Nina and Pinta

We travel the US and experience many places and people. But imagine traveling 4,000 miles of the Atlantic Ocean in a 65 ft. ship with all your possessions and the unknown world ahead. The Nina and Pinta were docked at Green Turtle Bay this weekend. The Nina is 100% scale of the original ship and the Pinta is 200% scale. Extremely small for such a crossing.

I snook a look via kayak on Thursday night! Paddled across 2 bays and had a good visit with Constance aboard the Nina. So much fun. In fact, Denise and I took the tour of the ships on Saturday to get the full view. The crew was wonderful, explaining all parts of the ships and their sailing schedule. Constance was our friend and gave us a great tour of the Nina. I am over whelmed by the history of the ships.

Now, the unusual. I have volunteered for a crew position aboard each ship. I can crew for 4-6 weeks and experience the sailing of these ancient vessels. Denise has encouraged this adventure and if I can gain a berth I am on my way. We did meet Capt. Kyle on the Nina and he encouraged me. He explained He enjoyed his whiskey and I promised to provide Kentucky's best, Woodford Reserve upon my arrival as part of the crew. So, we will see. I applied today and hope to catch the ships at Huntsville, AL. You just never know when a berth will be available.

It appears that the best shot at a berth is if you are a Cook. Well, I am adapt with crock pots, and grills. Constance encouraged me to be a cook. I did ask Capt. Kyle if the crew got their daily allowance of "grog". He answered the are sailors. So, I promised to provide Kentucky's best bourbon, Woodford Reserve. He mentioned they do not drink while working, but the are "sailors". Sounds good to me.

Look for the Nina and Pinta in your area along the Tennessee River. If you spy a slightly drunk sailor with a few years on his head, that might be me.

Have fun, Happy Trails,

Barry Denise, Bailey and Bella

Canal Arrival

The Canal Campground (COE) Park in our home base. After traversing Missouri and the Current River, I arrived back at Canal. WOW!. The dogs and I are glad to be back in Kentucky. The worst roads were at western Kentucky crossing the Ohio River. The Narrow bridges really puckered the rear. Of course I met 18 wheelers on each bridge. Why they travel these narrow 2 lane roads I will never understand.

Rolling into Canal was like home. The hosts are friends and welcomed the dogs and I like we belonged there. Denise came down the following day and we had a wonderful weekend. I keep mentioning to all readers, Denise is a charm around my neck and puts up with my travel wonder lust. It is good to be back in KY but my heart is in the northwest. We had a high of 80 deg. on our trip and when I hit KY with over 89 Deg. I knew we were home.

Happy Trails, all

Barry, Denise, Bailey and Bella

The CurrentRriver

After another day of driving, we determined to see the Current River. My Kentucky horse friends recommended the river and I may have time to kayak. The "girls" Bailey and Bella will have to stay at home. The drive was uneventful until I left Highway 60 at Van Buren, MO. Now I was not prepared for the climb up to the Yogi Bear Campground. Having called in advance, the owner indicated a 50 amp site was available. However, upon my arrival I attempted to back into the site. Yuck!! My rear jacks were dragging on the concrete pad. This was due to the severe slop up from the drive. Not wanting to damage the jacks, I opted for a 30 amp site nearby and moved. Not a problem.

View Larger Map
Next was my plan to paddle a portion of the Current River. I enlisted the cooperation of a campground staffer to lead me to the town ramp in Van Buren and leave my vehicle for the return trip to Yogi. She was experienced in all kayaking and returned me to the campground and my kayak. I put in at the campground gravel/dirt ramp and floated away.

My expedition down the Current was wonderful. The river has a good steady current but you can exit the current and just drift or remain still. Just a few riffles were found in the 1.5 hours and 3 beers I drifted. I did encounter two small groups tubing the river. The river is busy during the weekend but quiet during the week. The little town of Van Buren did have a couple of eateries but I opted to dine with my girls.

Tomorrow is planned for the Trip to Grand Rivers, KY and the Canal Campground, our weekend home. That should continue to be an adventure.

Happy Trails,

Denise, Barry, Bailey and Bella.

Joplin Missouri - KOA

Well the return trip to Kentucky continued. After a long drive to Dodge City, Bailey, Bella and I decided a bit earlier stop was in order. Therefore, Joplin, MO. seemed about right. I must say the KOA was adjacent to the interstate but a good stop and limited occupancy during the week. The sites are long pull through with 50 amp electric and full hook up.

View Larger Map

The trip across Missouri was uneventful except for many delays due to road construction. It seems the Obama administration is spending much $$$$ on road construction. This is good for the country and I for one do not complain. Best spent on infrastructure than unemployment checks. But, not a fun topic. I did manage to drive a short distance "standing". Worked great and permitted a bit of a stretch. Fuel was easily obtained near the KOA and made for a quick and easy exit from the Joplin area.

Off again. The nightly stay with Bailey and Bella seems a bit of a routine now. However, I did meet an interesting couple in Joplin. Parked adjacent to us was a well groomed class A motorhome a Damon. The gentleman exiting the motorhome was using a walker and assisted by his wife. I of course offered may assistance and learned quickly that he did not need me. We did strike up a conversation about the Workhorse Chassis we shared and became engaged. It seems he is a retired Air force Colonel. Way above my Navy rank. We talked about our Vietnam tours and his aircraft. A very interesting 32 year career. Their Damon is a 2004 with over 70,000 miles. The colonel has been battling Hodgens disease but is over the treatments. Good to see a happy couple of their ages traveling. They are heading to California from St. Louis area. A real inspiration.

Onward to Eminence MO. tomorrow. So, good night Gracie and see you on the road.

Happy Trails,

Barry, Denise, Bailey and Bella

Gunsmoke - Boot Hill

The return journey continued into the wilds of Kansas. Now, my plan was not to travel the dreaded I-70 across the void of Kansas. After consultation with a 75 yr. old traveler at Dakota Ridge Campground in Golden, Co. I determined to drive Highway 54/400 across Kansas. This avoided I-70 and hopefully offered superior scenery.



Leaving Pueblo, Co. I found my way on a 4 lane, state highway East. I was determined to reach Dodge City, KS my first evening. I even drove standing up, that is right, upright, for several minutes to relax a bit. Arriving in Dodge City at the Gunsmoke Campground I slide into a site only ready to relax. Bailey and Bella rolled out of the Admiral roaming the wilds of the campground. The new smells were romantic to the girls.


I did ask the owner if any restaurants were within walking distance. However, his respond said it all, "the casino will send the shuttle to pick you up". Now, I called the Boot Hill Casino to inquire about free camping. They assured me I could camp free in the RV park. However, upon inquiry I discovered the RV park was the parking lot with no facilities. Also, being a bit tight with a $ I determined paying for a site at Gunsmoke Campground was less expensive than a visit to the Casino. RIGHT!


We relaxed at Gunsmoke, but I did not find Miss Kitty. I suspension Festus ran of with Ms. Kitty when Marshall Dillon was not watching.

View Larger Map


The next AM we rolled out to Highway 54/400. I checked the GPS and discovered my next TURN was in 300 miles. So, on we ventured along this highway. Well, the trip was none eventful but I did meet a traveler that has all the complicated parts eliminated. This traveler was stopped at a rest stop in rural Kansas. He had traveled to California and most western states in the reverse tear drop. What a simple rig. Becky would be proud to make her way across the US in such a rig.

Onward I travel home to Kentucky. Traveling the less trodden path is rewarding and I-70 Is not one of the less trodden. I would recommend Hwy. 54/100 across southern Kansas into Missouri.

Happy "Trails,

Barry & Denise

Boulder Co. - The Republic

We arrived in Boulder area and stayed in the Dakota Ridge Campground in Golden, Co. This is only 20 miles south of Boulder. As Becky described Boulder, "3 square miles surrounded by reality". We relied on Ms. Becky to introduce us to Boulder.

No for those who have not had the opportunity, Boulder is like an upscale college town with a good supply of Weed. That is right Weed. As we walked Pearl Street it seemed 50% of those we encountered were "happy". The community is wealthy, educated and free spirited. Legal Weed sales are plentiful and the community endorses a free life style. However, the high education level, good employment opportunities and a thriving college community mixed with wonderful weather and mountains makes Boulder an attractive community.

While Becky toured us around Boulder, we heard more about Nederland. This is referred to as "ned". Becky escorted me to Ned and I must say it is more relaxed than Boulder, if that is possible. Ned is the home of the Frozen Dead Guy Festival. It seems a wealthy resident had himself frozen solid at death and they continue a festival annually with hearse parades featuring the dead guy. Now I ask you, were can you beat these opportunities. Ned is about 8,500 ft. elevation and above Boulder. The drive up to Ned is beautiful with a river and many camping and boating opportunities. The small community features many head shops, hippie style clothing shops and art exhibits. I understand there is a small "wookie" community.

Now all must partake of the Boulder experience. We managed to hit Pearl Street for food and drink, the Saturday Farmers Market which was more about entertainment than food and the Nederland experience. All was a good experience. Later I was escorted up Flatiron Mountain for rock climbing at its Best. Now this old, fat guy was along for encouragement and provided some beer. The young set included Matt Henderson and His finance' Rosie who are the expert climbers. Watching Matt scale 150 ft. up like a monkey was a wonder. Becky and Chris climbed and I just offered encouragement. Hell, the hike up did me in at the over 9,000 altitude. But, what fun with these healthy, energetic young adults. Makes me want to live part of that over.

I would suggest all visit Boulder and Nederland. This hiking, kayaking, food and night life is excellent. The 3 square miles surrounded by reality is fun. As they say in Boulder, " we live our bubble"!

Happy Trails,


Barry and Denise

South Dokata Trail

We have begun our journey back to Kentucky. Reluctantly we leave this mountains for the hills of home. We will travel down mountain to the plains of Wyoming on our journey to visit Becky in the Republic of Boulder. In our rear view mirror are the views we enjoyed and the pull of the mountains. We will return.

Our journey takes us to a vast plain of Southern Wyoming down Highway 191 south of Jackson Hole. As beautiful as the mountains are, the vast plains remain inspiring. One wonders how the settlers ventured across these plains in winter and heat westward. The winds are constant and strong. Tumbleweed must be the state flower. We plan to venture to RV World along Highway 80 East. Now RV World is a bit of an exaggeration. The park is good and just off I-80. World is another description. The park is located in Rawlins, WY. The area bustles with work from Sinclair oil and gas and railroads. The winds are constant blowing all along the highway. Grass is not existent and guarded if it exists. Trains here seem to reach the horizon which is miles in eithter direction.

The park is open all year however, the snow can be a problem. The snow fences are located along I-80 to prevent drifting. You know you are in snow country when you have chain lanes along the intestate. We stayed the evening and would recommend to all traveling the area.

So in your travels across southern Wyoming, this stop is good for the evening but do not expect entertainment. However, the evening sky is spectacular.

Happy trails,

Barry & Denise