tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251379502011-06-08T00:18:03.288-06:00Tuesday, May 23, 2006 began our RV Odyssey. Our RV (Retirement Villa) is an Excel (Peterson Industries) Fifth Wheel travel trailer model 30RSO towed by our Ford F350 Powerstroke Diesel crew cab. We invite you to join our travel journal over the next few years and share your experiences and site-seeing suggestions with us.TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.comBlogger331100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-35404767858679524392007-09-17T22:25:00.000-06:002007-09-17T22:49:09.573-06:00

When I last left this blog, Betty and I were staying in South Park Mobile and RV Park on Federal Blvd, just south of Hampden Ave, Englewood, CO. This is a very nice and comfortable park with lots of grass, flowers, and mature trees. We will likely return to this location when back in Denver.There were absolutely no issues stemming from my gall bladder surgery. The most uncomfortable part of this

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-81321608682031002052007-07-10T18:02:00.000-06:002007-07-10T18:34:07.981-06:00

Arizona and New MexicoFrom our last posting, we had just arrived in Tucson from Mexico. We had made our reservations at the Voyager RV Resort while still in San Carlos for a space near friends, and Excel Club members, Gerri and Carl. We thought we would stay a week, but we liked Voyagers so much that we stayed a total of three weeks.This was our first Resort for RVs. It is a large complex of

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-21348971189318864252007-06-30T18:29:00.000-06:002007-06-30T19:47:00.118-06:00

Dear fellow travelers...Once again, I have a lot of catching up to do. Future blog postings will take us to Tucson, Mesa and Scottsdale (a stay shorter than we had planned), then to Las Cruces and Colorado City for the Excel Club gatherings. The teaser is that Betty and I end up back in Lakewood in early May but found ourselves homeless! The good news is that I did get my taxes done, and filed

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-53451315720958000862007-02-24T18:25:00.000-07:002007-03-01T11:08:07.857-07:00

Wow, we have been in San Carlos a month! We can hardly believe it. We have been so busy…NOT! And yet, when recently made friends have asked us to dinner and to play cards, we find that our schedule is, well, packed. It has been very windy the past couple days…actually, for a couple weeks. We had a totally calm day on Wednesday this week, but wind off the Sea of Cortez has been fairly

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-2069517595580221252007-02-06T10:32:00.000-07:002007-02-07T22:47:05.431-07:00

Betty's brother, Robb (Hawaii) has been after me to post maps. So, here are two maps: The first map shows the route from Arizona to San Carlos. The route is on Mexico 15 from Nogales through Hermosillo, the state Capitol, to San Carlos. Four lane highway and about a 5 hour drive. Three toll booths paying a total of about $33 USD. Save your toll receipts. Is something happens to you (

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-4015073929383345492007-02-05T15:35:00.000-07:002007-02-07T12:36:27.373-07:00

We arrived in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico on January 26th about 6:30 in the evening. We set up our campsite, had dinner with friends and hit the hay. It is hard to believe that we have been here 10 days already. We have barely relaxed. The skies are sunny, and the town has many fun little places to stop and shop, wonderful restaurants, a good ice cream store, and beautiful sunsets. Betty has

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-51773796548290389222007-01-28T12:50:00.000-07:002007-02-07T12:30:31.129-07:00

Buenas Tardes, Amigos!Wow, a lot has happened since we last had a posting on this blog. I last wrote while in Chama, NM in early October. When the New Mexico Excel club gave us their hugs and we all said our goodbyes, Betty and I decided to stay a little longer (than we had planned). The loss was that we missed seeing the friends in Santa Fe we had originally planned to visit. We had to

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1159718462165748812006-10-01T09:59:00.000-06:002006-10-11T10:42:07.500-06:00

AUTUMN IS HERE(I wrote the initial draft on 9/21, and have had difficulty getting it posted. I have now updated the text on 10/1 and hope to get a connection soon. Thanks. GHK)We arrived in the New Mexico mountains, at Chama NM, on the 20th in heavy thundershowers driving down US 285 and Colorado 17 from Salida to Alamosa, then to Antonito across Cumbres Pass into Chama. The next morning I awoke

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1158148929299329532006-09-13T06:01:00.000-06:002006-09-13T08:23:22.600-06:00

Wow, I didn’t realize that the last posting was the 21st of August. We have had several inquiries wondering if we are okay. Gee, thanks for checking…we are doing fine.Miss Kitty survived her sleep-over at the Vet in Kearney, MO. Her blood tests were still not normal, and she was dehydrated and had an infection in her intestine. The vet gave her an antibiotic and a hydration injection under her

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1156188459140904042006-08-21T12:52:00.000-06:002006-08-22T02:28:12.580-06:00

We arrived at this beautiful State Park last Thursday, but have not had internet hookup until today. Last night, Sunday, a man arrived in his fifth wheel trailer and set up camp two spaces from us. While we were enjoying happy hour, he walked by and we hailed him for a visit. He lives in Liberty MO, and was here to spend a week while his wife went back east to visit her daughter and new baby. He

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1155526804787828212006-08-13T21:06:00.000-06:002006-08-14T09:52:24.883-06:00

On Monday 8/14, we will depart Kansas City and work our way north and west toward Smith Center KS. I have an appointment with the factory for some service items, and figure that I will get them taken care of while in the neighborhood. The GOOD folks at RV Sales in Moriarty NM are more than capable of doing the jobs, but I figure since I am here, well the factory should be capable, too. We want to

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1155101755511128142006-08-08T22:15:00.000-06:002006-08-09T00:14:30.013-06:00

Kansas City, well, Lees Summit, was our second home following Denver. We had lots of fun here, and we are revisiting some old haunts, as well as learning new ones. Yes, you all received a bogus message that asked you to save a website link to Walters Dance Center. You don't need to do that. My goof. The message was intended to go to Betty, but I clicked on an adjacent link and everyone was

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1154326023263939622006-07-30T23:39:00.000-06:002006-07-31T00:07:03.330-06:00

We arrived in the Kansas City area on Saturday evening, about 8PM. The thermometer on the car read 101, however, the humidity was not as high as St. Louis. Actually, the temperature was tolerable because the sun was not bearing down on us. After dropping off the Envoy that Betty drove from St. Louis, loaded with plants and pictures, we drove to Merriam KS to the Walnut Grove RV Park where we

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1154038165412526372006-07-27T15:39:00.000-06:002006-07-27T16:09:25.506-06:00

Hi Again. We are still in St. Louis today, but leave for Kansas City on Saturday morning. Today is cooler (but not much) with overcast and a spit of rain or two. Yes, higher humidity.We spent yesterday at the Jefferson Expansion Memorial (Arch). Took the tram to the top, got out and took pictures through windows and then called my Mother to tell her where we were. Saw the BIG screen Omni

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1153436248878842122006-07-20T16:44:00.000-06:002006-07-20T16:57:28.943-06:00

Well, you may have read that St. Louis was hit pretty hard with high winds on Wednesday evening, 7/19/06. Huge trees went down all over the central part of the city. Comfort index is 115 today. Power outages from the storm last night have 300,000 residents without electricity. One major area without power is the municipal water district which cannot pump water without power. Our friend Bev

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1152824354648325122006-07-13T14:43:00.000-06:002006-07-13T14:59:14.720-06:00

OMG. Comfort index exceeds 100. 96 degrees, light rain with sun. It is like a sauna outside. Now I remember why we moved out of the midwest. WHEW!We spent two days at Bev's house setting up her garage for the moving sale. Then, on Wednesday we had the first day of the sale...yes, the comfort index has been the same uncomfortable "off the chart" reading. We did pretty well for the first day

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1152199579914612092006-07-06T09:16:00.000-06:002006-07-06T09:26:20.026-06:00

Well, Betty went to a Physical Therapist in Lincoln this AM and we are now sitting at Panera Bread Co waiting for her aunt and uncle to join us for lunch. Then, we will head off toward St. Louis for the next several weeks. We will stop over in St Joseph or Kansas City for a few days of rest before heading off to our new "job" in St. Louis...helping our friend Bev get ready to move. Lincoln has

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1151965597906779362006-07-03T15:52:00.000-06:002006-07-03T16:41:41.886-06:00

We planned to leave on the 28th of June but did not get away until the 29th. After a 10 day stay in CO, we are now in Lincoln NE for Betty's aunt's 80th Birthday. If you have not been to Lincoln, stop at a state roadside visitor information booth and get a Lincoln tour book. Boy, there is a lot to do here, and unusual things to see. We need to come back for more time.It has been great fun to be

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1150466072494353732006-06-16T07:51:00.000-06:002006-06-16T13:16:09.680-06:00

Even though my intention is to post each Friday or Saturday, we have really been out of the "internet loop" for a long time. We are in an RV park south of Colorado Springs and they have FREE WiFi, so I am going to make hay while I can.The Excel Home Coming in Smith Center was lots of fun, and just like summer camp. The days were all planned and all we had to do was to participate. Seminars on the

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1149278439064365072006-06-02T13:47:00.000-06:002006-06-02T14:00:39.113-06:00

Betty and I are in Smith Center Kansas where Excel Fifth Wheel trailers are made. We arrived on Wednesday after one night in Prairie Dog State Park (Norton KS) and two previous nights at Scott Lake State Park (Scott City KS). We have had quite a bit of rain and our camping in the vacant lots around Smith Center has provided us with some new "lake-side" camp sites. The factory has taken very

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1148384751511145962006-05-23T05:41:00.000-06:002006-05-23T05:45:51.523-06:00

Just a quick note before I pack up the computer. It is about 5:45 AM (23 May 2006) and we are in the throws of getting on the road. We plan to head out about 7AM and stop over in Castle Rock to visit the Seales, our FIRST full time friends...they were friends long before full time, though. We'll have coffee, then aim south a few days before heading east.Stay tuned...!CHEERS!

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1148152798129132542006-05-20T13:09:00.000-06:002006-05-21T08:52:26.796-06:00

Saturday afternoon...1PM. Taking a break for lunch. We have been at the trailer this morning organizing and seeing how much more we can take. Something wrong here...I think there are weight limits!! Betty wants 14 days worth of clothing along, 'cause she does not want to do laundry very often. Well, heading for the midwest and the humid climate, we may be FORCED to do laundry often...hot and

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1147724431975433422006-05-15T14:02:00.000-06:002006-05-15T14:24:49.333-06:00

Whew...8 days before we start traveling. Can't believe it is happening so quickly. Being retired is great, because I have all this time to prepare...NOT!!!!!!! I am so far behind, it is amazing.Thought we would take Ms. Kitty over to the Vet to get her clearance to travel. $400 later, we find out that her elevated T4, and all liver enzymes are giving the Vet and us, a lot of heart burn. Ms. Kitty

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1146739676759828392006-05-04T04:26:00.000-06:002006-05-04T04:54:50.503-06:00

I do like it, this retirement thing. Well, I (Gordon) am not too experienced...it has only been four days. Betty said I would like it...she is so experienced, 4 months since her last day. She has had me busy, and I have my own chores to do, too. Wouldn't you know, the kitchen sink backed up today...just weeks before leaving for the trip. Now, a sink back up isn't so bad...it happens. BUT, we

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1146242726243444282006-04-28T10:38:00.000-06:002006-04-28T10:45:28.766-06:00

A milestone in Gordon's life. Retirement Day has arrived. April 28, 2006 is the official last day of work. Boxes all over the place. Work still to be done. Oh Dear. Gordon is looking forward to dinner tonight at Simms Landing. It is such a special place for us, and has been for years. Before we moved from Colorado to Kansas City in 1982, we patronized Simms Landing for special occasions.

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1145729011580158932006-04-22T11:40:00.000-06:002006-04-24T22:10:46.056-06:00

Ahhhhh. Five more work-days. Lets see, I work a 9 hour day, so that equates to 45 hours, less one is 44 hours (just the way a 4-5-9 schedule works out--that's 4 days the first week, 5 days the second week, 9 hours per day). And, there is only one more week to fuss with that kind of detail. WHEW !!But what a ride it has been....The National Park Service has been a wonderful organization for which

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1145402886820551462006-04-18T17:12:00.000-06:002006-04-18T17:28:06.870-06:00

I'm so excited for B&G. It's as if I was going too. It will be 2 years before I can join you on the Trail with my own "Villa" Your mission is to get all the kinks out and advise me so I don't make the same mistakes. I'll be a rookie by then. I'll be meeting with Winnie and my finantial advisor to check my numbers.I've got news for you that I'm not should bu put on a blog. I'll email

RioLupushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14652585179899426114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1145026462558037772006-04-14T08:49:00.000-06:002006-04-14T08:57:53.646-06:00

9 work-days remaining until Gordon’s retirement. Two weeks from today. WOW. Reality has not really hit yet.I unhooked the 100# propane tank from the Retirement Villa (RV) “The Villa” on Wednesday (see March 31st picture in the initial posting), and turned the tank back into the park. The weather last week was summer-like—83 degrees yesterday. It surely seems too early for this kind of warmth. Way

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1144933299238023912006-04-13T07:00:00.000-06:002006-04-13T07:01:39.246-06:00

We'll be watching.

John Chaneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14766958032077001716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1144871203892707802006-04-12T13:44:00.000-06:002006-04-12T13:46:43.903-06:00

I am all logged in now and can forward the names of approved CMT's around the country.

Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06946895067646825808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1144429997725820712006-04-07T10:30:00.000-06:002006-04-08T09:25:17.310-06:00

Well, the first week of April is nearly gone. Gordon has 21 calendar days to retirement. We have been transporting supplies and equipment to the RV aka Retirement Villa ( The Villa) on a steady basis for weeks, but slowed down this week to do tax preparation. Weather has been quite delightful, in the 60's and 70's, but today it is snowing. It is too warm for the snow to stick to the streets, but

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1144115554269793522006-04-03T19:49:00.000-06:002006-04-03T19:52:34.276-06:00

hi, it looks pretty cold, hope thats all done by the time we get there.the seale's

Serendipity Seale'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884079727856687524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25137950.post-1143825402085394212006-03-31T10:08:00.000-07:002006-03-31T12:17:17.753-07:00

Welcome to our Friends and Family. We have created this spot so that you can watch where we have been and find out where we will be going. We invite your comments and suggestions. Tell us restaurants, sites to see, museums, activities, just all the things that will help us experience the unique qualities of North America.The adjacent picture is our RV (Retirement Villa) taken on a snowy March day

TalktoBandGnoreply@blogger.com0