Our Travel Blog
- Don and Donna
- Driving Miss Donna - what does this mean? Whenever I want to go somewhere, if Don is home he will usually drive. He always says he is driving miss Donna! This blog is for our travels, usually with our truck and fifth wheel trailer, but sometimes in our other wheels. When we are not vacationing check in for updates, although less frequent, about our life at home and our wonderful family:)
Friday, May 4, 2012
What A Wonderful World
I decided it is time to learn to create movies and "stuff", so in an attempt to amuse myself on the long drive home, this is the result. The video also includes audio:)
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Last Few Days of Vacation:(
Wow – it has been a great month… From meeting up with friends, to great conversations, sight seeing and shopping – who could ask for more. Our last 2 days have been spent at Lake Utah State Park, a first visit for us, but definitely not the last. It is a peaceful place in Provo, Utah. You are truly removed from the noise and bustle of the cities around you, but just minutes away from everything as well.
The weather during this visit was exactly what we like – warm enough to cook outside, have evening fires, and not need the furnace or the air conditioning!
In true for to the name of the blog, Don drove me to an outlet mall, as well as numerous other sites. Suffice to say the grandkids will receive their fair share of goodies. And a few special things for myself as well.
In searching for trip souvenirs, I have decided to link my infallible love for Starbucks to my compulsive souvenir buying, hence resulting in various souvenir location Starbucks mugs. This allows us to drive relentlessly around cities and states, in search of great coffee and the success and thrill of finding the mug. Now the benefits don’t end there – of course my other love (my Tassimo coffeemaker) brews a mean cup of 12 ounce coffee, and wouldn’t you know it – these cups fit! So see it is a win-win all around.
Not to be left out, we did make one special trip for Don as well. He was in search of a Trimble hand held GPS, to replace one lost this winter. Salt Lake City has a Trimble dealer, and they had exactly the one he wanted in their used inventory. hmm – can you claim this as a business trip now? Stewart – do you read this??
This will likely be my last vacation blog this trip, as we are on the road north now. Today we are just taking a short day, staying in Idaho Falls. Tomorrow we will cross and be home in Canada, with hopes to be home and able to see some of the grandkids on Friday for dinner.
Saturday is Blake’s 5th birthday and we want to take him shopping for his gift. Saturday is also our friend Paul’s 65th birthday party, can’t miss that either. We will see Lindsay and Connor on Thursday next week as they head down for a visit while Jeremy is away. So between all that we will get caught up on cuddles with ALL the grandkids.
We are looking forward to our May long weekend camping trip, and getting the trailer out to the lake lot for a while. Don has a few jobs to keep him busier than he needs to be – but I guess that is the life of a consultant.
Have a great week – we will continue reporting adventures as life offers them!
The weather during this visit was exactly what we like – warm enough to cook outside, have evening fires, and not need the furnace or the air conditioning!
In true for to the name of the blog, Don drove me to an outlet mall, as well as numerous other sites. Suffice to say the grandkids will receive their fair share of goodies. And a few special things for myself as well.
In searching for trip souvenirs, I have decided to link my infallible love for Starbucks to my compulsive souvenir buying, hence resulting in various souvenir location Starbucks mugs. This allows us to drive relentlessly around cities and states, in search of great coffee and the success and thrill of finding the mug. Now the benefits don’t end there – of course my other love (my Tassimo coffeemaker) brews a mean cup of 12 ounce coffee, and wouldn’t you know it – these cups fit! So see it is a win-win all around.
Not to be left out, we did make one special trip for Don as well. He was in search of a Trimble hand held GPS, to replace one lost this winter. Salt Lake City has a Trimble dealer, and they had exactly the one he wanted in their used inventory. hmm – can you claim this as a business trip now? Stewart – do you read this??
This will likely be my last vacation blog this trip, as we are on the road north now. Today we are just taking a short day, staying in Idaho Falls. Tomorrow we will cross and be home in Canada, with hopes to be home and able to see some of the grandkids on Friday for dinner.
Saturday is Blake’s 5th birthday and we want to take him shopping for his gift. Saturday is also our friend Paul’s 65th birthday party, can’t miss that either. We will see Lindsay and Connor on Thursday next week as they head down for a visit while Jeremy is away. So between all that we will get caught up on cuddles with ALL the grandkids.
We are looking forward to our May long weekend camping trip, and getting the trailer out to the lake lot for a while. Don has a few jobs to keep him busier than he needs to be – but I guess that is the life of a consultant.
Have a great week – we will continue reporting adventures as life offers them!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Checking Out the Canyons in Utah
I must admit I am weary of finding new words to describe the brilliance of the Canyons as we drive through them. We have over 150 photos, but I am not even sure they do justice. I wish each one of you was travelling with us, and we could ooh and aah along with us. As I said in a past blog, each view has its own merit.
Over the last 2 days we have travelled through Bryce Canyon National Park and Capital Reef National Park. In many instances the “scenic route” we drove along to get there afforded more attractions and beauty than the actual canyons.
On Saturday we packed our lunch and headed through the park on Hwy 63. We thought that was funny, as it was as different from Alberta’s Hwy 63 as you can get. Bryce Canyon is full of incredible red hoodoos, not unlike those in Drumheller, other than the height and quantity. It is so overwhelming to see them, and the drove allows you to stop and view from so many different angles.
Sunday we headed out again, ready to see Capital Reef National Park. We were not sure what a reef was considered to be in this area, and must admit after the tour, still not sure why they chose that reference. Capital Reef primarily allows you to drive rather than along the rim of the canyons, such as Grand Canyon or Bryce, along the river valley that created the wonder. A totally different perspective. Signs along the way warn you not to park in the river bed, or even enter,if there are any sings of impending storm. As a side note, and not as an insult, it seems that Americans need to have posted warnings about everything in life. You are in a raging storm and sitting in a river in your vehicle – you may want to leave!
Each of these day trips was so worthwhile. I cannot believe how much new country we have visited this trip. But also must admit I am done for the spring with red rock, canyons, and hills. The truck must be wondering what we are doing to it. The fields around Lethbridge will be welcome!
I will post pics as soon as we are in a more stable wifi zone.
Have a great evening!
Over the last 2 days we have travelled through Bryce Canyon National Park and Capital Reef National Park. In many instances the “scenic route” we drove along to get there afforded more attractions and beauty than the actual canyons.
On Saturday we packed our lunch and headed through the park on Hwy 63. We thought that was funny, as it was as different from Alberta’s Hwy 63 as you can get. Bryce Canyon is full of incredible red hoodoos, not unlike those in Drumheller, other than the height and quantity. It is so overwhelming to see them, and the drove allows you to stop and view from so many different angles.
Sunday we headed out again, ready to see Capital Reef National Park. We were not sure what a reef was considered to be in this area, and must admit after the tour, still not sure why they chose that reference. Capital Reef primarily allows you to drive rather than along the rim of the canyons, such as Grand Canyon or Bryce, along the river valley that created the wonder. A totally different perspective. Signs along the way warn you not to park in the river bed, or even enter,if there are any sings of impending storm. As a side note, and not as an insult, it seems that Americans need to have posted warnings about everything in life. You are in a raging storm and sitting in a river in your vehicle – you may want to leave!
Each of these day trips was so worthwhile. I cannot believe how much new country we have visited this trip. But also must admit I am done for the spring with red rock, canyons, and hills. The truck must be wondering what we are doing to it. The fields around Lethbridge will be welcome!
I will post pics as soon as we are in a more stable wifi zone.
Have a great evening!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Lake Powell Country
We travelled yet again into new country on Wednesday – Page Arizona and Lake Powell. Lake Powell is formed by the Glen Canyon Dam, built on the mighty Colorado River in the Glen Canyon Recreation Area.
The closest town, Page, was formed in 1957. Page is a popular area for snowbirds, and the scenery is majestic and peaceful. We stayed at the Lake Powell Resort. Although a bit expensive for our taste, we do enjoy having services in the heat, especially electricity and the campsites had fire pits. Fire pits are not easy to find in campgrounds!
Tonight we are packing up after spending 3 nights here – it is time to move on. Our stay has been quite slow paced here, it seems we are starting to get the hang of doing nothing while feeling like we are busy. We did a road trip each day, today’s was most interesting, travelling to see Lees Ferry and the Navajo Bridge on Route 89A. At the Navajo Bridge they have the original bridge closed to traffic in 1938, adjacent to today’s current bridge. The Lees Ferry was at one time the only river crossing on the Colorado for 600 miles!
The weather has been very cooperative for us, hovering in the mid 20’s, although the wind has been testy at times. We have finally been able to have an evening fire, share a few stories, and make some new memories.
What more can a person ask for?
Tomorrow we are heading a bit north to the Bryce Canyon area. Not sure where we will pick to stay, but I will let you know.
Have a great weekend – I know we will.
The closest town, Page, was formed in 1957. Page is a popular area for snowbirds, and the scenery is majestic and peaceful. We stayed at the Lake Powell Resort. Although a bit expensive for our taste, we do enjoy having services in the heat, especially electricity and the campsites had fire pits. Fire pits are not easy to find in campgrounds!
Tonight we are packing up after spending 3 nights here – it is time to move on. Our stay has been quite slow paced here, it seems we are starting to get the hang of doing nothing while feeling like we are busy. We did a road trip each day, today’s was most interesting, travelling to see Lees Ferry and the Navajo Bridge on Route 89A. At the Navajo Bridge they have the original bridge closed to traffic in 1938, adjacent to today’s current bridge. The Lees Ferry was at one time the only river crossing on the Colorado for 600 miles!
The weather has been very cooperative for us, hovering in the mid 20’s, although the wind has been testy at times. We have finally been able to have an evening fire, share a few stories, and make some new memories.
What more can a person ask for?
Tomorrow we are heading a bit north to the Bryce Canyon area. Not sure where we will pick to stay, but I will let you know.
Have a great weekend – I know we will.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
The Smiths Do the Grand Canyon
So we have been here before – BUT with the car and on a flying trip. One that Don refers to as a Chevy Chase visit. Watch Chevy Chase Vacation if that reference means nothing to you.
Anyway, this time we took our time and stopped at every viewpoint offered. And it was totally worth it. I heard someone say it was visually overwhelming, and that is an accurate way of looking at it. I also heard a young boy about Emerson’s age say wow dad that’s a lot of really big rocks and hills hey. Yes another accurate statement!
We visited the South Rim of the canyon, it is the North Rim that has the glass walk out, so before you ask, no we did not go there. And we would not have walked out on that anyhow!
I think the pictures do the canyon justice, not my words, so here you are!
Tomorrow we are out of Flagstaff, heading to Page and Lake Powel. Take care.
Anyway, this time we took our time and stopped at every viewpoint offered. And it was totally worth it. I heard someone say it was visually overwhelming, and that is an accurate way of looking at it. I also heard a young boy about Emerson’s age say wow dad that’s a lot of really big rocks and hills hey. Yes another accurate statement!
We visited the South Rim of the canyon, it is the North Rim that has the glass walk out, so before you ask, no we did not go there. And we would not have walked out on that anyhow!
I think the pictures do the canyon justice, not my words, so here you are!
Tomorrow we are out of Flagstaff, heading to Page and Lake Powel. Take care.
Monday, April 23, 2012
The Amazing Road Trip
Today we travelled to Sedona, Arizona. I mentioned we had driven through earlier, but today we stopped, walked and shopped:)
Main street in Sedona is a busy place, with so many tourist shops, coffee shops and restaurants, that you may think you are anywhere in Canada or USA, like Jasper, etc. But then you look at the view, and know you must be somewhere a bit different, as all landscapes have a beauty their own, no matter how similar to other locations you have visited. What makes every place unique while appearing somewhat the same is what nature has done with what’s at hand. In this part of Arizona it is not hard to find red rocks and canyons, but it seems to me if you really take the time and look you start seeing all the special differences and details. It may be the vegetation that grows along the roads, the flowers that pop out now and then, or even the type of farming that happens along the way. But every place offers its own views.
So I keep posting pictures of mountains, lakes and rocks. If you are like us and love exploring the “in your face” differences, as well as the subtle differences, and collecting memories along the way, you will enjoy the photos.
We travelled Hwy 89A to Sedona, this is the scenic route. After today’s trip Don declared all highways with the letter A mean scenic, as well as sometimes erratic and not straight. Look at the GPS photo from a few days ago to see what he means! I usually get to pick the route we take (hence Driving Miss Donna), and sometimes as driver he pulls rank.
Anyway one of our stops was Montezuma Castle National Monument. Just a note to travellers – National Parks week is a great time to discover all these treasures, as there is no entry fee all week to any National site or park. And I am not going to tell you much else about this great spot, other than you must visit. In person or online – it was not Montezuma who lived there! The link will tell you everything, and our pictures are amazing.
Now 89A didn’t have Don pull rank, but it was close. Next stop Jerome. You must visit Jerome if you are ever in this area. Do not drive a long vehicle when doing so. Although it is common to see signs that state not to drive anything over 50 feet, this was not the case. But if you are we are not sure how you get though the town of Jerome on this “scenic” drive. The city is made up of more hairpin turns that we have experienced in all of our travels together. It is America’s most vertical city, the largest ghost town in America, and also a National Historic District. And in no way is it a ghost town as you may think – it has as many restaurants, bars and shops as you would expect.
After Jerome, the trip was rather uneventful back to Flagstaff, but still scenic. It made a great day trip.
Follow us in the photos…
Main street in Sedona is a busy place, with so many tourist shops, coffee shops and restaurants, that you may think you are anywhere in Canada or USA, like Jasper, etc. But then you look at the view, and know you must be somewhere a bit different, as all landscapes have a beauty their own, no matter how similar to other locations you have visited. What makes every place unique while appearing somewhat the same is what nature has done with what’s at hand. In this part of Arizona it is not hard to find red rocks and canyons, but it seems to me if you really take the time and look you start seeing all the special differences and details. It may be the vegetation that grows along the roads, the flowers that pop out now and then, or even the type of farming that happens along the way. But every place offers its own views.
So I keep posting pictures of mountains, lakes and rocks. If you are like us and love exploring the “in your face” differences, as well as the subtle differences, and collecting memories along the way, you will enjoy the photos.
We travelled Hwy 89A to Sedona, this is the scenic route. After today’s trip Don declared all highways with the letter A mean scenic, as well as sometimes erratic and not straight. Look at the GPS photo from a few days ago to see what he means! I usually get to pick the route we take (hence Driving Miss Donna), and sometimes as driver he pulls rank.
Anyway one of our stops was Montezuma Castle National Monument. Just a note to travellers – National Parks week is a great time to discover all these treasures, as there is no entry fee all week to any National site or park. And I am not going to tell you much else about this great spot, other than you must visit. In person or online – it was not Montezuma who lived there! The link will tell you everything, and our pictures are amazing.
Now 89A didn’t have Don pull rank, but it was close. Next stop Jerome. You must visit Jerome if you are ever in this area. Do not drive a long vehicle when doing so. Although it is common to see signs that state not to drive anything over 50 feet, this was not the case. But if you are we are not sure how you get though the town of Jerome on this “scenic” drive. The city is made up of more hairpin turns that we have experienced in all of our travels together. It is America’s most vertical city, the largest ghost town in America, and also a National Historic District. And in no way is it a ghost town as you may think – it has as many restaurants, bars and shops as you would expect.
After Jerome, the trip was rather uneventful back to Flagstaff, but still scenic. It made a great day trip.
Follow us in the photos…
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Driving to Music
Today’s travels take us to Winslow, Arizona. Don and I have a habit of picking a line from a favourite song, one that has a town in it, and heading out to find that place.
It all started with driving song we have had for years – on 8 track actually – CW McCall and Wolf Creek Pass.
************************************************************************************************
September 2006 Road Trip with the NEW Fifth Wheel:
Bodega Bay, California – Bodega Bay by the Untamed
Oh my baby still loves me - she called me today
Come away for the weekend to Bodega Bay
It's a place by the ocean where lovebirds can play
Come away for the weekend - to Bodega Bay
************************************************************************************************
April 2007 Road Trip in the new Dodge Charger with Ron and Bev:
Bakersfield, California – Streets of Bakersfield by Buck Owens and Dwight Yokam
I came here looking for something
I couldn't find anywhere else
Hey, I'm not trying to be nobody
Just want a chance to be myself
I've done a thousand miles of thumbin'
I've worn holes in both my heels
Trying to find me something better
On the streets of Bakersfield
************************************************************************************************
September 2007 Road Trip with the Fifth Wheel:
Pagosa Springs, Colorado – Wolf Creek Pass by CW McCall
Sign says clearance to the twelve-foot line, but the chickens was stacked to thirteen-nine. Well we shot that tunnel at a hundred-and-ten, like gas through a funnel and eggs through a hen, and we took that top row of chickens off slicker than scum off a Lousiana swamp. Went down and around and around and down 'til we run outta ground at the edge of town. Bashed into the side of the feed store... in downtown Pagosa Springs.
Taos, New Mexico – Taos by unidentified artist1
Here I am in jail with no one to throw my bail and I just wanna go home
And when I do I'll never leave Maria alone
I'm servin' time in Taos, New Mexico and I just wanna go home
I'm servin' time in Taos, New Mexico oooh never felt so alone
************************************************************************************************
June 2009 Road Trip to Alaska with Paul and Mary:
Alaska - North to Alaska by Johnny Horton
"'Cos a man needs a woman to love him all the time.
"Remember, Sam, a true love is so hard to find.
"I'd build for my Ginnie, a honeymoon home.
"Below that old white mountain just a little south-east of Nome."
Where the river is winding,
Big nuggets they're finding.
North to Alaska,
They're goin' North, the rush is on.
North to Alaska,
They're goin' North, the rush is on.
************************************************************************************************
2012 Road Trip with the Fifth Wheel:
Winslow, Arizona - Take it Easy by the Eagles
Well, I'm a standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona
and such a fine sight to see
It's a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford slowin' down to take a look at me
Come on, baby, don't say maybe I gotta know if your sweet love is
gonna save me
We may lose and we may win though we will never be here again
so open up, I'm climbin' in, so take it easy
So – you see the pattern? BUT – Winslow was just the best! Not only a statue of one of the Eagles and an actual red flat bed Ford, but 70’s music streaming from an adjacent corner curio shop, and an opportunity to buy commemorative T Shorts, which we don’t usually do.
If you have a special song with a town in it - let us know!
A great day spent seeing more countryside, and a great place to stop. Enjoy every moment – who knows when or if we will be back. Some great photos on this special stop on Route 66…
It all started with driving song we have had for years – on 8 track actually – CW McCall and Wolf Creek Pass.
************************************************************************************************
September 2006 Road Trip with the NEW Fifth Wheel:
Bodega Bay, California – Bodega Bay by the Untamed
Oh my baby still loves me - she called me today
Come away for the weekend to Bodega Bay
It's a place by the ocean where lovebirds can play
Come away for the weekend - to Bodega Bay
************************************************************************************************
April 2007 Road Trip in the new Dodge Charger with Ron and Bev:
Bakersfield, California – Streets of Bakersfield by Buck Owens and Dwight Yokam
I came here looking for something
I couldn't find anywhere else
Hey, I'm not trying to be nobody
Just want a chance to be myself
I've done a thousand miles of thumbin'
I've worn holes in both my heels
Trying to find me something better
On the streets of Bakersfield
************************************************************************************************
September 2007 Road Trip with the Fifth Wheel:
Pagosa Springs, Colorado – Wolf Creek Pass by CW McCall
Sign says clearance to the twelve-foot line, but the chickens was stacked to thirteen-nine. Well we shot that tunnel at a hundred-and-ten, like gas through a funnel and eggs through a hen, and we took that top row of chickens off slicker than scum off a Lousiana swamp. Went down and around and around and down 'til we run outta ground at the edge of town. Bashed into the side of the feed store... in downtown Pagosa Springs.
Taos, New Mexico – Taos by unidentified artist1
Here I am in jail with no one to throw my bail and I just wanna go home
And when I do I'll never leave Maria alone
I'm servin' time in Taos, New Mexico and I just wanna go home
I'm servin' time in Taos, New Mexico oooh never felt so alone
************************************************************************************************
June 2009 Road Trip to Alaska with Paul and Mary:
Alaska - North to Alaska by Johnny Horton
"'Cos a man needs a woman to love him all the time.
"Remember, Sam, a true love is so hard to find.
"I'd build for my Ginnie, a honeymoon home.
"Below that old white mountain just a little south-east of Nome."
Where the river is winding,
Big nuggets they're finding.
North to Alaska,
They're goin' North, the rush is on.
North to Alaska,
They're goin' North, the rush is on.
************************************************************************************************
2012 Road Trip with the Fifth Wheel:
Winslow, Arizona - Take it Easy by the Eagles
Well, I'm a standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona
and such a fine sight to see
It's a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford slowin' down to take a look at me
Come on, baby, don't say maybe I gotta know if your sweet love is
gonna save me
We may lose and we may win though we will never be here again
so open up, I'm climbin' in, so take it easy
So – you see the pattern? BUT – Winslow was just the best! Not only a statue of one of the Eagles and an actual red flat bed Ford, but 70’s music streaming from an adjacent corner curio shop, and an opportunity to buy commemorative T Shorts, which we don’t usually do.
If you have a special song with a town in it - let us know!
A great day spent seeing more countryside, and a great place to stop. Enjoy every moment – who knows when or if we will be back. Some great photos on this special stop on Route 66…
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