Didn't need a thing...

 

When the discussion of where to have lunch came up, Joan said, "Should we try Hot Dave's Chicken?"

"Um... I think Dave's chicken can be hot (and spicy) - no idea how hot Dave is."

"Yeah, Dave's Hot Chicken."

We have never been there, but they seem to be doing a good business whenever we go by.  It's only a couple miles from our home.  So, Dave's Hot Chicken, it is."

The menu is pretty much chicken and fries.  You can swap out the fries for mac & cheese or kale slaw (yeah, I spelled that right.)  The chicken can be plain, or lite mild to "reaper."  We both went for lite mild.  It was good.  Joan said she likes it better than Cane's.  The guy who helped us at the counter took the time to explain the menu.  As a guy, I can't judge whether he was hot (or not); I don't think his name was Dave.  I'm also not sure if Joan thought the chicken was going to be served by some Chippendale's looking kinda guy.  The guy who waited on us looked more like Chris Kattan. 

That's not the place where we didn't need a thing.  Joan also saw something about a surplus liquidation warehouse kinda place called SaleSumo.  She wanted to check it out.  It was a few miles from Hot Dave's.  They had a variety of things there, mostly home building/home improvement kinda stuff.  Our home is built and improved, so we didn't need anything.  They don't waste any money on decor ;-) ...

 To be fair, most of it wasn't piles of boxes.  Some of it was obviously "scratch & dent" and returned, some of it looked like overstock.  Nothing fancy about the presentation, but they had stuff that was showing a price of "30% less than at Home Depot" (including some things that were in Home Depot boxes).

That was our outing for the day.  It is hot and windy outside, making for very crappy air quality.  The hot: 112º for a high; the crappy: you can barely seen South Mountain or the Estrella Mountains through the brown haze (which may be blowing dirt).  Yes, we had "recirculate" on in the car.  Both an "Extreme Heat Warning" and an "Air Quality Alert" for today. 

 

You're probably wondering why I called this meeting...

 

 Apparently it was time for our performance review.  Nah, just kidding.  The boy does look like he has some concerns, though.  It's a cat ruse: our performance in caring for the furry boy has been exemplary... he has it made.

I took him outside at 6:30 this morning; it was already 88º.  This early morning is the only outdoor time he'll get today - the weather weasels are predicting a high of 117º today.  Extreme Heat Warning for today.  No shit, Shakespeare.  They are suggesting: "Stay hydrated and stay indoors in air conditioning."

I put these up as soon as we go outside:

 The umbrellas help keep the patio and pavers in the shade.  It helps.

On another topic, I added another bit of photo gear.  Well, to be fair, Joan added another bit of photo gear for me.  It's a small tripod/remote for my Sony a6700 camera...

This was recommended for Joan on Vine.  The Vine "activity" has been way down since the whole tariff situation.  There were about 120,000 items on Vine prior to the tariffs; around 40,000 now.  Joan asked if this was something I could use... "Absolutely - I had looked at the Sony version a while back."  We are more selective these days about getting things on Vine, since there is a tax consequence.  This tripod/remote has a value of about half the Sony version... and it works great.  The remote that is in the handle pops out, so you can use it to take photos or video without being right on the camera.  As in: put the camera on the little tripod just outside the patio door, and you can take the photo from inside while in air conditioned comfort... because it is hotter than the Gates of Hell out there.  (96º now at 7:30am)

 

An early start to the day...

 

Breakfast out with Steph and Dan - departure time: 6:45.  The plan (mine) is to beat the Sunday morning rush at Black Bear Diner.

Joan and I were up an hour early.  She took Murphy outside while I got his food ready.  She took photos of the furry boy (with her iPad) in the early morning light...

 Breakfast was good and the plan played out: we were there before the place got busy.

Back home afterwards, it was already 93º before 8:00.  I brought a guitar out to the courtyard, with Joan and Murphy as the audience.  That lasted a few songs, then Murphy went OTW... that's a bit like AWOL, in that they both are "without leave," but OTW is "Over The Wall"... without leave.  Maybe that should be OTWWOL?

He is not a flight risk.  He doesn't always think things through... over the wall, then he sat right there on the other side.  It's a big strange world on the other side of that wall.  Joan escorted him to the front door, and he's now inside for the rest of the day.  Not really "grounded"... it's going to be 110º for a high today; too hot for a furry boy to be outside.  And this not so furry boy, too.  ;-)

 

The tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth...

 

In the words of the philosopher, Jack Nicholson: "You can't handle the tooth!"  Or, something like that.

The dentist visit was anticlimactic.  One of his assistants took X-rays with a little hand-held gun; the X-ray pops up immediately on the big screen next to the dental chair.  Seriously, the "gun" looks like some kind of StarTrek toy.

The dentist came in, looked at the X-rays, looked at my tooth (and the crown).  We discussed how and when the tooth ache occurred.  He said, "Your tooth and everything around it looks good.  See this little tract on the X-Ray?  That is a sinus tract that runs right between the roots of that tooth.  Since the pain got better after you got to a lower elevation, I suspect the elevation messed with your sinuses.  Pain in that area can stimulate the nerves and hurt like the dickens."

He was right - it did.  The pain was almost completely gone by the time we got home, but I had the appointment and thought I should follow up.  At the worst, cold hurt it, heat hurt it, and any pressure on that tooth hurt.

The dentist did give me one bit of advice to tell if it is sinus or something happening with the tooth: "If you sit down, bend over and put your head lower than your knees and the pain gets worse, it is a sinus issue.  Try some sinus meds for relief."

So, I guess you could say it was all in my head.  Well, jaw.  Glad to be beyond that.

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Be it ever so humble...

Murphy likes his house.  His yard.  His routine.  He has slept soundly through the night since we got home.  This morning, on the couch, sitting by Joan...

 That is one very content kitty.

 

Been a while since we've done that...

 

What?  Seriously?  Is that all you people think about?

We had a plan: be home by Friday.  With the 4th falling next Friday, there will be a lot of people on the road, starting their (Griswald) family vacation on Saturday, the 28th.  This figured into our planning from the start of this trip.

With no reservations, we originally figured we'd take a few days getting back home from our stay at Mountain Valley Resort.  Mother Nature laughed at our plans (even though they were loose).

When we first got to the Tetons, I developed a toothache that continued to worsen.  Doing a bit of research on it, I found that elevation can cause a toothache: if there is any air under a crown or filling, it can expand at elevation, causing... pain.

Heber City is around 5,600', down from our time in northwestern Wyoming.  The toothache pain was less.  I made an appointment with my dentist for Friday, we planned to be home on Thursday.

On Wednesday morning, while getting ready to leave Mountain Valley Resort, Joan said, "How would you feel about driving straight through to home today?"

"That's over 650 miles.  It's been years since we've driven that far in one day."  I referred back to our 2/2/2 Rule (really, more of a suggestion, since we generally do 300 to 350 miles a day when RVing - if we're trying to make miles to or from a destination).

There were a lot of factors she presented, that made sense (a well thought-out plan): there are fires near either route heading south in Utah (really, only two routes: east {by Lake Powell} or west {through Las Vegas} of the Grand Canyon.  We looked at the fires and the weather - with the generally west wind, the routing would be best to to by Lake Powell.  If we stop part way, we could be around Flagstaff again... and at the 7,000 elevation (toothache potential); then the next day we'd be coming into Phoenix at the hot part of the day  If we drive on, we can be home around 7:00 pm, past the hot part.  She obviously thought this out.

The van it comfortable; it drives easy.  We could swap off driving.  OK, we have a new plan.

The drive is pretty through all of Utah.  Interesting around the Lake Powell area.  Bleak from Page, AZ, until you get close to Flagstaff.  Then, Interstate 17 all the way back into Phoenix.

It played out according to her plan: we rolled into our driveway at 6:57pm.  Took a half hour to get the food, electronics, and personal items out of the van, the rest could wait until Thursday.

The photo essay:

Balloons taking off as we left Heber City...

 It is a beautiful drive between Heber City and Provo; then out onto I-15, heading south...

 The van can handle whatever the legal speed limit is.  The ride is comfortable, and you have all your amenities right there.  It is different from a bigger RV, but it is a nice way to travel.

 That said, off the Interstate is still my favorite driving; the hills in southern Utah...

 Getting close to the fires that are west of Bryce Canyon National Park...

 Hard to tell from the photos, but you can see large areas of the hills that have burned.  When we checked before leaving in the morning, these fires were 0% contained.  Having checked wind and weather, we rightfully figured the smoke would be blowing away from our direction of travel.

The area around Kanab is pretty, and from there to the Lake Powell area...

 Murphy spent time on the bed, on Joan's lap, but seemed most content in the door-well once again...

 We planned for a gas stop in Cordes Junction, between Flagstaff and Phoenix; the gas prices are good (about 50¢ per gallon less than in Phoenix) and there is an RV waste tank dump at Love's, so we can head for home with empty tanks.  That didn't work out for us - as we pulled into the Love's, there was yellow caution tape around all the pumps.  A woman was at the door waving people away from coming in.  We moved on to the Pilot station: same thing - all the pumps were taped off.  We went to an independent gas station, where we saw vehicles at the pumps... nope, their pumps weren't working, either.

This is a concern: the range on our fuel was saying we'd be close to empty by the time we got to Phoenix.  We drove on, stopping at a station north of Phoenix -we'll deal with emptying holding tanks tomorrow.  And then, rolling home just before 7:00.

Plenty to do today to get unpacked and the van put away.  A dentist appointment for me on Friday (it is better now at lower elevation, but I still want to make sure there isn't an issue - I never get toothaches).

Time in the hot tub last night before going to bed - we were tired.  650 miles in 12 hours.  Nice to know that the van can handle it... and so can we.  We all slept well last night, including Murphy who didn't move from his pad at the foot of our bed.  And he was happy to have outdoor time in his own yard this morning.  We're glad to be home, too.

I still have a sense of wonder about the beauty of the Tetons and all we saw this trip.  Joan agrees.  Murph is happy to be in a house that isn't moving.  It was a good test of the RoadTrek, handling all kinds of driving and keeping us comfortable in temps that ranged from 110º to an overnight low of 28º.  Day-tripping or traveling, we feel the RoadTrek was a good choice.

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Joan sent me these photos from her phone: playing the Traveler Guitars Speedster Deluxe...

 If I leave the arm-rest off, it is easy to hold on my lap while riding as a passenger.  The guitar is plugged into the compact Spark Mini amp.  While I was driving yesterday, Joan said, "I didn't get much guitar playing this trip."

"Let's swap: you drive and I'll provide the entertainment."

 

Mountain Valley RV Resort...

 

This is a true RV resort.  Many RV parks use that descriptor, but few really qualify.  The sites are large (up to 80' long, 24' wide pads), paved, with patios and grassy areas between.  You aren't right on top of your neighbor.  Some back in sites, many long pul-throughs.  There are multiple pools and hot tub throughout the resort.  Pickleball courts.  Two off-leash dog parks (the nice lady that checked us in said, "Sorry, we don't have a cat park."

I can't speak for other cats, but Murphy doesn't really want to play with other cats, except his cousin Tango.  But, I digress.

Very nice restroom and showers (private).  An over 21 section that has its own pool and hot tub.  A putting green.  Playground equipment and basketball courts on the family side.  No fires allowed (Yay!).  Cable TV at some sites, but good over the air TV on antenna.  Wifi.

It reminds me a bit of Hart Ranch, except it isn't a membership park.  Similar amenities and large sites, though.

Some photos...

They did ask what year our RV is when I called to reserve a site (2024).  Many RV parks have a "no RVs more than 10 years old" rule.  Most will make exceptions if you submit a current photo - there are many motorcoaches older than 10 years that look nicer than a lot of brand new RVs.

While walking around, we saw one other Class B here.  A few B+ (or very small Class C), but mostly larger 5th wheels and Class A motorhomes.  No minimum size here (some "resorts" have a minimum length of 25 or even 30').  We have plenty of room on the site we're on.  ;-)

 

 

After being in "rustic sites" in the National Park, we really appreciate no dirt, no pine needles, level sites, and no bears.  Not being snooty - many people like the "great outdoors" feel of State and National Parks - we're not particularly into "camping."  Our RoadTrek can handle rustic or fancy - good to have options.

"This comes at a price, right?"  Sure - nicer grounds, bigger sites, paved pads, more amenities, and privately owned vs government.  You would expect to pay more for all that.  Here's some perspective though: a site in this upscale RV resort is less expensive than a night in Colter Bay RV Park (that we just left).  Options... would you rather stay in a 5 star hotel or a rustic cabin?  Fortunately, with an RV, you bring some of the amenities with you.  :-)

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"How's Murphy doing?" Thanks for asking.  Murphy is not the traveler that Rufus, Izzy, and Molly were.  Yet.  With each day this trip, he has settled into the routine of no routine.  Last night was his best night since we left home: he slept through the night with no middle of the night gymnastics or vocalizations (the boy can be very "talky."

Today, we unhooked electric and water and drove a short distance to Chick's Cafe for a late lunch.  With the roof a/c going, Murph stayed in the van.  The RoadTrek being nimble, we parked at the curb in front of the restaurant on a very busy main road.  Chick's is an old school cafe: we both had chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, greenbeans, soup, and a scone (more like a giant roll)... it was a lot of food.  What I would call "grandma food."  Tasty.

From there, to Wally World to pick up a few things, including some Command items for hanging things in the bathroom.  To make that compact space even more handy.  Topped off fuel, and we'll be ready to roll in the morning.  Holding tanks are dumped, fresh water is at 2/3; all we have to do is unhook, and we're off.

Murphy did get some outdoor time this afternoon, but didn't go far.  I'll hit the hot tub again this evening - that has been nice.  Last night, I visited with some folks who were on their way to the Tetons and Yellowstone - they had questions, I had answers.

I do like this RV resort - nice to treat ourselves to something like this once in a while.  And to have another "chill day."

There are forest fires along the way on either of the two options for heading back to Phoenix.  We'll keep an eye on that and make decisions on the fly for best routing and timing.

 

 

Leaving the Tetons...

 

A cold morning, and we're heading south.  I truly enjoyed this time here, Joan is ready to get back home ("I like the desert and my house!"), and Murphy is looking forward to "some running room."  We'll take a few days to get there.  We have a couple days reserved (yes, we made a reservation - yesterday) for what looks to be a very nice RV resort (9.8 rating) in Heber City, Utah.  Hopefully, some more chill time, before we make some miles back to the desert.

This has been our first long(ish) trip in the RoadTrek - it has done well for us, and there will be changes we will make (nothing major) before we head out again.

Last night, with a decent Verizon signal, I uploaded another video of our time and travels in Grand Teton National Park...

 See ya down the road!

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With a layer of clouds across the mountains, I could resist shooting some images as we rolled south...

Murphy got some lap time in today (unusual for him), mostly with Joan; but he sat with me when I took a break and Joan drove...

 

 

Bright green fields in parts of Star Valley...

 

 In Afton, they have an arch of elk antlers "bigger than any other in the state" (aimed at Jackson)...

 

 Multi-state borders again...

 

 We got stopped by road construction...

 

Joan made good use of the time, by making us sandwiches for lunch...

 Our destination today: Mountain Valley RV Resort.  Joan had researched it on the way north, but it didn't work out due to the timing.  We are at our site there now, and it is easy to see why it gets such good ratings.  I'll post something about it tomorrow.

 

 

 

The Summer Solstice...

 

It was still light at 9:00pm here in the Tetons last night.  The sun had gone behind the mountains prior, but plenty of light in the sky.  I did one last dump of our gray water tank after showering and put away the fresh water hose.  The overnight low was in the 30s.  The overnight low tonight is predicted to be 28º.  We don't want an issue with water in the hose freezing.  The hose was already stiffer that usual when I put it away.

You will hear people (especially newscasters) call the Summer Solstice "the longest day of the year."  To be accurate, the day will still have that same 24 hours in it, but it will be the longest amount of daylight hours of the year.  Starting now, the daylight will get shorter each day until December and the Winter Solstice.

Evening crazies, the short night, or more mention of bear activity in the area, Murphy was active all night last night.  Including vocals.  It was after 2:00am that I picked him up and put him under the covers with me.  He isn't a snuggler like all our other cats have been, but I held him there, petting him, and whispering in what I hoped was coming across as soothing... I can't say for certain, since it was the middle of the damn night.  I held him in place until he stopped resisting, pet him for a while after that, then let him go.  It seemed to calm him down.  I think.

I believe an afternoon nap may be in the cards.  The weather is supposed to be chilly with rain on and off in the morning and afternoon.  A high today of just 46º.  "Well, Jim, you were complaining about the heat at home."  Yes, I did.  And will likely do so again in the future.  Somewhere in between would be nice.

The factual... 

 

The idyllic...

 

Happy Summer Solstice!

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With the chilly start to the morning, we decided to unhook the electric and drive to the nearby Ranch House Restaurant for breakfast.  On the way out to unhook, the neighbors next door asked about our van (they are in a pickup pulling a travel trailer)... we visited for a while.  Then said our good-byes, put the electric cable inside the van and headed to the restaurant.  We got there at 10:40... they stopped serving breakfast at 10:30 and are closed until 11:30.  The cost for a bit of visiting.  ;-)

Next plan: go to Jackson Lake Lodge, where there are two restaurants.  A chilly rain with occasional ice crystals was falling...

 We arrived at Jackson Lake Lodge a bit before 11:00 and... both restaurants are closed until 11:30.  One is normally open 6:00 am to 10:00pm, but they are having a memorial in a nearby meeting room, so it's closed, too.  We decided to wander around the lodge and wait.  Nice views from in here, even if the weather is dreary...

 There are 3 different gift/apparel/art shops in the lodge, so we had something to do while we waited.  There was already a crowd at the door of each restaurant when they opened the doors - apparently, we aren't the only hungry ones who missed breakfast.  Chili and a pulled pork sandwich was good comfort food.  Then back to one of the gift shops where Joan had seen a shirt she wanted.

Back to the Colter Bay area, where it looked like the weather was improving - the drizzle had stopped and there were occasional bits of blue in the sky.  Joan wanted to go into the General Store to pick up a pastry for breakfast tomorrow.  When we came out, it was snowing sideways...

 That lasted just long enough for us to get to the van, and then it let up.  We are calling this a "chill day," but we meant no activities, not the snow and cold.  Back to the RV park, we are in a different site, one row back from where we just left.  We pulled in and maneuvered to get level; I went out to hook up electricity while Joan got the inside set back up; yes, you have to put everything down, even if you're only driving a couple miles and back...

 

With the weather improving, I added some air to the tires - the cold weather and altitude was showing on our tire monitors; I'll probably have to take some air out tomorrow as we head south.  This also looked like a good time to get a couple photos of us with the van...

 As we settle in, the weather is looking lovely; chilly, but some sunshine... I think we'll cool our heels and try to keep Murphy awake so he'll sleep tonight.

We came up with a plan for heading south.