Road Trip Day 2

Today we left Laramie, WY about 7:30 and arrived to Willard, UT at 2:00. Our plans to stay at Willard Bay which is part of the Great alt Lake did not work. There has been an oil pipe leak that has closed that camping area. So, spending the night in another KOA in the area. This KOA is like being in the countryside. A few nice mountain views and the Salt Lake can be seen in the distance. As the only vehicle I am feeling a bit tired. The drive was good weather wise, but still very windy.

Tomorrow will be the longest day of driving, almost 8 hours. Jim and Sandy planned to stop frequently. The next stop is near Meacham, OR and we will stay 2 nights.

Signing off for now,
Sugar

First Day on The Trip

Today I had a pretty busy day all things considered. I have stopped with Sandy and Jim at the KOA in Laramie, WY. Not much of a view with the clouds and location but will be warm tonight since there is electric. First thing Jim got me outfitted for travel with the bike rack and the Vanabag for my top front to carry extra needed stuff. While Jim was busy with that Sandy filled my fridge and unplugged and turned off the necessary items in the house. We left about 10:30 heading north. Jim and Sandy wanted to stop in Ft Collins, so had a quick lunch and then they walked around town a bit. Due to the expected storms and wind the stay in Ft Collins was not long. The drive from Ft Collins to Laramie was WINDY. There was also a period of heavy rain and hail. Just to make things fun we saw a VW camper bus like Erica and Kelley have and a VW bus with a truck bed on the back, don't know what it is called but it made me feel right at home. Also saw a Vanagon bus like me. We will be heading out first thing in the morning for Willard SP in UT which is right outside Ogden. About 6 hours on the road tomorrow...Now it's time for dinner and a shower..

Signing off for now,
Sugar

Introduction

Hello, my name is Sugar Magnolia, I am a 1990 VW Westfalia. I will be leaving on Wednesday, May 8 and will be updating this blog as I travel to Alaska and back. First, I should explain my name. The name Sugar Magnolia or Sugar for short comes from the song by the Grateful Dead. My owners, Jim and Sandy purchased me the summer of 2011 from the previous owner who lived in Boulder, CO. They have spent the past two years upgrading a few things to prepare me for this trip. I am getting excited about this trip, some days It seems like we should leave early. But there are many things for Jim and Sandy to do in preparation.

Wednesday May 8 is the date

We will leave home around noon on Wednesday. The ferry to Alaska does not leave until May 17, which leaves plenty of time for exploring. We are busy packing today. The plan for Wednesday is close up the house and travel north a few hours to get us through Denver and to Wyoming. More to update starting on Thursday or Friday. Updates will be based on Internet reception and good electric power but will be most days.

More Of the Storm

Overnight SF got about 5" of snow on the ice from yesterday. I took these pictures from inside, heading out around 1.

Ice Storm in Sioux Falls

The news says this is the worse ice storm ever. The last big one was in 97 or so and was not this big or bad. Lots of tree branches down and many without electricity. Someone my Mother knows had a tree fall through her house window last night. Below are some pictures.

South Dakota

I am in Sioux Falls visiting my parents and Aunt Marge. Last weekend my sister Terri, her daughter Kari with her two boys and my Aunt Karen came up from Omaha. We had a good visit. Last night my daughter Erica flew in for a few days while she is on spring break. I will be here until mid April, then it is time to get ready for our trip to Alaska. Below is a picture of the three sisters from last weekend. My Aunts Karen and Marge and my mother Bernie.