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Camping

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We started leisure camping with Allyse and Steven a couple of years ago and now are confident enough to camp on our own, Oceano Dunes near Pismo Beach was a great site, next to Oso Flaco lake, it had large trees and more green space than most. We saw lots of bird watchers and got to drive on the beach. Cachuma Lake campground was very dry but the lake attracted lots of large birds of prey and we were able to go boating for a couple of hours. It was nice staying in a yurt that provided more comforts. The cabin at High Sierra Mobile and RV park in Oakhurst was even nicer but Karen deserves something better than an outdoor port-a-potty. We timed fall foliage in Yosemite Valley perfectly as we were treated to brilliant yellows, small crowds, and great weather.
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Badlands and Rocky Mountain Roadtrip

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 It felt weird not having Daisy but we flew into Denver to start this road trip. Badlands National Park was very nice but we were surprised by the amount of smoke from the wildfires in Canada. We encountered so many bison in Badlands and Custer State Park in the Black Hills and some were literally inches from our rental car. Too bad Wind Cave NP was closed to cave tours due to maintenance of the elevators. Luckily we discovered Jewel Cave National Monument nearby that is very similar and we were able to get a cave tour the next day. We loved our first visit to Mt Rushmore and stumbled upon the Crazy Horse Monument that will be spectacular when it is finished. Rocky Mountain National Park was also beautiful but not as many wildlife. We stayed at the HGV Valdoro in Breckenridge and enjoyed that city in the off season. The McCullough Gulf trail led to a beautiful waterfall but it was too difficult for me and i wouldn't have made it without the help of woman from Forth Worth and her do...
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World Cruise 2023

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 June/July 2023 We were worried that a 107 day cruise would be too long but we were disappointed when we had to disembark our 52 day cruise. The Island Princess had engine problems for a couple of weeks that forced cancellation of 2 ports and I was surprised at piracy drills on the ship but we met great friends Gina and Frank from Laguna Beach.  The Komodo Dragon is a scary carnivore that can smell blood from 3 miles away. The Rain Vortex at the Jewel Mall at Changi Airport is the tallest indoor waterfall in the world and it is spectacular. Dubai was as spectacular as anticipated. The ship’s approach along Palm Jumeirah gave us a glimpse of the scale of these man made islands. The helicopter excursion and the 4WD sand dunes were special. There’s still a lot to see the next time we visit.                                               ...
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Sea of Japan Spring Flowers

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 April 2023 Cherry blossoms were the stars of the Spring Flowers Japan cruise. We were late to bloom in the southern part of Japan but hit peak bloom in Aomori in northern Japan. We actually circled Honshu twice on this 18 day cruise on the Diamond Princess. We had a couple of "Only in Japan" experiences with wonderful and considerate tour guides. Click to see Japan Spring Flowers : 
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