Monthly Archives: July 2018

On the Road Again

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                              Edith’s homestead at Tower Campground

I had no idea I would spend four months stuck at Tower Campground in Sioux Falls South Dakota because of a magnitude of problems; the whopper was a devilish rear leveling jack on the driver’s side that wouldn’t stay up. Although, various Thor Warranty Center Customer Support staff attempted to walk-me-through jack recalibration on the telephone which didn’t resolve the problem.

The fact there aren’t any rv electronic mobile service units in Sioux Falls; my mobile home could not be driven with one or more leveling jacks sitting on the ground.

A new Camping World Store opened in Sioux Falls South Dakota on May 25. While picking up supplies on July 7, I shared my rv problems with the service manager, who confirmed they weren’t offering mobile services either because of the high cost to stock and maintain a service truck. However, the manager did provide the name and telephone number for me to contact an acquaintance that worked at another RV Service Center, who might be able to get to me quicker and resolve my problem.

After two attempts (July 10 and July 14) to recalibrate the rear jack that kept dropping a few minutes after adjusting; it was determined the control panel wasn’t communicating with the jack properly. On July 17, the problem jack was finally removed by a vehicle mechanic. Currently, the remaining three jacks are still retracted and my rv is now drivable. As a result, I have a warranty repair appointment scheduled for July 24 in Alvarado Texas.

I am so excited to be leaving Sioux Falls South Dakota on July 20; residents refer to Sioux Falls as the country. Meanwhile, I’ve been humming and singing Willie Nelson’s song “On the road Again.”

Garden of the Gods Park

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“Are you still planning to visit Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs after visiting the Air Force Academy,” a friend asked. I certainly do. In fact, I am excited and looking forward to visiting that garden. The name, ‘Garden of the Gods” make me think it’s a special place.

In my mind’s eye, I see a beautiful garden filled by an array of blooming flowers; benches placed throughout the garden with spectacle mountain views allowing visitors to rest and talk to other visitors or just watch as folks pass by. Further, I hear running water in the distance which is caused by a nature waterfall flanked by gentle flowing lakes.

“My God…Take a lot of pictures – I can’t wait to see them. By the way, how did your attraction magazine describe the garden?” I haven’t read any attraction publications as yet but will grab and review one at some point tonight or tomorrow.

So, prior to exiting the Air Force Academy grounds I told my GPS: Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs Colorado. “Got it let’s go, my GPS replied. Thirty minutes later my GPS said, “You have arrived at your destination.”

You have got to be kidding! All I see are different colored mountains, trees and bushes, I replied. This is when I finally took the time to read the attraction magazine which pretty much states: In 1859, two surveyors from Denver City Colorado were appointed to locate and layout the design for a booming township, when they stumbled upon Sandstone Formations which became the background for the town and designed to become a capital place for a beer garden; once the country grew up.

Based on the discovery and future intent for this land, the surveyors named the area Garden of the Gods. As a result, the name was accepted and remained, but the garden never materialized. In 1979, Garden of the Gods became a registered National Natural Landmark.


Air Force Academy Chapel

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After hearing about the U.S Air Force Academy’s Chapel from military friends and Coast Guard Auxiliary members for a few years, I decided to visit.

Image joining one of two slow moving lines of traffic formed at the entranceway to the grounds of the Air Force Academy. Finally, it was my turn to move up to a security guard.

“Good morning ma’am, may I see your driver’s licenses please? What is the purpose for your visit today? Do you have any weapons, knives or dangerous items on your person or in your vehicle? Is your vehicle trunk unlocked or locked? If locked, you provide your keys for it to be unlocked and inspected by the guard. Here are your keys ma’am enjoy your day.”

In compliance with posted speed limits. My vehicle seemed to be clunking along on wooden tires rather than rubber; I am never going to get to the chapel. What in the world is that on my left? I pulled my vehicle into the scenic view parking area for a better view and read the information board. What? No. That can’t be the chapel, I thought. However, the information board indicated it was.

I returned to my vehicle and followed direction signs to the chapel’s parking lot. Oh my…What an interesting structure. It looks like a shiny space vehicle or a redesigned merchant ship’s mast. However, the Air Force Academy attraction brochure claims the structure is aluminum, glass and steel which features 17 spires that reach 150 feet toward the sky; representing a group of fighter jets shooting up at the sky. Mmm…I don’t see that, although you might.

The Chapel is an all faith house of worship designed to meet the spiritual needs of all Cadets; Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and Buddhist including additional all-faith worship rooms to accommodate other faiths. Each chapel has its own entrance but the day of my visit; folks like me with bad knees could not access the upper-level because the elevator wasn’t working. The shell of the chapel and surrounding grounds cost $3.5 million to build. Pictures of the Catholic and Jewish Chapel follows:

Catholic Faith

Jewish Chapel