Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2007 07:55:53 -0700
From: ric and jan <camino@ricandjan.com>
Reply-To: ric and jan <camino@ricandjan.com>
Subject: Traveling east
To: Janice Martinez <JaniceM916@aol.com>, camino@ricandjan.com
"Thursday, June 13, 2007
Hi all,
We left Live Oak six days ago after attending my two great nephews
graduation party. It was a great send off for us as we saw many
famiy members and friends the night before we left,
Before that we celebrated with David and Angel at a wedding reception
at our house a couple of weeks ago. Then we attended several ball
games of our two granddaughters, both excellent pitchers, while we
were still home. I miss seeing them play ball more than most
anything else while we are traveling.
We traveled to Fernley the first day which is 30 miles past Reno on
I-80. We had really nice, cool weather as it has been so far on our
trip. The next morning we left and traveled across Nevada on Hwy 5o,
the loneliest road in America. Sometimes the scenery was really
beautiful, often interesting and sometimes boring. We stopped in a
little town, Austin NV which has quite a history. It was settled in
the 1860's and was once a thriving metropolis. Now it is very small
but they have several old churches that are on the Nat'l Register of
Historic Places.
Crossing Nevada we saw several of the abandoned Pony Express Stations
or where they once were.
We continued on east to the Ely where we spent the night. It was
over 7,000 ft. elevation which meant we climbed a lot of hills.
There were many across the desert on Hwy 50
We then crossed into Utah which was also desert and dry until we
finally arrived at Delta and soon after come to I-15 which we were
only on a few miles before Hwy 50 turned east towards Colorado. We
spent that night in Green River, CO which was quite dry and warm. We
did use the A/C a few hours in the late afternoon but the night
certainly cooled off.
We went on east on 50 which was beautiful and followed along the
Colorado River for many miles which was lush and green. It had a lot
of water as they had more rain and snow this year. The rock
formations along the road were fascinating too.
Then when we came to Hwy. 24 we turned south for approximately 80
miles up over 10,200 ft.. and it was the scenic byway and it was
beautiful. We ended Monday in Salida where my good friend and
husband, Jack and Chaille Womack live and we spent 3 great days and
nights. Chaille and I taught many years together at the beginning of
my teaching career. We certainly enjoyed seeing them again and their
lovely home.
We went together to the Royal Gorge yesterday and did a lot of
climbing, walking and exciting things. I was there with my parents
about 55 years ago when all there was was the bridge and the gorge,
Now there is a zoo, aerial tram and Incline railway from the top to
the bottom of the gorge, lots of gift shops and other things. They
have a Royal Rush Skycoaster which is a bungee experience but we
could not talk Ric into going with us so we choose not to. We saw the
railway at the bottom of the gorge which travels one way and then
back. We walked across the suspension bridge (longest in the world)
and then drove back across it. That was our exercise for the day and
believe me it was a lot.
They are close to skiing, have golf there and other things. It is a
neat town and we certainly enjoyed our visit.
We left there this morning and headed for Hutchinson KS to visit our
friend Blanche Ball. I worked with both her and her husband in
Lancaster. We will arrive there tomorrow and I will have the chance
to send this.
Tonight we are in Lamar, CO at an Elks Club which has a 9 hole golf
course. It is also cool here. I saw on the internet yesterday that
it was 100 degrees in Live Oak so I am extremely grateful to be where
it is cooler.
I got news yesterday that my only living aunt had passed peacefully
away earlier in the week. Of my 20 aunts and uncles, she was the last
one so now that means my generation is next. Can't believe how that
can be. I grew up with her and her husband around and I have so many
fond memories of them and their kids-my first cousins.
That is it for now and as you can see we are enjoying our trip
immensely. We hope this finds you all well and doing the things you
want to do.
Our love and best to you all and do keep in touch.
Mom. Dad, Grandmother and Granddaddy, Ric and Jan(ice)
Sat. June 16
We arrived in Hutchinson KS at the home of Blanhe Ball yesterday
afternoon. It was good to get here for 4 days. Then we will go on
to St. Louis and then Ohio.
I am at the library hoping that I will be able to send this. Take
care one and all and we will be in touch when we can.
----- End forwarded message -----
