July 7- Rocky Point Campground Belle Fourche, SD

On our way to our next campground, we were able to stay off the Interstate. Lots of farm land. Saw several antelope, even ones among cattle. 

Arrived at Rocky Point Campground. This is a beautiful spot for a campground. Huge reservoir for swimming and kayaking in the Black Hills of South Dakota. 

As soon as we were set up, I took a dip. Water was perfect. 

Then a brewery for dinner and back to the RV to sit outside and relax! 

A gorgeous sunset to end our day  

Tomorrow a bike ride on the Mikelson Rail to Trail starting in Deadwood. 

November 28 - Christmas Tree Picking

Up and out by 8 o’clock this morning to drive to the Tahoe National Forest to pick out a tree or two. Arlo decided to catch a few winks so he’s ready to walk in the forest in search of the perfect tree. 

As you can tell, it’s a beautiful sunny day in the high 50s. 

Found it!!

The trees are up with lights. 

Arlo’s tree. He’s such a happy baby. 

Shan and Carl went to dinner with friends, Nate and Ashley, and then to listen to some music. Arlo and I played, are, and then went to bed. A fun and successful night for everyone!  Here’s Arlo after his dinner. Notice I forgot to put on a bib. 

June 8 - North into Oregon

After talking to Roger and Randy in the caves yesterday, we decided to head into Eastern Oregon to see some new country. It sure has wide open spaces. Almost as soon as we crossed the border into Oregon I saw a sign that said we were entering the Oregon Outback. We can see why. Hardly anyone on the road, no houses, a few very small “towns.” 

I really don’t have any pictures that show the expansive valleys we traversed but know it was pretty desolate. 

One of the small towns we drove through had poppies growing. A bright spot along the way. 

I’ve tried to grow them and they never come up. Must be the soil, which is probably alkaline because we drove along Goose Lake that is an alkaline, 15 miles long and 7 miles wide. You can’t tell from the pics, but there’s salt along the edges of the lake. The road wound around the lake. Very pretty drive. 

Our campground for the night is at Chickahominy Reservoir  in Riley, Oregon. Again not much here but it was VERY peaceful evening. It rained and got colder as we were getting ready for bed. Banjo loved the cooler temps, Lenny did not. This is our view from Ida. 

Talked to Shan who told me Arlo had his first trip to Costco. That little buggar sure gets around and only 2 months old. 

He’s loving life. 

Tomorrow we will drive farther north to John Day, OR. We have a campground for 3 nights to explore that area. 

Rolling through Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma City and Arkansas

One night stays are usually what we do when we are headed home. Drive for about 300 miles, stop, and do it all over the next day. 

First night after New Mexico was at a Harvest Host location, Bar Z Winery. We decided that we didn’t need to come back to this one. 

Did have a nice sunrise. 

On to Oklahoma City where we stayed at McLoud Recreation Center on a dam. Liked the sign at a rest stop 

It was cold and rainy but we were able to get a couple short walks in with the dogs. 

Then came Arkansas where we are staying 2 nights at Piney Bay Campground that is a Corp of Engineers Campground. Beautiful spot on the Arkansas River. 

We’ve stayed in other COE campgrounds in Arkansas and really enjoy ourselves.

First fire in awhile. Not quite the bonfire Carl and Shan had for us but we can still roast brats and have s’mores. 

Sunsets on the river are pretty 

Wild flowers were all over on our walk the next morning. 

A squirrel was teasing Banjo. 

Bill’s saw-all came in handy cutting wood for another fire. 

Wednesday we will be somewhere near Nashville.