http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php Copyright 2010, Joe & Miranda Durbin Joe & Miranda Durbin en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.8 http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100303-191121 After much thought and debate, we decided to just take the RV home. We had to leave immediately though because the tabs expired March 1st. So, we left Friday evening, drove until 3am and stayed that night in a rest stop near Bozeman, MT. We left in the morning and got on the road again.
North Dakota was crazy! Not only was it super cold, but it was foggy and everything was covered in frost. A gas station was creepy with how much frost there was.
We ended up running out of gas about 3 miles from exit that had gas. We might have been able to get there, but it was about 1am, so we thought it best to just stop at the rest stop that we were just passing. It was 16 when we got up in the morning (9am) and that felt warm, so I don't think I want to know how cold it was while we were asleep.
Joe talked to a guy that worked there and he just happened to have some gas in his pickup. So, we made it to the exit with the gas easily. We basically drove straight home from there and got back around 7pm.
We'll probably stay for a couple months. Once it warms up we'll most likely be heading out again.
-Miranda]]> Driving http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100303-191121 Joe & Miranda Durbin Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:11:21 GMT http://mirandajoe.com/blog/comments.php?y=10&m=03&entry=entry100303-191121 http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100126-150104 A couple weeks ago, the weather was perfect, so Pat and Tom took Joe and I downhill skiing. Neither one of us had been skiing in many many years. It was really fun. We mostly stayed on a pretty easy hill. Pat and Tom wanted to try taking us on a more difficult hill to see how it went. Joe ended up missing the turn so Pat went with him and Tom stayed with me. My hill was hard. I didn't fall at all, but I went as slowly as I could and was stressing myself out the whole time. Joe said his hill was really hard (steep) and he fell at least 8 times. We both went back to the easy hill. :) There was another one that was slightly harder at the bottom of the hill we had been going down. We tried that one and loved it. Just a little more challenging, but still possible. Of course they closed it by the time we got back to the top since it was an hour from closing time.
Around that same time, it was warm and there was fresh snow, so Pat and Joe made a snow bunny. It was sort of creepy.... While I was out taking pictures of it, Curly decided to climb up one of the posts that holds the roof over the porch area. Joe had to help him down. He probably would have figured it out eventually, but might as well be nice. :)
Other than that, it's just been work and more work. The cats are doing great. They can be pretty annoying, but, for the most part, they behave.

-Miranda

\
Sorry for the out of focus photo, but that's the best one I had of him up on the post.

Joe helping Curly down.

The creepy bunny.

How I found Pickles sleeping one day on the bed.]]> Friends/Family http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100126-150104 Joe & Miranda Durbin Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:01:04 GMT http://mirandajoe.com/blog/comments.php?y=10&m=01&entry=entry100126-150104 http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry091213-174957
On a side note, it's been snowing for two days here and it's absolutely gorgeous! It's so dark though. We've been getting up around 8:30 and it feels more like 6:30. We also spent Friday checking out some of the gyms around town. One was tiny, no pool, and really fancy, but not too pricey. It was pretty busy though. We did come during the lunch time work out though, I guess. We then checked out The Summit, which is the massive gym that is associated with the hospital in town. It's huge! Has a lap pool, climbing wall, track and lots of other stuff. It is pricey though. The last place we checked out ended up being really cheap (they were having a special for this month). They have a small therapy pool, so not good for lap swimming, but they have a hot tub. Also, the couple times we've been there, it has not been busy at all, which we both really like. So, hopefully we keep up with this. The plan is to go basically everyday for an hour or two. :)

-Miranda]]> Friends/Family http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry091213-174957 Joe & Miranda Durbin Sun, 13 Dec 2009 23:49:57 GMT http://mirandajoe.com/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=12&entry=entry091213-174957 http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry091210-170303
We left by heading over the Golden Gate bridge. Not only was it sort of necessary when you're in San Fran, but it turns out that was the best way to avoid having to pay any bridge tolls! :)

It was already pretty late, so we didn't get very far. We were super tired, so couldn't make it to a rest stop. We found the first exit that looked pretty dead and stayed on the on ramp. It was cold! We left right away in the morning, had breakfast out (just a quick Subway/Starbucks stop) and found a little place in Grants Pass for a late lunch. We made it to about 50 miles south of Portland. We could have gone farther but any east of Portland, the weather was saying super cold. We left right away in the morning, only to hit the beginning of Portland's rush hour traffic. For some dumb reason, we drove through town instead. We needed gas and breakfast anyway... we found gas, and ended up getting milk for breakfast there.

While stopped at one gas station (around Spokane) we noticed there was coolant dripping out from the truck. When Joe checked it, it was really frothy. Upon looking that up, he found out that there was a high chance the head gasket was going. Since there was nothing we could do about it, we just kept going. We made it without a problem. The roads were mostly good. It's snowing lightly today and it sounds like it's supposed to snow this weekend, so apparently we have good timing. :)

Since we're in Kalispell now, just working, we probably won't be updating the blog very often. Just for a heads up.

-Miranda]]> Driving http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry091210-170303 Joe & Miranda Durbin Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:03:03 GMT http://mirandajoe.com/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=12&entry=entry091210-170303 http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry091206-192636
On Thursday, Laura had the day off, so she drove out to us to spend the day. We drove to a national forest nearby and climbed around on some really neat rocks. We then drove a bit farther to a man-made lake. Laura had to gt back to LA that night because she had to work early, but it was a blast having her come see us.

We left Connie's the next morning to start working out way towards San Francisco. Connie and her mother were wonderful hosts. We felt very comfortable there and had a good time being able to visit and work. That night we just found some place on the side of the road to sleep.

On Saterday we left and had decided we would just drive along Highway 1 to see the coast. We had missed that section the coast the last time we went this way because we were inland checking out the national parks.

We stopped in a cute little town for breakfast. We stopped at the Hearst Castle in San Simeon and looked around the small museum type area they had. We were too cheap to pay the $48 it would have cost for both of us to go on the tour. However, there was something much cooler down the highway. There was an Elephant Seal viewing area. We figured the chances of there actually being any around were pretty slim. Boy, we were wrong! There were a ton, everywhere! It was very neat. I took far too many photos. :) One of the males was enormous! There were lots of other, smaller males that were sparring. Apparently this time of year is when they are on the beaches sparring for practice and dominance.

Not long after leaving that area, we saw a couple hitchikers and stopped to pick them up. The next section of Highway 1 was following the mountainous coast. So lots of winding and hills. The views were amazing.

We stopped at one neat spot to look around. We then continued on our way and started looking for some place to stay the night. Once State Beach cost $65 per night!!! Apparently it was just a parking lot on the beach too. So crazy. We knew there was one more place just down the road, so we crossed our fingers and hoped that it was $35, which is more standard for state beaches. It was. So, we stayed there lst night.

Sam and Daniel were going to just leave from there, but it was already dark. They left, and were back within 10 minutes. Apparently they just walked in a circle and decided it would be better to just stay in the site (as Joe had offerred they could do). We spent some time chatting with them, which was fun.

This morning we stopped at Home Depot to buy them a tarp to help keep their sleeping bags from getting soaked during the night. We then found a place to drop them off in Santa Cruz. We drove around a little and ended up going to the Saturn Cafe, which is a completely vegetarian restaurant. It was quite good. Far too many options. :)

Our plan for the day has been to work our way towards "The City" and find a park to stay at outside of it. We drove along this awesome, windy road through Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The town before the park, called Bonny Donn is a super neat looking community. A small road winds through the very forested area, filled with Madrosa's and Redwoods. There was a girl dancing on the side of the street with an elf hat on, holding a sign, so we stopped and bought 2 cookies and hot cocoas. The state park was gorgeous! It was so nice seeing Redwoods again.

We are now in Half Moon Bay State Beach. We expected it to be expensive. The only sites that are pricey are the ones closest to the beach, otherwise they are the normal $35. Also, there's barely anyone here, so we're excited.

-Miranda


Laura and I at the top of the rocks we climbed.

Laura and Joe throwing snowballs. In CA!

A very large pine tree.

Fran, Joe, Connie and I right before we left.

A large, male Elephant Seal. There was a larger one, but the pics aren't very good.

Two young males sparring.

Daniel and Sam. The hitchhikers we picked up.]]> Driving http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry091206-192636 Joe & Miranda Durbin Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:26:36 GMT http://mirandajoe.com/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=12&entry=entry091206-192636 http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry091129-125818
After we dropped Jenny back off at her sister's place, we headed inland some to Connie's place. Connie works on the game and we had never met her before. She and her mother have been very welcoming and great. It's pretty chilly at night, so tonight we're probably going to use the heater that they have to keep it a bit warmer.

-Miranda]]> Driving http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry091129-125818 Joe & Miranda Durbin Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:58:18 GMT http://mirandajoe.com/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091129-125818 http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry091127-100232 We made Thanksgiving dinner when Laura got home from work yesterday. That was fun. Don't really know what are plans are from here. We'll be playing it by ear for a bit, as usual.
-Miranda]]> Friends/Family http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry091127-100232 Joe & Miranda Durbin Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:02:32 GMT http://mirandajoe.com/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091127-100232 http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry091124-104907
The next day we drove to pick up Stacy, one of the original beta testers of Horse Isle. We all had an Indian buffet and went to the San Diego Natural History Museum. There was a Darwin exhibit that was very interesting along with some fossil exhibits.

Joe and I really wanted to go back to that vegetarian place again, so we headed back that way. Oh my gosh, parking in this city is impossible! You can park on the streets for free (at least in that area) but even all the residential areas were packed. We finally found a place and went in. The food was very good again. :)

We stayed in front of Stacy's house last night and, yay for no ticket. :)

-Miranda]]> Friends/Family http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry091124-104907 Joe & Miranda Durbin Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:49:07 GMT http://mirandajoe.com/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091124-104907 http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry091122-115701
We got into San Diego then headed for the zoo. David went riding around downtown on his bicycle to see about finding Cindy a cheap bike. The zoo was awesome. We were in there for 4 hours and still didn't see it all. I have tons of photos. I'll probably just post the best ones on facebook. There are too many to try and post them here.

After the zoo, we headed to Goodwill, picked up a bike for Cindy, then went to a really neat, completely vegetarian restaurant. The food was excellent!

We couldn't really decide what to do from there. We ended up heading up the coast a little ways in hopes of finding a state park with an available spot for us. We tried two and both were booked solid. So, we found a place on the side of the road where there were no signs. And, the next morning we found a $50 ticket on our window. Apparently, RVs are not allowed to park in the street anywhere here overnight. . . Yep. We were supposed to know that.

David and Cindy loaded up their bikes this morning and took off. So, hopefully they have fun.

-Miranda


David and Cindy.

A crazy statue made of rocks on a nearby mountain...

A super cute koala.

Meerkat.

David and Cindy heading off.]]> Driving http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry091122-115701 Joe & Miranda Durbin Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:57:01 GMT http://mirandajoe.com/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091122-115701 http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry091119-160836
It's been a little bit since the last entry, so this is going to be a long one. .. Sorry. :)

The next day we went back to the Whole Foods Market for lunch and ended up getting far too many sweets to bring with us. We debated on staying near downtown in an RV Park, but decided to just get on the road and drive for a while instead.

Outside of Austin a ways, we say an older couple hitchhiking. Joe decided to pick them up because he always complains about how no one will pick him up when he really needs a ride. David and Cynthia are heading to California also, so it actually works out pretty well.

That night we stayed at a Parking Area off of I-10. They're kind of annoying areas... There are garbage cans, and that's it. No bathroom. But we didn't know when the next rest area was, and Joe was tired. David and Cynthia have a tent that they stay in a little ways off when we've been parking.

The next day we decided to check out Balmorhea State Park (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/balmorhea/). The main focus there is a pool that is fed by a natural spring. In the pool are fish, turtles and ducks. The bottom was mostly rocky and was up to 25 feet deep. We had goggles, so it was really fun swimming in there.

I really wanted to see the Carlsbad Caverns, so we headed north and stayed at a campground in Guadalupe National Park which is just south of the caverns. The next morning we drove to the caverns. The "Big Room" is a self guided tour. If you take the Natural Entrance (instead of the elevator) you have to walk down 750 feet via ramps, but there was a lot of very interesting formations along the way. I did get some photos, so I'll get them up soon. It sounds like Cynthia's never really seen much outside of Mississippi, so she really enjoyed the caverns. It worked out really well that our annual park pass covers up to 4 people.

David and Joe noticed that the welding that holds on the back bumper was starting to rip, so Joe was hoping for a weld shop in El Paso. We found one where the guy came out, looked at it, said he could do it, we pulled up to his truck that has the welding equipment in it, he started on it right away and finished within 15 minutes. The bumper is now more solid than it was before we ever started the trip! It was cheap too. We then found a Mexican restaurant to have dinner (because you have to have some Mexican food when you're in El Paso ;) ) which was very good.

Also, remember the electric problem we had before? Well, the RV started clicking again (what it was doing when we drove down the mountain after the electric problem). Joe pulled over and finally found out that it was the transmission relay. So, the overdrive wasn't working anymore, but otherwise, the RV was just fine.

Unfortunately, the internet in New Mexico is horrible. So, we basically just drove for quite a while until we found one of the best rest stops I've been at. You can stay there for up to 24 hours and they even had little picnic shelters that you could park by farther off the interstate. We parked by one of them. Then Cynthia and David could tent behind it.

We left in the morning and headed for Tuscon. We got laundry done and Joe went to see about the transmission. One guy he talked to wanted to flush it then when joe talked about the overdrive problem, he basically said that it would cost $55 - $75/hr depending on how complicated it was. .. There was another transmission place nearby, so Joe went over there. The guy said that whatever you do, don't flush it. That would actually ruin the transmission. Joe told him about the overdrive problem, so the guy drove the RV around for about 10 minutes, and, of course, the overdrive worked without a problem... The guy didn't charge Joe a cent. So, that worked out really well.

We are now headed to Picacho State Park. We should have great internet so we'll finally be able to get some work done.

-Miranda


A tall stalagmite.

Soda straw formations.

A super neat formation named the Whale's Mouth.

A pool with a column in the middle. The pool was completely filled from cave drips.]]> Friends/Family http://mirandajoe.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry091119-160836 Joe & Miranda Durbin Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:08:36 GMT http://mirandajoe.com/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091119-160836