Family Visits Norfolk

The RV is currently parked on the east side of Gene's daughter and son-in-laws' home in Norfolk, Nebraska . . . and it was the perfect resting spot for Shawnda, Janet and their two boys who are on their way to Phoenix for a vacation.

They only had one day with us, for which we were grateful, and we filled it up with lots of activities to keep Jack busy. The Discovery Zone at the Elkhorn Valley Museum is filled with toys, crafts, a stage with costumes for dressing up and a train that runs around the perimeter of the ceiling. Jack had fun scanning food items in the pretend grocery store, decorating his arm with body paint, and playing with all the toys.

Early Saturday they were back on the road with a stopover planned for Denver. We can't wait to see them again!

Jack scanning a box in the pretend grocery store.

Janet, Shawnda and one-month old Finnley. We think he will be a redhead!

Shawnda and Jack in the attic of the Dederman cabin on the grounds of the Elkhorn Valley Museum. The cabin was built in the 1860's and ten Dederman children used to sleep in this room.

Johnny Carson's six Emmy Awards are on loan to the museum. Johnny grew up in Norfolk, graduated from Norfolk High and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. A room at the museum is dedicated to Johnny's life.

A poster of Johnny Carson.

Jack and great grandma Sue eating cookies!

Mama and Babies

Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area near Yankton, South Dakota, is a great place for viewing wildlife  . . . like this doe with twin fawns. We spotted this trio from our RV while we were working on a crossword puzzle and, of course, grabbed the camera.

A Vist to Phoenix

Gene's brother from Hawaii, John, and his sister Linda who lives in California spent a few days with us in Phoenix in early November. We had a great time and lots of laughs. Hope they will visit again soon!

John ready for a swim.

The cold water didn't keep John out of the pool!

John, Gene and Linda.

Linda loves her tea.

Beached!

It was a dark and stormy night . . . literally! The wind was blowing hard, so hard that we couldn't stand outside of the RV because sand was stinging our faces. Ten or fifteen emergency vehicles were driving up and down the beach, shining their beacons into the water in search of something. Then we spotted it, the Fiesta Cruiser that takes tourists out for sunset dinner cruises was aground and slowly moving toward the beach. The high winds and heavy surf were a factor. So was the tidal current.

The boat, which at times carries 200 to 400 people, had attempted to enter the harbor at low tide and struck ground around 9 p.m. Losing its rudder, the storm easily pushed the boat toward the shore. Many of the 44 guests aboard were rescued by the Mexican Navy. A few jumped overboard and swam ashore. One woman had a heart attach and died during the incident. As the tide switched and started coming in, the boat was pushed higher and higher up on the beach. The next morning, the Fiesta Cruiser sat high and dry.

Rocky Point, Mexico

We spent the month of October in Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco), Mexico. The highlight of the month was having Gene's daughter, Lori, and her family with us for a full week. They stayed in the highrise condo next to the RV park, The Sonoran Sky.

We chartered a fishing boat and headed out for a fun day. Caught about 80 fish!

Dale poured tequila in layers into shot glasses: carmel flavored tequila, then a layer of cafe, topped by reposada aged 6 months.

The boat crew baited our hooks, took the fish off the line and fileted all the fish on the way back to the harbor. We had baked fish one night for dinner and used some in our ciappino the next night.

Dale reeled in a trigger fish!

Jay's wife, Liz, caught the most fish and was queen for the day!

Paradise on Lake Powell

Our family had been planning this trip for a year . . . one week on Lake Powell in two 70' houseboats. My sister Kathy's client, Forever Houseboats, went out of their way to ensure the perfect accommodations. After a two-hour orientation, we were on our way . . . even though gusts of 55 mph winds were forecast. Luckily, only the first day was windy. Days 2 through 7 were ideal. Warm sun, calm waters, good fishing, refreshing water for swimming and time to party!

We even had a wedding to recreate. My cousin Jim and wife Lisa eloped to Napa Valley recently and we spent one evening recreating their vows and offering blessings for a beautiful life. We all felt blessed to be included in this houseboat ceremony.


Before getting on the houseboat we took a tour with a Navajo guide into Antelope Canyon. This slot canyon is cut through red sandstone and thousands visit each year. At night, mice climb the steep walls and owls swoop through to pick them off! If a thunderstorm threatens, tours into the canyon are cancelled in fear of flash floods.


View of Reflection Canyon from the top deck of the houseboat.


Our 70 foot houseboat was the ultimate in comfort, with full-sized kitchen, four staterooms with queen beds and TV in each room, hot tub, ice maker, bar and slide from the roof to the water.


We trailed three kayaks behind the Avon inflatable and had many enjoyable excursions into side canyon to view indian ruins and steep, red sandstone walls.


Red, blue and yellow! Very mellow!


Carol and Joan out kayaking.


One of our anchorages in Oak Canyon. There are Moki steps (made by indians) on the red sandstone formations above the camp site.


We trailed the Avon inflatable boat behind the houseboat and used it to take excursions into side canyons. This trip into Secret Canyon was narrow, ending in a box canyon.


The group: Cousins from the Browner family (10 on our boat) and the Himmes family (9 on their boat). George and Nancy, Margaret and Don, came all the way from Chicago for this trip.


We were blessed with a beautiful sunset following a brief storm at our final anchorage. The top flew off the hot tub and Phil and cousin Tom had to rescue it with the Avon.

Monica's Prom

Only because I live "right around the corner", or as my brother Joe says, "a nine iron away", was I invited to take a few photos of my niece before she and her date left for their highschool prom.