John's Annual Christmas List 2017

Well the time has come to publish my annual Christmas List (just in time for Black Friday).  So with out further ado, here it is:

John’s Christmas List 2017

Please direct any questions to john@harborside-marina.com

Merry Christmas!

1. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe Black (Gloss)  with White Wall Tires, Vance and Hines shotgun Exhaust, Heavy Breather kit, fat spoke wheels (chrome), solo seat
2. 1 New Euro Size 5 Soccer Ball Blue or Red-soccer.com
3. Morris 42 Daysailer (pre-owned ok) BLUE HULL ONLY with Green or Red boot stripe
4. Bull Frog Spa replacement head cushions (5)
5. Bull Frog Spa jet pump switch and aux switch
6. 2 intra tech 39” dual element electric patio heater
7. Bushwacker Flat Style Flares for Jeep Wrangler JK 4 Door
8. Tommy John Second Skin Boxer Brief (3 Pair)—They only last 3 months
9. K&N 63 Series Air Charger performance intake-quadratic.com
10. Billet Hood Hold Downs for Jeep 2015 Unlimited Rubicon-Quadratic.com
11. Outdoor Ice Rink with Dasher Boards and Refrigeration system 60’ x 120’
12. Artificial Turf insert with soccer goals for above rink (Smaller then regulation goals on wheels)
13. DV8 RS-11 Rear Bumper 2015 Jeep Wrangler without tire carrier
14. 2014,15 or 16 BMW M6 (or Alpina B6)  Gran coupe Black/Black-Premium, executive, heads up, adaptive cruise, tinted windows, cold weather package, Carbon Top, Adaptive cruise
15. Quick kit hard top hardware for 2015 jeep unlimited 2015 Rubicon-quadratic.com
16. Outdoor Ping Pong table (all weather)-Frontgate Table Tennis Sport 500 with sunbrella custom cover
17. Sunbrella Outdoor Curtains 108” by 50” (qty 12) with cast iron rod holders
18. Premium Cigars (Maduro, Robusto)
19. Honda CRF 250 L Enduro Bike-Can be used as long as it is in great condition.
20. Snow bike kit by savage snow bikes for Honda CRF250L
21. Tie Caddy Roll up Tie Holders QTY 16
22. Membership and Initiation Fee at Clinton Country Club
23. Hot water pressure washer (Gas with diesel warmer)
24. 21-24’ Hard bottom inflatable with single or twin Yamaha engines and T-top can be used.
25. Onewheel by future motion
26. T shirts V neck but not undershirts
27. Polaris RZR S1000 EPS White Lightning Side by Side 2 Seater
28. On demand Hot water heater for RV
29. New Headlight (LED) for Motorhome
30. Remote Spotlight Installed on Motorhome
31. New Driveway at House with covered bridge and gate entrance with side parking for 40 foot RV—PAVED—Old driveway will be service entrance. 
32. Rigid Wet Dry Vacuum with Auto attachment 6 Gallon
33. 2 New Headlamp flashlights (good quality)
34. Mounted Flat screen TV in masterbedroom with Frame (49-54 Inch only)
35. Case (or 2+) of really good red wine
36. Custom half doors for stairs (both) and dining room (swing door).
37. New Adidas shorts with pockets (not basketball long shorts)
38. Canadian Goose Down Parker- Black with Zipper and furry hood
39. Canadian Goose Soft Shell Waterproof BLACK
40. Ski Doo Renegade Adrenaline 800 HO Snowmobile (can be used in really good condition)
41. 20 x 40 Circus Pole Tent (white) with sides and Wooden Poles
42. Yukon Denali 20” Chrome Polished Rims (New 4)
43. Bali 43 Foot Catamaran with Owner Stateroom layout with in boom furling, electronics, water maker, washer/dryer and tender
44. Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45 Watch Orange Rubber Band, Steel Bezel
45. 3 Black Polo T Shirts (XL)
46. 1 full case of Heady Topper (alchemist)
47. 1 full case of sip of sunshine (two roads)
48. New Flag pole for marina
49. Cannon for colors for Shanks
50. Make Hobie Cat Mast (Arky’s) into flag pole for Shanks

The Last Song

This will be my last blog on this Independence Tour. I may write some of my thoughts from time to time in the future and will post like I have been doing.  I will at bare minimum blog my next trips (Cuba-Dec, Argentina-Feb, Greece-June).  I hope you all enjoyed it and I loved the feedback I heard.

Out trip seems to have come to an abrupt end as we pull into Harrisonburg Walmart at 11 PM.  It is bitter sweet because we are excited to go home and see our kids and 30 of our closest family members for 5 long days living in our house next week (lol or crying out loud) but have also found that we can and will do this RV thing again.  We already want to plan our next trip but with the following guidelines.

200 miles per day, 2 night minimum stay and get to the campground by 2pm.  We learned this from some of our RV friends.  Remember Jen's friend she met in blog 22?  Neither does she!  

I guess our last night would not be fitting if it wasn't parked in a Walmart in the town where we started, Harrisonburg.  The only thing that didn't work out was going to dinner with Abby because she had a test and had to go to bed early and we did not get here until late.  She did ask if they could go to dinner without us to Outback on us (just kidding).   The best part is how comfortable we are in the parking lot, actually sleeping in until 9 am with our slides out and cars now parked all around us.  Not that we are now in a rush, we are making our breakfast before we leave for home.    

Shout out to Jake for selling a 28 Chris Craft and collecting the money (thats when we count it sold, after receiving all the money!),

The time change really f us up.  It was great heading west because the surprise of having an extra hour was fantastic.  Coming home it was again a surprise and really screwed us up.   We will be glad to be back on the Atlantic Side of the world in good old EST.  A lot of people ask us why we have to get back so soon and our response isn't, well we have 30 family members and our kids coming to stay with us for thanksgiving, or we have to get back to work but we have to be back by Tuesday to let Zulady in to clean the house for the 4th time since we were away.  I may see if she can clean the rv instead.  

By the way, we really liked Tennessee, especially Nashville.  The people were really nice and it was fun.  We are going to list the places we want to come back to.  

Trip Summary

• 
  
• Days gone 37
• Traveled 8700 Miles
• Percentage of driving-John 75% Jen 25%
• Days without Hot Water-14
• Days smoke alarm went off while Jen cooked breakfast in morning (even with warning from me) -Everyday
• Soda Spills-14 (that I know about)
• Days we hiked or walked at least 5 miles-Everyday less 3
• Dog fights-6
• Days without headlights-14
• Days I had to pick up Arky and all the things Jen left on her nightstand like we were in a stable house-Everyday
• Number of bikes we brought with us-2
• Number of bikes we brought home-1
• Number of times we rode bikes-0
• Days something broke on the RV-22
• Days we had arguments 7
• Days I received a D or worse Grade 1
• Times Zulady cleaned our house when no one was there-3
• Beers drank-a lot
• Soda drank-more
• Jens Favorite part--Tahoe to Arches
• Johns Favorite Place-NAPA hands down
• Weirdest place-Salt LakA City
• Days it rained during the day- ZERO
• Days it rained or sprinkled at night-2
• Days below 30 degrees-2
• Highest elevation-8500 (hike)
• Most expensive Campground-$110
• Least expensive Campground besides Walmart-$20
• Gallons of Diesel bought-A lot
• Number of times Jen tried to sneak a summer sausage heel to me-4
• Number of times I kicked the water or food bowl and spilled all over camper-5
• Soda left in arsenal-8 12 packs
• Days my toe nails look FABULOUS -37

So a lot of times, Jen and I finish each others sentences.  It is weird but happens a lot.  For example, yesterday Jen said, "The first thing I am going to do when I get home is..."  she said-go to work, I said take a bath.  This time we were not on the same page but most of the time we are.  

Anyway, I hope our last leg home will be uneventful and traffic free and I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.   Since my accident with Julian in August and Arky Passing away, I have decided life is too short and no one can know when things will happen.  We are going to live the rest of our life with this in mind and enjoy the ride as long as we can.  I hope everyone I know will adopt the same plan.  In the words of one of my favorite singers,"There's always gonna be another mountain...I'm always gonna want to make it move....always gonna be an uphill battle... sometimes I'm gonna have to lose...Ain't about how fast I get there..Ain't about whats waiting on the other side... 

IT"S the Climb.....

Oh, Shit, I immediately regret doing that!

Woke up and picked up Arky (hopefully for the last time this trip).  Guess what, we made the bed together today!!!!!   We showered and walked to Graceland.   What an awesome tour.  I knew nothing about Elvis and probably because I was 7 when he died.  He was amazing and so was the tour.   I am glad we visited Graceland and we learned a lot. What a legend.

I love Elvis's Logo of TCB and the lightning sign which stands for taking care of business and fast.  I even bought a few glasses to remind me of this.

Onto Gibson guitar factory, and were blown away.  I have been to many US factories and this was the best.  3-5 weeks to build a guitar and it is touched by so many people.  97% perfection and the 3% is never sent out of factory (they destroy the defects so they never show up anywhere).  Makes me happy to pay 5k for a guitar and to the people that buy Chris Craft boats, 6 week is nothing.   I wish they had music playing from the people that use Gibson guitars to build the mood but they did not.  The tour guide really liked Jen, which was evident by the huge boner he had poking through his pants for the entire tour.

The funny thing about us is when I am driving, the air conditioner is on high and the minute we switch, the first thing Jen does before she even puts her seat belt on is turn the heat on high.  I guess opposites do attract.  On the road we talked to Abba who apparently may get home before we do.  Anyway, she was telling us one of her friends just got a job and only makes 70k a year with a small sign on bonus of 3k.  Plus the job is boring.  I hope she comes and runs marina as i think she will be really good at it but who knows.  It was a little tough to understand her because I guess she was climbing a set of stairs and COMPLETELY out of breath.  She commented that she was a little out of shape (no shit).  Cant wait to get her home and detox her for the week of thanksgiving.  We will have all the kids home for Thanksgiving which will be awesome.

Pulled into Nashville and we have this whole thing down to a science.  In 10 minutes, we are set up, dogs walked, sat tv tuned in, jeep off, etc.  We are like pro's.  A lot of people have husband and wife teams with walkie talkies while backing in, setting up and we just do it.  Maybe because we are 25 years younger then everyone here.  Took the $10 shuttle into Nashville and had dinner at the Acme-after we went to one place the and they did not have music.  I really wish they had adopted my NY waitress staff.  It was so confusing because the waitress could get us drinks but not dinner. We had to go order dinner somewhere else and get it delivered.  Weird but we were able to figure out.    Had a few drinks and moved onto another bar with great 80's music.  After I presented my ID to the bouncer we went in.

Here is the best part of the night.  Everyone is dressed in Nashville cowboy boots, flannel shirts, and bar wear and sitting next to them is Jen, wearing her Sub Zero Canada Goose Down Full Length Jacket with wolf fur collar.  She was a little cold.    Walked into bathroom and interviewed the attendant after I had to pee between 2 huge black guys on ether side of me (I took the middle urinal).  Asked him about the position, and he answered a lot of questions I had.

Then I made one of the biggest mistakes in my life. (For the record, Jen hates to be the center of attention, surprises or anything like this--and I know this). I had a great idea since I did not have any good presents for Jen's birthday, I decided to buy her a shot of fire ball and at the same time buy the band a shot also (because she liked them).  I immediately regretted decision and when the singer announced Jen's Birthday, I knew I was screwed.  How did I fix? I said, "no, its my birthday not Jen's" and continued on to buy everyone in the bar a shot of Fireball (which I did a quick head count and then immediately regretted).  You don't have to be best friends with Jen to know I fucked up big time.  I apologized profusely and she forgave me.  I think the worst part is Jen's birthday present was shots for a bar full of people she did not know.   I am an idiot!  In my defense, I was drinking.

Note-Score was an A and I even had Coke at the bar a few times (after Jen's proofreading, the grade has been downgraded to a C-I got lost, sat next to a rat and held her hand all the way home-go figure, I thought that was romantic).  Now, finding a cool bar is one thing but finding a candy store with sub zero is like finding a pot of gold being held by a leprechaun at the end of a rainbow (can you say leprechaun?).   The thing about these candy stores are they are super expensive but compared to what you just paid at the bar, it seems cheap to spend $20 on candy. $20 is a shit ton of candy and subzero, had her halloween bag of candy in the bar which could not have made her happier.    The first thing I saw at the candy store was a huge candy apple and thought about getting that but then felt like I would look like the guy in Disney eating the huge turkey leg (alex) and decided against it.    I always wonder how these boutique candy stores stay in business but now I totally get it.

Look at the lady with the hockey jersey on-it looks like she is actually wearing a helmet.  Also, wtf is the intravenous add in the bathroom.  I am totally going to open a business that does that (Jen's nursing license will come in handy).

Finally, I solved the homeless problem in America.  We have seen thousands of abandoned travel trailers across the USA and miles and miles of unused, useless property.  How about taking all those trailers and putting them in the useless land and making a homeless camp.  Just a thought.

Onto Harrisonburg to round out our tour and get home.

Shout out to Chris for getting his first contract and deposit on a boat.  He will be great once I am done grooming him.  Congrats but lets not count the money until we get the money (knock on wood).

Walking in Memphis, literally...

So, I am not going to tell you that we slept to 9:30 Am this morning.  The worst part about this is that all of our fellow RV'ers are 20 years older then us and most likely get up at 4 am for the day so when we get up at 9:30 (sickening), they have been up for hours.  Dora and Lupe seem to be fine with sleeping in though.  So lets just say we didn't get an early start to the day and after yesterday (not walking Jen), I had to make sure to get to Memphis in time to take her for a walk or it was not going to be good for me.  We got in to the Graceland RV park at 5 PM and it is literally across the street from Graceland.  We are going to tour in the am and head to Beale Street tonight to walk 5 and eat dinner.

Besides the area right around Beale Street, the rest of Memphis is a little risky or "up and coming."  We walked and fended off the beggars by asking them for money.  It works great.  They walk up to you and say, "..." but before they do, you say, "hey can you spare a dollar or two?"  Works every time.  Finished our walk and went to diner at BB Kings (sorry Missy, we were already sitting when you texted me) and it was great.  Good blues music, good bbq and really slow service (normal for the south).  I feel like in a tourist town, there should be tourist waitstaff that caters to the people who are visiting.  So for example, if you are from NY, you get a NY paced waiter.  Just a thought.  We decided after dinner to go to Coyote Ugly and If I told you you Jen danced on the bar and did a full split while singing Bon Jovi, I would be lying to you.  She did not!   Bottom line: I don't know if we are cut out for late night drinking and dancing like so many other couples.  Don't get me wrong, I can drink all night long with the best of them but the loud music and bar atmoospehere is not our forte.  I would like to say we like to go to bed early and wake up early but the beginning of this blog discredits that statement.

Jen forgot to charge her fit bit last night.  This is great.  She will take off charger in the middle of the night when she walks the 3 steps to the bathroom so she does not lose steps and then re charge.  I am living with a crazy pscyco path-THAT I LOVE TO DEATH.

I am not ashamed to say, I like light music and you all can make fun of me if you want to.  Soft rock, ballads, duets, love songs, etc are in my wheel house.  I tried to find Jen a dance song for 10 minutes yesterday at our dance party for 2(Abby, I need you to make me a new playlist for these nights).

Whats the deal with the bathroom attendant?  I always feel weird when they are in there but obligated to tip at least 1 dollar.  Then today, I went in and someone was taking a crap.  That to me should be at least a 5 dollar tip as that guy has to sit in their the whole time.  The worst part about it was I went into my wallet and all I had was 20's and 100's and it took me a few minutes to find a crumpled up dollar bill (I hope the guy did not notice?).

Tomorrow is Jen's birthday and I am really screwed.  I didn't expect to be away this long and I do not have anything for her.  I was thinking of going to the gift shop at the RV place and getting some sweatshirts or Elvis stuff but remembered when my sister in law, Jessee, forgot about Alex's birthday and went to the local pharmacy and bought all the "as seen on TV" stuff from the shelf.  I decided that I will just let her do whatever she wants to me on her birthday (thankless gift!).  We will see how that goes over tomorrow.  I wish I had a box so I could do the Justin Timberlake, dick in the box skit but do not have one.  The only time we have apart from each other is when we go to the bathroom or when Jen walks the dog.  Tough to build surprises if you know what I mean.

Memphis- Liked the downtown immediate streets and vibes a lot.  Like the music but think I will like country in Nashville more then blues in Memphis.  I always thought of Stevie Ray Vaughn as early rock not blues?  What do I know, I like Delilah music.

One full soda spill-blamed on Lupe.  Sorry about the crappy pictures.  The rainbow pic is for KK and  notice that Jen got an extra wet wipe from the bbq place so if we end up "dry camping" again, she can get a clean shower.

Almost a catastrophe ends our trip

2 day blog--Saturday and Sunday Steaming home to work like horses.

Saturday--New Mexico--Uneventful
Sunday-NM, Ok, TX,AR--Even more uneventful

Last time we were in OK (26 years ago) we were driving home with the bun in the oven in Jen's POS Subaru and driving so fast that a fish and wildlife cop started flashing his spot light on and off (he did not have real lights).  We decided to pull over and he asked me if I knew how fast I was going and I said, "no, the speedometer only goes to 85 and it was buried." (I was only 20 at the time).  He then said, well I can assure you that you were going over the speed limit (he had no radar).  Let me off with a warning.

Ok, we got up early to put some miles on so we can get home.  We were going to stay in Santa Fay but decided to just stop there and talk Jen for a walk and then go on.  On our way, I saw a really cool  firetruck with a huge American flag flying at a local Veterans park.  Had to get a picture of the Flag in front of this Flag for my Veterans Day post.  After circling the small parking lots 4 times, I traversed a speed bump (remember the last one that got me good and killed all my wine glasses) and heard a huge crash.  Looked behind me and the Jeep was not there or at least not tailgating me like usual.  I stopped immediately and got out (Jen did not even spill her soda).  Holy Shit.  The Jeep was off the hitch, bikes under the jeep and everything mangled.  I was just looking and assessing the situation while Jen was asking what we do.  My silence of thought led her back into RV as I was trying to figure out what happened, a solution and thanking my lucky stars this happened while driving in a town and not at 75 MPH on a highway or it would have been game over.

I have been towing shit for 30 years and in my time doing so I have never seen a hitch pin snap, until now.  I bought some really expensive, locking hitch pins because Jake said people may have stolen the jeep or bikes and I should lock them).  Thanks Jake!    Here is the amazing part,  Started dismantling the mess, piece by piece and layout my options.  My bike was ok, kaseyb bike mangled, one receiver mangled, damaged bumper, bent ladder but for what this could have been we were very fortunate (only one small tear in tx on the wrap).  30 minutes later and black handed from all the diesel fuel, we were up and running with bikes in jeep hooked up.   Glad I brought my tools and extra parts.  We literally lost about 30 minutes (Jen was impressed).

Onto our trail in NM which was not quite 5 miles but a strong uphill.  Had to find or make other trails for Jen to get the full 5 miles which ended up being 6 miles and back to Flag right at dark.  Lights helped us travel a little further and we got to a Walmart at about 10 pm.  This RV thing is so awesome. We pull into a Walmart, put our legs down, slides out,  close curtains and we literally could be in the middle of our own land wherever.   We were exhaled but still went inside to buy stuff (that is why it is a good thing for Walmart to allow parking).  Bought a new hitch receiver and we are back in business.  We were exhausted so went to bed and woke up at 9 AM--CRAZY (We did lose an hour on time).

Steaming home we pushed hard through Oklahoma City (our target stop), and moved on to make up time.   Had my cheese platter for breakfast and once again, Jen tried to sneak in a summer sausage heel like she always does.  She does this with bread as well (like I am a kid and just won't notice).  The dogs don't even like the heel.

Anyone ever see Rain Man?  Remember the part where they had to stop to watch The Peoples Court or Dustin Hoffman would have a breakdown?  That is what I was reminded of when trying to find a place to walk on our way to our campground.  Guess what?  WE DID NOT WALK!  First time in a very long time and I had to talk Jen off the ledge a bit.  I convinced her she could dance later to make up for the steps.

Sorry to miss Sully's Christening but heard he was an Angel.  Also, shout out to Roberto for his birthday.  We wish we could visit you guys in Atlanta but it is impossible on this trip.

Oh, by the way, I think Julian is now reading the blog!  Apparently, Tyler told him NOT to read it and that was the trigger.  Go figure.

Passed all the cotton picken' fields and to our campground.  It was still Light out (YEA).  Took showers and went to town.  Stopped by local grocery to pick up some beer but unfortunately we landed in a dry county (or Jen is a mastermind planner).  Off to dinner where we drinks, steaks, apps, and anything we wanted for the price of $44.00.  We tipped $20 to the cute (Jens word) waitress.  My only regret was that I did not have my cowboy Oil money outfit to wear while I was here.

Last thought before our dance party--Jen always puts things on the counter while we are driving that makes no sense at all.  If a fan was blowing, it would fall over but she leaves with all the confidence that it will stay there while driving 75 MPH in a 60' missile.

Onto Memphis!

You've seen one arch, you've seen them all!

A little out of order but fresh in my mind.  Pulled into campground in Durango, CO.  Very much a man's man type of campground.  The people are really nice but I believe everyone is having beef jerky for dinner (real beef jerky) and probably going hunting tomorrow.  All the pick ups are jacked up and the only saving grace I have is the Jeep, which looks cool.  Bottom line, wearing closed toe shoes to the shower.  

I think a status symbol out here is how much shit you have on your front yard.  I am assuming the more shit, the higher on the status pool you are, but not sure.  On the east coast, we try to keep our assets and belongings in sheds, garages, and in our house storage (basements, attics, etc.).  Here they seem to store stuff on their front lawn as a way of showing it off.

Some people do the jeep wave and some do not.  I can't figure out what the protocol is, but it is a nice break not to have to wave to every jeep because there are a lot of them.  Moab is awesome if you like off roading.  You can rent 4x4's, side by sides, and there are countless awesome trails.  I want to plan a trip out here with the quadding boys.

GOT OUR NATIONAL YEARLY PARK PASS and to boot, got a $10 refund.  Thank you Janet!

Woke up and skipped breakfast to go on a quick hike at Arches.  We ended up doing the same one we did yesterday but added a few stops.  6 miles and really cool.  We have seen 9 out of 2000 arches.  You are not allowed to walk off path or have dogs but still we find dog shit on the trail.  We keep saying, "NOO DOOGS ALLLOWED" from the snoopy cartoon (I hope people get that reference-If you don't, google it and watch it on you tube.  It was when Snoopy was not allowed in a place and they said, NO DOGS ALLOWED).  Every couple also has matching hiking gear (backpacks, hiking boots, poles, etc.)  What the fuck are they carrying with them?  I have warm clothes, water, and snacks and all in a small pack.  They all get ready and look like they are going on a ski mountain where Jen and I just get out and start walking.  They also all hold hands like it is a romantic experience.  We walk at our 14 min mile pace (thanks Brooke).  Anyway, there is a pack out all garbage policy but it seems someone did not do this (see seltzer pic)and it is evident who it was (we wanted Jessee to come with us on this trail anyway).  See pictures below.   We also don't stare at the arches like everyone else does.  We stop, look, and then move on.  We also added the hike to the Dark Angel which was great.

Back to campground and onto Durango.  John, WHERE IS THE LIGHTER?  Why do you not put it away?  Oh, Jen, I am sorry I put the lighter 4" from where it belongs (my bad).  If I hear another Ed Sheeran Song, I am going to take the knife in my backpack (the one to cut my arm off it is gets caught in a rock-96 hours) and stab myself in the neck.  Give it a break, its too much.

Seems like the fighting has come to an end and we are getting along great now.  We cannot figure out what the root cause of it was and it was weird; it seemed to last exactly 7 days and then goes away but comes back on a revolving 28 day time frame.  Oh, well, maybe we can figure out soon.

Saw 2 cowboys today!  Full blown hats, boots, spurs, red bandana's.  I could never be a cowboy, even here.  My hands are not rough enough (Gary, you could be a cowboy!).  Plus, I forgot my cowboy hat and boots.    We bushed our tooth and off to dinner in Durango.  

Happy Birthday to my nephew, Ryan.

By the way, Jen is taking notes in my blog book as I ask her to so I can remember what to write.  Sometimes (a lot) Jen is the butt of the joke so I think she is adding things to the blog notebook, thinking I may be drunk when I write my blog and add them accidentally.

Hats off to Louie CK, not for what he did but for standing up and saying he was wrong and apologizing.   We need more people to stand up when they fuck up (alex, please trade mark that for me).  We also decided we are going to add Independence I to the side of out bus, as it is her name (tucker, get some proofs for us).

Rest of the night.  Headed to Durango, the old wild west city, to go to dinner.  First stop, Rocky Mountain High, a weed dispensary to discuss Jackie's issues and hopefully get a solution.  Great name  at bare minimum.  Then onto the hotel Straightner, which is the oldest building in Durango for a wild west dinner.   Then onto my pick, the Bookcase and the Barber.  This is an old speakeasy bar that used to be fronted by a rare bookstore with a shelf that opened to a bar but they added a mens barber shop in addition.  Yes, I got my hair cut and had a beer and then Jen joined me and we went into the speak easy.  We were on the list.  The guy that cut my hair was a senior at the local college and the guys in front of me were the football coaches (who also just graduated the college) and were looking for their win tomorrow.  It was their good luck charm to get their hair cut the night before a big game.  They were twins.  I hope they win tomorrow and we had a really good time.  Cool little town.

I almost got my ass kicked today

Woke up to Peet's Coffee.  Out of my other coffee so I bought Peet's.  Peet's is a CA grown local coffee and my cousin Pam told me the story about them.  When the fires were going on in Napa and Sonoma, the owners of Peet's Coffee were delivering coffee to the fire fighters.  They were not trying to get anything or even tell people they were doing it but just a good gesture.  Anyway, one of the firemen found out it was the owners of Peet's coffee and spread the word.  Those firefighters parked a truck in front the the owners house to make sure it did not burn down.  It was smoke damaged but they saved the house.  That is a company I will do business with.  Peet's Coffee!!!

Now Jen is asking me to make sure I put the sheet all the way under her side of the bed, not even pretending that I am making both sides of the bed everyday.  Unbelievable.    It took us a bit to get out today because we had do some work and Jen met a friend (not really but she referred to her friends all day.  If I asked her her friends name, she would not know).  Saw a guy with an RV, pulling a jeep, with bikes and a freakin motorcycle hydraulic lift between.  That is awesome and I will have next tine I go out.  Guess what, fog lights are operational.  The only issue is that they only work when the brights are off.  We will test tonight.    Off to Arches National park.

Got to the gate and ready to pay our $30-same as all parks are -and the lady told us we could get a year pass to all parks for $80.   We already paid for 5 parks and she said we could bring back the receipts and she would credit us and she let us in for free.  That never happens to us!  We went into the visitors center and applied for a hiking permit to hike the Fiery Forest.  We had to watch a 20 min program, listen to the ranger and sign off on the rules.  It is basically a forest of rocks that people get lost in all the time and usually take a guided tour.  Basically, the information was for the new generation of people, and I would call it common sense.  Anyway,  went to our 7 mile hike and saw 7 arches.  Look at the pictures but they do not do it justice.  Then we went to the Fiery furnace (Jen originally did not want to do but after the first hike was all aboard).  We met a ranger on the way in and he said, its really late for you to head into the forest, please be careful.  Most people take 3-5 hours to get in and out successfully.  Ok, we went in, got lost a few times, and back out 2. 5 miles in 48 minutes.  We are hard core hikers and pass many people on the trail.  Jessee, you would love it here(but would def hold us up taking too many pics)!  

Home to RV park and this is where it gets crazy.  We walked dogs (Jen), pulled our receipts out to get our annual permit tomorrow and then off the the showers.  Walked in with my flip flops and my gear but had to wait for a bit because all the showers were taken.  There was a father and son in side by side showers while I was waiting.  When the father came out, I took his shower and got a look like, "...I am going to kick your ass, boy..."   If you have not been following my blog, Emma did my toe nails in Sept and they still look great (a nice shade of torquoise).   I am so used to it, I forgot, but apparently the father did not see or understand the humor of a grown man taking a shower next to him and his son in a public bathroom with painted toe nails.  I dodged the punch but got the look and into the shower I went.  Luckily, he did not follow me home to the Flag and see the rainbow flag on the back.  Fight avoided (Not in CA anymore).