Boondocking at it’s Finest

That would be Stewart's Point near Overton Nevada. If I’ve told you too many stories about this place oh well. Prior to the water levels in Lake Mead receding to a point of shutting down resorts, boat launches and facilities, there were plans for an upscale lake community called Stewart’s Point. I am not going into a bunch of logistics because I cannot find what I feel are reliable documents to support the facts, but I do know that people built homes and cottages at this lake area and it is has since been shut down, or perhaps other then the zealous firsts, never came to fruition at all. There are about 15 properties left, and all appear to have residents by the activity noted.
The area we camp on is shown as Lake Mead on the GPS, but from the growth and roads, it is obvious there has been no water at this level for years. The launch site and beach just north of us, Overton Beach, has been closed since we first started trekking down here, although the first year you could drive to the launch, but since then it has been barricaded off. If you are interested spend some Google time on the area and Lake Mead itself, to gain an understanding.


The town of Overton looks small at first, but the service area is quite large, and the shops and stores have done an excellent job of maintaining a community.
There are several boondocking locations in this area. Poverty flats is closer to Overton and a very busy area. We don’t mind neighbors although some boondockers do, but what we prefer about Stewart’s Point is the water view. Seeing water when in a desert like area is refreshing. If you want to use an app to locate basically any type of camping facility from boondocking to extravagant costly RV parks, Campendium is fabulous!
We are also very close to Valley of Fire park, renowned for it’s bright red rock. The photos below are just a tease of what you actually see. This is a picnic and small hike area on the road to Las Vegas and not part of the Valley of Fire, but rather the first outcrops of the red rock. I don’t have any photos of Valley of Fire this year, but Imagine nothing but the red rock and blue sky for miles.

I was reading through posts on Instagram and made a comment on someone who was near Valley of Fire. That comment received a follower, and a new Facebook page for me to follow – RV to Freedom. AND! we met the people connected to it. They posted on my comment and said they were at Stewart's Point as well and when the sun rose look to the north. There they were parked down the road from us.
Now back to the best topic around, the weather. Again it was horrid. This is usually where we end up getting our first sun burns, sunscreen or not. No worries this year. It was so cold and windy we just bundled up in our trailer and kept thinking how it had to get better! The view was lovely and quite deceiving. We have excellent phone service here though, and Ivan graciously shred his unlimited Wi-Fi. And again, other than wanting to walk around a bit and get some exercise, the weather wasn’t preventing that much from happening, as nothing much “happens” any way.  LOL
We made a trip to Vegas for some supplies - a stop at Costco and Target because why not.
We also went to Las Vegas Wetlands Trail for a hike. Umm, poor hike. First no wetlands really, and poorly marked trail. But at least we stretched our legs and had a bit of sunshine. The pictures may look better than my description.


After a week here we agreed it was time to move on. Our next stop – another magical boondocking spot, this one by Laughlin. Stay tuned.

Still Brrrr

Sometimes it’s hard when things don’t go as planned. I would tell you I’m pretty flexible but when I have my head and heart ready for something then it is not as easy. And yes I know weather is not predictable. Let’s go back a bit.
We usually leave for the south after my annual Co-op Conference and AGM is Saskatoon. That means typically that we leave by March 1. This year I had no work commitments past February 16 and the Co-op event was March 2. I had the brilliant idea of leaving early and since we fly to the conference anyways, flying form somewhere yonder rather than home. That would allow us an early departure of February 17. I saw this as almost a gift to Don, who I know would like to be away even longer, and a chance for me to start breaking myself away from home sooner. This year we will be on the road for 10 weeks!
All this drama is not leading up to anything serious, just a snowstorm both at home and farther south, that prevented us from leaving for 2 days. Don followed the roads and weather into Montana closely and things were a mess with snowfall, wind and warnings. So we departed home at about 5:30 a.m. February 19.
It was a nasty drive all the way to Dillon Montana where we stopped for the night. Our goal is always to make it to Idaho Falls. We have never taken a hotel room before as the temperature was always around –5, but this time we couldn’t do it. Look at the temperature!!  Yikes. We had a great room though, and we thrilled that they offered a soup and bun buffet. Odd but welcome!
Excuse the odd photos from my phone .

The next day we set out with determination and expectations. Some not met. Don took every challenge the roads and weather provided, and after the 2 – 3 hour delays the day before, we were still at our destination of Sand Hollow Park in St George Utah by 6:00 p.m.
It was my birthday and we were going to go for a nice dinner, but honestly we didn’t have the energy to do anything. We loaded up on groceries and selected some take a way from the deli and that was it.
The weather was nasty and windy, although no snow. We appreciated the full hookups as we de-winterized the trailer, ran the fireplace almost non stop and filled the pantry.
After 3 nights it was time to make a break and try yo get back into our regular pattern! We knew Ivan was in the area, which for RV’ers might not be as close as readers think, and agreed to meet at Stewart’s Point. Ivan introduced us to this boondocker’s delight and it has become a favorite of ours.
After getting the rig washed in St. George we were off. Still not shorts weather but I am sure we’re getting there, right?

Brrrr

That sums up January. I don't really know if it was actually cold, but I felt cold the whole month.

January started out with a sleep over with Connor and Mason on New Years Eve. I had a few plans we could initiate, but the weather was cold and the boys found lots to do inside. It was a quiet and peaceful ringing in.

There were the usual work days for us, interspersed with watching hockey, ringette and swimming. We visited Red Deer and watched Emerson and her team in a tournament. Being at the rink and watching Ringette never gets old for us, it just feels like we are back 20 years.

Emerson and Reese were also both in their home tournament, the Silver Ring, and as well as watching a few games, I worked a volunteer shift at the registration table. Now that takes me back as I was the tournament director in Spruce Grove for more years than I would like to remember!

We went to Lanigan to celebrate Don's brother Ken's 65th birthday, and continued to Tisdale to visit more with his family. I love that my sister Ginger is working in Tisdale - it gives me a great chance to see her more often. I reserved my spot for lunch with her both days:)

We also took some time to shop for a new truck this month and were successful. The only small change is the color - form white to a light silver. It will be interesting to see how it pulls without the delete kit, and I am happy to have heated seats, even if I don't ride in the truck in cold weather too often.

As the grandkids get older and their birthday parties get more hectic (to us), I was looking for a way to make their birthday time with us a bit more special. So I decided that we could take them out on a special day with us where we let them pick a present, have lunch or supper, and get some one on one.

Mason was first. We picked him up at school, went to McDonalds for lunch, and Toys R Us for the gift. It was a lot of fun watching him get down to the business of gift selection, and he is at that age where he doesn't study prices, so we topped up the Lego present he picked with a gift card. He turned 4 on February 3, and it's hard to realize he truly is not a baby any longer. Independent, strong willed and very funny.

Next up is Emerson. She turned 9 on February 16. We picked her up and went to West Edmonton Mall for supper at the food court and then some clothes shopping. She is pretty set in her style sense, had a great time trying everything on, and came away with lots of new things. She spent her money very wisely and had enough left for one squishy toy. Emerson is quite the girl; deep feelings, loves her friends and family so strongly, and loves ringette and Ukrainian dance.

The last grandchild birthday in February is Connor. Our day out with him is extra special as we are not going to be home for his actual birthday. We went to watch him and Mason in swimming, then headed out for lunch and shopping. He picked McDonalds as well, and rather than a toy store only wanted the Lego store. He is a cautious shopper, taking a lot of time to think through his purchases and the money he is spending. Connor is such a deep thinker, very considerate of others, and like Em loves his family and friends very deeply.

Both of our son in laws celebrate their birthdays in February as well! I didn't give them a special day and meal with us though. LOL

And last for February birthdays is me!!! I like to think of it as my birthday month. First I had a great brunch and spa date with Maria and Anne, then I had a birthday day that started with a manicure, pedicure, and haircut. the day was finished with the most mazing supper at the Melting Pot with Tracy and Lindsay. I can't remember the last time the three of us sat for over two hours with no kids and just visited. Thank you so much girls!!

And the takes care of our time at home in January and February. On February 17 we were hoping to head to warmer climate and an extended vacation, but the snow storms and roads in Montana kept us home for another few days. That gave me a chance for a few meals out with some girlfriends and Don and I went ice fishing with the Stecyks!

We are attempting another departure tomorrow so I’ll let you know how that goes!

The Cat's In The Cradle

So - this song has some pretty heavy implications, but I selected it because I didn't just want to say that the days pass too fast.  Which they do and I will say it anyway.

We try very hard to attend the grandkids events and experience little precious times with them, and it's a bit scary knowing with our own kids how that time goes by and you never get it back.

So that's where we have been though November and December.  We have both been doing quite a bit of work as well, and yes the days have flown by.

As Christmas approached we had some great days with everyone and find ourselves ready for Christmas and our annual DWS Aggregates Christmas Party.

Don's mom stayed with us until November 7 and we had a great time having her to ourselves.

I had a fantastic girl's weekend away with two very good friends, Don went to Jasper to watch parts of Blake's hockey tournament and came back to Edmonton with Emerson so she didn't miss Ringette, we had the Stecyk boys for a few nights while their mom and dad attended a staff function, and we went to many many ice times and swimming times.

Reese celebrated her 7th birthday and had us over for dinner and cake.

I spent two weekends in Co-op meetings, learning and retreats; Don spent 7 days working in the field, etc etc!

Two very fun things we did this season were our annual trip to see Santa at West Edmonton Mall and a kids shopping day. At the mall you can book a VIP appointment with Santa and it is FANTASTIC! You get 20 minutes of uninterrupted Santa time and every child gets a chance to interact and not be rushed. As for the shopping I thought it would be fun if each family were able to shop for their parents with me.  The boys were first and we visited the mall, bought the gifts and had a quick dinner. They were so fricking cute picking what to buy, although their decisions were made faster than I expected. The Cameron kids had a lot of notice and had put quite a bit of thought into their gifts beforehand, so the time was spent mostly considering types and sizes.  We took time for a Starbucks visit as well. This was so much fun for me, I cannot wait to do it again!

I sent Christmas cards out but no letter, so I can't even cut and paste that.  But I will end this year with our annual family photo and send tons of love and friendship to all who are a part of our life.  We are blessed and happy and that is a great way to end 2017.  Talk to you next year, and please if you are ever near us stop in for coffee,

 

 

October in Alberta

When I look back at October I see a blur.  LOL

First we had to end our September holiday early so I could attend training for the municipal election. This year I was working as a Presiding Deputy Returning Officer for the Town of Stony Plain. The election was October 17 and all went well, although it was long day.

Of course upon returning home the first item is always visiting the kids and getting those grandkid hugs!

Between meetings with clients, coffee with friends and Co-op meetings the month passed quickly.

Thanksgiving was wonderful.  The weather was agreeable and after the big turkey dinner we went skating at the Glenn Hall Arena in Stony Plain. I have no idea why we don't have any photos, but oh well!

October buzzed right along, with Don's birthday on the 24th, and the month ending with a visit to Tisdale to a family wedding. Don's niece Tiffany was married on October 28.  Both of our girls and their families attended. Don's mom had almost all her grandchildren and great grandchildren in attendance and it was a special time to take photos.

Of course the month ended with Halloween, but even more special for us was mom travelled back to Alberta with us and spent a week! Although I know she was exhausted after attending every great grandchild event we could get to and her brother's birthday party in Rocky Mountain House, we know she had a great time. We are so blessed that she is able to still travel and has the energy to share a piece of our lives with us!

Here's a few photos for you.  First back to school pictures youngest to oldest - Mason 3 in playschool, Connor 5 in Kindergarten, Reese 6 in Grade 2, Emerson 8 in Grade 3 and Blake 10 in Grade 5. Next up the wedding photos with Mom - mom and her children, mom and her grandchildren, and then mom and her great grandchildren! And last the Halloween photos.

Enjoy:)

Hot Tubs and Home!

Well once a decision is made to go home, no regrets can be made and you need to enjoy the time left on the road.

While we gone all the grandkids started school, skating, ringette, hockey and swimming. The first day of school photos were wonderful to see and we printed them and added to our photo collection on the trailer window!

We decided to stay at the Redstreak Campground in Radium, instead of the private RV park in the valley. No real reason, we just didn't need services or laundry. We had purchased a book of hot tub passes a year ago, and were able to use them up this visit.

Other than that we relaxed one day, and another took a trip north to see the town of Golden. Somehow Golden was another town our travels had missed. We have a friend who's son lives there now and we were curious. A drive through town, a stop at Timmie's, and we were back to our camper.

I love this drive out of the park. So majestic.

We had one sad event in our family while we were gone. The Cameron family dog, Heidi, passed away suddenly. We had just enjoyed 2 weeks with Heidi this summer, and she leaves a hole in everyone hearts. Farewell sweet puppy!

As I always say when we are returning home from the road, don't expect too many posts for a while. But enjoy your fall and we will update October when it's over. Thanks for coming with us.

Here We Are Again!

Settled in at Farragut State Park. We come here so often that I know the ladies at the desk. "You're from Alberta aren't you?"

Such lovely service and park!

We idled our time away for two nights here, doing lots of nothing. This is always our last US stop so we visit our favorite stores and make sure we have all the unique Costco items we don't want to miss until we return. And of course ensure we have the maximum amount of alcohol stocked up!

I spent my mornings at Ralph's coffee shop in Bayview. I'm so glad he is still open. I did have to succumb to the laundry mat one day, but with a beautiful view and a hot cappuccino even that wasn't a strain!

The last days of our trip will be spent in Radium, visiting the hot springs, so we will see you there!