After traveling for 7 years in, first, our 40' Jayco Eagle bunkhouse, then transitioning to a 45' Jayco Seismic toy hauler, we purchased a house and settled in Central Texas.  

 Now, missing the thrill of adventure, we are again heading out on the road; although, not full-time and in a much smaller vehicle.

 Say hello to our ClaraVan!

Come back often to keep up with where we go next!

The Coletti Bozeman Camping Coffee Pot

 The Coletti Bozeman Coffee Pot

We love this coffee pot.  

It percolates on a gas stove (works on an electric as well) and allows us to make great pot of coffee, 

even if we are boon-docking.  

The longer you percolate, the stronger it gets, so be aware.  

We brew on a medium to low heat once the water starts to boil.   

That helps keep grounds from spilling over into the coffee.  

BUT, you may get a few grounds so, whoever doesn't mind cowboy coffee, give them the first pour.

Sleek and shiny, and well-crafter.  

And, we love Bozeman, Wyoming, so there's that!

Click here to buy!

Colorado Mining Town

Mining for Silver and Gold

Between the towns of Victor and Cripple Creek in Colorado lies the Newmont Mining Company, a major employee for the area, besides the casinos.  

Can you tell what this used to be?

Bonus fact: deleted scene in Rudolph that you never knew existed. 

Axe-Licking Scene Explained: CLICK HERE

 The Town of Victor, CO, is an historic Gold Mining Town...undergoing a reformation.

ice rink

Check out our newest blog:   

http://hallslearningontheroad.blogspot.com

Happy 100th Birthday to the National Park Service!

Happy Birthday National Park Service!

During the Summer of 2015, we volunteered at Grand Teton National Park. One lovely day, we floated the Snake River, and I snapped a photo of this majestic American Bald Eagle.

A few months later, I came across a contest where HitRecord was searching for photographers and artists to collaborate in the creation of a coloring book celebrating the 100th Birthday of the National Park Service. So, I entered my photograph.

Over the course of most of the year, many other photographs were entered.  People voted on photographs.  Artists, from all over the world chose photographs to "mix" into drawings. Two different artists chose my eagle. People then voted on those drawings.  One of the drawings of my photograph was chosen for the coloring book.  MY Eagle was the image chosen to represent Grand Teton National Park in the coloring book.  I am very proud to receive this honor.

The Coloring Book was created to sell in order to raise funds for the Parks. August 25, 2016, is the 100th Birthday of the National Park Service.

My eagle.

One artist's rendition.

The winning artist's' rendition.

Page 51!

All National Parks have FREE entry on August 25, 2016!

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/centennial/

BUY THE COLORING BOOK HERE!

Breathe life into in some of our nation's cherished national parks in this 96-page coloring book. Created to celebrate the National Park Service's 100 Year Anniversary, the book includes detailed line drawings from 30 illustrators from all over the world on hitRECord.org. Great for all ages!

This limited edition collection was created by HITRECORD, the open-collaborative production company founded and directed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. For the National Park Service’s 2016 Centennial, HITRECORD’s community of artists spent a year creating original artwork celebrating the natural, cultural, and historical heritage preserved across the National Park System.

• 8.5x11 size
• 96 pages
• Full color dust jacket

Making Modifications

We've since left this rig, but I thought I'd share some modifications.

RV storage is for sure something upon which can be improved.  

Steve added molding to the 2nd bathroom's cabinet 

so that baskets could securely sit on top.

One shelf creates a vast, unusable area inside the cabinets.  

With scrap wood, Steve built a shelf 

for the 2nd bathroom cabinet...

Hinges allow for easy insertion into the cabinet.

This suction cup toothbrush holder worked well...until it didn't.  

After a while it just didn't want to suck.  And, so it did.

Here's the shelf for the master bath.  

Definitely allowed for more product.

We had an extra soap dispenser for the outdoor shower.  

Not sure why.  

This was a great addition to the 2nd bathroom.  

Screwed into the wall.

We also utilized the 3M Command hooks.   These worked well, when they worked.  But I have to say, MOST of the clear, plastic backings on which you place the sticky strips BROKE!  And you cannot buy replacement clear backings.  So, I have a plethora of nice hooks, and can buy plenty of sticky strips...but the clear plastic backings I cannot get.  And I did write the company.  No go.

A Bevy of Bison

As we traveled through Yellowstone National Park recently, we were lucky enough to get a great, close-up glimpse of these beautiful bison.  Loud grunts, grazing, and crossing the roadway.

This calf was determined to procure some milk from this bull?  cow?  

Determined, but unsuccessful.

Finally, a scolding.