Ark Encounter, the Great Eclipse, Falls and More Part 3

Hey Gang,
We take off without tidying up the Go-Go Bus to find the campground with only one site left that the ranger said do it asap hurry but of course that 8 am warning to me was not as urgent as sleep.

Everywhere you went the buzz was about the eclipse. Campgrounds full, more than average visitors and traffic same at the camp office. So I stopped a ranger who turned out to be the one who woke me to ask for directions to where this other campground was. Even with directions I got lost. So I called Godling River Camp, Ramp and RV Park directly and he put me on the right path.

When I saw the campground it was old school, make that primitive school. The entrance is a long drive and not the smoothest, where’s the ramp? It didn’t look like a campground more like a very small backwoods trailer park. Then we realized it was a mobile home park the campground was down another rut filled dirt path, again where’s the ramp? I can’t believe I tortured the poor Go-Go Bus driving down it.

This was a primitive campground not what we expected really suited for tents only which is what we saw, tents only. I don’t know if it even had pit toilets, maybe it was a carry in carry out park? Though I will say if I was tent camping I would love it. Right by the river and shaded, just perfect. And now I know why the word ramp is in the title, ramp is for the launching of boats. There was no way I was staying here. Going in and out with a suitable vehicle is OK but not with what I was driving.

It was approaching 1 pm and I wanted to see the sites and the little shops in town so finding a place to park for tomorrow’s big event was put on the back burner.
Maybe Janet will call and we can stay with them, where ever they are.
Little Rock Islands shops were all closed on Sunday so we went back to the state park and did some hiking, such a beautiful area with plenty of scenic trails and a beach.

Enjoy the photos.
Gotta Go-Go!
Carey

Ark Encounter, the Great Eclipse, Falls and More Part 2

Hey Gang,
After the Ark Encounter it was time to head south into Tennessee to find Janet and Rock Island to witness another phenomenon of God, the great eclipse. I was a bit concerned though because Janet had not called and the map I had I could not locate Rock Island. I thought when I briefly looked at it through Mapquest on my home pc it was by Knoxville. Well I was wrong.

I am sure you are thinking well why didn’t you call Janet? Simple I didn’t have her cell phone number and I am sure you are thinking why didn’t you use a Smartphone, simple I don’t have one. One of the joys of traveling is going carefree, getting lost, worrying where the heck you are then have it all turn out for the better, as in this trip.

We drove Rt. 75 into Tennessee and stopped right over the boarder at the Tennessee Welcome Center. The buzz and excitement at the center was all about the eclipse. The man behind the counter was talking to people from all over the US. I met a family from Pontiac, Michigan.

I asked for directions but the man manning it had no clue where Rock Island was and neither did a lady standing next to him. He couldn’t find it on the map. Finally he located it on a brochure for state parks. We were way to far east, head west young man.
He handed us a map that he hi-lighted. I shook his hand, thanked him again and left to find Rock Island.

Once I climbed in the GoGo Bus I decided on different route, the back roads which I think was shorter. His route was four hours. But if you are weary or scared of being in the middle of nowhere on curvy roads at 2 am it is not the route for you. I navigated the GoGo Bus through the dark, somewhat foggy mountain roads and arrived close to our destination without incident. Tadah!

Finding Rock Island state park was another matter. We wasted a good hour maybe more finding the park and then trying to figure out what to do. The campground had a barricade up with a sign, park opens at 7 am.
A person in a car behind me pulled up and asked if I was lost. He was local and said I am going in, park by the office until they arrive. But instead of waiting where he said we found an empty camp site, left a note at the office explaining when we pulled in, our vehicle, and time we would come to the office to pay for the site even though there was a sign at the office reading campground full.

Around 8 am a park ranger pulls up to our site and says hey we got your note but this site is taken. I called around for you and there is a campground nearby that has one site left, here’s their card, call them ASAP. How’s that for service? I asked if I could sleep a bit longer and he replied sleep till noon, they can’t sign in until then so you can stay. With that he drove off, I dozed off and Ruth took advantage of the showers, all for free.

No pictures this entry, it was dark out.

Gotta Go-Go
Carey

Ark Encounter, the Great Eclipse, Falls and More

Hey Gang,
What a whirlwind road trip of four days it has been, wow! We saw so much. What an experience we had.

We had an Ark Encounter, almost encountered my friend Mike, never encountered Janet but we did see Rock Island. Ruth met Karen who countered with follow me, you can park the night at my place, there is nothing around, you can roam the property, you do have a flash light - right?

Let me backtrack to the beginning.

It was Janet’s idea to see the eclipse somewhere in Tennessee at a place called Rock Island which I never heard of.
We decided on tagging along up with Janet and her family about a week before leaving but on the way down to Tennessee we added a stop in Williamstown, Kentucky to tour the Noah’s ark replica then join them.
We didn't take any directions other than to the ark, I figured Janet would eventually call and give directions to where they were.
Tour the ark then head south and find Janet is all that I planned, simple - right?

So let me start with writing about the ark though I really don’t want to write much about the Ark Encounter as it is called because I want you to have the same wow and awe experience seeing it for yourself as we did.
I was very anxious and curious to see the ark and it definitely didn’t disappoint, it exceeded my expectations. Once you see the ark replica and read their explanations of events surrounding the flood and after, it all makes sense. Viewing it can really bolster your faith or make you think long and hard on your beliefs.

One thing we should have planned better though was viewing the ark. It is a long tour that is self-guided and if you watch the movies set up on screens, read all the descriptions and see all the displays it can take up to 4 hours, we took 3 1/2.
We should have seen half, took a break, ate at the buffet on the grounds then finished the tour. Lots to see.

So that’s all I will write about it. We left in awe of what we saw, well worth the price of admission. If you visit the ark let me know and we can swap our thoughts on it.

I have to tell you about this because I think its kind of neat.
My friend Mike and partner in the home repair business planned a vacation to Kentucky and Tennessee weeks ago same thing with Janet. Mike's plans were for a vacation, Janet's were to see the eclipse. I decided about a week or so ago on a whim to see the eclipse. We had just entered the ark when my phone rings. I answer it and its Mike. Hey I just saw your GoGo Bus in the lot. What's the chances of running into someone on the road like that? Unfortunately they decided not to tour the ark but it was still fun receiving that call.

My thoughts at that time of the phone call were, well if Mike can find me unplanned then meeting up with Janet and her family should be no problem, she'll call and we'll find them - yeah right.

part 2 to follow
Gotta Go-Go,
Carey

Arizona Day 5

Day 5
Woke early again but this time I had no choice because planned was one big event, the Verde Canyon Railroad. It is in the Sedona/Jerome region which is about 120 miles from Scottsdale. The trip is not that far time wise though because speed limits hit 75 but most including myself drive a bit above like 85 or so. And yes there is also traffic way out in the middle of nowhere.

The route drives through a couple of small towns and like the others in Scottsdale they seem to be dotted with gated and golf communities. Cottonwood was interesting. I like to visit that small town again.

We arrived about 45 minutes before the train departure but Jimmy worried we'd be late so there was no stopping for anything to eat. Inside of the Verde Canyon Depot /gift shop was a snack bar but typical of most the food were limited and overpriced. So leaving Jami and Jimmy behind a mad dash was made to Cottonwood to buy a cheaper burger which in comparison was not that much cheaper but I'm sure the flavor was much better. I zoomed back just in time as they were boarding, talk about fast food.

Inside of the train was impressive. It is a fully restored vintage train. We sat in First Class that was laid out. Each group had their own little section. Ours had two comfy and I mean comfy couches facing each other with a coffee table between. Large windows to look out with air conditioning but not ice cold. Kettle chips were on the table, champagne or hardened cider was served complimentary. All cars accessed the open-air cars equipped with wooden benches and canopies.

After settling into our seats the hostess made the announcement welcome to Verde Canyon Railroad, this is a four hour ride..... we also have a buffet set up for you with subs, chicken wings, olives, tomatoes, cheeses, crackers and small brownies. I killed myself running for a burger and wala they had a buffet. Oh my! Even though I was stuffed I over ate on the chicken wings and olives.

Now about the ride. It was my first experience on a train and it was a great experience, I just loved it. The constant chatter of the rail, the slight sway, the view made it so very relaxing and enjoyable. The train moves at such a leisurely pace that your mind can wander. Mine did and I thought of all the movies that were set in trains, finally I could vision it. No one on board came up murdered and no jewels were stolen but I still imagined it could happen.

The ride takes four hours and is 20 miles in length. As the journey goes on the scenery gets better and better. Words are hard to describe the beauty. When it first starts you ooh and awe and say looked at that, everyone does it. But after awhile you run out of words and just stare in complete amazement. What beauty, can't say it enough. The beauty is so magnificent we forgot about our comfortable couch and stood at the railing of the open air car. The ride does not feel like four hours because your mind is engulfed by what you are seeing. You don't realize that you stood for almost the entire train ride.
Amazing.

Gotta GoGo!
Carey

Arizona Day 4

Day 4

I woke earlier than normal to get an early start on the day. Vacations go to quick and this one was. We decided on climbing Camelback Mountain in Phoenix. The mountain gets its name from its shape which resembles the hump and head of a kneeling camel. The trail is about 1.4 miles long and elevation is about 1,300 feet. The trail is marked extreme difficulty but you can see people of all ages challenging it.

There are two locations to access the hiking trails on Camelback. The lot we used way back in 2000 was full so we circled the mountain to get to the other trail. The second trail has no lot so you have to park on the street a good distance away and hike to the hiking trails. The area is very built up with houses and golf courses now surrounding the base of the mountain.

Hiking up and coming down was a steady stream of people. They looked like ants. Jimmy made it up about ¾ the way, Ruth and I made the summit. Going up and coming down I rounded the path a bit and strayed off trail. It saved time and distance.

After hiking Jimmy wanted to go to a few stores. I said I would drive him but in the middle of it I had it. I couldn't take it any longer. Being on vacation and seeing nothing but the same corporate stores as at home made me go bonkers. Scottsdale is a fine area but it is corporate heaven. We went to a local grocery chain called Fry's. On one street there were two Fry's on the same side separated by maybe a half mile. If you have money there are plenty of upscale places to eat that aren't corporate its the middle income restaurants that are all corporate and nothing else.

I even ventured off in the opposite direction towards Fountain Head. Nothing. Then to Fort McDowell thinking I could find lunch. Nothing. OK don't laugh but I thought theres an Indian reservation lets find an Indian restaurant surely they have to eat and cornbread sounded good. I know corn doesn't grow in Arizona, at least I think, but Indians do make cornbread, don't they? Well you can laugh now. Nothing on the Indian reservation, nothing but a casino at the entrance. But we did see a Road Runner. That was exciting and the scenery wow so beautiful. But still no lunch. So back to Fountain Head and Senor Taco which made tacos so small they looked like baby tacos not sir size.

For supper we ate at a place called White Chocolate Grill. When they first told me I thought they said white chocolate girl and we were heading to a strip club. Sort of as the NY strip steak I had we was superb and desert which I seldom eat was wow good.

As far as temps the heat sort of arrived but still not that bad. I think it hit low 80's.

Thought I had while driving through the Indian reservation. Its desolate and barren now in modern times. Can you imagine the hardships the Indians faced a 100 plus years ago when they were forced onto these desert lands? Sad.

Gotta GoGo!

Carey