2008 08 24 through 29 - Red Bay, Alabama

We headed to the Tiffin Factory in Red Bay, Alabama on the 24th to take care of a few bus maintainence items. We checked into the Allegro Campground on Sunday and got put on the list for Express Service. Monday came and went without a word, so we weren't sure when they'd get to us. By Tuesday afternoon we were in a bay with a couple of Techs. They made great time, but didn't quite finish.

Since we were in no hurry to get away, Nancy started working on having a few after-market items she'd been wanting installed - a sliding drawer in the cabinets under and over the sink and to have the wardrobe refitted with a shelf. Chris worked magic and in no time the task was finished. Wow! What a difference a few small changes can make.

We then decided to add sunscreens to our bus - so we waited around Red Bay a couple of additional days for Mr. D to finish the installation. The screens were well worth the wait - they really make the bus cooler. Once again, we scratch our heads at why we didn't have them installed when we first got the bus.

In a couple of days Service was finished with the repairs.Our stay at the factory went well so we're moving on to Memphis to explore Elvis Presley's home and to work our way through some BBQ! Wish us well.

2008 08 23 On Stage at The Ryman Auditorium

We enjoyed a couple of days R 'n R in Nashville - especially the tour of the Ryman Auditorium - the former home of the Grand Ole Opry. We took a backstage tour and saw lots of incredible photos of the stars, the back exit where the stars would cut and run to Tootsie's between sets, before they had to be dragged back to continue their performances. Really neat to hear the stories of all that went on in that place. It was great fun to stand on stage where so many of the greats got their start. So glad we took the tour - if you're in Nashville, take the time - you'll be pleased.

2008 8/22 Nashville

Hi Folks,

We are finally on the road again after a challenging summer in the Mid-West.

We decided to head South to enjoy Nashville and take in some of the shows they offer. We're looking forward to the Grand Ole Opry and the Quilt exhibition that is in town. More to come!

Peyton's Big #7

Peyton turned 7 this week and today we celebrated this big event at Chuck E Cheese in Cincinnati. The Birthday Boy was joined by his brother, Justin and his friends, Wyatt and Hunter.

2008 6/30 Carbon River Hike

2008 6/26 Hiking the Deschutes River Trail

The Deschutes River Trail is an easy 9 mile trail that again offers something for everyone. We hiked about 3 miles in - then turned around and hiked back to the carpark. You can raft down the river or witness the trails by mountain bike, horseback, or as we did - by simply walking. The river and the ancient lava flows are amazing. You will even hike past an ancient Indian rock shelter discovered in the 40s. The local museum offers an exhibit of all the arrowheads and other items recovered from the site that the native people used during hunting.

2008 6/25 Smith Rock State Park, Oregon

This park offers a panorama of unexpected beauty - colorful 700' walls rising directly above the meandering Crooked River. There is something for everyone in this park: photography, rock-climbing, hiking, picnicking, mountain biking, horse trails, camping and lots of wildlife. Smith Rock is one of Oregon's premier state parks.

The easy trails are on the bluff or down and along the river. We chose the Misery Ridge/Monkey Face trail. It is ranked Moderate/Difficult - of course! It is definitely one of the most scenic hikes we've ever taken. The first 3/4 of a mile is straight up and yes - it's appropriately named "Misery Ridge". Once atop you will catch the first glimpse of the monkey's head. Then the trail turns right for a steep 1/2 mile descent. You really need to be careful because the trail is loose small rock - very slippery. The remaining 2 miles is an easy cruise around all the rocks. You will be sure to see climbers on a lot of the rockfaces.

Be sure to click on the link to our photo album to see lots more great pics of this park. We could go on and on - but it was a terrific 1/2 day hike!