swolner

We made out way to MN for a nephew's wedding which was beautiful, but very chilly. It was 78 the day before we got there and then 48 the next day. We saw most of Steve's brothers and sisters, and nephews & nieces at the wedding which was a great reunion. Stayed at my sis's and celebrated our birthday's together with their son & wife - delicious filet's grilled by Greg and we got Chateneauf de Pape to celebrate all of our trips to France. Then to Steve's brother Gary for golf, great food and visiting in Southern MN. Off to CO to my cousin Lionel & Jan in Colorado Springs. We got the trailer ready to head to AZ. Only had one "how does this work" putting on the hitch, but headed to Albuquerque and ... read more

We've been to different terrain around Cottonwood for some interesting hikes w/o red dirt and rocks! Up to the town of Jerome which is built on the side of Mingus Mtn - a funky little hippie town with cute shops and local characters. Then we drove up 12 miles on a winding road to a trail on Mingus Mtn. with views of Verde Valley and Sedona - beautiful. Next day to Oak Creek Canyon for a hike which was part of 145 miles of Hopi trail used for 1200 years from Camp Verde to the Hopi reservation. Then it became a wagon train route - up 1000 ft. in a mile and lots of loose rocks - Ernie loves any hike! ... read more

We enjoyed our Walk in Old Cottonwood last Sat. and then church on Sunday at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church. It was the Praise Service, but it didn't compare to the music we make at Nativity! Had a nice Happy Hour with the pickelball players Sunday night - about 18 that brought great appetizers. Lots of interesting people that love to travel! It was just like our Thursday golf scramble! Just went on a sunset hike at the campground and fall is happening in AZ - the cottonwoods change to yellow by the rivers. It's a nice hike up behind one of the campgrounds in the RV park - they have 3 areas. It's a beautiful campground.... read more

Hi everyone - We had a wonderful 1st Friday art walk in Sedona with beautiful art work, wine and appetizers. Then to the Barking Frog for a prickly pear margarita, cactus salsa and chirozo con quesa. We woke up the next morning to see snow up in Sedona. Went up for a hike on the Sunrise Trail with Ernie and took some pictures of red rock with snow. Then out to another hike by Oak Creek under huge cottonwoods with the creek turning red from the red mud! On to a wine tasting in Page Springs - the Oak Creek Winery. AZ is becoming a wine area and the wines are quite good. Will visit more in the next weeks. Off to take Ernie on a hike - Sandy... read more

Spring in CO brought snow to Breckenridge and our property in Fairplay - 35 degrees - now I know why we didn't move there! We ended out trip in Colorado with visits to my cousin, Lionel & his wife, Jan in Colorado Springs and my nephew, Eric & his wife, Kamrin Boulder, CO. We had great visits, delicious food and wine, but cool weather! Snowed on the way to Rocky Mtn. Park, so we turned around and found a fruit stand and bought a cherry pie to share with everyone for dessert instead! Found a great brewpub - Southern Sun Brewery close to Eric's for great happy hour -- beer and homecut fries - a heaping basket for $1.75! Had delicious salmon and chicken done on the green egg with a great salad (something we missed ... read more