Macswayround Blog

jemmamac2000.wordpress.com

Sharon McKenzie — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 20:04:37 GMT

Jemma has been having trouble this evening with her existing blog - so she has created a new one - please look at: jemmamac2000.wordpress.com Many thanks!!

MACSWAYROUND CONTINUES......SUMMER 2013

Sharon McKenzie — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 08:54:51 GMT

Hi There!! YES - Nessie is on another of her adventures - for the summer of 2013..... and Jemma will be updating you all of our travels in her own blog - please visit www.adventurewithjemma.wordpress.com and an update should be there very soon......!! just when she can get out of the sea for long enough to post the blog!! Also - many thanks to our loyal friends with this site - and keep your eyes peeled as a MACSWAYROUND book is now being compiled and with any luck should be available in the near future......please watch this space!!!

and some final words from MACSWAYROUND.........

Sharon McKenzie — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 17:07:01 GMT

As we write our final blog from our snowy Devon home in January 2010, we are forever reminiscing and day dreaming of all our time and adventures on Macswayround. The whole experience remains so very real and alive in all of us and we hope will continue to do so, forever. We have had such quality family time and greatly value the opportunity to be able to experience this. Way back in our planning days, we noted that one of our aims was to take a step out of the regular 9-5 family life and experience the things that really matter in life. We have been able to achieve this, and now, for us, re-entry into our ‘previous life’ is by no means easy. We are trying to incorporate aspects of our trip and the way of life that we have developed on the road, into our home life – and to keep those family values and family time strong. We would like to give special personal thanks to our new found friends that have helped us along our way, including, our Polish- friends (Jelenie), Harmut and Maria (Germany), Gaye & Roger (Croatia), Salvadore & Angelina (Portugal), Tim & Sylvia (California), Neil & Lou (Australia), Bev and Phyllis (Australia), Steve & Jen (Australia), Jim & Sally (Australia), Gus & Faye (Tasmania), Steve & Eileen (New Zealand), Phil & Dianne (New Zealand), John & Becky (Oregon), Leo & Diane (Alaska), Ron & Reasa (Calgary), Joe & Sharlene (Montana), Craig & Stephanie (Montana), Rock and Diane (South Dakota), Steve, Penny and The Station (Michigan), Lisa & Munir (Ontario), Dave & Pat ( Ontario), Alison (Maine), and Kent (Maine). More special thanks must go to Don and Sandy (for accomadation), Ali and Dave (for Mayflower Transport, Okehampton) for helping to make the final stages of our trip successful. We have had the time of our lives and definitely caught the travel bug.....we hope to be able to do more with the materials that we have collected along our way ...and are already in the first stages of further planning!! We have always had itchy feet and this has confirmed our priorities in life. PLEASE SUPPORT THE DEVON AIR AMBULANCE WHEN -EVER YOU ARE ABLE AND KEEP A CHECK ON THIS WEBSITE FROM TIME TO TIME – YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT IS AROUND THE CORNER! QUOTES THAT HAVE INFLUENCED US ALONG OUR WAY: • “To hear my children talk about all that they have discovered, to see the LIFE in their eyes as they relive their experiences and to notice the depth of feeling is to know that ‘we’ have given them something as parents to treasure forever.” (Paul Hornsey –Pennell). • “Only when every tree is cut down, only when every river has been poisoned, and every last fish has been caught – will man realise –he can’t eat money...” (old Indian Cree) • “Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take- but – by the number of times your breath is taken away....... • “Bearfooting” is a verb. It means having a good time on the roads. But it is also a state of mind, when your journey becomes more important than your destination. You know you’re “Bearfooting” when you find yourself sitting beside a campfire, and can’t remember the day of the week. What’s more – you don’t even care! THANK-YOU FOR YOUR TIME –UNTIL NEXT TIME......

not forgetting Alison in Maine!

Sharon McKenzie — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:33:04 GMT

FINAL PICS OF MACSWAYROUND

Sharon McKenzie — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:54:58 GMT

FINAL PICS OF MACSWAYROUND

Sharon McKenzie — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 14:53:28 GMT

soon!

WE ARE HOME!!

Sharon McKenzie — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:22:46 GMT

Just a very quick Christmas Eve message to let everyone know that we are back home in Devon - ready for Christmas Day. We arrived home on Saturday 19th to a fantastic welcome and it has been VERY busy with unpacking, sorting and trying to organise our Christmas,ever since! We would like to thank Mayflower Transport in Follygate, Okehampton, for assisting us with the logistics of getting Nessie home.......and to everyone else involved in those final miles of our great adventures..... A GREAT BIG THANK-YOU to EVERYONE who has helped in any way at all to help our travels to be SO enjoyable and successful on our MACSWAYROUND! We will be back after the festive season - when our house is a bit more organised for more personal thankyou's and some final photos........ It is still very, very, strange for us to be home and so we are just being swept along by the festive season....... We would like to thank everyone for your continued interest, comments and support in our journey and would like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.... Please check back again soon for the Grand Finale to the website and some final photos.....thank-you so much..... We realise the financial climate is not good right now - but would like to make another bIG plee to you- to dig deep in your pockets and donate how-ever much you can -to our chosen charity -The DEVON AIR AMBULANCE -PLEASE help boost our success and help to keep our trip and the vital air ambulance services flying high......THANKYOU

Niagara Falls and beyond...................in pictures!

Sharon McKenzie — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:06:43 GMT

Niagara Falls and beyond...................

Sharon McKenzie — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 21:57:08 GMT

After leaving Stevensville, we continued Macswayround by passing through Albion and Sterling Heights on our way back across the borders and into Canada. In Ontario we stayed at London Line at the Country View RV Park and then got to Niagara Falls to stay at Scotts Trailor Park. We arrived here on Phil’s birthday- the first of us to have a second birthday in the time we have been away on Macswayround! Niagara Falls made a great setting for some birthday celebrations, as we took the tour to go behind the falls and into the virtual falls experience! The sheer power and thundering noise of the water was totally mind- blowing and we could never imagine that anybody has survived the mighty tumble over the edge of the falls. It was great to see the Canadian Horse-Shoe Falls and the American Falls – it bought back good memories of Phil and I seeing these about 16 years ago, on a previous visit to the States. This has to be another unforgettable experience on Macswayround. The butterfly Conservatory was a most beautiful place to visit as there was a mass of spectacular butterflies of all shapes and colours, whichever direction you looked into........ We also spent some time at an old favourite of our families – the Bird Kingdom. This complex actually included the largest indoor walk- through aviary in the world! There was a wide variety of birds, once again, of all sizes and colours and the Rainbow Lorikeets reminded us of our time in Australia and New Zealand too! After journeying on some more we reached Mississauga and had a great time catching up with our buddies that we met a year ago on this very trip – when we were in Portugal and Munir and Lisa were busy taking a Camper van trip of their very own! It was great to be able to see them again – we always intended to meet again when we got back along to Ontario – but for it to actually happen was brilliant! Even more brilliant was that since seeing them, Lisa and Munir have got married and had a baby boy!! Welcome to the world –LITTLE HANI! Moments like this make us realise just how long we have been out here on the road! The Fifty Point Conservation Area made a beautiful place to camp while we were on our way there and if we had had longer, we would have liked to get some fishing in there too! A few days later we all travelled up to almost Petersborough together and our family gate- crashed at Lisa’s parent’s house! We would like to thank Munir, Lisa, Dave and Pat, for all of their hospitality. We all had a great time there, including a walk through the bush and excellent tucker (food!) We loved the homemade maple syrup, which they have tapped from their own trees! We enjoyed a visit to Petersborough to climb up and take a look at the tallest hydraulic lift lock in the world (19.8 metres high)! An amazing piece of engineering –we only wish we had been there at the right time to watch it in action! After more goodbyes and thanks, our next stop was north to Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario. We were very happy to see another MOOSE and a fox too! We stayed at the only campsite still open at this time of year – Mew Lake Campground and set up what may well be our last campfire on Macswayround! We had chicken curry cooked on the campfire – even though it was getting very chilly! Our last night in Canada, was spent in Kingston, at the Rideau Acres and this was very near to the U.S Border. We entered back into the USA at New York State and travelled into Pennsylvania where we found the Shady Rest Campground at South Gibson. This had a beautiful setting in the woods and as the weather here is still unbelievably mild, the children collected more firewood! We were able to fit in one more campfire and some songs with the guitar, as we reminisce our journey and friends that we have met along our way. The next day or so was spent packing our Nessie up, as we will soon have to leave her at the docks to begin her adventure home, to England. We drove through more of Pennsylvania and stayed in Lancaster County at Flory’s camping. This area is very interesting Amish Countryside and we would like to have had more time to discover more about this very traditional way of life – maybe next time! We did see a young lad working the land with horse drawn machinery, as we drove along. We took Nessie to the docks in Baltimore and left her there for the few days before she sets sail homeward bound! Many thanks to Mike, in the Sea bridge Office for helping to make this part of our trip much less stressful! However - we were now left ‘homeless’ and it felt very strange! We booked ourselves into a motel in Baltimore, just to take some breathing space and to decide upon our next moves! It seemed to be quite tricky to rent a car for a one way journey across different States and so it was during the night in this motel, where Phil had an inspiration for us to fly from Baltimore to Boston! So – after waking up around 7am and finding out about this new idea – we were on a flight by 12.30pm the very same day! Typical of us – all very hot off the cuff actions and you just don’t know where we may end up next! Those best ideas always seem to blossom in the middle of the night too! The flight took just over one hour and got us to Boston safely. Ben says that this was his favourite flight so far, as it was a daytime flight, over interesting land and short enough to enjoy, rather than just being a means of transport from A to B. We hired a car, easily in Boston, as we intend to return it to the Boston Airport just before we begin our flight journey homeward bound, also. We drove up through some more States – Massachusetts, New Hampshire and into Maine, to see some more of the country before our time is up. We found great accommodation in Old Orchard Beach, at the Grand Beach Inn (many thanks to Munir for taking the time to help us search this place out!) This seaside town is extremely busy during the summer season. From approximately 10,000 people here at the moment – there may be around 70,000 people here in the mid season! This suits us just fine – a seaside town approaching winter......but Jemma and Ben are not so impressed to see all the waterslides and attractions- closed for the season! Never mind- hey – we are exploring the area and have enjoyed some footy and basketball in the park with our new Wilson ball! Time is catching us up now and we shall soon have to wrap up Macswayround, just ready for Christmas 2009. We are using this time to reflect on the journey that we have all been a part of, tie up some loose ends and to reminisce on the priceless messages that we have learnt about life and our world, along our way...... We are all trying to sort out our mixed emotions about returning home and to the world that has become a world away from our current way of life.......we are obviously greatly looking forward to meeting up with everyone again, family and friends, and to see our ‘home’- but Nessie has been our home on the road and it will take an unknown amount of time for us all to re-adjust and re-enter our lives. It is very easy to suffer from itchy feet syndrome – and this is the part that we are trying to get a head- start in – during these final few weeks!! We were very happy on Thanksgiving Day this year, as we got ourselves organised and booked in for a special meal at the restaurant, here at the Grand Beach Inn. We had a beautiful traditional meal and enjoyed the friendly Christmas atmosphere. It seems very early to us but in the States the run-up to Christmas begins from now onwards. This brought us back memories of this time last year when we were in Philadelphia and were not aware of the traditions of Thanksgiving Day...when we were hungry later on in the day – no food place was open as most people were celebrating the day with family and friends. We were waiting for Nessie to arrive back then and so after much searching we did find a Vietnamese Soup Kitchen – which was, incidentally, very tasty too! A special thank-you to STEVE WRIGHT on BBC RADIO 2 – for reading out our email message and giving us a mention on Thanksgiving Day. We have, once again, met some friendly people in and around Old Orchard Beach....and we thank everyone for their time and interest in our story and travels.

Niagara Falls and beyond...................

Sharon McKenzie — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 21:46:53 GMT

FACTOIDS: * Canadian Horse shoe falls- Length of brink – 2,600 feet - Height – between 54-58 metres (176-188 feet) -Volume of Water – 600,000 U.S gallons per second......... * The Maid of the Mist Pool at the foot of these falls is as deep as the fall is high. * American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls: -Length of Brink: 1,060 feet -Height: 176 feet * -Volume of Water: 150,000 U.S gallons per second.............. * Twenty percent of the world’s freshwater lie in the Great Lakes, and most flows over the falls. * Old Orchard Beach is a VERY popular seaside vacation destination for Canadians in the summer and the town’s population rises dramatically through the summer months. * Algonquin is Ontario’s first Provincial Park, established in 1893. * The area of Algonquin is 7,630 square kilometres. * There are 2,456 lakes found in Algonquin: 1,099 are named and 1,357 are unnamed. * On average, the west side of Algonquin has 84 frost-free days and the east side has 105 frost-free days. * In 1782, then President Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey as the USA National Symbol – however it was pipped to the post by the Bald Headed . Eagle. * Over Thanksgiving, an estimated 46-50 million turkeys will be eaten in the USA! * The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in the USA in 1621, and Abraham Lincoln declared it an annual event in 1863. However, Congress did not declare that this would be a National Holiday until 1941. * The first Thanksgiving Parade to take place at Macey’s in New York was in 1924. Now an estimated 44 million people watch the parade, both in New- York and World-Wide.

Wildlife around Stevensville.....

Sharon McKenzie — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:20:10 GMT

STEVENSVILLE IN PICTURES

Sharon McKenzie — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:06:35 GMT

Stevensville and beyond.......

Sharon McKenzie — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:56:10 GMT

We are sorry for the lack of blog updates recently-we hope to be able to catch up shortly........ We had a fantastic time in Stevensville, Michigan, catching up with family and friends there. Phil’s brother Steve, even managed to squeeze in a wedding while we were there-and so we would like to send our congratulations and welcome Penny to the McKenzie Clan! Friends in Stevensville came together and did them proud - A Halloween wedding – so no excuse with forgetting the ‘ole wedding anniversary! Unfortunately we all spent a while of our time in Stevensville being ill – coughs, colds, fevers – we all seemed to get the works......this is the ONLY time on Macswayround that the bugs have managed to catch us up – usually we have been able to out-run them, as we usually do not spend long in any one place!! During our time around Stevensville, we also spent time at the Love Creek Country Park and the Sarett Nature Centre, where we enjoyed a wide range of autumnal scenery and wildlife. We would also like to thank these brave souls who let Jemma and Ben spend some time with them during our time in Stevensville - Steve, Penny, Alex, Anita, Jack, Judy and hubbie and Vic! After the wedding we said our fond farewells to everybody and Nessie was back on the road again! At least it was not as chilly for her, as last year’s visit to Michigan!!

Stevensville and beyond.......

Sharon McKenzie — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:55:05 GMT

MICHIGAN FACTOIDS: • Michigan is first in the United States production of peat and Magnesium compounds and second in gypsum and iron ore. • Although Michigan is often called the Wolverine State, there are no longer any wolverines in Michigan. (However, one was spotted in 2007, so there are some.) • The Packard Motor Car Company in Detroit manufactured the first Air-conditioned car in 1939 • Michigan State University has the largest single campus student body of any Michigan university. It is the largest institution of higher learning in the state and one of the largest universities in the country. • The Mackinac Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Connecting the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. It spans 5 miles over the Straits of Mackinac, which is where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet. The Mighty Mac took 3 years to complete and was opened to traffic in 1957. • Michigan has the longest freshwater shoreline in the world. • Michigan has more shoreline than any other state except Alaska. • Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes and more than 36,000 miles of streams. • Standing anywhere in the state a person is within 85 miles of one of the Great Lakes. • Michigan includes 56,954 square miles of land area; 1,194 square miles of Inland waters; and 38,575 square miles of Great Lakes water area. • Four flags have flown over Michigan -- French, English, Spanish and United States. • In 1929, the Michigan State Police established the first state police radio system in the world.

Stevensville and beyond.......

Sharon McKenzie — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:53:46 GMT

WILDLIFE HITS: • American Robins • Blue Jays • White Brest Nuthatches • Male and female Northern Cardinals • Tufted Tit-Mice • American Goldfinches • Male and female Downy Woodpeckers • Carolina Chickadees • Chip-monks • Females Purple Finches • Black Capped Chickadees • Mourning Doves • Black Squirrels • Red Bellied Woodpeckers • Shrews • Red Squirrels • Northern Yellow Shafted Flicker

Mount Rushmore, Chicago and beyond!!

Sharon McKenzie — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:28:18 GMT

CALLING CALLING!!

Sharon McKenzie — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:05:34 GMT

CALLING..... CALLING..........we are trying to get into contact with Sandy and Margaret from Vermont, who we met in Alaska, earlier this year..........we could be in your area soon and wondered if we could meet up again? Please send a message if you get this in time!!

Montana and beyond in pics!

Sharon McKenzie — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:04:04 GMT

All the way to Michigan........

Sharon McKenzie — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:59:15 GMT

SO- we made it out of MONTANA!! Nothing personal but we would not want to out-stay our welcome! We first travelled through to Billings and camped at Trailer Village and then went off to see the “Little Bighorn Battlefield”. After studying this event for my GCSE’s, the battle and events of that time all make a little more sense to me now that we have visited the site. Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer was only 34 years old when he commanded a regiment of 1,200 men on the 1876 expedition to the Black Hills of South Dakota. The expedition lasted 60 days, 48 of those spent marching an average of 18 miles per day. Twelve days were spent resting and a total of 880 miles was covered in the 60 days. Custer decided to split his regiment into groups and was unprepared for the great number and fighting power of the Lakota and Cheyenne Indians that his group of approximately 220, were to meet their deaths at the hands of......when the guns fell silent and the smoke and dust of the battle had lifted, no U.S Cavalry soldier had survived......this event is very significant in history, as although the Indians won this battle, they subsequently lost the war against the military’s efforts to end their independent and nomadic way of life. The Devil’s Tower in Wyoming was a very unusual National Monument. Today, the massive columns are popular with climbers. Approximately 5,000 climbers visit in a year and there are over 220 routes that have been used in climbing the tower! The Junior Ranger programme was carried out to the best of abilities – in the snow! The Jewel Cave National Monument in South Dakota was another hit for the budding Junior Rangers and we are sure that we saw a cougar footprint in the snowy trail around the grounds. In Custer, South Dakota, we camped at the French Creek Camp and we would like to thank Rock and Diane for being able to help us out once again. Phil has been unable to purchase any new footware in our time away – as he needs to have a heel raise. Rock and his Shoe Repair shop(Cobblers) were able to help Phil to get some dry boots, in all this snow! Mount Rushmore, was to us another place that we had heard of – but it meant so much more to see it ‘for real’. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum was given the task of designing and overseeing the creation of the President’s sculptures on Mount Rushmore. The memorial commemorates four significant presidents who worked towards the foundation, preservation, and continental expansion of the United States. First, was the very first U.S President, George Washington, who was commander of the Revolutionary Army. Second was Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, third President and the mastermind of the Louisiana Purchase. Thirdly, Theodore Roosevelt, who promoted construction of the Panama Canal and as 26th President also ignited progressive causes such as conservation and economic reform. Finally, we saw the face of America’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, whose leadership restored the Union and ended slavery on U.S soil. The sculptures were worked upon for 6 and a -half years. However, due to financial constraints and the seasonal nature of the work, the whole project was not completed for a total of 14 years – 1927-1941.It is now recognised as a National Memorial...... Onwards we travelled – staying a night along the Cheyenne River, through more of South Dakota. At Sioux Falls, we stayed at the Red Barn RV Park and we all enjoyed meeting Rascal the Raccoon! As we trekked further through Minnesota and into Wisconsin (we are on a mission!) we stopped off at La Crosse, and the Pettibone Resort along the Mississippi River. So we got into Michigan, through Wisconsin, Minnesota, some more of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and finally Michigan – we made it to meet back with Phil’s brother Steve and Penny – all set just right for a Saturday night!! And all the rest, as they say, is history! Five States in a day – no worries!! We shall have to return to see more of those States that we whizzed through – as our time is running short this time and we are sure they also have lots to offer!

All the way to Michigan........

Sharon McKenzie — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:58:06 GMT

FACTOIDS: • At the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, the scattered marble markers record the approximate locations where the Seventh Cavalry soldiers, scouts and civilians fell in battle against Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians on 25-26th June, 1876. • Custer National Cemetery contains burials that are historic to Northern Plains events as well as burial of veterans and dependents from 1879-present. • The Devil’s Tower was proclaimed by President Theodore Roosevelt as America’s first National Monument on September 24th, 1906. It may also be referred to as a ‘Natural Monument’. • The Devil’s Tower began its creation about 50 million years ago, as molten magma was forced into sedimentary rocks above it and cooled underground. Today the tower rises 867 feet from its base and stands 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River. • There are many different versions, from each local Indian tribe, that tells a legend of how the Devil’s Tower came into being. The Tower is considered sacred by many American Indians and plays an important role in many of their stories, and traditional cultural beliefs. • The Black-Tailed Prairie Dog, a type of burrowing rodent, is a social animal that lives with many others in ‘towns’. The Prairie Dog town at Devil’s Tower National Monument is approximately 40 acres in size. Prairie-dog tunnels may extend downward from 3-10 feet and then horizontally for another 10-15 feet. • In 1927, then President, Calvin Coolidge dedicated the worksite at Mount Rushmore with the words, “ The union of these four Presidents (Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt & Lincoln) carved on the face of the ever-lasting Black Hills of South Dakota.....will be distinctly American in its conception, in its magnitude, in its meaning.....” • “A monument’s dimensions should be determined by the importance to civilisation of the events commemorated .....Let us place there, carved high, as close to heaven as we can, the words of our leaders, their faces, to show posterity what matter of men they were. Then breathe a prayer that these records will endure until the wind and the rain alone shall wear them away.” (Gutzon Borglum, Master Sculptor). • During the fourteen years of construction, over 360 men worked on the Mount Rushmore, with an average of 35 men working at any one time. • The faces of the 4 President’s are 60 feet from chin to forehead. The Sparkle in Lincoln’s eye is a block of granite 12 inches long! • Mount Rushmore was named, in the 1880’s after a New York Lawyer who was being driven through the Black Hills. He happened to ask the name of the particular mountain, and as it had no name, it was decided have it named after him. Rushmore later donated $5,000 towards the carving of the monument that bore his name. • The Jewel Caves in South Dakota are among the longest known caves in the world. It was given National Monument status by Theodore Roosevelt in 1908.

All the way to Michigan........

Sharon McKenzie — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:57:17 GMT

WILDLIFE HITS: • Mountain Goats • Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs • Red Squirrels • Cougar footprint in the snow? • White-Tailed Deer • Prong-Horned Antelope • Wild Turkeys

All the way to Michigan........

Sharon McKenzie — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:56:11 GMT

FACTOIDS: • Most of the reasons why Montana’s official nickname is ‘TheTreasure State’ are located in Gold West Country, where gold, silver, copper and sapphires may be found. • The Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park, may be the world’s most famous geyser! The eruption heights range from 106 feet to more than 180 feet, averaging 130 feet. 3,700 to 8,400 gallons of water are expelled per eruption, depending on the length of the eruption. • Just prior to eruption, water temperatures at the vent of the Old Faithful reach 204 degrees F (95.6 degrees C).

All the way to Michigan........

Sharon McKenzie — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:54:59 GMT

Yellowstone and Beyond-in Pictures.......

Sharon McKenzie — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 05:59:08 GMT

Bozeman to Bozeman............................

Sharon McKenzie — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 05:33:30 GMT

We had a comfortable night in the Bear Valley RV Park at Bozeman, and were happy when our West Yellowstone friends popped in to pay us a visit! They were even brave enough to offer to take our children to the toy shop and Jemma and Ben are still eternally grateful! As we left Bozeman – Livingston bound, Nessie decided to have another rest, along the high-way. We met Joe (of Millers Towing, Bozeman), who towed us all along to Livingston and to the Yellowstone Country (Sprinter Dealership). Everyone here was also extremely kind to us and we got settled into a spot right outside the garage. To cut a very long story short – and after many phone calls from Dave (the Service Manager), it was discovered that the USA only have a very limited number of data leads and software, needed for a Mercedes Benz, to read a fault in the computerised transmission system.. We would need this to be able to ‘read’ the system and determine what Nessie’s trouble was......we left it in capable hands and took a walk around Livingston, where we found a park for the children to use some energy. We were kindly loaned a car and took the stranded opportunity to have a very full day back in the Yellowstone National Park. It was great to see the geysers, boiling mud and steaming pools, especially the cave that sounds as if a dragon lives inside there! The children did their work to become Yellowstone Junior Rangers and we watched the Old Faithful Geyser erupt into the rainbow filled skies. We saw a variety of wildlife throughout the day, including a black wolf. Back in Livingstone it was determined that we would have to move 220 miles further west to the Mercedes Dealership in Missoula, as they were able to get the necessary permission from Mercedes and to be sent the diagnostic equipment. We met Joe for the second time (NO thanks to Good Sams RV Roadside Assistance , who refused to cover our next tow), and Joe kindly towed us all on, to the one and only Mercedes dealer in Montana, (Demarois of Missoula). Well, actually, Phil found himself driving the tow truck, across Montana, with Nessie on the back, for 100 miles or so! This was to give Joe a break as he would be turning around to head home and this was very strange as Phil had mentioned to us about how he would love to drive truck in Montana –just as soon as we had gotten here a couple of weeks ago! The roads are so big and so empty....another dream come true......... We would like to thank Linda (customer Services) and Dan (service manager) for all their help towards getting us back on the road! Another stranded weekend, this time in Missoula, so we explored the town and all enjoyed a swim at Currents. Come Monday morning and Dan was able to use the diagnostic software to determine a problem with the electric pump, in the transmission system. Due to more red tape, and the fact that this part was ‘not allowed’ access into the USA from Mercedes.......we had to make do with a whack of the hammer to get Nessie going again! This method was successful until Cardwell RV Park and then the next day Nessie was feeling worse. We eased her back to Bozeman and back to, our now good friend– Joe the tow truck driver’s and his workshop! Phil had to go ahead and order the part from England and we would like to thank Alex, of Western Truck Rental, in Devon, for all his time and trouble, for the second time on our travels. As we waited in Bozeman for the part to arrive, we would like to thank Joe and his wife Sharlene, for taking such good care of us all. Phil has enjoyed spending time with Joe and being involved in yet more towing work and mechanics back in the garage!!Nothing like being put back to work! We were kindly lent another vehicle and landed back to see our West Yellowstone friends for a long weekend! We all enjoyed spending more time with the family and Phil got to do more towing work with Craig of Westgate Towing. The children were pleased to go to the boy’s school for lunch time and it was strange to take the time to remember what a school setting looks like! Upon leaving West Yellowstone, we cruised 32 miles back into Yellowstone National Park and we felt like we had been here – done that –as our loaned car came to an abrupt stop! What is it with us and Yellowstone? We sure know some tow truck driver’s around here now ...and as we had no cell phone reception – Phil was kindly given a lift to a nearby ranch – and after a phone call we were back in the hands of Joe! Phil got a lift back to us and had a good chat with Sisco and Aaron. The word of mouth between locals is fantastic around here and we need to say thanks to Westgate Towing, who had also been alerted to our troubles and were already on the way to rescue us themselves! Back in Bozeman and the snow really took hold- Jemma and Ben loved to have time back in the snow! Our ‘PART’ arrived on time (THANK-YOU ALEX) and Phil was able to mend Nessie himself! (With the help of Joe, his workshop, and his tools!) We were taken aback to see that the part in question was actually made in Italy. Our test drive run was a moment to go down in history – maybe we shall be able to leave Montana after all!! – Only kidding – we love it really!! So - after being shipped to and fro, to garage after garage and 3 weeks, to the day, after breaking down in Yellowstone National Park – we were officially back on the road again and Macswayround continues!! We need to send special thanks, once again –to Dave (of Yellowstone Country, Livingstone), Dan and Linda (of Demarois, Missoula), Joe and Sharlene (of Millers Towing, Bozeman), and to Craig and Stephanie (of Westgate Towing, West Yellowstone), for really helping out a stranded family in their time of need! We were not leaving until we had purchased a set of tyre chains – as this white stuff really means business...... So- there we go on the update – lots of technical hitches for us in the last few weeks but we are strong believers in fate - everything has a purpose and all of this was meant to be. We now have special friends in Montana –and we will be back!! Please remember our door is always open to those special people we have met, so far, on MACSWAYROUND– if only we could return some of your favours.......

Bozeman to Bozeman............................

Sharon McKenzie — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 05:31:56 GMT

WILDLIFE HITS: • Bison • Elk • White-Tailed Deer • Black Wolf • Prong-Horn Antelope • Chip monks • Ravens • Ferruginous Hawk

Montana Skies in pics.....

Sharon McKenzie — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:29:03 GMT

Montana Skies

Sharon McKenzie — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:24:36 GMT

As we drove peacefully through Montana- we sure could see why it has a ‘big sky’. It is a very large State, with less than 1 million residents spread right out over a place where life seems to be very easy going! Waterton National Park continued to be very scenic and we had also been recommended to see Glacier National Park. However, we were not able to travel through the main route of Glacier as Nessie exceeded the length limits of the road! As we continued to enjoy the scenery – our next views were to catch us by surprise. The Cascade Canyon had the most unusual and spectacular rock formations, with a calm flowing river carving its way through. We simply had to stay here and ventured further into the canyon to see what else we could find! The Prewett State Park was just over the road from the Missouri Inn. We met Buzz and Mike, across at the pub, and as the weather was gorgeous and the scenery magnificent, we decided to stay on there! The call of the river was far too appealing and the children and Phil carried our dingy boat and supplies up river for almost two miles, just to be able to float back down river to base camp! They all had an amazing time and I was able to film them cruising around the final bend, only a couple of metres away from two white-tailed deer, who were busy grazing on the river bank. We would like to thank Fred and Arlena, who gave us a guided tour of their newly built house, and we send our congratulations to them on the success of all of their hard work. Our journey was to take us out of Montana (for a while!) and into the State of Idaho. The Snake River RV Park, in Idaho Falls, was very welcoming and we enjoyed our stay. The next day, we made it into the world famous (first ever National Park in the USA!) YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK! We stayed over at the Madison Campground and really enjoyed an interesting, amusing and informative Ranger talk that evening. The theme was to do with the resident animals in Yellowstone and the changes that they are going through right now, in the fall, as they prepare themselves for the harshest season of all – WINTER. Some animals have already migrated, others are gathering supplies and some are getting ready to hibernate. It was very interesting as we thought of how each animal has adapted its life to prepare for the oncoming season. We were very proud of our children as they answered relevant animal questions correctly, and this was only complimented by some fellow Brits who were also visiting Yellowstone. These people visited with us at the end of the presentation to say ‘well done’ to the children and that this was the first time that they had felt proud to be British, since they have been here in the States! Thank-you so much! The next day we were all up and ready early, to go and explore Yellowstone! Our day in Yellowstone was soon to be chopped short by an unexpected course of events! As we had just reached the beginning of steaming ground –and volcanic activity that reminded us so much of Rotorua, in New Zealand, where we were earlier this year, we stopped to take a photo...... Nessie must have thought it was time for a rest and refused to go again as we left that pull in.......a Ranger called the truck and Nessie was being towed for the first time on Macswayround....Thank-you to Matt for rescuing us and for taking us to Westgate Auto-body and Towing who were also extremely helpful. After some phone calls, it was determined that Nessie had a computer transmission hitch and would need to go to a garage 80 miles over the way, and as this was Friday afternoon, it was looking like we had a stranded weekend ahead of us all. We are strong believers in fate, and this weekend was just another example of how Nessie and Macswayround has worked for us.....as the owners of the Towing business, Craig and Stephanie were extremely kind to a stranded family and invited us to stay over with them! First, we enjoyed a lunch with Craig and Stephanie and then took some time to see the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Centre, in West Yellowstone. Our thanks also, to Randy who took his time to show us around and explain about their residents and aims of the centre. We saw the biggest grizzly bears we have EVER seen here and learnt a lot about their daily routines and general welfare which helps to make their life as natural to them as possible. This weekend was really meant to happen, as, after a lovely evening, with barbequed elk for tea, we hope that we have made some more really great friends. It is very strange how this world takes you along your life ..... The next day we had great fun, catching up with this family, with children of very similar ages to ours, who were also having a fab time. We went to the lake with a Jet Ski Bike-and everyone was well entertained for the afternoon! The weather was perfect and the very strange thing is that Nessie decided to work for this lake trip and so she appeared to be all better again! The children enjoyed ‘sleepovers’ in the house with their new found friends, and we gate-crashed in the driveway for two nights! Late on a Saturday night, Phil even found himself out on a ‘wrecker call’ with Craig! The local Sheriff had called to say a fifth wheeled trailer had been abandoned in the middle of the highway! It was like old times for Phil to be called out on ‘a breakdown’ and it reminded him of his garage days as he got involved to work through technical hitches that presented themselves on the side of the road. Phil found himself loving it all over again! We would like to extend our special thanks to Craig, Stephanie and family, for giving us all the opportunity to get to know each other and we know that we shall all meet again – sooner rather than later!! We said our goodbyes and set off for Bozeman – just a little closer to the garage where we need to get Nessie checked over.........

Montana Skies

Sharon McKenzie — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:22:27 GMT

FACTIODS: • In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the act that made Yellowstone the first National Park, thereby protecting it “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people”. • Yellowstone Park is 2.2 million acres (more than 3,000 square miles). That is bigger than the States of Rhode Island and Delaware combined!

Montana Skies

Sharon McKenzie — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:20:29 GMT

WILDLIFE HITS- Continued: • European Starlings • Belted Kingfishers • Cedar Waxwing • White-tailed deer • Western Kingbird • American White Pelican • Hooded Merganser Duck • Beavers • Osprey • Brown Trout • Geese • Red-Tailed Hawk

More National Parks in Pictures......

Sharon McKenzie — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:51:53 GMT

Calgary and adventures......

Sharon McKenzie — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:34:09 GMT

After travelling on with Macswayround, we rested about 100 miles short of Jasper National Park, at a lake named La Salle. We enjoyed an evening chatting around the campfire with Rod and Linda from Nebraska, whom who have also bumped into a few other times, as we travel in the same directions! The next day, at McBride, we attended to a few chores – including another of Nessie’s tyre valve that was kindly sorted out by Ray at the JNR Auto Services Ltd. Later, we made it into Jasper and enjoyed a night at the Whistlers Camp. We saw lots of Elk around the camp and were warned that the bulls can be particularly aggressive as this is rutting season. Jemma and Ben built a wildlife hide near to our camp and we sang around the campfire! We took a look around the town of Jasper and then drove through the beautiful scenery, stopping off to see the Columbian Ice-fields and Athabasca Falls. We saw a huge six wheel drive bus that is used for snow tours! We camped at Wilcox Creek. The next day we were blessed with absolutely glorious weather which was very uncharacteristic for this time of year. The mountains had a splash of snow which added to the beauty. Along the Ice fields Parkway, the lakes, including Mistaya and Peyto, projected a bright turquoise shimmer that danced through the trees. This highway runs through from Jasper to Lake Louise in Banff National Park. Mosquito Creek was kind to us and did not live up to its name! Ben tried a spot more panning for gold and Phil let his artistic flair rein as he sketched a moose scene. The children were keen to join in and I am hoping that I live amongst some budding artists too! Our southbound route led us out of the majestic Rocky Mountains, and into the flat lands of Calgary. At the Calgary West RV Park we were able to make a check on emails and found a surprise email from a couple we had met earlier on this summer in California! We had been invited to call in but after mislaying the relevant details, we thought we were out of luck. However, Nessie had been spotted by Reasa, and she and her husband Ron, both emailed to invite us over once more! How lucky we have been on Macswayround with such friendly people, and to top it all, we had landed with them on the night they were all having a block street party! We had a great time meeting some Albertan locals and were made to feel very welcome by everyone! Special thanks to Ron & Reasa for tracking us down and including us in some more fun times! The camp fire and food was lovely and the children joined right in with the other children on the block too! Nessie was celebrating at the party too, as she got an entire new set of Continental tyres, from OK Tyres, who had fitted us in, at very short notice, that very same day! Thank-you to Reasa for showing us some more sights of Calgary, including the stadium shaped as a saddle and the arena’s used in the Calgary Stampede each year. Our next stop was at the ‘Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo-Jump’ UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the site where thousands of buffalo were stampeded over the edge of the cliffs, to their deaths. Radiocarbon dating of the bones reveals that this site was used to kill buffalo over 5,600 years ago and some of the buried deposits are over ten metres deep. Our final night in Canada (for now) was spent by a river close to the border crossing, in the Waterton Lakes Park. We enjoyed meeting Pat and Peggy and another chat around our campfire! The next day we crossed over into the USA and into the Big Sky Country of Montana! More about our adventures, next time! Please stay tuned to Macswayround!

Calgary and adventures......

Sharon McKenzie — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:33:03 GMT

FACTOIDS: • 25 years ago (as of 2009) the Canadian Rocky Mountains were officially proclaimed as one of the Wonders of the World. • The Athabasca Falls – 23 metres of waterfall – has the most powerful flow of water to be found anywhere in the mountain parks. • The City of Calgary is nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and offers the best of both worlds – a cosmopolitan city of over 1 million people and breathtaking outdoor adventure in pristine wilderness. • Every July, Calgary hosts the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth – the Calgary Stampede. This world class exhibition includes rodeo, midway, concerts, hundreds of exhibits and much more. • The Calgary Flames hockey club plays in the 19,289 seat Pen growth Saddle dome. This multi -purpose facility also houses the WHL’s Calgary Hit men and the NLL’s Calgary Roughnecks. • ‘Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the oldest, largest and best preserved buffalo jumps in North America.

Calgary and adventures......

Sharon McKenzie — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:31:44 GMT

WILD LIFE HITS: more Canadian hits: • Moose • Wolf • Graylings • Wild Horses • Great Blue Heron • White-Winged Cross Bill • Belted Kingfisher • Wild Elk – (male & female-Cows & Bulls) • Red Squirrels • Chip monks • Common Loons • Northern Harrier • Yellow Bellied Marmot • Rock Doves