VEGAS BABY!!!

We stayed at the Circus Circus KOA in Vegas while working a show that we had heard about at the Cow Palace. We loved their billboard!

Hail to John Muir

After leaving the Cow Palace, we headed to the mountains for some rest and relaxation. Of course, travelling in the winter, one must be prepared for cold weather and lack of open campgrounds! We ended up in Kings Canyon National Park. It is just below Yosemite and shares borders with Sequoia National Park. We drove into the snow and an incredible fog, always wondering what was just below the edge of the road. At 7000 ft we came upon the Park visitor center. They told us only one campground was open and of course it was up in the snow and fog. We traveled 9 more miles to Hume to get fuel for our generator and came upon the Hume Christian camp. They were very hospitable and told us we could park next to the creek and the fish cleaning station. We enjoyed 2 cold, crisp and clear days there. Hiked around Hume lake, drove to Road's End where we encountered our first bear of the trip who was quite the poser. Then off to the enormous Sequoia grove. John Muir first started coming to this area in 1873. Thanks to him attention was brought to this area. Unfortunately, many of these Sequoia behemoths were cut down, some taking 2 men 9 days to bring down. However, there is quite a grove left to behold. Words or photos could never describe what we saw.

COW PALACE

The first time the words "Cow Palace" were used was in 1935 when the thought of erecting this building was thought of. A newspaper editorial wondered "Why when people are starving, should money be spent on a "palace for cows". Thus the Cow Palace was born. It opened in 1941. During WWII it was used for processing soldiers bound for the Pacific theatre. The Beatles opened their first North American tour there on 8/19/1964.There have been many bands, hockey teams, basketball teams and roller derby teams that have used the Cow Palace. It is where the Grand National Rodeo is held. And now, Steve and Bonnie have played there!!!!

Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz Revisited

We have been staying in Half Moon Bay since Monday and enjoying our time off from work. The weather was great. We did much walking and reflecting. We also had an opportunity to visit an old friend of Steve's...another Steve. We walked with him behind his house through a protected grove of redwoods a few miles north out of Santa Cruz. It was a special reunion in a special place.

Heart Felt Rural America

After working all day, we headed back to the Airstream. Sitting outside in the warm California sun, I hear in the distance...music. I gravitate with camera and am blessed with a gathering that made me smile. I felt as if I had been transported back in time. Situated in a large field on the fairgrounds was a high school marching band with onlookers of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles etc. in a sea of multi colored lawn chairs and blankets. The band began to play and I felt good...relieved that this was still happening in America.

Words of Wisdom

Another roadside attraction...I find it interesting, even ironic that you would have a white bread company called "Bimbo". You never know what to expect in California...."The whiter the bread...the quicker your're dead!

HERE WE GO AGAIN

We have started on our new journey. However, this winter we will combine the nomadic life and a little work ( it never hurt anyone)!! We will be travelling and stopping at pre-determined shows to sell our Kakadu Australia line of clothing. Our first stop is Puyallup Washington where we are doing a Washington Arms Collectors show. Pictured is our booth after setting it up this afternoon. In between the shows we will be exploring one of the most beautiful and magnificent countries in the world....stay tuned!