jerry and tina
Novice
Tina & Jerry’s Long Haul
(Illinois to California 2012)
2006 – 550 Ultra, Camp-Inn #136
Tow Vehicle:
2005 Ford Sport Trak
National & State Parks/Forest:
Nebraska National Forest
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Hot Springs State Park, Wyoming
Crater of the Moon State Park, Idaho
Emigrant State Park, Oregon
Beachside State Park, Oregon
Humbug Mountain State Park, Oregon
Lassen National Park, California
Utah National Forest
Dinosaur National Park, Colorado
July 14, 2012 was the start of our long awaited “long haul” trip. We left home early morning hoping to avoid some of the oppressive heat. We spent our first night in Omaha with good friends – Darrell & Joanne. We went to see the Holy family Shrine in Gretna that overlooks Interstate 80.
July 15, 2012 had us heading westward on highway 92. We stopped at the Nebraska National Forrest to see the Fire Tower. It was originally built in the mid-1940s; this is the third tower to stand on this location. The previous two were believed to have been lost to fires. After a climb up the tower and a few pictures we hit the road. Next stop was at Carhenge in Alliance, Nebraska to see the amazing car art. We even got invited to supper with a motorcycle club hosting a rally. (Hotdogs and hamburgers but can’t be choosy.) From here we traveled on to Harrison, Nebraska and found a lovely city park that had free camping. There were two sites with electric and water hook ups and nice clean restrooms & shelter house nearby. The swimming pool was closed but I was sure tempted to climb the fence to cool off in it as temps all day were in the 100 degree range.
July 16, 2012 was a travel day…stopped in Thermopolis, Wyoming at the Hot Springs State Park. It was another “hot” day out. After spending a couple hours walking around the springs, we decided to visit the pools for a much needed relaxing 15 minutes of steam and a welcome shower afterwards. Continued onward to Cody, Wyoming to spend the night at Wal-Mart and restock on supplies.
July 17, 2012 we spent at Yellowstone National Park. We saw lots of wildlife – Moose, fox, buffalo, elk and “supposedly” a bear sitting in a tree (at least that’s what folks were telling us we were looking at) We entered the east side, traveled up north to Mammoth Falls and excited out the west side. While there we also hiked the Upper Falls and Tower Falls. It was sad to see mammoth falls were barely flowing anymore. Camped that night in Idaho.
July 18, 2012 had us traveling Idaho Springs to view the waterfalls, then onward to Crater of the Moon State Park. Jerry did a lot of hiking while I nursed a sore throat. We were able to get a camping site there. Beautiful Park!
July 19, 2012 was a rough day, continued with my sore throat and didn’t enjoy the exits to food courts for lunch, especially pulling a trailer! Finally, crossed into Oregon and spent the night at Emigrant State Park. Nice, clean park with friendly campers. It is part of the Oregon Trail.
July 20, 2012 we followed the highway along the Columbia River Gorge. We crossed over into Washington to see Stonehenge Memorial for Veterans. This sits high on the bluff overlooking the Columbia River, nestled among vineyards. Then we returned to Oregon to Multnomah Falls. I hiked up to the bridge and Jerry went to the top. Spent the night in a rest area.
July 21, 2012 landed us at the Pacific Ocean. We stopped at Depoe Bay to whale watch at whale cove. Then we headed down Otter Creek loop and stopped at Cape Foul weather. We saw Devil’s Punchbowl and surfers. At Yoquina Lighthouse we saw Sea Otters and eagles. We walked the agate black beach and of course collected a few agates and pictures. Camped at Beachside State Park.
July 22, 2012 journeyed on south on highway 101. Stopped by Devils Churn and hiked back to CCC Overlook at Cape Perpetua. Camped tonight at Humbug Mountain State Park.
July 23, 2012 found us in the Gold Coast doing laundry, catching up on emails and restocking before traveling into Northern California. Found a campsite at Humboldt County Park.
July 24, 2012 we arrived at Swimmers Delight County Park! We spent our first night camping under the redwoods. I haven’t seen the awesome trees for 30 years…they are/were just as amazing! It was wonderful to sit under these majestic trees and listen to them sing their melody in the wind. Here we met up with other early arrival teardroppers that were planning on attending IRG. Enjoy the evening with Evan, Lena & Katie.
July 25, 2012 spent the day moving over to Pamplin Grove for early set up. After we set up, we headed into town for supplies. We spent the rest of the day meeting other campers and checking out the grove.
July 26, 2012 was the “official” start of IRG 4. Went and introduced ourselves to other Campinn owners, Ron & Opal, Jim & Sue, Bob & Kathy, Jenn, Evan & Lena (Katie), Joan and a couple others. Campinn was represented well!
July 27, 2012 we traveled down to the Avenue of Giants to do some hiking in the redwoods. The redwoods are so majestic and serene. It is like stepping into a whole new world filled with peace and tranquility. As dusk was approaching we headed back to IRG to have supper and fellowship.
July 28, 2012 saw us staying put for the day. We received our award for the Longest Haul to IRG with 2250 miles as the crow flies.
July 29, 2012 we said our goodbyes to some and “see you in the fall” to others that were planning on being at CI-CO in September. We traveled to Redding and over to spend the night at Lassen National Park.
July 30, 2012 wish we had more time to spend at Lassen. Jim & Sue told us we would like it here and we did! We hiked the 2 hour round trip to the volcano and enjoyed lunch by a lake. Late in the afternoon we headed east to Reno.
July 31, 2012 stopped in Wendover, Nevada-Utah. While there we went to see the Air force monument of the atomic bomb and sent out to the Salt Flats Speedway. That night we camped in Utah National Forest.
August 1, 2012 found us at Dinosaur National Park. We spent the day exploring the park and hiking to see the petroglyphics. That night we camped in City Park near Craig, Colorado.
August 2, 2012 continued heading eastward, back on Interstate 80 in Wyoming. Had lunch at the Lincoln Memorial rest stop, and then ventured over to see the Ames Brothers Pyramid, along with the tree in the Rock. Traveling across Nebraska we were chasing a storm and a gorgeous double rainbow.
August 3, 2012 we headed up to the Lincoln highway (30) to get off the interstate…Made it home that night.
Camped 20 nights
Traveled 5459 miles.
