Touring to California and Beyond

We're HOME!

2012-02-14T18:41:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks! Rudy here! Happy Valentine's Day - a day we really Love! We made it home today. During our trip we were away for 64 days - 61 of them in the U.S.A. We covered 11,593 kms.
Last night there was snow in Calgary so we saw it when we started out this morning.

Snow! and you can see some sad flowers by the doorway.
We're sad too when we think of all the beautiful flowers in California.

They are far in the distance but you can see the snow-capped Rockies on the horizon.
We saw mountains on every day of our vacation!

Some typical Alberta farm land.
(the farm on the right edge, distant, was once owned by Henry Wise Wood)

After a leisurely lunch in Red Deer - we reach Edmonton ...

... and then our "home hamlet" - Sherwood Park.

And here we are at home!
We would like to thank Margaret and Jim for looking after our condo,
and all the other bears, while we were away.
And a big thanks to Barb and her bears -
our most loyal blog follower.

This is our last entry for this blog.
Thanks to all those who followed along and sent messages
of encouragement and appreciation.
Remember - it is Love that keeps us Real!

(for other adventures you can still visit www.fosterlearning.com)

Great Falls, MT to Calgary, AB

2012-02-13T19:02:00.000-08:00

Today we drove northward through Montana.

Soon we reached the United States - Canadian border.

Fortunately the nice border guard didn't have too many tough questions - so we got through quickly - and then we were back in Alberta!

When we got to Lethbridge we celebrated our return by having lunch and a drink.

Den Dad was content to be back in Alberta - but Den Mom was surprised we weren't going to turn around and head back to California :)

Look Mom - we're BACK!!

Billings, MT to Great Falls, MT

2012-02-12T19:07:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful sunny day today - a great day for a drive in the country - and that's what we did. Here are a few photos;

A cold day in Billings, Montana

We see signs of farming ...

... and ranching.

Of course, there are still lots of mountains ...

... near ...

... and far.

And now we are getting excited about getting home!
Alberta is just beyond those distant mountains!

Casper, WY to Billings, MT

2012-02-11T19:57:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks. Today we drove north again.

Northbound in northern Wyoming ...

... and into Montana!

Our main destination today was the Little Bighorn Battlefield.

Monument on Last Stand Hill where Lt. Col. George Custer died

There is an excellent interpretive center.

There were more than 220 soldiers who died over a field
stretching along the hills for almost 8 km
along the north side of the Little Bighorn River.

Den Dad says it is unusual to have an historical memorial on the actual site of the battle where the terrain is almost exactly the same as it was at the time of the incident - in this case June 25, 1876.


We salute all those that have died on the battlefields of the world - mostly common men doing their duty as they saw it.

Aurora, CO to Casper, WY

2012-02-10T18:31:00.000-08:00

Well, today we traveled northward - and we could tell. It got snowier and colder, and we got sadder and more reminiscent about our time in southern California.

Traveling northward in northern Colorado

and then we were in Wyoming!

Land of the cowboy ...

... where pioneers came across the great plains on wagon trails ...

... and tried to make a living on a harsh and demanding land.

Sometimes they got together ...

... and sometimes they just embraced the loneliness of the land.

Like Rusty, we all have a lot to reflect about
as we near the end of our fantastic vacation!

Pueblo, CO to Aurora, CO

2012-02-09T21:35:00.000-08:00

Today we traveled a shorter distance but still had some adventures. Along the way is the famous Pike's Peak - called "America's Mountain" - near Colorado Springs, CO. We traveled quite a way up the mountain but there was cloud and some snow obscuring the peak so we had to "borrow" the photo below.

Pike's Peak

But we did take our own photo on the way down.

This evening the Den Parents went into Denver, CO to dinner with a friend from way back in our Ontario days. While they were wining and dining and visiting, we bears had to spend the night in a hotel room watching a re-rerun of Back to the Future - not really an adventure. Better luck tomorrow.

Albuquerque, NM to Pueblo, CO

2012-02-08T19:16:00.000-08:00

Another road day - we traveled northward and it did get cooler (+12C to -1C).

Northern New Mexico

and into Colorado

with more mountains

near

and far

but also some great plains.

Tomorrow we head into Denver for a new adventure - good night!

Flagstaff, AZ to Albuquerque, NM

2012-02-07T20:48:00.000-08:00

We were real tourists today - driving over 500 km but stopping to take in two famous tourist destinations - the Arizona Meteor Crater and the Painted Desert.

Here we are looking 170 meters down to the bottom of the crater!

and 1200 meters in diameter.

Later we stopped at The Painted Desert - really colorful rocks and such. Here are a few photos - thanks to Den Daddy.

Oh, and we tried to make a new friend but he was stand-offish.

So, we had fun on our road trip today.

So good-night from ...

The Grand Canyon

2012-02-06T22:06:00.000-08:00

Hi folks - Rudy here! What an adventure! We drove to Flagstaff, AZ today. By the time we reached there we saw SNOW!

Surprise, that's NOT the big adventure! After lunch we drove out to see the Grand Canyon - and here we are!

The depth of the canyon is hard to convey, even in Den Dad's photos. The altitude along the top of the rim is around 7,000 feet - the Colorado River is almost a mile below. Here are a few photos - but you really have to see it to believe it - and WE DID!!

So good-night from northern Arizona.

Here and There

2012-02-05T17:00:00.000-08:00

Today is our last full day in the Phoenix area so it was a miscellaneous day. The Den Parents were up early to go to church.

Then they went to the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Phoenix where they had gone to a conference 16 years ago. The staff did not recognize them!

Then they drove out to Scottsdale where the PGA golf tournament was in its last day.

The Met Life blimp was over the golf course

Parking extended many miles from the golf course

Then there was a tour, east and south of Scottsdale:

Mayo Clinic - Scottsdale branch

Mountain side homes abound ...

... and even more mountains.

So tomorrow we will be off to Flagstaff, AZ - another adventure!

Chase Field

2012-02-04T17:00:00.000-08:00

Today we all went to Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team.

The tour guide showed us some memorabilia from the D'Backs 2001 Championship
- center is the "World Series" Trophy

A ball and batting helmet used in the 2001 Series

The tour guide told us many details about how things in the stadium work.
There is an 8 ton air conditioner that can drop the temperature 30 degrees F in 2 hours.
The retractable roof can close in 4.5 minutes - the fastest in the majors.

There is a swimming pool beyond the right field fence.
So far, 70 home runs have been hit in the pool.

The interior of a private box

Rusty tried to get me to order treats from the concierge.

We got to visit the Visitors Dressing Room

and the D'Backs dugout!
[of course Rudy wanted to know if we should spit as some ball players do!
the answer was "No!"]

Here we all are in the Diamondbacks dugout - wow!

Then we all went for lunch at Fridays - a restaurant right in the ball park!

So good-bye from Chase Field - we can't wait for baseball season to start!

Papago Park

2012-02-03T17:55:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks! Rudy here! Today Den Dad took us all to Papago Park. In case you can't guess - it's a desert park. So this is our third desert park - not to mention a thousand or so kilometers of desert along the way. Even though we've seen lots of desert - there are still some unique scenes.

For example - this feature is called "Hole in the Rock"
Wow - creative naming!

We saw this strange bird waiting to go fishing.

But mostly we saw our friends the cacti

We saw more desert flowers and more mountains with holes.

There was another unique thing - we all went hiking on this desert trail. Then Den Dad's scooter got stuck in the gravel in a wash we went through. Fortunately some hikers (Bill & Vicki) came along and it turned out that Bill actually had training in "off-road rescue". So we all got rescued and made it back safely. It was Bill's first scooter rescue.

So good-bye from the heart of Papago Park.
Remember - always travel with friends when in the desert.
We bears do!!!

Arizona Mills

2012-02-02T15:24:00.000-08:00

Today we all went to Arizona Mills - a shopping and entertainment center. The entertainments were too expensive - $18.00 each for the Arizona Aquarium. Some of the stores were too expensive as well.

We bears offered to set up a business to earn more money but apparently there are "legal implications"!

Future home of "Bears 'R Us"??

At least we got treats at the DQ!

Den Mom "helped" us finish our treats!

So good-bye from Arizona Mills. It was kind of an adventure.

Visiting a Friend

2012-02-01T18:29:00.000-08:00

Today, the Den Parents went to visit a friend from our Lloydminster days.

The Den Parents with their friend George - in Mesa, AZ

The club house at Fountain of the Sun
Golf Carts outnumber regular cars by a wide margin

George lives on a golf course - this is a view near the 1st tee

We enjoyed our visit to Mesa, AZ. Looking forward to another adventure tomorrow.

Superstition Mountain

2012-01-31T18:07:00.000-08:00

Today we drove about 50 km east to an interpretive center for Superstition Mountain. The mountain supposedly is the home of "The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine" . It looked like we were close to the mountain but we were still probably 50 km away.

There are lots of touristy things to do at the Center.

We road on a stage coach ...

... and set for a spell on the bench in front of the jail.

But mostly we enjoyed the views of the mountain and surrounding areas. Here are a few of the photos Den Dad took:

Just a few Saquaro

There's even a cacti named after us - the Teddy Bear Cholla

So good-bye from Superstition Mountain. Rudy thinks he saw a mine shaft far up the side of the mountain. Off we go!

On the Road Again ... to Tempe, AZ

2012-01-30T20:48:00.000-08:00

Well today we got packed up and said our good-byes.

We said good-bye to our casita by the mountains.

The Den Parents said good-bye to their new friend, Dixon

They said good-bye to two of their favorite places in Old Town
- Gracie's Emporium and Old Town Coffee Company

We said good-bye to the whole Coachella Valley

And then we were on the road, in 1.5 hours we were leaving California.

Welcome to Arizona!

Here are a few scenes:

We saw lots of RV's parked randomly out across the desert

This is Arizona!

So good-night from Arizona. Jeremy, Rudy, Rusty and ...

Mickey

We're Sorry

2012-01-29T14:42:00.000-08:00

We bears staged a 24 hour sit-down strike over the "dog incident". However, today Den Dad had a talk with us. He explained that it's all about Love. Except for Love, we bears would be just stuffed pieces of fabric sitting on a shelf somewhere. It's Love that makes everything Real. He told us some of the story of Gracie (the dog) and how she was rescued from an animal shelter, Without Love she would be dead now! Love made her Real. It even extends to people. "You're nobody until somebody loves you." Den Dad said it's even bigger than that. Not only being Loved, but also Loving others makes you better (or more Real). He explained that Love is not something that should be bottled or limited but that it works best if it is given away and flows out into the world. In fact, he said, Loving others: people, pets (even dogs), bears, plants, flowers, mountains, whatever - is the greatest thing we can do! So, we will apologize to Gracie (if we ever meet her in person). Den Dad left us to study a quotation. We think he picked it up at church. If you can believe, we are reciting it below!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Dog Day

2012-01-27T20:44:00.000-08:00

We heard the rumors but chose not to believe them - but today the Den Parents spent all afternoon taking DOG photos and talking business. We BEARS are considering our options - protest action IS coming!
See the startling evidence below of a Den Dad gone wrong (maybe we should say Kennel Dad).

Gone to the dog
what more can we say?

Signs of Spring

2012-01-26T19:22:00.000-08:00

We went for another drive today [after the Den Parents finished sunning at the pool - it was +28C today]. The drive was a short one - just some of the neighbourhoods nearby.

The closest church to us is St Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church

The Church has a commanding view of the Coachella Valley

We saw some more examples of unique homes nearby.

And it's always nice to have an orange tree on your front lawn.

We also visited the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. It will host a major professional tennis tournament March 5 - 18, 2012.

Below: Just some incidental landscaping near the entrance to the Tennis Garden

And we saw some signs of Spring!

And tonight we could watch the new moon in a starry sky above our swimming pool.

Good night all! If you have any requests for photos, let us know. Our time here is running low!

Joshua Tree National Park

2012-01-25T18:29:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks - Rudy here! Today we went on a big drive and visited a desert park.

Here are some of the photos:


The kind of place the bad guys in the movies used to run for


Desert flowers are in bloom as spring time dawns

Lots of different colours in the mountains too

They went "that-a-way" ??

A Joshua Tree - what the park is named for

We enjoyed our visit - and no dogs!

Back on Track

2012-01-24T19:41:00.000-08:00

Rudy here! Sorry about yesterday. We bears woke up early and when we looked out the window, we saw a man in a huge coat, with a large hood over his head, holding a long silver pole pointed at the swimming pool. I thought it was an Inuit hunter waiting to harpoon a seal - but Jeremy said it was someone called a pool boy and he was cleaning the pool of all the leaves and blossoms that blew in during our windstorm on Saturday. It was only +7C so the pool boy probably felt he was an Inuit. We called Den Dad to take a photo but by the time he got up the pool boy was gone. [Note to those of you who think Den Dad takes some good photos - you should see the ones he misses - they would be great!]
Later in the day we had not one but two rain showers but again - no photo. Then the Den Parents went shopping and bought a whole selection of clothes for Den Dad at The Men's Wearhouse - we have to go back to pick up some of them on Saturday.

Today, Den Dad returned a call from a lady who said she wanted him to take photos of her dog! We hope it doesn't work out. He will find out it is a lot harder to take dog photos than bear photos! Here is one he took on our drive today - a dog riding in a basket on a bicycle.

Troubling trend toward dog photos continues!

Also on the drive we took some more traditional scenery photos. Here are a few:

And here are a few homes in the area.

Tonight we went to a science fair at the John Adams Elementary School across the street.

Some of the displays at the Science Fair

Here I am with Road Runner
the mascot of John Adams Elementary

Stay tuned - we hope we don't have to show you dog photos tomorrow.

Cold Snap

2012-01-22T20:22:00.000-08:00

This was our coldest day in January so far - down to only +7C this morning and mostly cloudy so it didn't warm up very quickly although it did get to +20C briefly in the afternoon before cooling quickly as the sun went down (before 5 o'clock). Fortunately, the wind was down to a light breeze today. The golfers resumed play at 7:30 AM and managed to finish the tournament in late twilight this evening.

The Den Parents went to St. Margaret's Episcopal Church again this morning. At breakfast in the fellowship hall after the service they met two friendly couples - one from Manitoba, and one from Ohio. We bears overheard talk of locations to stay and contact people who knew about accommodation for "next year". We even got to visit one couple's residence and they gave us some lemons from their backyard and we gave them a copy of our book. [They got the better deal!] But, we're excited! Maybe we can do this again - especially if we can sell over 10,000 copies of our book!?

We did some shopping and came home via the I-10 freeway. Then we all watched the conclusion of the golf tournament on TV. The Den Parents found it interesting to watch the players on a course they had just visited a couple of days ago, and some of the players they had watched were among the leaders. Even more exciting was that Johnson Wagner tied for second. He had been at a table just behind the Den Parents when they went out for their Anniversary Dinner on Friday night. He is recognizable by his mustache which he has grown since his official PGA photo was taken. See these videos taken today!

Tonight, the temperature has dropped already to +13C so we are all at home - watching our fireplace!

[Note: the coldest temperature ever recorded here was minus 7C in January of 1937 - brrr.]

Wind Day

2012-01-21T18:55:00.000-08:00

The Den Parents had a nice morning. They walked over to Old Town for breakfast and discussion. [Den Dad has made contact with a shop keeper there who has a strong interest in history. They have long talks about genealogy and such historical topics as the War of the Spanish Succession (1701 - 1714) - we listen carefully, but after awhile our heads hurt.]

Then it was time to go with Den Mom to her hair appointment. Just at that time, a dramatic wind storm swept in. The van bounced, the dust blew, debris swirled - it was maybe a little too exciting. [If any of you were watching the PGA Tournament on TV, you saw some of the coverage, as play was suspended until tomorrow.]

Here are some photos:

Dust drove everywhere - with wind gusts up to 90 mph.

Water trucks out to spray a vacant lot so the dust wouldn't blow.

It didn't really work that well.

Shops had lots of trouble keeping their doors from blowing open.

It was a bit of an adventure today - but we look for more in the days ahead.

Anniversary Day

2012-01-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

Today was the Den Parents' 33rd wedding anniversary. They walked over to Old Town and had oatmeal porridge and coffee or green tea for breakfast. Then they did some shopping in Old Town and then decided they would attend more of the Humana PGA Golf Tournament - so they walked over to the La Quinta Country Club (more than 2 miles away) for a nice afternoon of watching golf. They got great seats right beside the 9th green. If the golfers shot over the green they were less than 3 meters away.
After they walked back from the golf course, they regrouped and then went to the Lavender Bistro for a lovely dinner. We gave a card and a nice gift because they are great Den Parents and we're glad to be part of the family. Happy Anniversary!!!!

Dorothy & Franklin Foster
January 20, 2012 (33rd wedding anniversary)
Lavender Bistro, La Quinta, California

[On the other hand - it is now 4 days since we bears were out of the casita - let's bring on the adventures.]

Golf Day

2012-01-19T18:48:00.000-08:00

Well today the Den Parents attended the Humana PGA Golf Tournament at the Palmer Private Club in La Quinta. It has been quite a saga collecting the information to allow this to happen. Confusingly, the tournament, in it's early days takes place on 4 different courses. In finding the courses they were directed to a wrong course by a resort that is literally across the street from one of the real courses. Then there was the parking. Everyone knew there was only off-site parking with shuttle buses but opinion varied as to where this parking was. One source said it was at at X; the next source said it used to be a X but this year it was at a new location - a vacant field; the next source said there was parking at 3 places but the shuttle buses for scooters were only at one - although not sure just which one. Finally, there were specific directions to the correct site but when the Den Parents followed them today, the directions were to the Exit and they had to back track several blocks to find the entrance and then cross the vacant field back near the Exit. Anyway - they finally got to the course and had a great day watching the golf and experiencing the atmosphere of a PGA event. They saw some golfers they recognized from TV such as Justin Leonard, Rocco Mediate, and Rory Sabbatini. This was a Pro-Am day so each group consisted of 2 pros and 2 amateurs (supposedly celebrities). One of the surprising "celebrities" was Hugh Rodham (Hilary Clinton's brother).
The two major disappointments were that because of all the uncertainty about parking and shuttles, we bears had to stay home - and cameras were not allowed. So below are some shots Den Dad took last week when we were researching, at a course near to us, but, as it turned out, not one of the host courses (although they share the same mountains).

Obviously - Mountain View Golf Course - in La Quinta, California

Just Chillin'

2012-01-18T18:22:00.000-08:00

Another cool day here - Den Parents went to Old Town for coffee and a smoothie - then shopping for groceries at the Fresh and Easy http://www.freshandeasy.com/ We bears had to hang around the casita. Looking for more adventure tomorrow.

A Cool Day

2012-01-17T20:20:00.000-08:00

The Den Parents were invited to the Trilogy Country Club today. http://www.yourresorthome.com/trilogy-la-quinta/ With Rudy still recovering - and Den Dad feeling a bit poorly today - that was the highlight. Also, quite cool today (+8C over night; +18C daily high) [Sorry to those at home who really know what cool means.

One of three club houses at the Trilogy site.

Rudy Falls!

2012-01-16T20:42:00.000-08:00

Jeremy here. We all sat on the patio this morning to plan our day.

There was a lot of noise nearby so we went to see - and there he was!

A man at the top of a tree with a chain saw - trimming branches.

As soon as we got back to the casita, Rudy started playing around saying he could climb trees.

"It's easy," said Rudy. "Just watch me!"

And then he started to climb a palm tree.

He got higher and higher - but then he started to show off.

One slip and he fell - directly to the rocks below.

We rushed to help him. Fortunately nothing was broken but he was shaken. We got him back to the patio where he rested.

Later, we moved him inside.

Rudy learned his lesson. Don't try dangerous activities - even if you see others doing them. They may have training, safety equipment, or are just being foolish. Rudy (and the rest of us) missed out on a whole day of adventures. Play safe everyone - Jeremy

A Quiet Day

2012-01-15T21:16:00.000-08:00

Jeremy here. We bears had a quiet day today. The Den Parents were up early to attend St. Margaret's Church [http://www.stmargarets.org/] again - so we bears got to sleep in. Apparently, after church they went to the fellowship hall for coffee and juice - and then out to IHOP for brunch - and then shopping. Meantime - we bears could only sit and watch the pool. It was cold today (only up to +18C) so there was no one at the pool except our gruff neighbour who sits out there every day to do the daily crossword puzzle.

When the Den Parents finally did get home - they had an afternoon nap. I read the church bulletin they brought back. Like most bulletins - the biggest font was used for the financial report. Their annual meeting is in two weeks and they have only had 216 pledges for $602,939.00. With an annual budget of $1.4 million - that leaves a long way to go. Maybe that's why there was a tip jar at the fellowship hall coffee bar.

So then - when they finished their afternoon nap - didn't they get ready and go out to LG's Prime Steakhouse [ http://www.lgsprimesteakhouse.com/] for a long slow dinner. It was rather high end, I gather - the water was $6.00. Meantime we bears had the option of looking out on the parking lot or watching Perry Mason re-runs on TV.

You know you've had a slow day when the high-light
is seeing a roadrunner in the parking lot!

A Desert Journey

2012-01-14T23:42:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone - today was Saturday, January 14, 2012. We have now been in the United States for one month. The Den Parents were up early today to go to an art show at Old Town.

There was lots of pottery, painting, jewelry and other unique items.

Many people came by bicycle - several brought their dogs - and some did both!

In the afternoon, we all went for a drive in the country. Man, it was like a desert out there!

Then we saw a sign that said "Fresh local dates" - and Rudy wanted to go!

We went way down a side road.

Finally, we came to Sam Cobb Farms
http://www.samcobbfarms.com/index.html

Of course Rudy had to get into the thick of the action. The nice lady explained to us how dates are grown, harvested, prepared for market, and how they should be kept and presented for best results. Rudy took it all in!

Now Rudy says he knows how to get a date whenever he wants!
What a bear.

Up Close with a Few Flowers

2012-01-13T19:11:00.000-08:00

Jeremy here. Since we are in the dessert, you may think we only have cacti - and we do have lots.

Rudy says, "We have to look sharp to avoid getting the point!"

What a bear, that Rudy! See below ...

You are goofy, Rudy. Just because they are called flowers beds
doesn't mean you can go to sleep in them!

Here are some shots just from one block in Indian Wells.

And now for some close-ups along the way. We hope you enjoy!

So Good Night from all of us who were in Indian Wells today!

Around the La Quinta Neighbourhood

2012-01-12T22:54:00.000-08:00

Jeremy here. We went for a short drive today (in our new clothes) to see more of the La Quinta neighbourhood nearby. Not far away is La Quinta Country Club. It was founded in 1959 and officially opened by President Eisenhower. The street bordering the club on the north and west is called Eisenhower Drive. We received a short tour from a staff member who had worked there "since the new clubhouse was built" (after the former one was damaged in an earthquake!) Den Dad took the next 2 photos from the Club parking lot.

Many of the homes in the area have distinctly Spanish features. Here are two examples.

And the natural landscape is very close at hand, as in the following:

Bears Get New Clothes!

2012-01-11T20:51:00.000-08:00

Wow! Rudy here! Isn't that a great headline? Well ... here's how it happened.

We went down to the El Paseo where there are many, many shops.

But it is nicely decorated - even the electrical boxes are painted with murals!

We came to a store
[and this is the emarassing part]
that sells pet accessories.

http://coldnosewarmheart.com/

Inside, the owner, Gary helped us try things on.
Jeremy tried a black and white hoodie while Rusty chose a red Polo shirt

When Jeremy tried on the red - we knew - it was our colour!

Gary found one in my size!!

So soon we all had matching clothes and felt great!! Thanks Gary!!

We felt so good - we all went out to a nice dinner at
http://www.labrasserielaquinta.com/

And on top of everything else - we sold three of our books today!!!

What a great day! Rudy

Texas Tenors Concert

2012-01-10T23:58:00.000-08:00

We bears got to stay home tonight and watch TV. The highlight of that was there was a Snuggle commercial 3 times an hour for 3 hours - that was exciting!

Meanwhile: the secret is out -
the Den Parents went to the McCallum Theatre tonight (they were seated in the two comfy chairs to the left of the arc of lights in the upper right corner of the photo below)

http://www.mccallumtheatre.com/

to see the Texas Tenors

http://thetexastenors.com/

in concert with the Desert Symphony.

http://www.desertsymphony.org/index.asp

Snuggle to symphony - what a night - Rudy

Here's a sample of the concert - http://youtu.be/bmjT1o66YLc

Covering poolside

2012-01-09T21:03:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Rudy here! We bears are helping the Den Parents cover all the bases on our vacation. We were up early to make sure that someone covers the "hanging out at the pool" duties.

We bears were up early to get to the pool in front of our casita!

Meanwhile, the Den Parents walked/scootered over to the Fresh and Easy store to play "grocery shopping"!

The Fresh and Easy store is only 1.5 blocks away

There's a supply of firewood just inside the door - for only $6.00 an armful.

Meanwhile - we're working hard to keep in the sun!

Den Parents check out the wine and beer section ...

... while we have to worry about what SPF rating we should be using!

Den Parents get to pick out fresh fruits and vegetables ...

... while our tans are getting uneven exposure!

Then Den Dad gets to play with the grocery bags ...

... while we tidy up around the pool

Before we all go back to our casita for a much deserved lunch that Den Mom gets to make for all of us! Tired. Nap time - Rudy

Attending St. Margaret's Episcopal Church

2012-01-08T19:58:00.000-08:00

Today the Den Parents went to church. Here are a few photos.

St. Margaret's - front view
http://www.stmargarets.org/

St. Margaret's - side view
There are several other buildings on the site; including:
a separate church hall, parish office in a separate building, and a
full fledged school

St. Margaret's interior
There were about 250 at the 10:00 AM service.
Mountains are seen through the windows behind the choir.

A few of the many mountains seen from St. Margaret's

All and all - Den Dad said it was an enlightening experience!

A Few Random Scenes around La Quinta, CA

2012-01-07T22:18:00.000-08:00

Hello folks - Jeremy here, It is most remarkable the amount of landscaping in this area. Miles and miles of groomed boulevards, spectacular entry ways, so much so that simple, out of the way scenes, which would be noticed in other places, become routine here. Below are just a few:

Just a back wall of a building near our casita

A very routine neighbourhood entryway

Very ordinary roadside view

A reminder of the natural landscape

Thanks for following our blog. Good-night. Jeremy

Relaxing at "The River"

2012-01-06T20:35:00.000-08:00

There is a development in Rancho Mirage where a lot of water has been used to "landscape" the area around the shops and restaurants.

Shops look out over water at "The River"

We met some Canada Geese. They looked like some of the ones we know from home!

We sat by the trickling water - under a blue umbrella - and ... ate our
Ben & Jerry's ice cream!

After lots of shopping, we went for dinner at Babe's!

Below is the view we had from our table
as we had dinner.

An Adventure at "The Living Desert"

2012-01-05T20:31:00.000-08:00

Today we all got together to plan an adventure for the day.

Then we are off - our GPS lady "Hillary" tells us the way.
(remember - you can click on these photos for a larger version)

Along the way we see orange and lemon trees by the side of the road.

Soon we are at "The Living Desert" and lined up to buy our tickets.

There are many different plants and animals from deserts around the world.

It's easy to imagine we're out in the desert.

Sometimes we just sit and watch the scenery.

Even though it's January - it was +27C - we were getting thirsty.

The trail went higher and higher - we were thirsty!

Rudy claimed this was a shortcut to water - but we decided to stay on the trail.

No shortcut through here!

We asked this Mountain Sheep where there was water. He just said, "Go downhill."

We decided not to wake this Leopard from his nap to ask him.
They can be grouchy when they first wake up.

Finally we got to a place called the Coyote Cafe where we all had cold, clear water!

Once we all had lots of water - we agreed we had really enjoyed our trip to
"The Living Desert"

Touring Old Town La Quinta, CA

2012-01-04T21:18:00.000-08:00

Hello, from Jeremy. Rudy has the night off. The Den Parents did a detailed tour of Old Town La Quinta today. Here are a few scenes.

A view from our breakfast spot.

An interesting fountain / staircase setting

An interesting gallery of a local artist Michael Logan
http://michaelloganfineart.com/

Den Mom explores an Olive Oil shop
http://laquintaoliveoilcompany.com

Another interesting shop featured floral art - see http://www.angels-crossing.com

The Hog's Breath Inn
(reputedly owned by Clint Eastwood)

And then there were the cars - they always attract Den Dad's interest.

Just a big ol' Cadillac

Just another Mercedes

But then there was this cute little Porsche

Tour over - back toward our home away from home

Good-night - Jeremy

Shopping in Desert Palms, CA

2012-01-03T19:34:00.000-08:00

Hi! from Rudy. Well the Den Parents were off today to shop for clothes for Den Dad. [I could mention that we bears have been wearing the same clothes since we left home but, in fairness, there aren't many stores that stock our sizes.] They ended up on El Paseo in Desert Palms - quite a few high end stores. You know the ones with the big No Parking Zone right in front, but you can pull in and the nice young man will park your car for you in valet parking. You go into the store and shop, and when you come out, you just give your chit to the man and he goes away and brings your car right up to the front of the store for you. [Wal-Mart doesn't offer this service.] We parked a few blocks away on a side street. Parked right in front of us were two Mercedes E350's (one silver, one black) - and a Bentley. Den Dad said Bentleys were rare. Finally, though, he did get some clothes - at Tommy Bahama's. I guess we can tease him about being a surfer boy?!

The McCallum Theatre
(we're not sure why we went there - it's to be a surprise)

Den Dad at the McCallum Theatre grounds!

Welcome to our Casita

2012-01-02T18:52:00.000-08:00

Rudy here! Today I'm going to give you a tour of our casita (little house, or guest house).

Below is the view from our living room window.

Come in! I'll show you around.

Usually it's more exciting to watch the fireplace than TV!

We have a full kitchen but the Den Parents usually go out to eat!

There's a full bath with shower as well!

The bedroom has a walk-in closet!

We can all relax in the king-size bed when the Den Parents are out!

And over in the corner, there is a desk where I work on the blog!

Although sometimes Den Dad helps me.

Good-night! I hope you enjoyed the tour
and keep following my our blog! Rudy

Welcome 2012!

2012-01-01T19:40:00.000-08:00

This is how my day ended!
Read on to find out how we got there.

Right across the street from where we are staying is the John Adams Elementary School - it seems appropriate given Den Mom was an elementary teacher for many years - and since she read David McCullough's biography of John Adams; it seems references to Adams keep popping up around us.

Den Mom at John Adams Elementary School - La Quinta, California

Then the Den Parents walked/scootered to Old Town (it's less than 3 blocks) to have breakfast. They had oatmeal porridge, just like at home, but unlike at home, they were outside on the patio with a nice warm sun beaming down. [It was high in the sky, if you know what I mean]

Den Mom eating her porridge for breakfast this "morning"!

The place where the Den Parents had breakfast.
(note: Ferrari parked to the right)

La Quinta Vacation Homes - the office of the nice man who
arranged for the nice "casita" where we are staying

In the evening we all went out for dinner ... and ... we each got our own dessert !!


We all got to order our own individual dessert!! Eating them was even more exciting! I finished first!

The nice waitress complimented us on finishing our desserts!

So that's how our first day of 2012 went! This vacationing is fun - as well as exciting! Good-night from Rudy!

Cathedral City, CA to La Quinta, CA

2011-12-31T16:48:00.000-08:00

Our view this morning from the hotel in Cathedral City, CA

Wow, exciting day today! We got to our destination.

Here's Den Mom relaxing after lunch on the outdoor patio
at The Grill in La Quinta, CA

And here is our trusty van parked at our complex
5,058 km since leaving home!

Den Dad right in front of our condo here

and Den Mom right in front of the bedroom window of our condo

We saw a bunny
welcoming us
- always a lucky sign
(we hope for the bunny too)

We are very blessed to have arrived safely! We have had many exciting adventures in 2011. We are grateful for all the guidance and support we have had from our Den Parents and if you look closely below, you can see that all of us are wishing each of you an adventurous and blessed 2012. Jeremy, Rudy, Rusty and Mickey

Happy New Year!

Valencia, CA to Cathedral City, CA

2011-12-30T19:34:00.000-08:00

Well folks, that was about it for today! 238 km across Los Angeles region - 5 lanes each way at 120+ km/hr - change lanes whenever the urge strikes - the more aggressively the better (or so it seemed).

It was perhaps a little too exciting. We all needed our seat belts today. Rudy

Visiting the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, CA

2011-12-29T19:38:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Wow! Today I got to play President. Here I am in the Oval Office!

"President Rudy" - It has a nice ring to it!

Here I am with the presidential limousine!

Even Jeremy got in the act, going riding with Reagan!

Of course, the Den Parents got involved too!

Here's Den Dad (and all of us) with Nancy

Here's Den Mom with John and Abigail Adams
(the subject of a recent book she read)

And here are a few other scenes from the day.

Air Force One is really BIG!

There was even someone from Canada mentioned!

And this is the view looking out over Simi Valley!

It was very busy at the centre - the large parking lot was packed and vehicles were parked along the entry road for more than 2 kms. The inside was very crowded. It was difficult to get to see many of the displays. It would seem President Reagan is still very popular.

Several people stopped us to ask how we were enjoying the tour. When they found out about our ADVENTURES, two or three even asked for more details and we told them about our book and blog! All in all, it was an historic day. Rudy

San Luis Obispo, CA to Valencia, CA

2011-12-28T18:49:00.000-08:00

Hi all! Rudy here! Boy, did we have a lot of exciting adventures today! It was our first real summer type day at + 21 C and lots of sunshine.

We saw lots of farm land!

We saw the Pacific Ocean! With people surfing!

We saw strawberries in rows of beds!

We saw farmers working in the fields!

We saw orange trees being taken for a drive!

We saw pretty girls in convertibles with the top down!

But the bestest thing we saw by far was a place to sample HONEY!

Good-night from wonderful California, Rudy

Santa Clara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

2011-12-27T22:54:00.000-08:00

Good Evening from Jeremy. We had an interesting day today. Den Dad took lots of photos of trees and hills today. Rudy says they are not that exciting - but - here are a few examples. If you click on the photo - you get a larger version - if you want.

One of the highlights along the way was visiting the Monterey Bay area - and seeing the Pacific Ocean - again - much warmer looking today.

And then we traveled through the agricultural areas in the Salinas Valley. Again, here are a few photos.

We stopped in the town of Salinas for lunch. Rudy had fun ( he thought so anyway) making up new words to the Kris Kristofferson song Me and Bobby McGee to tease Den Mom. Example: "It was right there in Salinas, she let the diet slip away, searching for a home we hope it finds." It actually was kind of funny.

A chocolate chip cookie sundae - in Salinas, CA

Rudy even kidded Den Dad about being all over the hills.

We also found one of California's oil fields.

Tonight we are in San Luis Obispo - exactly half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles, The Spanish Catholic Mission was established here permanently in 1772. The name actually refers to the mission being the Diocesan seat or "the Bishop's Place". It is interesting that the year 1772 was before the American Revolution that created the United States and that those British North Americans had no inkling that such places as Monterey Bay even existed. Of course, before the Spaniards, or even the Aboriginals, this area was home to thousands of bears - a fact captured in the name of a nearby community - Cañada de Los Osos [Our place of many bears]. Now that's exciting! Good-night. Jeremy

Concord, CA to Santa Clara, CA

2011-12-26T21:31:00.001-08:00

Wow! We've had a great time here at the Crowne Plaza in Concord. To celebrate, I took my friends for a drink at the Vineyard Bar.

The nice bartender made helpful suggestions.
I chose a honey flavored martini - shaken - not stirred.

My name is Rudy - just Rudy

After our drinks, we relaxed by the fireplace; with some sadness, but growing excitement, it was time to be off on our next adventure - in San Francisco.

On our way to San Francisco, it was quite foggy. So here I am on the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Look at the view!

Fortunately, by the time we reached downtown, the sun was shining and we saw some of the great scenery of San Francisco. Here are a view of the scenes.

Highway 101 heads right thru downtown San Francisco

One of the famous side streets that heads up hill, up, up, up

Old First Church is now a concert venue1751 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA

(415) 474-1608 ‎ · oldfirstconcerts.org

San Francisco City Hall

One of the famous cable cars on San Francisco streets

Tonight we are in Santa Clara. This area is home to many computer and internet related companies. Just down the road is the head-quarters of McAfee, the anti-virus software company.

Good-night - from Rudy (on behalf of my buddies)

Christmas Day in Concord, CA

2011-12-25T23:42:00.000-08:00

Wow! Stockings filled with chocolates, apples, and packets of honey! There was even frost on the windshields of vehicles and aircraft when I looked out the window.

Christmas morning Buchanan Field, Concord, CA - 3 C

And what do travelers do for recreation? We went for a drive in the hills between here and Oakland.

Thanks to Den Dad, we got up really high and found lots of twisty roads, and finally got to the fringe of Oakland before heading back through a long tunnel that started us on the road back to the hotel.

Tomorrow we head on to a new location. New adventures! Rudy

Christmas Eve in Concord, CA

2011-12-25T00:54:00.000-08:00

Rudy here - It's Christmas Eve! Wow, was it cold. Minus 3 early this morning. At the same time it was plus 2 at home - Den Dad said he would ask California Tourism for a refund. And the waiter at breakfast time said he ran outside right after his morning shower and by the time he got his car going, his hair was CRUNCHY! You can't write this stuff! We had a very relaxing day. The Den Parents had a lovely dinner and then went to the 10 PM church service. While they were away, we caught sight of this guy in the hall. It was exciting!

Jeremy here - the Den Parents brought back a couple of photos from the church service.

The Choir offers a Prelude

The Nativity

Den Dad told us some of the real Christmas story, about how the Love of God was made manifest in the world - through Jesus - and just as it is Love that makes us bears Real - the Love of God, and the Love of each of us for the other brings into Reality, Peace and Joy in the world. All we bears treasured all these words and pondered them in our hearts.

Merry Christmas to all - Jeremy

Staying in Concord, CA

2011-12-23T21:38:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. Jeremy here. One of the interesting things about our stay here is that we are right beside both a small airport, and a golf course. The airport is the most active. We bears enjoy watching the landings and take-offs. Of course, Rudy is always claiming he knows the make and model of each plane and tells us how he could fly them.

Rudy claims "this is a 1997 Cessna" - Who knows?

And the golf course looks rather shabby but people were out playing today

While we were watching the planes - the Den Parents went to check out a church where they will go tomorrow for a 10:00 PM Christmas Eve Service tomorrow. It has a scenic location up in the hills only 10 km from here.

Grace Episcopal Church - Martinez, CA

Below are some views from the church grounds.

We had a restful evening in the hotel and are looking forward to Christmas Eve. Thanks for those who have sent messages. Good-night, - Jeremy
Rudy here - "Jeremy forgot to mention, we sold one of our books today via PayPal!"
Jeremy here - "Good night Rudy. The true spirit of Christmas is giving - not receiving."
Rudy: "Sorry, I just got excited."

Elk Grove, CA to Concord, CA

2011-12-22T20:35:00.000-08:00

Wow! What an exciting day! Fortunately Den Dad likes an ADVENTURE almost as much as me - RUDY! So today we took back roads, levee roads, [that's a road on top of a levee that divides a river from the surrounding fields] and even a road that had a sign saying "one lane only ahead".

Road running along side the Sacramento River

The roads got smaller ...

... but the fields got bigger.

Finally we got to our hotel [The Crowne Plaza in Concord, CA] where we are going to stay until Boxing Day. We are only 60 km from Oakland. The hotel has an interior courtyard where there are fish swimming in a stream. The sign says "Don't Feed the Fish" but there are no signs saying we bears can't go fishing. I think having a red fish for Christmas would be an exciting adventure!

Den Mom really enjoys Christmas time. I think she is starting to dream about what Santa might bring her when he comes down the chimney.

Even Den Dad is getting into the spirit.

Well, all we bears are being extra good this week so its off to bed now. Good night all - RUDY!

Staying over in Elk Grove, CA

2011-12-21T17:57:00.000-08:00

Oh, No! This is not how it was in the tourist brochures!

- 1 C, fog visibility 400 m - what a morning!

Fortunately by afternoon it was sunny and + 11 C as we waited for a bus

The Den Parents said they needed a day of rest and reorganization so while they ran errands and went shopping, we took the bus to the Black Bear Diner. [The honey burgers were a little too spicy for us.]

The Den Parents ate at The Original Pete's Pizza next door and Den Mom got her hair done at Jocelyn's Salon next door to that. We all thought Den Mom came out with a great hair do!

Den Mom getting in the Christmas Spirit with her new hair-do

Things are going to be exciting - good-night - RUDY

Ashland, OR to Elk Grove, CA

2011-12-20T21:15:00.000-08:00

We did it! Rudy here - in California! Yes we made it to California today.

Here we are - just inside California. Mount Shasta in the background.

The scenery is just like in the movies. Look!


It wasn't long before we saw a palm tree! And the temperature was +21 C (briefly) but only + 6 C for tonight

It was odd to see farmers working their fields at this time of year!

The Sacramento River

Time to decide - Los Angeles, left - San Francisco, right

Downtown Sacramento - Capital City of California

So thanks for following - good night from Rudy (in California)

Portland, OR to Ashland, OR

2011-12-19T20:19:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. Jeremy here. We are becoming routine travelers. After breakfast, we pack up the van - everyone has their place from which to watch the scenery, and then we are off on a new day of adventure. This morning it was cloudy and cool [+6 C] and we saw lots of city. Portland is much larger than we imagined and the highway was very busy for a long time but finally we were in some mountains and then the sun came out. In Ashland, OR tonight the Den Parents went out to dinner. Den Dad told us it is a university town and the downtown was full of hippy-dippy shops and restaurants featuring things such as vegan wraps and organic bean soup. We bears were glad to have room service honey burgers. Below are some shots we took along the way.

Miles and miles of urban sprawl south of Portland, OR

Later, the sun came out and we saw some farm land.

Rudy said "It looks like everyone ordered well-done steaks!"
and then he laughed and laughed. He thought he had made a joke??

Den Mom took over the driving and once again that meant more mountains. She says the road is far from boring.

When these bikers passed us, Rudy yelled, "Go Helmets!"
And then he laughed and laughed.

Some times I worry about Rudy. Good-night all - Jeremy

Seattle, WA to Portland, OR

2011-12-18T21:02:00.000-08:00

Hey, folks - Rudy here. We had a great sleep in Seattle! [not sleepless - get it??] Hey, maybe I should do comedy when we get to California and not just those character roles I was after!

Seattle, Washington - December 18, 2011

Hello, everyone - Jeremy here. Rudy has gone over the top so I'm blogging today. We always have practical things to do - such as keeping the van well supplied with fuel.

Then Den Dad took an "alternate route" so we could see the Pacific Ocean - I had to agree with Rudy - it was exciting.

Looking out on the Pacific - near Raymond, WA

Den Dad explained that the tide was out so we could see a lot of the tidal flats that at high tide would be completely covered with water.

It is so wet around here, that the trees are covered with moss.

What a view! Rudy says, "from their kitchen window
they can see Japan!" Oh, Rudy!


Vancouver, WA with bridge across the Columbia River to Portland, OR

Den Dad explained that near here, on the north bank of the Columbia, there was for many years a Hudson Bay Company post called Fort Vancouver. The Columbia River here could well have been the southern boundary of Canada if Britain had defended the Company and its claims.

On behalf of all of us - thanks for all the encouraging messages.

Crossing Oregon tomorrow - Good-night - Jeremy

Cheney, WA to Seattle, WA

2011-12-17T22:01:00.000-08:00

Hi all ... it's Rudy again! Boy, were we in a fog most of today!

Here I am pointing the way through the fog! I felt like Rudolph, that Reindeer guy!

Foggy sage brush in Eastern Washington

Crossing the Columbia River

But finally the sun peaked out and we saw some beautiful scenery in the coastal mountains.

By the time we came to Snoqualmie Pass, Den Mom was driving and we went up up up and down down down!
It was exciting!

And finally we reached Seattle, WA

[Mickey claimed he was the first one to see the Pacific Ocean!?]

Missoula, MT to Cheney, WA

2011-12-16T21:42:00.000-08:00

Hi, folks ... Rudy here. You know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and we have a hearty, nutritious breakfast every day.

At Holiday Inn Express we get a free breakfast every morning!
[But we have to get up before 9:00 o'clock]

We even sold another one of our books, after breakfast. Wow, they always like the picture of me climbing the tree. Then we were off heading west. We saw a train going through the mountains!

We went up, up, up - and then down, down, down.

Then we got to the top of the mountains and found ourselves in a whole new state - with lots of snow.

With too many trees even for me to climb.

And then we came to yet another state - Washington!

Tonight - the Den Parents went to an authentic Italian Restaurant here in Cheney. We bears got to watch college football on TV in our motel room. Is that fair or what!? Good-night all - Rudy

Helena, MT to Missoula, MT

2011-12-15T16:22:00.000-08:00

Hi folks ... it's Rudy here! We had sort of a different day today. First, we had to get up early - which was OK with me, but not some of the other sleepy heads.

Here we are waking up in our hotel room.
As you can see - I'm the one ready to go.

Right after breakfast, the Den Parents went shopping! In the morning! Den Mom bought a room humidifier - and Den Dad got his hair cut! On his holidays!

Then we toured around Helena for a while where we saw what was called the State House. Not the White House but the State House.

Speaking of the White House, we heard that the President is also on vacation so every time a big SUV passes us, I look to see if it's Mr and Mrs Obama, the two girls, and the big dog! Maybe we'll see them along the way - or in one of our hotel stays. That would be exciting!

Then we drove over to Missoula. It wasn't far and it looked like this along the way.

When we got to our hotel (the Holiday Inn Express, as usual) the people there were very nice. When they heard about our book, they wanted to meet us in person and the nice Manager Lady even bought one book to give to her grandson. I think that makes me an International Celebrity now! [I hope Snuggles hears about me!]

The Den Parents were excited to go out to dinner because there is a Cracker Barrell Restaurant here. But look what Den Mom had for dinner! She was excited! But, for dinner? These people!

Lethbridge, AB to Helena, MT

2011-12-14T18:23:00.000-08:00

Hi, it's Rudy here. Below is my mugshot from US customs. I had to declare I was not importing any plants, animals, alcohol, tobacco, or more than $5,000 cash. They didn't ask about honey so I didn't mention it. I think that was honest. Does this look like an honest face??


Rudy - Sweetgrass, Montana Point of Entry - Dec. 14, 2011

Our first view of the United States -
seen from near Milk River, Alberta

Hello, everyone. This is Jeremy. We had a pleasant journey today with lunch at Great Falls, Montana. Below are a few scenes from along our way:

Micky getting ready for Wolf Creek Pass
42 kms downhill !!!


Coming into Helena, Montana

Even though Helena is only about 28,000 people (about the size of Lloydminster, where we used to live) it is the capital of the state of Montana. We are spending the night here and will look around more tomorrow before we continue on to Missoula, Montana.

Good night everyone and thanks for following our blog. Jeremy

Calgary to Lethbridge, Alberta

2011-12-13T17:42:00.000-08:00

Hello, from Jeremy. Well today began to feel as though we were on HOLIDAYS! Oops, I guess I'm getting excited. We had a leisurely morning then headed south from Calgary. This is ranching country so Rudy and I thought we would apply for a job as ranch hands to help pay our expenses. However, it seems there are no openings for bear wranglers right now. They are going to call us when something suitable becomes available.

We were disappointed when we had to leave with empty paws.

The scenery was sure nice around these parts.

Looking toward the West

Looking toward the east

In Nanton, Alberta, we saw some low flying aircraft.

Hi! Rudy here! I could have flown one of these babies, but Jeremy said it was too cold? He has no sense of ADVENTURE!
Thankfully, our Den Daddy is not like that. He's always willing to take an "alternate route" so we saw lots of little towns, and some big irrigation equipment before we got to Lethbridge.
It was a fun trip - bye now, Rudy.

On the road - to Calgary

2011-12-12T21:21:00.000-08:00

Well, we finally got underway. Lucky we have a mini-van - all the stuff that the den-parents take. And, just as I suspected, Rusty and Micky are coming with us. What a crew! No sooner started than we had to stop for fuel.

But once Den Mom Dorothy was driving we made good time.

We left Edmonton behind.

and soon saw more snow as we neared Red Deer

We saw a flock of combines sleeping.

Then we were in Red Deer and heard stories about Den Dad Franklin teaching at Red Deer College "back in the day"

We all got to go for Lunch at the Capri Hotel (although it is now called The Sheraton Red Deer)

We ordered Honey BBQ - delicious

Then we sat by the Christmas Tree and had our photo taken.


Left - right: Jeremy, Micky, Rudy, Rusty in Red Deer, Alberta Dec. 12, 2011

Hi, Everyone. Rudy here! We were just out of Red Deer when we saw the MOUNTAINS - exciting!

They were spectacular. But when we got to Calgary, it was dark and we had to go and visit relatives. Here I am with Den Dad's nephew. Not only is he big but he has a black belt in, and instructs, Bujinkan! I was excited (or maybe scared?) Anyway, we're safely in our room now and ready for another ADVENTURE tomorrow. Good night - from Rudy!

Official Welcome

2011-12-09T12:01:00.001-08:00

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen; Boys and Girls, Fellow Bears: My name is Jeremy and I am pleased to welcome you to our blog. Now my brother Rudy ran on ahead (as usual) and made a post already. He was supposed to wait because we are not even leaving until Monday (Decemebr 12, 2011). But, he was excited (as usual) and leaped ahead. I apologize for that, and for him sounding like one of those people on the TV talk shows who always are saying; "Well, as I write in my book ... " hinting that you should buy our latest book. What a bear! So, just to be clear, I am the Official Blogger of this tour, although Rudy will likely try and get his 2 cents in as well whenever he can.

Now a bit of controversy has developed. Over the years, there were always a few bears that traveled with Den Mom Dorothy and Den Dad Franklin but we had to take turns. Now since Rudy and I went on last year's Big Tour (with our dog, B-Glee) it was not our turn this year. However, with Rudy and I becoming (ahem) "celebrities" we needed to go along to have our pictures taken for any future "adventures". However, our brothers, Rusty and Micky, are insisting that it is their turn.

We insist on our Bear Rights!
Turn about is Fair Play!

It's not easy being Den Parents of over 100 bears but I think I know how it will turn out.

until next time, Jeremy

2011-12-05T15:04:00.001-08:00

Hi! My name is Rudy. You may recognize me from the famous Jeremy and Rudy adventure stories. [ See http://www.fosterlearning.com/launchprint.htm ] I'm Rudy. Well, our Den Parents (Franklin & Dorothy) have just revealed to us that we are going on the grand-daddy of all ADVENTURES - a trip to California. I'm excited. I love ADVENTURES. We hope you will be able to follow along with us on this blog. We were on last year's blog but just in minor roles - mostly in "character parts". This time, we're going to be the stars. Wow! Did I mention I'm excited?! While I think the whole trip will be an adventure, my secret hope is to meet Snuggles in Hollywood! (If she isn't busy doing TV work, of course.) I really admire her dramatic talent.

My favourite photo of Snuggles

So sign up to be a follower, and follow along. It's going to be an ADVENTURE!
and I'm excited!