TRIP - DAY 5

I woke up bright and early in the morning so that we could be out of the campsite at 8:15 a.m. It was a 3-hour trip to Grand Tetons National Park. We drove through Caribou-Targhee National Forest. It was a lovely drive on my way to the Grand Tetons National Park. I tried to stop for as many historical sites as I could so I could learn more about the area. I also listen to a PBS show about the California Trail and the Oregon Trail. 

I got two Grand Tetons national park around lunch time and I stopped by the Smiths and got some gas prior to going to my campsite. I got to Gros Ventre campground a little after lunch time. The two retired folk who registered me were super super nice. I went to my campsite ate some lunch with Sunny and then drove out to fill the van up with water and dump the garbage. Once those two tasks were complete, sunny and I went to Jackson, Wyoming. 

I decided that we were going to go to see the National Museum of Wildlife Art. I saw some amazing very expensive pieces of art. And it was a lovely way to spend an hour. Sunny stayed in the van while I went to the museum. After the museum we went to Jackson to mail postcards and cards. Then we went to go see the cowboy bar which is famous for having saddles for bar stools. The cowboy bar was closed but we went to the Trading Post and bought a couple of chochkeys and more postcards. 

Then it was time to get back to the campsite to make dinner. I planned to make mushroom stroganoff. By using the instapot and the stove to make the pasta, I had a delicious dinner. I also have some left over to eat tomorrow. 

Their meditation and social media posts, it was time for bed. I have a big day tomorrow checking out the Grand Tetons. 

Until tomorrow...

TRIP - DAY 4

Today I slept in late. It's been weeks since I've been able to sleep late. I spent a little bit this morning organizing my bins because I haven't been able to find some things such as my scissors. So it feels a little bit better having things more organized. 

Right before lunch time I went down to the city of Hot Springs Idaho. Unfortunately, when I left the campsite I neglected to unhook the electric cord. I had pulled out of the campground driveway and was just entering the highway when a car came up next to me and started waving and screaming. That's when I realized the cord was dragging behind the RV. I quickly stopped the van and grabbed the cord. I then returned to the campsite and found my surge protector in the campground driveway. Lucky for me the cord detached from the post and not from the van. I think they're designed that way. I checked the post and it seemed fine. These surge protector tong bent a little bit but I was able to bend it back with my pliers. 

At that point I got on the road again to go to the hot springs. I was lucky I found a parking spot right away and went inside to soak in the hot spring. I tried the 105° pool and then the 106 to 110° pool. They were nice to soak in but they didn't seem as hot as everyone else was saying they were. Maybe it's because I'm used to soaking in a hot tub? 

After my hot tub experience, I was lucky enough to shower off with some soap. This was important because I did not have a shower the whole time I was in Crystal Springs because they do not have water. I only had a sponge bath while at Crystal Springs. 

After the hot tub I drove back to the campsite because it was starting to rain and I wanted to eat lunch. Sunny and I ate lunch together and then I took a walk around the entire campground. It really was a lovely campground with green grass, babbling brook and clearly designated sites. 

I had some time to kill so I wrote out some postcards, colored in my adult coloring book, and caught up on social media. 

I ate the leftover black bean pasta and Bolognese for dinner. 

Until tomorrow...

TRIP-DAY 3

This trip has been a lot of driving. I can't wait for a couple of days when I am not driving almost all day. 

This morning I got up and took a shower in the camp showers. This campground is so nice. The bathrooms are clean and the grounds kept very nice. The staff was nice too. 

I left that campsite at 8:15 and drove to the Walmart to get a few things and some more water. After leaving the store I started driving to my next location when I looked at the gas gauge. I had four bars going on three bars. I needed to get gas. I was almost to my destination so I continued. 

I went to the Minidoka National Historic Site. It was closed but I could still walk around. I got to the main gate and it was freezing a windy. I walked around a bit and then drove to another part but it was starting to rain. I felt I saw enough so it was in to find some gasoline. 

I had to drive about 15-20 minutes to get the closest gas station. Once I filled up, off we went to see the Crators of the Moon National Park. By this time, it started to pour. I arrived at the first pull out and hit out with my new yellow boots on, to walk around. The site reminded me of the volcano park in HI I went to. When I got back to the van, I decided this was as good a place as any to make and eat lunch. 

Yes, that is snow! 

After lunch we went to another pull out and then go to my next camp ground. I'm staying at what id probably a very nice campground but since I am one of two campers, I can only set it has beautiful grass and a lovely stream out back. 

 

I'm so tired. I'm going to sleep.

Until tomorrow...

TRIP- DAY 2

I got up right on time and got going early at 8:15 a.m. . I had to drive around 300 miles till next destination which was Jerome Idaho. I mistakenly thought there was a gas station on the way there and I made it with just a small bit of gas in the tank to the gas station. 

After a driving a bit it started to rain and this weird light appeared on my dashboard. It only concerned me because the icon had an exclamation point next to it. In my book an exclamation point means emergency. So I pulled over and called support. My simultaneously texted my cousin and asked her to sis trying to figure out what this light means. Tech support was a bit slow and their first response was "does the van still run"? I told them that yes the van still ran but I'd like to know what the light means. If the engine's going to conk out, it might be helpful to know what the light means. After a little bit of time I was given the answer that the collision sensor is malfunctioning. I also found out that the collision sensor can go off in very heavy rains. Since it was raining that's what did it. 

I got back on the road and continued on to my final destination Jerome Idaho. I needed a break at one point and wanted to eat lunch so I stopped and a lovely little museum called California Trail Interpretive Center in Elko, NV. It was a very very cute representation of people coming to CA during the gold rush. 

I got back on the road and arrived in my campsite in Jerome later than expected. I had the chili that I made at home for dinner and settled down to watch TV. 

I did dump the toilet compartment for the first time. It is a compartment that comes out and I could wheel it to a bathroom toilet and dump it. Fun times in Van life! 

Until tomorrow...

THE TRIP STARTED- DAY 1

I woke up early and got straight to work putting thingsd in the van. I got a lot of the moving done last night but because I was emotionally exhausted, I stopped earlier than I wanted to. 

Last night when I got into bed, I looked over on Lucky's side and was shocked she wasn't there. I was sad all over again. My sweet baby. 

After lugging am hours worth of stuff, I had to clean out the house. This was a task I planned to do yesterday. I checked all the windows and doors, took out the trash, and unplugged things. I was finally ready to go. I could now put the bird in the van. The Bungee cord I brought out was so old it was petrified. I had to get another bungee cord to anchor the birds cage. 

I got in the driver's seat and...I had to pee. Ugh. I went to pee and realized I forgot two important things: my toll gizmo and my phone holder. 

I was finally off! To the pharmacy to get my prescription that the insurance company forgot to fill. This gave me more practice parking. 

Then we were really off. We drove to a location that I knew had easily accessible restrooms. Then the next stop was lunch. I couldn't find a nice park or rest stop so we went to a Target parking lot that was not crowded. It was fine for a quick lunch. 

We stopped off at a rest stop to stretch my legs and saw this:

Yes, that is snow!! 

I was two hours late to leave and three hours late to the time I said I was going to arrive at the campsite. The owners were very sweet.

I got kind of set up, meditated, had a veggie burger for dinner and now I am relaxing. You could hear a pin drop in the RV park. Except the train that comes by every few hours. 

Tomorrow is another travel day. Another 350 miles. Good thing I made some playlists. 

Until tomorrow...

A VERY SAD DAY

I'll start off by saying last night Lucky had a very bad night. She has been shivering for about 5 days and then she seemed to be thirsty but didn't want water. She didn't eat and didn't want her nightly treats (something she really enjoyed). 

This morning I was taking her to the vet for her travel papers. The vet and I spoke about how she lost 3 lbs in three weeks even though she ate. She seemed very much in pain. The vet and I discussed how taking her on this trip would not be fun for her in this condition. Not to mention what if she got very ill and I was in the middle of nowhere. 

So I decided the best course of action was to let her pass on. I told her she was fearless, brave and that I loved her very much. I held her through the whole process of one needle and then the other. She looked so sweet at the end. 

I know I did the right thing. My friend heard that I was doing this and she came to the vet office to be with me. The veterinarian staff told me I was a good mommy and I gave Lucky everything any dog could ask for. 

Throwback photo

Rest in Peace Lucky 2007-4/23/2024

Once it was over, my friend and I went to my home where my friend cleaned up the dog stuff while I relaxed and got myself together. Today was the day I was getting the van. 

My friend drove me to the area and we had a quick bite to eat. Then we went to the van location and aftera LONG wait they spent an hour showing me how to use the van. My friend videoed most of it. 

Then I drove home and began packing it. I'm hoping nothing happens to it overnight. I did not pack the electronics, cold food and the bird. I'll do that tomorrow morning. I need to get done sleep.

Until tomorrow...

2 DAYS TO GO

I started out this day taking the bird, Sunny, to the special vet to get a health certificate. I know many people bring their pets to different states but some of the campsites say you have to show a health certificate if asked. I felt it was better safe than sorry. I would be devastated if one of my pets was taken away because I didn't have the certificate. In case you haven't heard avian flu is on the ride. 

Sunny dud great at the vets. The guy pried open his beak to check fir upper respiratory infection. He got weighed and the guy said he was a big bird. I asked if he meant fat but no he meant his bone structure is big. Sunny doesn't seem big to me. 

Sunny got to try out my latest impulse purchase: a bubble backpack. It is a backpack with a plastic bubble for the bird/cat/animal to look out. 

Sunny looks so happy. 

Then I ran to get my missed blood test to check my A1C. Results not in yet.

I came home to do some work and some tasks on my list. One of them was to walk down and get a prescription. My doctor called in some gabapentin. I'm not sure I'm going to take it but better to be safe than sorry.  On the way back I stopped to get ice cream but the ice cream parlor was closed. I ended up getting a pint of Ben & Jerry's non-dairy. It was good but not the same. I ate 1/2 pint. I tasted good! 

I did a few more tasks after dinner and now I Am going to bed. 

Until tomorrow...

3 DAYS TO GO

I spent the day doing so many things. I finished re-uploading music fit some entertainment during the drive. 

I made some more of those amazing homemade granola bars. I finished laundry. I deep cleaned the bird cage.

I weeded the backyard (it was beginning to get over run by clover and I planted seeds. I'm growing peas, green beans, yellow squash, lettuce and cucumber. I'll get a tomato plant when I get back. I already have mint, parsley, chives, oregano, rosemary, a strawberry plant and blueberries. 

It is three days until I take off on my campervan adventure. I have moments of fear and excitement. I think I will feel better once I get the van. 

Until tomorrow...

4 DAYS TO GO

Today was the date of two events. First the neighborhood watch community block party. I walked Lucky around the corner to see the excitement. Lucky was not impressed. 

I decided to attend the vegan pop up for Earth Day.  I was excited when I arrived. DirtyDawg, the new hot dog company was there sells by a vegan hot dog with vegan bacon and mustard, mayo and ketchup. They served it with grilled onions but I took a pass. There was someone selling juice, tostadas, and lasagna. It was a nice sunny day. 

I came home and did more packing and cooking. I made chili to freeze for the trip and barbecue tofu for the next few days. Busy day. It will be busier tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

5 DAYS TO GO

Today was a day for errands. I went to acupuncture and she put needles in my foot. I always feel better after acupuncture. I am not always sure if it works but I always feel better after a session. 

It's five days until I leave on my trip. I had so many things to do including getting some labs done. The lab screwed up and didn't take my blood so I have to go back on Monday for blood work. 

I found out that the main person at the Arthritis Foundation passed away. It was pretty sudden and sad. 

Until tomorrow...