Happy 4th of July

Well, this Independence Day is like no other. When my parents immigrated to the United States in 1958, they came to a country where they had high hopes of freedom and opportunity. I still believe this is at the heart of our values, but improvement is definitely needed.

We wish everyone a happy and healthy 4th of July!

We left Yuma on June 26th. We stayed at campgrounds in Winslow, Arizona; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Big Springs, Nebraska along the way. Arizona and New Mexico had strict mask laws in effect. Colorado and Nebraska were more relaxed; but everywhere we went, coronavirus was obviously a major concern.

While at our stop in Big Springs, Nebraska, I noticed an attraction on the Roadside America website. If you're not familiar, the site lists all kinds of quirky or unusual roadside attractions throughout the country. When I think of it, I check to see what's around areas we visit. The Flying J Truck Stop in Big Springs  has a caterpillar made out of tires at the back of the building. A cute find in a small town in Nebraska.

The campground we stay at in Big Springs is called McGreer Camp. It is on a working farm, where they've added about 30 sites at the edge of their property with full hookups and a bathhouse, conveniently located right off of I-80. We've stayed there every year as we travel to and from Arizona. Usually we are coming through in spring and fall, and it is never busy. They have an honor system box, and we pay without seeing any owners.

This year we are much later than ever before. I didn't call ahead figuring it would not be busy. When we got there, the owner told us it is the beginning of wheat harvest time, and they are often full during July with wheat harvest workers. As the harvest was just beginning, they had room for us. This unit pulled in next to us. It looked like a group of several young guys who move around harvesting wheat. We sure haven't had a neighbor like this in any of the campgrounds we've stayed in. Always something new and interesting to see when you're on the road.

This was the truck they used to tow their home on wheels.

It is so nice to have our home behind our truck as we travel. At every rest stop, we used our own bathroom with no fear of contamination. We made all of our own meals, and slept in our own bed. We felt very safe in our little home on wheels.  The new fifth wheel has performed beautifully. Other than a few very minor items, we are very pleased with the quality and workmanship.

Our final stop on this first leg of the trip was the Carol Joy Holling campground in Ashland, Nebraska. This is the camp our son works at. The campground is not open to the general public, but is open to camp supporters and associates. We have a 50 amp site with water. There is sewer at the site next to us, but we didn't have a long enough hose to reach the water if we took that site. So, we'll hook up on Monday and pull forward to use the sewer in the site next to us. The campground is more rustic than most private campgrounds, more like a state park. We don't have anyone near us, it's so nice and quiet, and we've seen wildlife.  The best part is it is close to Korey and Cathryn.

 During our previous visits, we've stayed at a private campground because Kevin was concerned that our larger fifth wheel would be too heavy for the grassy sites here. When we arrived, the ground was a bit soft due to rainfall the night before. With the truck in 4 wheel drive, we had no problems pulling into the site and getting set up.

The first morning, I saw these two turkeys walking behind our site. They've been back a few more times since then.

About ten minutes later, this doe and her two fawns walked along the edge of the woods. By the time I grabbed my camera, they were in the tall grass, and it was too high to see the fawns, but you can see the ears of one of them in front of the doe. So cute!!!

Last night there was a beautiful full moon rising behind us. I really like it here, and hope we can stay every time we visit.

Yesterday Korey had the day off of work. We went to his house, and brewed beer. This year we are making a peanut butter porter. Korey and Kevin did most of the brewing, but I helped. Cathryn had to work, so she missed out on the fun. We sat out in the garage for the 3 plus hours it took to get the beer ready for the fermentation process. Temperatures were in the low 90s with very high humidity. The sacrifices we make for a home brewed beer!

Here are Korey and Kevin removing the bag of grains after the first step. The beer is now called wort. The next step was adding malt, and then hops after that. After each step, more cooking is required.

Korey and Cathryn have the sweetest golden-doodle dog named Remy. He is about 1-1/2 years old now, and seemed to remember us from our visit last fall. He loves to be petted. If you stop, he gives you his paw. Here he has his paw on my leg. I love Remy!!

Today we are going back to their house to play some board games. Tomorrow they are coming to camp, and we plan to pick raspberries in the woods. Hopefully, there are still some there. I'll take some more pictures of us together.

I am so grateful to be able to spend this time with our kids again!!!