Trip Northwest
Joan and I had a blast on our 16 day trip around
the West. Averaging about 250 miles per day, we did our best to spend time
and get to know the most interesting places along the way.
Here are the highlights: (pg. 1 of 3)
We camped 13 nights in the back of the "converted" Explorer. With
a quick toss of the Mosquito net over the tailgate, we had an economical,
go almost anywhere RV. I wanted a blue jumpsuit with Bill embroidered
on it, but Joan said "NO"!
The Powell Campsite (Page, Az)
Joan Saying "NO" to the Jumpsuit
One of the facinating sights that the other tours leave out was the Devil's
Hole. Outside Death Valley in the hottest, driest part of the country, you
will find the Devil's Hole. The Devil's Hole is the outflow of an underground
river where much of the water has been underground for thousands of years.
As you might guess the Devil's Hole is pretty Ripe, but tiny fish called the
Devil's Hole Pupfish make this their only home. Nearby is a beautiful shallow
lake fed by the same underground streams.
The Devil's Hole
We hurried through Death Valley, and did not spend as much time as we needed
to. For some reason, I could not talk Joan into a hike.
Up in Yosemite we stopped for a paddle in the Kayak. High winds added to the
adventure. Brrrr.
Paddling the Tolumne lakes
Down from Yosemite was the first town where we looked for a job for Joan.
Merced is an underdeveloped Tomato
Town about an hour from Yosemite's front door. Many excellent restaurants
provide fresh Tortillas and Enchiladas to serve the local hispanics and more
northern devotees.
Merced Theatre, one of two cinemas on Main street
Merced Has a large and lovely Victorian downtown. Main street has a split
contrasting closed shops and thrift stores with a few trendy restaraunt hopefuls.
Downtown's
potential may rely on the county seat which supports many professionals.
When UC opens a campus in Merced in 2005, this town will be booming. I would
love to start a business in Merced.
More! Show Me More! 
I wanna go home!
