Zion National Park, Utah

Our last day in Utah we took a drive to Zion National park. Unfortunately we didn’t get to go on the main scenic drive in the park - as it is closed to private vehicles, accessible via park or private shuttles only. With COVID, timed entry shuttle tickets are now required, some are sold online weeks in advance, or you can try to get a limited number of tickets that are available the day before. Well, we had heard Zion was very busy this week, and if shuttle ticket sales were an indication - it was crazy busy, as tickets were sold out in 5mins or less when I tried to get them... We will do better pre-planning next time... although perhaps it was for the best, as I wasn’t too sure about getting on a busy Public shuttle at this time...

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

 While in Kanab Utah, there are many parks within driving distance in the area, so we managed a day trip to a Bryce Canyon National Park.  

Bryce Amphitheater

Kanab, Utah Peek a Boo Slot Canyon & Inchworm Arch

 While in Kanab Utah, we did two fun ATV rides - don’t miss videos below!

The first was an ATV ride to see the amazing Peek-a-Boo slot Canyon. 

A beautiful slot canyon!

Canyonlands National Park, Moab, Utah

 

Mesa Arch in Canyonlands

Arches National Park, Moab Utah

Rifle & Meeker Colorado

Rifle Falls

Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO

We stayed in Elk Meadow RV Park, which was conveniently located close to the park entrance.  We were very lucky with the timing of our visit, as the recent snowfall before we arrived helped with the fires in the area, however the snow had also closed the main roads in the park - fortunately when we arrived, the snow had been cleared from the Trail Ridge Road, so it was open and  we could drive thru the park!  

Scotts Bluff National Monument, Gering Nebraska

On our way to Estes Park we stopped in Gering Nebraska and stayed at a really neat city park in town. We spent a day exploring Scott’s Bluff National Monument.

Custer State Park, South Dakota

After our week in Spearfish, we stopped in Rapid City SD for a quick recall/warranty repair at a Freightliner Truck facility and spent the day there while they were working on the coach to take a drive thru Custer State park.

Spearfish, South Dakota

Spearfish Falls

The Badlands - Interior South Dakota

We made a quick stop the Badlands National Park.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Beautiful view of the falls on the Big Sioux River 

in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Dells, Wisconsin

We made a stop in the Wisconsin Dells on our way to South Dakota

Downtown on the Wisconsin River Walk

Nappanee, Indiana

We headed to Nappanee Indiana to get some maintenance for Julie at the “Mothership” (as many Newmar owners call the Newmar Factory/Service Center - LOL).  This was originally scheduled for March, but  due to Coronavirus, it was rescheduled for August.  Lots of RV factory/service Centers in this area of the country.

Illinois

 We stopped at Gun Creek Campground at Rend Lake in Whittington Illinois ( Another sticker for our map!)

We had a beautiful spot on the Lake - enjoyed a beautiful sunset.  We would love to come back to this site and stay for a week next time. 

2020 Trip finally begins - Arkansas

Arkansas

We left Texas early August on our way to Nappanee, Indiana to get some maintenance for Julie at the Newmar Factory/Service Center.  This was originally scheduled for March, but with Coronavirus, our travels were delayed and our service was rescheduled for August.

Our first stop was in Arkansas on the way, to visit our family - we had an awesome visit.  

We  stayed at a campground in Little Rock right off the Arkansas River

Natchitoches, Louisiana

We had a great weekend in Natchitoches, Louisiana.   Several people had told us we should visit there around Christmas time, as they are known as “The City of Lights”  with events every weekend.  One of the couples that was at the Cajun Gala also lived there and they showed us around town.

The town really goes all out for Christmas - this being their 93rd Annual celebration, with lighted decorations along the Cane River and bands performing along the river and on front street.

Saturday night we enjoyed seeing the boat parade of lights, where decorated boats cruised the river.

Cajun Gala in Henderson, LA

We had a fun filled week at the All Inclusive Motorhome (AIM) Cajun Gala in Henderson, LA at the Cajun Palms RV Resort.
 
Our first night was Mardi Gras themed complete with zydeco band & dancing and the first of many great Cajun meals during the week.

Back in Texas (late October)

We got back to town just in time for the
Sugar Land Flying Saucer Beer fest 

Fun times with the family!

Kentucky

We made a short stop in Louisville/Bardstown Kentucky (making our way back to Texas)!

Downtown Louisville