Dang RV

Christmas in Salt Lake City

By Katrina Kane, on December 22nd, 2009

Christmas in the Salt Lake City area is certainly interesting. Snow is on the ground and children are sledding down any hill they can find in the local parks. The stores are bustling with guerrila shoppers. Decorations are brightly lit everywhere at night. I joined in by decorating my trailer inside and out too.

We had fun buying miniature decorations for my little 14 inch fiber optic Xmas tree. It may not be big but its cute and doesn’t take up much space when up or stored.

One thing you must do if in the area at Christmas time is go see the lighting of Temple Square. It is a big night for families and cold so go prepared. The lights are gorgeous and everyone has a good time. Take your camera and a thermos of coffee or hot cocoa.

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More Utah

By Katrina Kane, on December 5th, 2009

Getting cold here and got some snow. I had a terrible time trying to sleep for a week until I finally gave in and bought a heated mattress pad. Checked out all the opinions online on heated blankets versus heated mattress pads. Decided on the pad because it has some added benefits for those with back problems and those who don’t like that initial cold on the feet from the sheets. Very nice to slip into bed now and sleeping perfect. The control goes up to 10 but I find 2-3 is just fine. For more money, you can get a heated pad or blanket that responds and automatically adjusts itself to the temperature in the room.

We went to Hill AFB Air Museum. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go to another air museum until I found a travel bug in a geocache that is a tribute to a female airman who was stationed there and died in Iraq. The bug’s mission is to go back to Hill AFB and then on to her home in Dover, Delaware. So we went to the museum for the day with the TB. It is an interesting museum with a few things I had not seen before. My favorite display was the White Cliffs of Dover. They made it from an actual piece of the cliffs and included excellent text about it. It seemed most appropriate for a picture of the travel bug since they symbolize coming home.

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VA Annual Stand Down for Veterans

By Katrina Kane, on November 11th, 2009

Went to the Stand Down at the local VA in Salt Lake City, UT. It is an annual event to help veterans at the VA hospital. While primarily aimed at homeless veterans, any vet can go. It is a wonderful event and very well planned with plenty of volunteer help from local military. They served a very tasty free breakfast in a tent out on the lawn. Check-in was held in another tent where they also had a list of items they were giving to anyone that needed them such as old army blankets, duffel bags, clothing, socks, boots, outdoor gear such as tents and sleeping bags, and more. Since I am not homeless, I only asked for what I really needed which was new combat boots, boot socks, and a blanket. Combat boots are the only shoe that fully covers my bad ankle and my VA doctor had suggested I get a pair. He was right. No falling down when I wear them. They are also great in snow as well as dry. Of course, since they are military boots, I keep them clean and polished just like in my service days. Old habits die hard. 😉 And yes my children, yo momma wears combat boots! That is not an insult.

Stand Down also provided information, targeted help for the homeless, and medical care. I got there too late for a visit to the optometrist but I managed to get my bad ear cleaned and I got my shots. They provided flu, tetanus, and pneumonia shots. While I was at it, I got my old VA card replaced with the updated card. All in all, it was well worth the drive in. Thank you VA! God bless America.

Salt Lake City, UT II

By Katrina Kane, on November 10th, 2009

Back to Salt Lake city, UT to help my brother for awhile. Staying for the winter. Certainly won’t be the same as winter in Florida which I will dearly miss. Spent a night outside Boise, ID on the way. My brother was happy to see me again. Staying at CircleL Mobile Home Park in Layton again. I like the convenient location and price.

We went out to Bridal Veil Falls. Seems to be one named that everywhere. Nice park around it and the paved path was very nice. We enjoyed the fall leaves very much with red and gold everywhere. This seems to be a popular spot for all ages. I like the way the falls splash down into an upper pond and then down into a very shallow one that comes right up to the edge of the path almost flowing over it and it drains down a stream along the path.

Another day, we went to see the Bonneville Salt Flats near the Nevada border. They are awesome! I swear it looks like ice for miles and miles but I can definitely state unequivocally they are salt. Don’t ask how I proved it to myself. LOL Ptooey! There is a very nice roadside turnout next to them with restrooms and picnic shelters. We walked out quite a ways on them for fun to get the feel of it. Ignore your eyes and brain as there is nothing slippery about it. Salt has good solid traction which is a good thing to have when trying to set a world land speed record here. The records are actually challenged about 3 miles out into this salt wilderness. Before heading back out in your vehicle, it is highly recommended that you clean off your shoes at the shoe wash they provide and you cannot use their restrooms without doing so.