No pictures today – because Alan, Keith, Michelle and I went camper shopping.  Have stopped in several places during our travels.  Saw some goodies today.  So many choices. We did see one today that could be a real contender.  Now is the time to buy because of the closeouts for 2016.  We shall see.  Then we went to Hobby Lobby – saw some Xmas decorations that might become part of my front window display.  Just saying. After that we went to hunt down a 2016 EOS Volkswagen for Michelle.  Unfortunately, to no avail.  But we are helping her along to her next selection.  Love helping to spend someone else’s money.  They are part of the VW diesel buy back.  Looks like a new car is coming their way.  Had a very pleasant low key family day.  But, make no mistake, Atlanta is hot and sticky.

Travel days to Atlanta, Georgia.  Tuesday was a nice day but boring.  On the snooze fest I40 most of the day.  Stayed at a very nice KOA.  First one that we have been at that had a perfect score of 600.  Only thirteen in 2016 got a perfect score.  Not that it matters.  Wednesday was the worst traffic day we have had since we started this trip.  Thought it would be a very short day.  Only 200 miles.  Thought we would be in by 2.  So not.  First problem was we did not realize there was a time change.  So we lost an hour right off the bat.  Then there was a traffic accident with two big rigs.  One of them could not be pulled over.  So that backed up things.  Once we got past that there was another 3 car accident next to a merge.  Then there was the 285 Atlanta bypass.  Ugly.  Actually, very ugly.  Alan and I have never seen red lights at the on ramps.  Very odd.  And really does not resolve the issue.  Again quite ugly.  Bottom line is we did not get in until a little after 5.  Keith and Michelle waited almost 3 1/2 hours for us.  But all is well at Stone Mountain Campground.  That’s after Keith supervised the selection of our campsite!

Last couple of days have been travel days – so its been a snooze fest.  Been traveling on I40 for the last 3 days.  Just an fyi – it’s flat, then a bump, then flat, then a cow, then a bump, then flat – you get the idea.  I40 parallels with Route 66.  It was sad to see so many derelict signs and businesses that were a big part of Route 66 in its heyday .  In Texas we went by a wind farm – 687 windmills and counting – 900 million dollars worth.  I know – I was rolling my eyes to.  Miles and miles of windmills.  Last nights’ campground was the second one that had tornado shelters.  It is a bit disconcerting.  That and the signs that say if you here sirens turn your radio to a channel. One more day of I40 – Wednesday we will be in Atlanta.

CONGRATS TO OUR SON MICHAEL WHO GOT PROMOTED TO MASTER SERGEANT IN THE AIR FORCE RESERVE.  FELT BAD WE COULDN’T BE THERE BUT HE KNOWS WE WERE THERE IN SPIRIT.  GO AIR FORCE

Note Big Al’s size in relationship to the hoof on this life size buffalo.

Please note what Mr. Cowboy is wearing. He felt that when driving his King Ranch truck he should look the part. Thank God he couldn’t find a cowboy hat that he liked. Ye ha!

I do mean miles and miles of windmills. Yawn

We had him in a tree stump that had a bunch of hummingbird feeders around it but he fell out – that’s why he looks as mad as the bear.

And so it was very very flat.

And flat some more.

Then there was a bump.

Stayed one night on the Arkansas River – the bridges were lit up and kept changing colors. Pretty.

Today was a travel day from Vegas to Flagstaff, Arizona.  Boring!!!!  Good thing we checked in early.  While we were checking in a gentleman came in and asked if we had a motorcycle or atv in the back.  When we said yes and that we were planning on riding in Sedona the next day he said no motorcycles allowed.  We told him that we were only going to unload it, that it was quite and it was still a no.  Fortunately we found another campground about 5 miles away.  That was a first for us – there are campgrounds that restrict how large a group of motorcyclists can camp at one time but this was a bit much.

Took the bike today to ride through Sedona.  Went up 89A through the Coconino National Forest and Oak Creek Canyon.  Nice ride.  Scraped the pegs a couple of times today!  Headed towards Atlanta, GA tomorrow.  Going to meet up with my brother Keith and his wife Michele.  Just random pictures attached from today.  Had a picnic in Oak Creek Canyon.  Sedona way to much of a tourist trap for us.

Can’t see us but that’s us under the bright lights of Vegas. Everyone should experience the night time energy of Vegas at least  once.  It definitely will put a charge in your batteries! It is a unique kind of town.  Can’t see it but there is a parking lot next to this sign and you have to wait in line to get your picture.

Here are our hosts with the mostest Larry and Linda.

Best buds – Larry and Alan. They went fishing in the morning on Lake Mead. Said they caught several fish thisssssssss big. Notice how there are no pictures to confirm that the fish were thisssssssss big.

Venetian Gardens where Larry and Linda treated us to dinner.

This whole town has deserts to DIE for.

Larry and Linda will be building a new home – the front door will be this big. Opens with such a gentle push.  And you can see all the way through to the view in the back which is Lake Mead.  Beautiful.

This will be the his and her shower. I bet you could fit six! Sorry Linda, had to do this!

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Just had to say it!

Had a great time with Larry and Linda in Vegas.  So glad we stopped to visit.  They really are wonderful hosts.  All ready promised to come back when the new house is done.  I am sure it will be filled with love and laughter.  Linda promises that we will be most comfortable as guests.  Larry and Alan are best buds.  Little do they know that Linda and I have made several plans that don’t include them.  Shhhh, what happens in Vegas……………

Travel day today

Even though you can’t tell this is me rolling my eyes – we were suppose to get an early start

Remember the leaky valve – nah not so – mechanic put first patch, mechanic put seconded patch, this is mechanic and Alan putting on a new tire. So much for the leaky valve and an early start.

On the way to Nevada we traveled through a small section of Arizona.  Thought we were driving down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.  It was awesome.  Really can’t get a sense of it with these pictures but when going thru this section you feel SO small.

I must say we have enjoyed our time in Utah.  Went through several Utah state parks today – took the truck again – didn’t trust the weather.  As it turned out the sun shone all day.   Picnicked in the state’s Petrified Forest.  Lazy, casual, easy day.  Leaving tomorrow for Henderson, NV which is just outside of Las Vegas – Alan is meeting up with his best friend Larry.  Ah, but then…..

Good God – they have me sitting in a petrified tree – I’m not going to look.

THE TIRE SAGA CONTINUES – for those that know us this is 2 blowouts, 1 slashed, 3 replacements, 1 leaky valve stem and 1 low air – but who’s counting.  Where is our pit crew when we need them!  Back to the gas station first thing tomorrow THEN we will be on our way again.  P.S.  Alan is already in bed sulking – when I reminded him that the joy is in the journey he was not amused – go figure.

And so we started our day……….

Guess what happens when you forget to put the cap back on the auxiliary fuel tank – oops

By time the tire was fixed and we washed the truck it was too late to go get the bike so we just went tooling over to Bryce Canyon.  Actually worked out well – we stopped SO many times it was easier in the truck than on the bike to stop.  And as it also turned out there were nasty rain showers in the afternoon.  As you can tell by all the pictures I love this type of topography.  The more you look the more you see.  I love the subtlety of the colors and all the textures.  Depending on the time of day everything looks so different.  One of my favorite places so far on this trip.  Such a unique landscape.  Just random pictures I took.

This is really embarrassing (as in really lame) so I’m not going to look

Where did he go and why is Dad smirking

Making new friends and memories – Mark, Ali, Luke, Zach, Jason, Ava, Addie & Abigail

Sharing how to make apple pies.  Brought back happy memories.  My pie makers are about 30 years old.  Where does the time go?

Cooking apple pies, marshmallows too, and pleasant conversation. Played Left, Right, Center with everyone after. Nice end to a nice day.