FIRST TRIP IN THE NEW CAMPER

First Camping trip: 

Our new camper is a 20 foot travel trailer and is what is considered an entry level camper. No slide-outs, no self leveling, yet is has a walk around queen bed, refrigerator  with a separate freezer, TV, stereo, stove and oven, microwave and what is called a dry bath room.  It has a good bit more room compared to our truck camper.  The Boys like it and have claimed the bed as theirs. 

We made a reservation at Curt Gowdy State Park for two nights and this is our shake down trip. We started the fridge to pre-cool, loaded up with food and other supplies and hit the road. The main purpose of this trip is to get settled into the camper, see where things go and/or should go, set up, etc. and see what we might need to add.  

Curt Gowdy State Park is located about 35 miles from the house and to get a site with water and electric reservations are a must. The nightly fee for a site with electric and water is only $8.00 per night given we have a Wyoming resident annual day use and annual camping permit.  A sight without any hookups is free with our permits.   Diesel truck pulled the trailer really well as we rolled down the highway at 60MPH. As we approached the mountains we noted a good bit of snow on them there hills. 

We arrived at the campground and checked in and headed to our designated camp site. The road was blocked by the concessionaire unloading fire wood into their storage shed. So instead of just sitting and waiting for them, we jumped out and helped unload their trailer.  We then made our way to our campsite and pulled in and checked for level. We needed to raise one side a few inches so we got our leveling blocks out and drove the trailer onto them. The the first thing we need to add to the camper is a 2X6 to put the leveling blocks on to keep them from sinking into the gravel. We did manage to get level and the stabilizer jacks were deployed. 

Water and power hookup were just like the truck camper so that was nothing new. All set up The Boys were getting a bit antsy as they had a new place to explore. So we took them for a walk to chill them out, they were excited to see other dogs and some critters.  We did see a Rocky Mt. Blue Bird, I think they are a really pretty bird. 

A mist started to roll in so we cleaned off The Boys paws and headed inside the camper. Ran the hot water till it flowed free indicating the hot water heater tank is full. Fed The Boys and started to cook dinner of Swiss Steak, mashed garlic parmesan spuds, chi tea, and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies for desert. The oven worked much better than the one we had in the truck camper. 

We have the stereo playing tunes from the  IPod  as there is auxiliary and blue tooth capability with this system. We may test out the TV and DVD player this evening.  

One feature of this camper we really like is the dining area. It is U shaped design and there are large windows in this area allowing one to sit and enjoy the scenery or the rain falling. We did find an electric heater on sale at Walmart to use as supplemental heater and help conserve LP gas. It is in the style of a small glass front wood stove with genuine fake flames. The outside temp is in the upper 30’s and this little heater has brought the inside temp up to 68F and it is rising. 

Did I mention The Boys seem to really enjoy the queen bed.  One thing about camping is I sleep really well,  if I don’t have to fight for bed space with a Malamute. Kenai was a bed hog. The little electric stove served us well 

We were up a little after 0500 and I took The Boys for a walk. Lynn made the bed and got The Boys breakfast together. She then joined me and The Boys to get another lap of the campground sniffing and marking so all would know they are Kings of this domain. 

Coffee is on and we are having Cinnabon Bites and sausage this morn for breakfast. When in the camper The Boys seem to gravitate to the bed. Looks like the skies may be clearing.

The skies really cleared and we took the pups for a good  walk, we saw vultures, a hawk, am osprey, swallows , Rocky Mt. Bluebirds, to name a few. I wish I had brought my big camera. We stopped and chatted with the folks operating the concessions and learned they maybe adding some more sites with water and electric, but no dump station. So we will make a bit of a detour on the way home to stop at the Wyoming Welcome center to dump our holding tanks. 

We spent some time looking at Viking River cruise offerings and have pretty much decided on a trip to Egypt with them probably Feb of 2017.  Will make sure to do a side trip to Petra in Jordan. 

Played with the TV and think we may have it figured out, will hook up the DVR tonight. 

Pups got a pre lunch walk and met some folks traveling to Alaska. They showed us a really kewl leveling device that we will be searching for when we get home. This will be a lot better than what we have now and more compact. 

Had a Bald Eagle soaring overhead, yes I regret not brining the big camera. 

Lunch was a grilled ham and cheese, with a tomato and banana on the side, with  gram cracker cookie for desert.  

We did a nice long pup walk as the clouds are starting to gather together. The temps are in the mid 50’s and when the sun is out it is rather pleasant.  Back at the camper for some reading as The Boys rest up.  

After a pre dinner walk we made cornbread and chili for the evening meal. The Stove and oven are working well. We did turn on the TV and there was a pretty kewl show on PBS with Steven Hocking and the theme of genius. 

Pre-bedtime pup walk and we hit the sack, as t was warm in the camper we did not turn on any of the heaters. I did wake up at about 0130 and turned the fireplace. The outdoor temp was about 38F. 

The Boys had us up at 0430 for a potty walk, after which we did not get back to sleep so we took them for a pre breakfast walk as the coffee brewed. 

We decided that the artisan bread I made would make a nice French Toast so the breakfast menu has changed a bit. We will take our time this morning and slowly get packed up and head home. 

Over all thoughts on the new camper are that it will work out really well for us. The size is just perfect with a good bit more room. All features are working and we are getting used to where things will be placed.  

A VERY VERY LONG TRAVEL DAY HOME

A very long day of Travel Home: 

We were up early as usual and had breakfast here at the Yak and Yeti Hotel. We next went for to a walk about the hotel gardens and then about our neighborhood.  Came back and chatted with our fellow travelers as some were headed to the airport. 

Thinking about the trip, I can only say it was marvelous. The planning and detail our guides Peter and Yam went to made the whole experience outstanding. Yes there were some minor changes to the final itinerary but all were made for the better. 

This was one of the best trips we have been on and can only say WOW. Yes Nat Geo does a great job in giving their participants an unique experience in oh so many ways. The depth of their local knowledge and, most of all, a great willingness to share. This sharing is not just the sharing of going to a place, but the spirit and being of the locations visited. The trip leaders have a great skill in the ability to invoke the total spirit of the trip and give it life.  For this I can only say thank you for many many memories that will be held so precious forever. 

We were cleaned up and ready to go to the airport a bit early. Our driver arrived a bit early and the traffic was light by Kathmandu standards. I was worried as he drove us as he did not honk his horn until we were half way there. When we arrived, the driver/transportation coordinator presented us with a Kata wishing us safe travels.   

First check in was at the entrance to the departure hall. Only passengers are allowed into the terminal. Next we checked in and got our bags checked. Double checking the bag tags for accuracy all looked good. Next we cleared an other check point and made our way to the immigration hall, filled out a departure card and got in line. All checked and passports stamped. Next was security. There is a line for men and one for women. Lynn’s line was empty and I had some dazed and confused guys in front of me and they finally let we pass them. Through security there was another check point for passports and boarding cards.  Sadly the lounge is located airside before security  and Lynn really wanted to get through security, so here we sit in a hot sticky departure hall.  

Then when the flight is called, boarding pass and passport are checked by gate agent, then a security pat down on the way to the bus. Then bus to plane and another security check where bags are hand searched and another pat down as well as passport and boarding card check.  

In the departure lounge we got a bit hungry so we got a bag of chips, a bottle of water, and on order of chicken momo. The chicken momo was pretty darn good. 

The meal on the plane was a chicken curry and it was very good. 

We landed in New Delhi and a long hike to the next security point all  cameras and cell phone, computer  and all electronics out for X-ray. Then we made our way to  the Air India Lounge. It is 19:00 and we are here till we board at 22:45. The food in the Air India Lounge was good and had some nice spice flavors. 

We left the lounge early to walk about a bit before boarding. I had been told the gate would be close and a 5 min walk.  It was a bit further than 5 min walk as Lynn and I walk at a brisk pace. Anyway we arrive at the gate for another security check, all cameras, computers, cell phone, shoes but not your belt or empty your pockets.  After this check point, we have passports inspected and a baggage check to confirm our bags have made it with us thus far. 

We board and tuck into our seats and have a bit of dinner. The chilled shrimp were very nice and a flat bread with onions and herbs was served with the meal. I chose chicken and Lynn had the fish. I liked mine. The there was a cheese plate and ice-cream for dessert. 

The Force was strong with the inflight entertainment system as the only movie that would play was Star Wars episode 3, regardless of ones selection. The Captain and crew apologized and suggested we complain to UAL. 

I got a good 6 plus hours of sleep and am not feeling too bad. Up for a bit and then an other bit of sleep. Time for some coffee and soon the ever classic UAL cereal and banana for breakfast. 

We next clear customs and immigration and then security for the last time, as we made our way to the UAL Lounge. Next flight is from EWR to DEN. 

As I have said this was a very spiritual trip to me as mountains have always held a special place in my heart and in my life. I catch my self chanting Oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ. 

This trip has literally taken us around the world by plane. From DEN to SFO to PEK to LHA to KTM to DEL to EWR to DEN, yes that is around the world. 

We made it home as the skies darkened and picked up The Boys, They were jumping all over us and glad to get home and romp about the yard chasing bunnies. 

Stay tuned to Soggy Moose Travels as we are soon heading to Alaska, and some local adventures will be chronicled.  

  

A Day in Kathmandu

A day in Kathmandu:

We started at 0530 and our bus transported us to an area near the old section of Kathmandu. From here we strolled the streets and alleyways taking in the sights, sounds and smells of Kathmandu coming to life. We did stop at a local vendor who was making Nepali Doughnuts. These were made with a rice flour and freshly fried. They had a really nice grainy texture and were hot and fresh. A pinch of honey would have put them over the top. Look out Krispy Kreem. 

The Great Boudhanath Stupa one of the largest in Nepal

The base of the stupa has 108 small depictions of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha.  It is surrounded with a brick wall with 147 niches, each with four or five prayer wheels,  engraved with the mantra, om mani padme hum.  At the northern entrance where visitors must pass is a shrine dedicated to Ajima, the goddess of Smallpox . Every year the stupa attracts many Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims who perform full body prostrations in the inner lower enclosure, walk around the stupa with prayer wheels, chant, and pray. Thousands of prayer flags are hoisted up from the top of the stupa downwards and dot the perimeter of the complex. The influx of many Tibetan refugees from China has seen the construction of over 50 Tibetan monasteries around Boudhanath. While the Stupa was damaged, the reconstruction work is in full progress.

Next we went to Swayambhu. Swayambhu is a Buddhist stupa atop a hillock at the northwestern part of the city. This is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal . Although the site is considered Buddhist, it is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, as there is also a Hindu shrine on the site. The stupa consists of a dome at the base; above the dome, there is a cubic structure with the eyes of Buddha, looking in all four directions. There are pentagonal Toran  above each of the four sides, with statues engraved on them. Behind and above the torana there are thirteen tiers. Locally it is also known as monkey hill. 

Next we went to the Garden of Dreams for our lunch. What an oasis in the midst of hectic Kathmandu. 

After our lunch, we headed to a shopping district where Yam directed me to a shop which sold quality Khukuri knifes. With his help I was able to purchase a functional, working Khukuri.  We then walked back to the hotel and these walking journeys are easier now we know how to cross busy streets. This is simply done by looking for a break in the traffic, enter the crosswalk with your hands held out making a stop sign and walking at a normal pace across the road. One must never run, just walk. 

Back at the Yak and Yeti we started to get our bags together for the journey home. We then also walked about the hotel gardens and came in for a juice in the lounge. Lynn had watermelon and I had mango. 

As we had $1,500 Nepali Rupees burning a hole in our pocket we ventured out into the heat, not knowing if we were mad dogs or Englishmen, to a shop near the hotel where we picked up a small carved elephant and a brass Ganesha. Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom. 

We are back in the room packing and getting ready for a farewell banquet in one of the palace banquet halls. 

More final thoughts as we travel home tomorrow. 

Cows win 

The spice smells and fresh produce was great 

Lookout Krispy Kream these are really good.

Glad not to be an electrician here. 

Cyndy and Al does he look familiar? (this is for my sister and BIL) 

Kathmandu is a rather large city

Garden of Dreams for Lunch. 

Our Hotel and it's Gardens