Traveling Back to Acton, CA

On January 9th we left Lindsay & Tom's in our Ford Escape to head back to California.  We decided to leave after our family Christmas party because bad weather was approaching.  We were only going to drive as far as Des Moines, IA but after talking with our son-in-law Rob, who's a meteorologist, we decided to drive as far as Kearney, MO.  We then only had a 15 mile drive to visit our daughter and son-in-law and their family.  When we awoke the next morning, we were sure glad we made the extra effort to drive as far as we did because there was blowing & drifting snow on the interstate which made the road icy.

We got to Theresa & Rob's house and the kids were all home from school due to the weather.  It was a very relaxing day and evening with the gas fireplace running, good coffee, good food & great conversation.  When we got up the next morning the weather was still not very good for traveling and since we don't have to be anywhere at any particular time, we decided to stay with Theresa & Rob for another night.  It was nice enough later in the day so that Theresa and I were able to make a run to Walmart.  I have to say it was nice to get out of the house and get some fresh air even though it was cold and snowy.  That evening we went to dinner at the Subway that our granddaughter; Elizabeth works at.  When we got done eating, we headed to the gym to watch our grandson; Brian wrestle.  Brian just turned 11 and is somewhat small for his age; but wow can he wrestle!

The next morning we packed up the car and drove on to visit Gunnard & Virginia Youngdahl who live in Hollister, MO.  Hollister is located just south of Branson, MO.  The farther we drove South the nicer the weather and less snow.  We arrived at Gunnard and Virginia's by late afternoon.  They live in a RV community in a very cute little place where they not only have a place to keep their motor home but where neighbors look out for each other; in the country with a great view; and close to Branson where they can take in a show or eat at a great restaurant.  Speaking of great restaurants, we ate at a diner the first night that had a waiter that sang when he delivered our food to our table.  It was good food and great entertainment!

Because it is the off season in Branson; most of the shows are closed.  Gunnard & Virginia knew of one show at the Grand Country Music Hall.  So we took in the show "Grand Jubilee" with them.  It was a great variety show with comedy, an emcee, a very good country singer, a woman singer and a fun quartet.  Needless to say, we had a great  time at the show. 

The next day Gunnard & Virginia took us to Lambert's Restaurant - Home of the Thrown Roll located in Ozark.  If you've ever watched the Food Network, this restaurant was featured on one of their shows Diners, Drive-In's, & Dives.  The food is absolutely wonderful and the main feature is their home made rolls that are brought out and literally thrown to the customers at their tables or booths.  Each main dish comes with sides that brought to your table and spooned onto your plate.  You can have as much of the sides that you want.  If you make it to the restaurant, I enjoyed the Chicken & Dumplings and had the best fried potatoes that I think I've ever had.

Server getting ready to throw a roll to a table

Server throwing a roll to a booth across the room

Gunnard & Virginia are the perfect hosts and we could have stayed for many days letting them show us their great area, but we needed to get back on the road the next morning.  We said our good-byes and off we went. Our route took us through the corner of Arkansas and onto Interstate 40 through Oklahoma, Northern Texas, into New Mexico and into Arizona.  I have to say that I wasn't all that enthused about going on the Interstate, but it was the fastest route.  The number of trucks that we saw, since this a main East/West route was more than you could ever count.  The scenery wasn't much either! 

Once we got into Arizona; however; what a difference!  We stopped at the Petrified Forest National Park and saw the Painted Desert and of course, the petrified forest.  What beauty!  We drove the scenic drive through the park and who would ever believe that such a beautiful place is just off the Interstate. 

Painted Dessert

 

Painted Desert Inn

Petrified Log

Petrified Wood

More Petrified Logs

After we left the Petrified Forest National Park, we went on to Flagstaff.  Instead of staying on the Interstate we decided it was time to get off and get onto a more scenic route through Sedona, Jerome; viewing Mingus Mountain and Prescott Valley.  What a view!!  I think that this route was one of the most beautiful routes I've ever taken.  Jerome is the most interesting town; it's built into the side of Mingus Mountain and was built in the mid 1800's as a mining town.  The road through the mountain was like an old trail converted into a 2 lane road.  We sure were glad that we weren't in the motor home. 

Humphreys Peak - 12,633' - Arizona's highest peak

Mingus Mountain view from Jerome, AZ

Another view from Mingus Mountain

After spending  the night just outside of Phoenix, we left the next morning for Acton.  We made a stop in Quartzsite,AZ which is very close to the border of Arizona and California.  For RV'ers it's a destination like no other.  About 3 millioin RV'ers converge on this normally tiny desert town and camp for the winter months.  There are campgrounds that are full service, but the excitement is in the fact that many dry camp out in the desert.  There are groups of RV's that have things in common.  There are events such as a huge RV show, Gem & Jewelry shows, Blues Festivals etc. throughout the winter months.  We'd heard of Quartzsite through friends and decided to see it for ourselves. 

We made it back to the Acton KOA late that afternoon.  As always, we had a great trip and until next time we're At Home Wherever We Roam!