Traveling around from town to town!

Hello! It’s been awhile. We have taken many short trips in the past year. I will just start with the most recent one that we just returned from.

We went to Fort Bragg for the weekend and found ourselves enjoying this cute town.

Glass Beach was a must stop for us. Glass Beach is a beach that has sea glass made from years of garbage being dumped into the ocean off the coastline of North California. Parking we easy, we walked the path and found a little spot in a cove. The thought was to check out the sea glass on the beach. When you look closely you can see the garbage that has been impeded into the rock. It was very strange to me to see that and to know that it’s all actually just trash! Scott said, “Glass Beach, it’s kinda trashy!” LOL! I thought that was appropriate. We got some good shots with the iPhone camera and go pro. I didn’t find any “Must Have” pieces. In a video I picked up a tiny piece of green glass, I did keep it! I’m working on a couple of videos. I went on vacation with my work. Employee’s only so Scott did not go. It was nice but still Scott didn’t go. The food was really good although, the majority of the time I ate at this little taco bar on the way to the pool bar. It was a good time. We stayed at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/mexico/hyatt-ziva-los-cabos/sjdif check it out! I would love to go back with Scott.

We have been to Pismo Beach, did a run to Coos Bay, spent some time on the Delta in the wind. Many of the short trips we take, doing video and taking tons of photos just wasn’t a priority for me. Well, I’m working on that. A lot of time we just run off to anywhere that we can escape the heat. We enjoy camping in the rain or even a little bit of snow. I’ll update my photos and videos so you can see them. We have many other trips planned. The Big trip is to Albuquerque New Mexico for the International Ballon Festive. https://balloonfiesta.com

We also did Bug O Rama again, the Buggy went through test and tune and just wasn’t right for Aaron, so he didn’t race on Sunday. Better luck next time. I have a video called, “Tripping around from town to town” and will be up on my YouTube hopefully tonight.

Bend Oregon 2018

Bend Oregon was the first stop on our 2 week vacation of 2018! 

Our trip started out on Friday straight away after I got out of work. Scott had the trailer out in front of my work at 3pm. I ran to the truck at 3:30 on the dot yelling, “Start the car, start the car!” Like that IKEA commercial. 

We drove towards Redding Ca. going through the Bay Area taking the 680 to the 505 n jumped on the 5 North. When we got to Redding we still had energy to keep going. We decided to stop in Weed Ca because it got you into the mountain a little further. As we climbed the mountains on the twisty highway, we started smelling smoke n before we knew it there were signs saying “Wild fire ahead. Do not report.” We thought okay they know about it, we should be fine.  A couple more miles ahead the signs said, “Do not stop. Keep moving. All exits closed!” Now we were getting worried! Then we could see the red glow of the fires. Before we knew it we could see the fire consuming the mountain. Only for a brief moment we thought this could get ugly. We silently drove on until the danger was behind us. Large sighs! 

We made it to Weed Ca stopped n stayed at the Pilot Station. My first time sleeping at a truck stop. I had a hard time falling asleep, but when I did, I got a full nights rest. 

Arrived in Bend Oregon at about 11am on Saturday morning. Set up the trailer n before we knew it we were in full camping mode!  

We got to spend time with family n friends and made some new friends along the way!  

Scott had to get a beer at Deschutes Brewery then we stumbled across Boneyard Brewing, also found our way to the Goodlife Brewing. All are great, our favorite was Boneyard for the atmosphere. 

Shout out to Nora n Bob for hosting a lovely brunch! I would also like to say thank you to all whom made the trek to see us.  That’s you Val, Jim n family 2.0, and Seth n Cindy! 

Whilst having dinner we meet a fire fighter who was in the area for the same fires we drove through, our utmost respect n prayers go to those who fight wildfires and make it save for us all!  

Bend, we will be back!  

2018 Reno Great Balloon Race

In anticipation for the 2019 Albuquerque New Mexico International Balloon Festival, we decided to go to the 2018 Reno Great Balloon Race.  

The first thing you need to know is......this is an early event! If you are a night owl you may struggle a bit, but it is worth it! 

The festivities started on Thursday with a Special Shape Round Up at 6:30am, National Anthem at 6:45am and the Preview Day Launch at 6:50am.

Friday Gates Opened at 3:30am beginning with Super Glow Show at 5:15am, National Anthem at 6:45am, Mass Ascension/Judge Declared Target Competition begins at 7:00am, E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch at 9:30am, Competition Ended at 10am, Event ended at 11am.  

Scott n I didn’t get to make it to the Thursday or Friday events, I have this really unruly problem called “Work”! We left the Bay Area at Noon on Friday. 

Satuday Gates Opened at 3:30am, we took the shuttle provided by “The Row”  Silver Legacy Circus Circus n El Dorado. They had a Chalet set up with heaters n food! It was great!  Glow Show at 5am, Dawn Patrol at 5:30am, National Anthem at 6:45am, Mass Ascension/ Judge Declared Target Competition began at 7am, Bed Head/Pajama Party Competition Judging at 8-8:30am. Then Nap Time back at the Silver Legacy! 

After nap time we had lunch and made our way around downtown Reno with a pretty big group of friends.  

Sunday The schedule was pretty much the same as Saturday.  

The best part about Sunday is that Scott n I took advantage of the fact that you can go right out into the chaos of it all. Get up close n personal with the balloons. They in courage you to get involved n be part of a balloon team.  Be courteous, long lines for the bathrooms just have patience n enjoy the festivities!  

2018 Bug-O-Rama 82

2018 Bug-O-Rama at Sacramento Raceway! 

Saturday 9-1-18-Sunday 9-2-18 

We took the trailer n parked it in the pit with the racers. We were supposed to have a race car with us but the car (VW Buggy) wasn’t completed in time. That didn’t stop us. 

It had been about 20 years since the last time we were at the track.  

Over 20 years ago our friend Matt Olsen raced VW dragsters and for a couple of those years Scott, Maranda n I spent many days at the track with him. 

This year, even though we didn’t have a car to race nor did we have it in the pit with us, everyone was nice n very understanding. Most of the people knew Matt n Aaron (Mechanic) from their good reputation. 

This was the first time any of us had air conditioning out there. #Blessed! Hahahaha  

This may have been the last Bug-O-Rama at the Sacramento Raceway. Rumor has it that the property is on the market. I haven’t fact checked that one yet. I’ll check the market n see if it’s for sale or if it has sold already.  

Either way I’m glad we went!  

Don’t forget to check out our YouTube to see the video. 

 https://youtu.be/299OXa0UYz4

Bitter Sweet

The end of our trip is near! As we round out our vacation here in Hawaii. It is very bitter sweet. We are going to miss our family here in Hawaii, but we are super excited to get our trailer. We bought it a month ago and haven't even picked it up yet! 

When we picked up the trailer, Camping World put the sway bar for weight distribution. It was cool watching all the work they did on it. I didn't think we would be writing a blog of making a vlog so I don't have any pics or video of the process. 

The first trip we took was to the local fair grounds rv park. The idea we had was that if something goes wrong we would be close enough to home to take care of what ever it may be. We suggest anyone new to rving do the same thing. 

It was a full hook up spot. Scott had the day off so he did all the set up himself. He's my Hero! When I arrived he was bbqing and hanging out with Tony and Sergio. We did find out that the hot water heater wasn't working. Scott made an appointment with Camping World for an early appointment for that week. He towed the trailer up to Vacaville to Camping World the night before the appointment with Otto (our male boxer). The two of them bonded boondocking that night. The fuse in the panel that controls the hot water heater went out. Camping World did another once over to it and they were on there way back home. After that trip Otto made it clear to me that Scott is his favorite! First trip in on the books! 

Taco Tour 2018

Fast forward to July 28th 2018. Livermore Taco Tour 2018! It's a by invitation only tour of a couple local taco spots in Livermore. This year is the 6th Annual Taco Tour, this is only my 2nd official Taco Tour.  2016 Tony, Scott, Maranda and Sergio rode the tour. Last year, Scott drove the "Rescue Vehicle", and helped anyone who needed to get a ride to the next spot or to a bike shop and I rode. This year we had a couple of tools, a few tubes and a lot of waters. It was great, we brought fruit pops and fresh fruit for everyone. Shawna made some kick ass bean dip, for one of the stops. Also, this year I dressed up as a taco to help everyone remember that I'm Taco Tina and here to help you stay on the tour! They had games and prizes. This is not any type of an official event we are just a group of locals that love to ride our bicycles downtown!  Tonight I'll be working on the videos and hope to post them to our Youtube tomorrow. 

I will be doing flash backs to our trips from the beginning in 2017 with some tips and tricks to help you with your RV experience. For now life is moving fast and I just want to jump to the present to share our good times from now as we go!

Enjoy your week and make life worth living! 

Hawaii

We made it to Hawaii! Our trip began at L & L Hawaiian BBQ! Mike and Mooney (brother-in-law and sister) took us there before going to their house. I've never been to this place before, and boy did I love it. (Didn't know till I got home that we have one in Pleasanton, I eat there a lot.) 

It had been about 9 month since the last time I got to see my sister and her family.  They lived on the Schofield Barracks on Oahu in Houlu Hawaii. Beautiful property on the barracks. We started our vacation just hanging with the family, meals and just visiting for the first couple of days. 

Scott and I got a pass to come and go into the barracks without and escort. My sister was nice enough to not only house us for 15 days, but also give us full access to their very nice Dodge van. We first explored Waikiki. A very tourist town, we found lots of souvenirs. Spent time hanging around the beach for a while, ate at Duke's and just enjoyed each other. Later that evening we found a cool bar called SKY Waikiki, Rooftop bistro, Lounge and Nightclub. 

We took a day trip to North Beach and eat at the food trucks. Our favorite was Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, 66-472 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI. There aren't very many parking spots so go early or expect to wait. Very much worth the wait! My sister told us where her favorite beach was and it is now my favorite beach. Not very many people and it's beautiful. 

We all loaded up in the van one afternoon and spent the day and evening in Waikiki on the beach and watched the fireworks that night. Great Day! 

My niece turned 13 while we were there, so we all took a family trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center! It's really hard to say what was my favorite part of this trip. The Polynesian Cultural Center was amazing! We got the full guided tour. (my brother-in-law got us a great discount with being a military member, so don't forget to get that discount if you have served our country, and Thank You!)  Our guide was very informative and we all learned a lot. The LUAU! WOW! So entertaining and the food was amazing! Because of the center being all about family, and spend the full day of events with my husband, my sister and her family, this was the best time I had in Hawaii. Oh and Emily turned 13 that day! WOOHOO! Happy Birthday Em! We love you! 

Our happy story started many moons ago........................

Here we are starting this blog with the information we have done and learned with our new adventures in our travel trailer. 

We have been looking at RV's or a travel trailers for many years and haven't been very serious about buying one. 

Then that one fateful day happened! It was as Saturday morning and we had been just hanging around the house for the weekend. I remembered that there we going to be a hot tub expo at the fair grounds. We jumped in the car and off we go. When we reach the fair grounds, the signs for parking said RV & Boat Expo. So we said, "Whell, I guess we are headed to the RV & Boat Expo." 

Like any "first timers" we started at the $200,000.00 vehicles. That's not even close to what we were willing to sacrifice for something we weren't sure how much we would really be using. 

We decided to look at the realistic side of this, how much do we really want to spend? When we found the ones in our budget, we thought of comfort first. We had Scott get in the shower and went from there. The other thing we thought about was, can we road side in this and still use the restroom and get to the kitchen? 

Most trailers have pop-outs, unless you have an Airstream! AWESOME! But, that just wasn't our style. 

We went with the 2017 Coleman 29ft travel trailer. We already had a Dodge so we thought we would be okay.....................wrong. That trailer is so big, Scott talked me into a Dually. Well, he didn't have to talk that much. 

Now we were ready to get out there and GLAMP! 

But wait.....................We were going to Hawaii for 2 weeks to visit my beautiful sister Marti and her handsome husband Mike! Oh goodness, Mike's gonna love that! HAHAHA