90 Likes and Counting

Hi All,

As most of you already know, we got a new kitten yesterday. We took this picture in the Petco where we adopted her.

On the way home Sandy posted it on Facebook. Forty likes before we gat home! Now up to 90! We named her Sanibel.

The internet has been flooded with jokes during the pandemic. Carl's all time favorite is-

"My fondest childhood memory is making sand castles with my grandpa- until mom hid his urn"

Stay safe and healthy, the vaccine is almost here

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502

Great News!

Hi All,

This morning we drove back to the RV repair place to run the generator. That keeps the batteries topped off so the fridge keeps working.

What we found was complete chaos inside. The pantry was out, the draw was out, parts and pieces were all over the place.

This is great news on two counts- first they got to work on the coach Friday instead of waiting until Monday and second they had removed the water heater which was apparently the source of the leak. That was much better than a broken pipe hidden away in a hard to reach spot.

The fridge was fine and it looks like we can be on our way Tuesday morning.

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502

On the Road Again

Hi All,

Saturday we concluded our wonderful visit with Millie. Thanks for your hospitality and your guide services. Friday we Zoomed Shabbat services from Millie's temple and Saturday we visited a winery and watched Hamilton in the evening. Throughout our visit we were careful, staying six plus feet apart in her condo and wearing masks in the car.

Sunday we hit the road with stops in LA and AL enroute to Greenville, SC.

Speaking of masks, a friend on the Wildlife Brigade sent us this. 

For those of you confused by hurricane names, here is a guide to tropical storm naming conventions for our warming planet. This season we went A to Z and now we are up to Zeta in the Greek alphabet!

Stay safe & healthy 

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502

Kansas Birding

Hi All,

Yesterday we visited the Quivera National Wildlife Refuge and today it was the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. Both places had thousands of birds, almost all too far away to identify even with our spotting scope. Still, we saw hundreds of avocets and white pelicans plus a smattering of other shorebirds, ducks, wading birds and a few Sandhills.

At Cheyenne Bottoms we got some decent views from this observation tower. Check out all that bird poop!

Tomorrow it is shopping and chores then off to Texas.

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502

Colorado to Kansas

Hi All,

The National Monument was wonderful but the main reason we came to this area was to visit Laura & Doug Johnston, friends from Grand Teton. We had a great socially distant visit, dinner and opportunity to catch up.

They recommended Horse Thief Canyon for a flat, bird hike the next day. The cottonwoods were stunning along the river, birds were plentiful 

and we even got a "life bird" -Woodhouse's scrub jay (not our photo).

We were pretty sure it was a western scrub jay but when we looked it up, we learned that in 2016 that species was split into California and Woodhouse's scrub jay! 

When checking into campgrounds, we always check the local information in brochure racks. This was an interesting find

We left western Colorado on Wednesday and headed to the eastern edge of the state. It was a one night stopover and we barely left the coach but some local wildlife came to say Hi!

We had planned to go to New Mexico next but spiking Covid cases there and a statewide 14 day quarantine for anyone coming in from out of state, made us decide on Kansas instead. Thursday we drove to Pratt, KS near a couple of great birding spots.

Here's today's funny sign.

Stay safe and healthy 

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502

Colorado National Monument

Hi All,

From a distance, the Colorado National Monument looks like exactly what it is- a huge section of uplifted red rock sandstone with numerous erosion canyons. That's the Colorado River in the foreground.

The long drive to the upper plateau included two short red rock tunnels. Once at the top, the views are extraordinary.

This survivor of the erosion history is called Independence Monument.

This is Red Canyon. The drainage down the center supports cottonwood trees now showing their fall colors.

More stunning views.

Fallen rock is a huge rock slab that broke off but did not topple over.

Another erosion survivor.

This place is a compact gem of the National Park system.

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502

Willard Bay

Hi All,

We started Thursday with a tour of the Bear River Refuge. The combination of low water and heavy phragmites growth reduced the quantity and diversity of bird sightings.

We saw many white pelicans as well as avocets and western grebes.

Next stop was Maddox for yummy shrimp steaks.

We ended the day with a campfire 

and watched the constantly changing flames.

Today was a quiet day with some chores and food shopping.

Tomorrow we drive to Fruita, CO.

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502

Ogden Canyon

Hi All,

Today we traveled north less than 100 miles to Willard Bay State Park. The main draws of this location are Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and Maddox Family restaurant for their shrimp steaks. All that is for tomorrow; this afternoon we explored the foliage and waterfall of Ogden Canyon.

Sandy found a scenic foliage loop and here's where we went.

A little late but pretty foliage 

Some trees are undecided!

Others are full on yellow.

This roadside waterfall is near the mouth of Ogden Canyon.

Very impressive multi drop waterfall.

Tomorrow we do birds and shrimp steak.

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502

Goodbye Ginger

Hi All,

It seemed to happen so quickly. One day we had a fat cat that curled up next to whoever was on the couch and slept at our feet in bed.

Within a couple of weeks she had lost so much weight you could easily count each vertebrae. She ate very little and pooped not at all. She struggled to jump on to the couch.

The vet exam and bloodwork showed nothing serious and she recommended against very expensive radiology scans   that would probably show something that couldn't be treated for a 15 year old cat. The vet also confirmed that she was suffering.

So with heavy hearts but confident we were doing the right thing, we made one last trip to the vet.

In 12 years with us, Ginger learned how to chase fish on an iPad

Curl up on our puffy jackets

and our safety vests

and kept an eye on us while keeping her nose warm.

We'll miss you  😪 

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502

Giving Thanks to the Weather gods

Hi All,

The last few days have been stunning. Crisp, clear skies due to a wind shift keeping the smoke away.

The mountains are the sharpest we've seen

with a few afternoon clouds to create beautiful sunsets.

Well after sunset, the mountain range profile is incredibly sharp. Enlarge this image to see all the cracks and small canyons.

In previous years we have had frequent snow and sleet in early October. This year brings 70 degree highs and clear skies. We depart tomorrow for our seven week meander back to Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Florida.

First stop is Salt Lake City for new motorhome tires! 

Stay tuned for more wildlife adventures as we visit refuges and state parks in UT, CO, KS, TX, SC, GA and of course FL.

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502

Teton Sky

Hi All,

Hard to believe we have only two shifts remaining this season.

Early today the sky looked angry as the rising sun illuminated the cloud bottoms.

Later the sun back lit the cloud formations.

When enough clouds lifted we could see the freshly fallen snow in the mountains.

Other than that freak September storm we have been snow free in the valley. However, the Postmaster is ready!

Still lots of bear activity as they try to fatten up for winter. We didn't see this but it is a cute story.

There is a house next to Jackson Lake dam where the dam operator lives. One morning last week they were awoken by their dog barking. "I could tell it was his "Bear Bark". She took this picture out her window. Bear 399 and her four cubs had come for a visit (and to eat the clover in their yard.)

When one of the cubs picked up a dog toy in the yard, their dog got all excited and started wagging his tail. Perhaps he wanted to go out and play with five grizzly bears!

We leave here on Oct 4 and after about seven weeks of sightseeing and coach service we will be back in Florida for the winter.

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502

September Winter

Hi All,

Well today was a lovely sunrise but oh what a night. Snow started about 7PM. Forecast wind gusts to 70 MPH. Power went out at 9 along with the water which is electrically pumped. At 9:15 a big tree branch fell against the coach, loud noise but  thankfully causing no damage.

Grateful we live in a self contained motorhome. Ran generator all night, woke up warm and cozy- 26 degrees outside.

Very nostalgic brushing snow off of car🙀

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502

Clear Skies & New Bear Policy

Hi All,

Some welcome rain and snow in the mountains gave us back our views.

399 and her quadruplets we're back out along the highway. At times it is hard to get all four of them going in the same direction.

Finally mom got them headed together as the sun set.

Many of you will remember this photo from a couple of years ago. It has precipitated a change in Park policy.

We are having typical fall mountain weather. It was 91 today and the forecast for Monday AM is 24 degrees (Fahrenheit)! Still, no place we'd rather be.

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502

Colter Bay Hike

Hi All,

After a quiet weekend (Thur-Sat), we drove to Colter Bay to hike the figure 8 Lakeshore trail.

Lots of boats in the Colter Bay marina.

It is a beautiful wooded trail

with frequent views to the mountains across the lake.

Near the end of the trail we spotted this white tail deer; wonderful end to delightful hike.

Hard to believe that Monday is September!

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502