After leaving Cody, Wyoming, we stopped for 2 nights in Butte, Montana. At one time it was a thriving town, but due to steep, continuous declines in copper prices the Berkeley operation was shut down in 1982. Currently there is only a very limited amount of mining in operation and the population has shrunk considerably. We took a trolley ride to learn the history of the town and to view the mining area. The guide told us there was still a lot of pride in the city, but that jobs have been lost and many people have left the town. As part of the tour we viewed the Berkeley Pit. The Pit is 7,200 feet long, 5,600 feet wide and 1,780 feet deep. The current volume of water is 40 billion gallons of polluted water, that rises an average of 1 foot per month. Sirens went off during our tour which happens when any flock of birds tries to land in the water or anywhere near the Pit. These sirens were put in place to protect the birds from the contaminated water. From what the guide told us, it appears the EPA and the mining owners have been in contentious discussions for many years on how to clean up the contamination.
Continue reading “Butte, Montana to Coeur d’Arlene, Idaho – Start of the Fantasy RV Tour 07/10/2019”Spearfish and Deadwood South Dakota 06/27 – 06/30/2019
After leaving Hot Springs, SD, we stopped for a couple of days at the Spearfish KOA. What a nice place to stay! I think this is a new KOA, or at least one that has been renovated because it was a very nice campground. And we finally had more than 2 or 3 cable channels. Not that we watch a lot of TV, but it is still nice to get the news in the morning and to be able to relax a little before turning in for the night!
Hot Springs: Pioneer Museum 6/22/2019
Instead of going through Badlands National Park to hit I-90, Randy decided to take the shorter, scenic Rt. 44 to our destination of Hot Springs, SD. It was a little bouncy so we took our time but did not have any issues. We passed a small herd of buffalo just before crossing over one small section of Badlands National Park that crossed over Rt. 44. I didn’t get a very good picture as I wasn’t expecting to need my camera. Hot Springs is a little farther out than we wanted to be, but we could not find a spot closer to Rapid City.
Bridges of Madison County, Iowa 6/13/2019
We started the day visiting contractors that I worked with until I retired in October. It was great seeing everyone and thanking them personally for all of the help they gave to me when I worked at CMS. We have dinner plans later tonight at Rube’s. It is an unusual steakhouse where you cook your own steak!
We spent most of the day exploring the covered bridges in Madison County.
Back in Westminster!
It still doesn’t feel like we were in the Keys for (almost) 6 months. The last few days were really stressful with all of the packing needed and with Ty’s medical issues. Ty had his final checkup at the Marathon Veterinary Hospital on Monday morning as we were on our way out of the Keys. The Vet said all of his blood work looked good and he was over the 72 hour window where he was still in danger from the poison. They were so good to us there. They squeezed us in when they didn’t have an open appointment for Monday morning and saw us as soon as we walked in the door. It still added a couple of hours to the first day of our trip home, but it was a relief to know that Ty would be OK.
Islamadora and Marathon: Robbie’s and Sunset Grille 02/22/2019
We met Tim and Julie at Marker 88 Restaurant, 88000 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, on their way to the Keys. We introduced them to hogfish which I think they both liked. We stopped at Robbie’s Marina, 77552 Overseas Highway, in the Lower Macumbie Key in Islamorada This place was voted the #1 place for tourists. Randy had to try one of their Bloody Mary’s. I did not like their “dirty” flavor. In addition to the restaurant and shops, you can rent boats, paddle boards, kayaks, and even feed the tarpons at Robbie’s. We decided to not pay the admission fee to feed the tarpons but still saw some on the charter boat docks. The charters were successful as they were cleaning lots of fish on the cleaning tables. This brought in the pelicans, Tarpon and sharks to feed on the scraps. There was even a Great Egret cleaning up the small scraps.
Geiger Key Marina Fish Camp Restaurant and RV Park 02/21/2019
We had this place on our list to try so it was great when Larry and Karen invited us to join them for dinner at Geiger Key Marina, 5 Geiger Road, Big Coppitt Key. Their website says it all; “An Old Florida Fish Camp. The way the Keys used to be.” You could rent paddle boards, kayaks or boats; charter fishing trips, enjoy the view, listen to live music or have a wonderful meal at Geiger Key.
Continue reading “Geiger Key Marina Fish Camp Restaurant and RV Park 02/21/2019”Marathon: Lighthouse Grill 02/07/2019
One of the great things about the Keys are all of the great dining choices; especially those with Happy Hour Specials. Larry and Karen invited us to one of their favorites, The Lighthouse Grill, 1996 Overseas Highway, Marathon. Most of their menu items are $19.95 before 6:00. Randy and I both had their prime rib. Both the Captain’s Cut and the Mate’s Cut were discounted down to $19.95. And both were very good!! The tables in the restaurant were all made from the same granite as what we have in our RV. Seemed like home!!
Big Pine Key: Bucktooth Rooster and Key Deer 1/19/2019
We needed to go to the grocery store so we decided to go to the Winn-Dixie on Big Pine Key, with a stop at the Bucktooth Rooster for dinner.
Return Trip to Islamorada: Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina and Hog Heaven Restaurant
We went back to Islamorada to help Peter with his dink. It was another gorgeous day. I took advantage of the great weather while we were there. Walked for almost an hour and then spent time in the pool and tread water/swam for 40 minutes. I was exhausted by the time Randy and Peter were done. Had a late lunch/early dinner at Hog Heaven Sports Bar and Grill, 85361 Overseas Highway, Islamorada. One of my new favorites.