January 2017 in Oklahoma

It was not our intention to be in OKC in January.  We are winter Texans and this is our 5th year to schedule January and February waayyyy south of Oklahoma.  Why?  Because it is COLD in Oklahoma!

Having spent the fall in Tulsa and spending loads of quality time with our sons, and with many friends in the area, and having celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas with family, the time came on December 26, 2016 when we concluded our Tulsa stay.  It was a gorgeous Monday and we decided to take our time getting out of our RV park and drive the short 2 hours to Rockwell RV park in OKC where we normally stay on our way south.  Rockwell RV park isn't much to look at but it is located near our favorite hang outs, shops, restaurants, and family/friends.  We checked in before dark, parked, set up our rig, and settled in for our morning departure to our first week in Texas where we were meeting two other couples.  We would see the old year out and the new year in with family and friends, just as we had in previous years.  Menus were planned and we were in anxious anticipation.  Tuesday morning we were all ready to begin our southerly trek when one of the slides on our motorhome got stuck--out!

Slides must come in and we have 3 of them.  Slides are what give us room to live inside our 400-ish square foot home.  Today we were able to get 2 our of 3 slides to come in.  Normally I'd say 2 out of 3 isn't bad, but in this case it is not good at all.  We called a mobile repair person to  come out but he could do nothing and suggested driving the rig, with the one slide out, the short 3 blocks to the only dealership in Oklahoma City (that we are aware of) which sells our brand of RV, McClains RV.  That was Tuesday the 27th of December.  Winnebago was closed most of the week and that is where the kit to repair our slide must come from.  

Winter at Penn Square Mall

McClains has been very accommodating to us.  We have stayed in their show-out campground in our coach since our slide issues began.  Reservations for the week in the Ft Worth area were immediately cancelled by us, and then by our friends.  San Antonio reservations were scheduled January 3-February 5.  December 28 our part was ordered and due to arrive Thursday January 5.  San Antonio had to be bumped.  On January 5 our main heating system stopped working properly.  That Thursday the rig went back to have the slide repaired.  We checked into a hotel where one night turned into 4 nights.

 Friday the 6th, McClains notified us that the slide kit which arrived was not the correct kit.  They offered to keep the RV in a bay over the weekend rather than move it back outside.  Since the temperature was extremely cold and would not be above freezing for days, we decided to remain in the hotel while our home was safely and warmly snuggled in at McClains.
During this time we made almost daily trips to Penn Square Mall and walked the upper and lower levels.  It is a beautiful mall and since it is fully enclosed, it is warm and a pleasant place to walk.  The pic on the right is a screen shot of our local weather.  The local news said it was -2 in OKC, but my app says 0.  OH MY!  With the diesel heat in the RV acting up, and relying on the electric fireplace for our heat, we felt blessed to have a warm place to stay.

It is week 3 in OKC and Wednesday the 11th the correct kit arrives at McClains.  We are watching the weather for the week planning our OKC escape and San Antonio arrival  The forecast for the weekend in OKC is looking rough.  The news has used the term ice-mageddon during the forecast and my stomach turns over.  Must get to San Antonio.  The reservation has now been "bumped" multiple times as we have always tried to be optimistic as to when our rig will be repaired.  

Wednesday night our diesel heat worked "enough" to keep us warm, but when morning came around it was 20 degrees outside and the heat was not keeping up.  Our electric fireplace was not putting out much heat and our indoor temp was down to 52 degrees.  They were scheduled to come get our rig at 9am.  They didn't come at 9 and at 9:30 Chris went over to check on what was going on.  He also told them to look at our Aqua Hot heating system while they had it.  The diesel heat had completely shut down.  Our bags were packed for a stay in a hotel during the repair.  With our previous experience of one night turning to 4 nights, we packed accordingly.

Our friend, Loretta, who takes in "homeless" people

 Chris and I do not require someone to entertain us.  Nope.  We always find things to do.  People to visit.  Malls to walk.  And seasonally, trails to ride!  During the past 3 weeks we have had many friends and family checking on us.  We never felt alone or abandoned.  God was looking out for us and we knew it.

Who breaks down 3 blocks from the only dealer in the OKC area who sells your type of RV?  What RV dealers let you park in their show-out lots?  We even had a family member come to McClains and start in sales then work their way back to the back lot to find us and ask us to move in with them for the week.  Blessings abounded!

Thursday afternoon (Jan 12) we had not secured a hotel room.  No idea what we were waiting for, we just weren't in a hurry.  A dear friend of ours, Loretta, texted to check on us that same Thursday afternoon.  When I told her we were moving into a hotel for the night, she invited us to her home.  For the night.  For the weekend.  Whatever we needed.  We gladly took her up on the offer.  She has a generator and food enough to withstand ice-mageddon which is hours away.  Friday the 13th arrived and McClains reported they were not going to have the Aqua Hot diagnosed before the weekend.  The slide would be finished, but we would not have heat other than our fireplace.  They agreed to keep our rig in a bay and diagnose the issue on Monday.  We would stay with Loretta for the weekend.

Oklahoma City missed the worst of the ice storm.  Thankfully!  It was cold, rainy, wet, and slick in spots outside, but we were warm and in loving company with Loretta.  On Sunday we went to our former church and had lunch and good visit with friends.

Monday January 16 we received word that the Aqua Hot had been diagnosed and parts ordered.  We could move back into our rig and use the electric heat to stay warm.  Oklahoma would be above freezing for several days.  The part would arrive on Wednesday (Jan 18).  On Tuesday they updated us.  The part should arrive Friday, January 20.  San Antonio reservations bumped.  Again.  So we wait....

One day when walking at the mall we ran across this young man, Sam Kahre, cellist.  He is quite talented.

 An outing at Lake Overholser on a beautiful day with sunshine!

Many have asked about Schooner.  We boarded her during all the snow, ice, and freezing temps.  She is still "speaking" to us and seems no worse for wear.

On the left is Chris and Schooner on a walk along the Oklahoma River.  This is a bike/walking trail that we rode numerous times when living in Mustang, OK.

OKC is dear to our hearts.  We aren't in Texas, but we are keeping busy and staying warm.  Our rig will soon be ready to take us south.  Chris, Schooner, and I look forward to our winter in Texas, regardless of its brevity.



Addendum:  The aqua hot part arrived on Friday, January 20 as predicted.  Installation occurred on Monday January 23.  By end of day on Monday the aqua hot heating system was still turning itself off - reason unknown at this time.
January 24 another part was ordered and it arrived January 26.  This part made the last piece to our puzzle and by 3pm on January 26th we were headed south.  We stayed at the WinStar Casino RV park in Thackerville, OK which has a Good Sam rating of 10-10-10.  It did not disappoint!

Friday, January 27, 2017 we drove to San Antonio approximately 3 1/2 weeks later than originally planned, but with a highly functional RV.  We are thankful for the repairs which took place in OKC where we were surrounded by family, friends, and RV service people who took really good care of us. Now, to enjoy our winter in Texas!

White Pine Trail - Comstock Park to Rockford (MI)

It had been several years since Chris and I biked through Rockford, MI on the White Pine Trail.  At the time we were heading south and meeting my sister for pick up so there was no time to go exploring.  Friday July 15 was different.

By 9:15am we had dropped Schooner off at doggie day care and were on our way to Grand Rapids, MI to ride the Forest Hills Trail on the east side of Grand Rapids.  Because of the name of the trail, especially the word "Hills" we thought it best to drive the trail before committing.  Upon close inspection of what appeared to be an adequately maintained but somewhat narrow trail which sometimes forced the rider onto the road, as well as a good number of hills to traverse, we decided to head for the White Pine Trail instead.

Actually finding the trailhead for the White Pine proved to be somewhat of a challenge.  The Michigan Trails magazine is a great source for bikers in MI, but was a bit vague as to where the trailhead at Comstock Park was located.  We discovered there is a Comstock Park community and there is a Comstock Park recreational area.  We were unable to find the staging area at the first location, so we opted to park at the Michigan Whitecaps baseball stadium which is next to the trail. This was not a game day so we had many spaces from which to choose.

Whitecaps Baseball Stadium

It was 11am and 69 degrees (in JULY!) and we were on the trail headed north toward Rockford.

The trail is 10 feet wide, asphalt paved, and well maintained.  For much of the ride both sides of the trail are shielded by tall lush trees. From time to time the trail crosses the Grand River or in the photo on the right it crosses US 131.

The Rogue River Park staging area near Belmont offers parking, restrooms, and water. 

 Riding toward Rockford offers much scenery and photo ops!

As we approach town  we notice a very nice park with walking or dog walking paths to the east.  There are a good number of cyclists and walkers out today enjoying the weather.  Because of some trail maintenance we are directed to make a slight detour into town.  

Found this old train as we followed the detour

The detour gives us the opportunity to see a little more of town than we might have otherwise.  There are boutiques (having sidewalk sales) and eateries along the trail.  The town is small but very busy.

On the left is one of many places to park near the trail.

On the right and below is a walking path along the Grand River.
(Click on any picture to enlarge)

It is noon and time for lunch.  We chose Ramona's Table for our dining experience.  Bike racks were nearby and all along the trail.

My selection was the Maui Wowie Fish Tacos.  Those who know me also know that I'm a sucker for fish tacos.  Very difficult for me to pass them up.  EVER!  These tacos were seasoned and grilled Mahi Mahi with a black bean mango salsa, with chipolte, feta, and lettuce.
The pic on the right was Chris' selection of soup (French Onion) and 1/2 a Turkey sandwich on a toasted cranberry bread.  Both meals were excellent!

After lunch we walked around the park and dams.

Picture perfect view of the dams in Rockford

 We decided to jump back on our tandem and head north a little further.  There is a walking path and wooden bridge across the river from our bike path.

We biked 1.5 miles north of Rockford and turned around to head back.

 On our ride south we decided to try to find the REAL trailhead in Comstock Park as mentioned in our trail magazine.  We bypassed the car and kept on cruising.
On the left we are at a scenic overlook of the Grand River.  Anyone notice the ominous clouds in the pictures?  We had the clouds most of the day, but thankfully did not get rained on during the ride.



A few miles past the stadium the trail stops and makes a T.  We are the little blue dot in the picture on the left.  Still no park in site, but we do find it on the map.  We took the trail to the east and crossed the Grand River.  There is a bike trail all of the way to Comstock Park but a portion of it meant we had to cross a fairly busy intersection with no traffic light and ride on the street briefly in a biking lane.

Doing it all over again I would definitely park at or near the stadium or drive to Belmont for a staging area.  Comstock Park is not all that user friendly for the ride north!

We arrived back to our car at 3pm after riding 24 miles.  Checked the weather app and it was still 69 degrees!

What a fun day!  Would I do it again?  Oh yes!  You know how I like those fish tacos!!!

Berry Junction - Hart-Montague Trail - Muskegon to Shelby (MI)

Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail

We have been summer residents of Duck Creek RV Resort in Muskegon, MI since summer of 2012. It is by far the best designed and well maintained park in which we stay over the course of a year from Texas to Oklahoma to Michigan and then back; a course repeated annually.  Roger and Casey work 24/7 to see that the park is 5 Star and this year the campers at the park found the addition of a newly laid trail extending from the park entrance to the Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail.  This will give bikers and walkers of all ages the security of getting on the trail without needing to share the road with motorists.  Big shout out to Casey and Roger for making the dream of this trail connector come to fruition!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

We are no strangers to this particular trail as we ride some portion of it almost weekly.  Not only can we ride out of our campground on our bike to access the Berry Junction Trail, but it then connects to the Hart-Montague Trail about 10 miles north of us in Montague.  We have eagerly anticipated biking this year because of the "face lift" given to the trail over the past year.  Brand new asphalt!  AND, all but one of the detours have vanished!  This, my friends, is so sweet!

It is 68 degrees at 8:35 am on Tuesday, June 21, 2016.  With Schooner in good hands at the nearby Dog Star Ranch, Chris and I set out on a day trip of biking our favorite trail.

One of the prettiest areas on the Berry Junction Trail is a heavily wooded area with three wood bridges (above pic) and a giant carved wooden eagle and its nest (left).

There are many pieces of art along the trail including this giant butterfly (right) found in a small park in south Whitehall.

Upon entering the resort community of Whitehall and across from the marina you will see the colorful sails pictured on the left.
Pic on the right is of the White River where it feeds into White Lake (which feeds into Lake Michigan).

The adjoining town to the north of Whitehall is Montague and where we begin the Hart-Montague Trail.

Along the trail is this gazebo, located behind Montague Foods.  There is also a campground, very nice restrooms, ample parking, and a nearby ice cream shop.  Every cyclist's dream trailhead!

One of my favorite things about this trail (and there are many), is the way the trail is lined with tall beautiful trees.  Many times we ride under a canopy of shade formed by the lush branches.






In Rothbury we must take a detour as the last bit of construction on this trail has yet to be completed.  The detour is well marked and easy to follow.  Before long we are back on the trail.
We plan to have lunch in New Era, but it is only 10:30am and we keep riding north past New Era and then past the Country Dairy. We always enjoy a stop at the dairy which serves up spectacular hamburgers, cheese curds, and the very best ice cream!  Now I'm going to start getting hungry!!!  Must...keep...pedaling!!!

These two pics of the trail are the reason we just keep on pedaling. The beauty here is magnificent!

The next town we ride through is Shelby.  There are several places in town to dine, but my favorite stop is the Shelby Gem Factory. One time we took the tour and were shown how the gems were grown.  After the gems are grown they are sent to gem cutters to create the final product.  Warning:  this can be one of the more expensive stops along the trail, but oh so fun!  Must...keep...pedaling!!!

Around Shelby there are multiple workout stations along the bike path.  At one of those stations we stopped for a quick stretch and water break.  Having ridden 25 miles from our campground we decided to turn around and head back south to New Era.

Trailside Restaurant in New Era

The Trailside Restaurant in New Era is the "dangling carrot" for me.  Knowing that we were making a stop for lunch at this cozy trailside eatery made the trip even more fun!
Monday through Friday turkey and dressing is the lunch special.  For the bargain price of $8.95 you also get fresh asparagus, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and a roll.  When Kathy greeted us today there was no doubt as to what we were going to have for lunch.  No menu required!

Fuel for the ride home

Dessert Menu

Shortcake with REAL whipped cream!

The only unknown was which of their fresh homemade desserts we were going to split.  We decided on the strawberry shortcake which is made using a sweet biscuit rather than cake.  Once again, Kathy took good care of us.  She even split the dessert for us!  The one below was all mine.  Let me tell you, it was so good!



Upon checking out, a young employee comments that she cannot read Kathy's writing on the check then heads back to work.  Kathy commented that she was known to have nice handwriting and Chris had no trouble reading it upside down.  Chris and Kathy decided the problem was that the ticket was written in "cursive" which is no longer taught in the schools and that being able to read cursive was going to disappear with this generation.  Chris said that along with cursive writing Kathy's strawberry shortcake was going to disappear with our generation.  The young employee comes back and asks what is disappearing.
Chris repeats "The strawberry shortcake will disappear with our generation."  The girl says "Oh no, the strawberry shortcake will still be here even if Kathy retires."
Chris asks "Okay, when Kathy retires are you going to make the strawberry shortcake?"
Girl, "Well no, not the biscuit."
Kathy responded, "It's going away with our generation."
Get it while you can, folks.  It's worth the trip, either biking or by car.

Between the lunch in New Era, the sunshine, and the newly paved bike trail we completed our 51 mile day trip at 2:35pm in 76 degree temps and had a little energy to spare.  Very little!