirk can handle all these last minute preps. I, too have much to do and work is hectic and busy. I have my clothing list prepared but cannot decide how many pair of shoes to take. You have to have choices when you are hiking and doing touristy things! Kirk on the other hand, will probably take 2 pair of shorts and 2 shirts and maybe some underwear! His size 15 shoes will take up enough space that we may have to consider a pull behind for his shoes. Life is good and getting better!

Our First Trip

Our inaugural journey with our new camper was to Louisville State Park. As always when we used to tent camp, it rained! Rob and family joined us for an evening hike and traditional grilled food - hamburgers and hot dogs. Chloe, Sydney and Adler spent the night and they were thought it was pretty cool to be with us in the trailer. We were packed in all nice and toasty while it stormed all night. The kids slept through it all. We took a nice morning walk after Pappy fixed breakfast and got chased by a grumpy goose.

The big moment came when it was time to empty the "black water" (a.k.a. the sewage holding tank) and I conjured up thoughts of Robin Williams in the movie, "RV". Kirk did a great job of supervising me while I performed the task. He decided that I was so good at it that I should do it all the time. Seems fair since I always have bathroom cleaning duty at home and a small price to pay for the fine meals he fixes! So the first excursion went very well even though the weather did not cooperate.