Rocky Mtn. National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mtn. National Park, Colorado

The trees are turning as you can see. Today in the valley it was 34 when we woke up at 8 am. The pic of the water is our view from the motorcoach where we are parked for 4 days. Yesterday we went to the park at an elevation of over 11,000 ft. I walked in the snow. We saw elk, moose, and mule deer. The views are beautiful as you can see. I don't think the pics tell the whole story though. On the way here we lost a hub cab. Birdie thought he remembered when he heard a strange sound. We back traced our steps and found not only ours but 7 other hubcaps in the same area. Kinda funny. Today we are going to see some of Birdie's friends and then heading out on Sunday. Love to all.

Moab,Utah

Today was a workout. We left our boondock site in the desert (where the Navajo Indian sell their horsehair pottery and cedar-juniper berry jewelry. I got an anklet to ward off evil. Birdie bought one for Gretchen and Niki. We think they need it. Anyway we then traveled to Moab and went to the Arches National Park. Birdie told me to where my hiking boots and bring plenty of water. I did not know we were going to hike over 6 miles up a mountain to see the Arch. This is the Delicate Arch which is on the Utah license plate. As you can see in the pic, I almost died! The temp was 90 and the air thin and dry. I was ready to head back to Alaska. I was not sure I was going to make it but decided that I had already hiked 2/3 of the way and was not going to be denied the pleasure of seeing this amazing site. A @#$##%%#$ Rock! We only saw foreigners hiking, they must have been like us and not got the memo. Birdie thought they shut down the Toyota plant. We then drove a bit and are now soaking our feet and drinking cocktails.

Nevada

Yesterday we climbed "garnet hill". We dug and broke up rocks and found a few. Then, on our way back we put the Jeep in 4 wheel drive and headed toward a mining area. We found copper and yes,, finally GOLD. I came home and cleaned all of the rocks up and packed them away before Birdie could feel the weight of them. With all of the fish, rocks, and misc. stuff the poor motorcoach is heavy. Oh well... Also this is a pic of a coal powered locomotive that gives rides on the weekends. We are leaving for Moab tomorrow, then Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and toward Indiana. Love to all.

Added pics

Pony Express Trail

Reno is the biggest little city in America, Here are some plums and apples we picked.

Reno, Nevada to Ely, Nevada

We survived the "loneliest Highway in America". If you look this up it is Hwy 50 across Nevada. Ely is a small town we are staying at for a week. This town has legal gambling with Casinos, legal Houses of ill-repute, copper, gold, and silver mines, garnet stones for the digging, and beautiful mountain views. We went driving around today and traveled on "The Pony Express" trail. We also saw a desert oasis with streams and creek. There were native trout swimming. The houses and cabins we took pictures of are ones which were on the roadside and not tourist sites. There are many ranches along the road side with cows, horses, and sheep. We saw a herd of antelope along the roadside. There are dangerous snakes around so we watched our step. It is also discouraged to explore old mines due to the instability of them. Tomorrow we are going to dig for garnet at a site known to contain them. I have picked up several items along my travels today. We came across a plum and apple tree, old horseshoes, a 5 lb gold nugget ( Birdie says it is pyrite), and other neat rocks.

San Francisco, California

Today we traveled into the City on the Bay. We took a trolley ride through the streets just for the fun of it. I made sure I was in the front and standing on the side holding on. (Even though there were seats) I wanted the true experience. We then went to the most crooked street in America, down Lombard St. I have in on tape. It was one way, brick, and downhill left and right. We then walked on The Golden Gate Bridge. When we first saw it there were no clouds and then when we got closer you could not see the top. Alcatraz could be seen offshore from the bridge. This was a prison which closed many years ago. To top if off, we parked at Fisherman's Wharf on Pier 39. This is a "hot spot" that tourist go to to see street performers, a fish market, site seeing tours, boat dock, and seals. We had clam chowder and lunch at Alioto's Restaurant overlooking the bay and the bridge. We leave, as Birdie calls it "The Fruit and Nut" state in the morning heading for the biggest, little city in the US. (Reno) , Nevada.