The Big Texan, Amarillo and Santa Fe

Our recent trek included stops in Amarillo, Texas and Santa Fe, New Mexico. This was along a route we have travelled many times.  Our first visit to Santa Fe was in 2006. Much has changed since then.  The streets downtown are as narrow as ever!  We were able to squeeze our Roadtrek through with no difficulty, although caution is always advised on narrow streets. 

Canyon Road, August 2006

These were brief , but leisurely stops on this trek. We arrived at the Big Texan at about 2:30PM, and that was in time for the lunch specials. I had a salad with ribs and brisket.

Big Texan Restaurant

After dinner we went to the nearby campground for the night.  The next day we continued on to Santa Fe, New Mexico.  We found street parking ($2.00 per hour) and walked a short distance to Cafe Greco, where we had an open air lunch. There was a pianist playing light music.  The weather was mild, but rain was forecast.  It was a lovely time.

Soup, Grilled Chicken Salad and Cherry Pie

After lunch we took a walk down Canyon Road and visited several of the art galleries.   This gave us the opportunity to stretch our legs and talk to some of the gallery owners and the artists.   I generally don't take photos of the art, because thieves will download the images from google or my blog and make unauthorized copies.  This is a much larger problem than many are aware of.

We made a stop at the Sun & Dust Gallery

With storms rolling in and the parking meter expiring we decided to dash through the rain and return to the Roadtrek. We then proceeded to the campground.

Our site was quite pleasant, with sculpture and flowers.

After a good night's rest we were up at dawn and ready for the day!

Note: No AI tools were used to produce this blog. Most photos are unretouched.

(c) 2025 N. Retzke

Munising and the Picture Rocks National Lakeshore

 

Morning in Munising

8:12 AM

As part of our recent trek to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan we went to Munising and took a Picture Rock boat cruise.  We took such a cruise back in 2005.  That was the Sunset cruise.  This was to be the 11:00 AM departure.  There are also kayak tours and wreck tours available.  

It was a mild, partially sunny day.  Canadian wildfires had created a haze which was visible. Lake Superior can be cold, and summer water temperatures are usually in the 50s, but can peak at 60F. 

The town is walkable and there are a variety of murals and art on display.

There is ample street and lot parking, but the best street parking is at about 8:00am.  We picked a spot with easy in and out.  By 10:30am parking was filling up.

Street Parking 10:45 AM

Art in the Alley walk

I definitely recommend a stop at the Picture Rocks Interpretive Center.  It is very enlightening and the 13 minute video is worth watching.

I'll post photos of the cruise on a separate blog, but here is G, ready to roll:

Departing Munising

Note: No AI tools were used to produce this blog. Most photos are unretouched.

(c) 2025 N. Retzke

Sleeping Bear Dunes

 

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

While on our trek to Michigan's Upper Peninsula we made a stop at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  This is on the east side of Lake Michigan. We visited on a Sunday in Mid-August, which is not the most opportune time to park at the most scenic stops.  Many visitors such ourselves. We generally opt for a weekday visit early in the morning, but we were enroute to our overnight campground, so we didn't have the necessary flexibility.

I've hiked along the Dunes and camped along the shoreline in the Upper Peninsula, so I was very familiar with this.  The Warren Dunes State Park, in Sawyer MI are only 12 miles north of the Indiana State Line and offer similar walks and climbs.  Also notable is the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado.  That was part of another trek and is in an earlier blog.

We had an enjoyable few hours of walking and touring via the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. 

Heritage Trail Map

Some of the hikes include steep climbs but there are other, gentler ones.  We did not walk to the crest of the challenging "Dune Climb".  A Park Pass is required for all trail use within the national lakeshore. There are walking and cycling paths nearby.  One thing to keep in mind is the distances can be deceiving.  It is recommended by the Park Service to have ample water, good shoes and sun screen when attempting these walks. 

For a complete list of the Hiking Trails information, including alerts, regulations and safety information go to the official website.  Here is a link which was in effect on September 2, 2025:

Sleeping Bear Dunes Hiking Information

Gentle Hike near the Dune Climb

At the Dune Climb

Up the Dune Climb

Another view of the Dune Climb

Note: No AI tools were used to produce this blog. Most photos are unretouched.

(c) 2025 N. Retzke

Roadtrek Wheel Bearing Issue

 

210P on the Lift

We're on a 6,000 mile trek in the U.S. and had just returned from a 1,000 mile leg to Michigan's UP when I noticed a rumble in the front end of the vehicle. After driving for a couple of short distance errands I concluded it might be a front wheel bearing issue.  I posted about this on September 1, 2025.

Now, I've used Chevy dealers for most of my chassis repairs but I've had two tell me they couldn't easily accommodate this vehicle.  I switched to GMC and independent garages.  I was fortunate that there was an independent who could accommodate me.  As a backup there was a GMC dealer who could do the work, about 18 miles away.  In 2013 when we were looking for a Class B RV the Chevy chassis was attractive; there are literally thousands of service shops in North America.  At the time there were about 200 certified Mercedes shops for the "Blutec" engine. That was a factor in the selection.

The problem occurred over the Labor Day Holiday weekend and that made it necessary to make an appointment with the shop on Tuesday.  They fit me in on Thursday and after a test drive it was decided it was most likely the front wheel bearing on the passenger side. On the lift they determined there was excess play, although the steering components etc. were OK.  They located a bearing at a distributor and said they would work on it as soon as the part arrived.  I took the opportunity to have the tires rotated. Three hours later I received a text message stating it was complete.

We've been doing some local driving to verify that everything is okay.  Currently packing and preparing to shut down the Caliber for the winter. We'll be headed west tomorrow morning. 

Old Wheel Bearing

Another view - notice anything missing?

Old Bearing side view

Wheel with old Bearing

With New Bearing (cover removed)

Note: No AI tools were used to produce this blog. Most photos are unretouched.

(c) 2025 N. Retzke

Oops, Travel Delayed by Mechanical RV Issue

Enjoying the refurbished deck

We've had a wonderful trek and I have at least two more blogs about that.  However, our return to Arizona has been delayed by an issue with the Roadtrek chassis.  I think it may be a front wheel bearing.  Another possibility would be a dragging brake pad.  It's on a Chevrolet 3500 chassis (2012) so we have a GMC truck repair nearby as well as a recommended independent mechanic.

We became aware of the issue over the Labor Day holiday weekend.  I've got an appointment for the 9th and I'll speak to the independent mechanic on Tuesday.  

I'm not an automobile mechanic and when young I missed that great American adventure of buying and tuning or "hot rodding" a car. I simply didn't have the free change to do that. As a consequence, I have limited "hands on" repair experience.

However, mechanical ability, other repair skills and critical thinking can make up for this.  There are audible warnings and slight vibration present.  

We did have a busy holiday weekend with visitors and some celebrating.  We had planned on packing on Tuesday but that is not to be.  G is a bit frustrated; she was mentally prepared for the return.  

We luckily have access to a loaner auto.  So, there is minor inconvenience and delay, but nothing really serious to contend with.  I was fortunate.  1) Only a couple of weeks ago we were in the UP of Michigan.  It could have occurred then. 2) I had come up with a route and we had agreed on itinerary but I became aware of this problem one day before I made campground reservations. 3) It could have occurred while we were actually travelling on our 2,000 return route. 

So, while we spend our final days here, we watch the butterflies, nuthatches, woodpeckers and other birds.  The Piney Squirrels and Chipmunks are busy collecting for the winter and the squirrels in particular sit in the trees above, scolding us!

Life at Weko Beach

Note: No AI tools were used to produce this blog. Most photos are unretouched.

(c) 2025 N. Retzke

Site Deck Maintenance

 

Michigan site deck, 2024

There will always be some maintenance to perform and it has been a few years since the deck staining in 2019. This is a wooden deck. To get long life, I prefer to periodically give it a deep cleaning and every few years a new application of deck stain.  This was the year.  My life has devolved into various experiences, and that includes a variety of maintenance and chores.  Quite a change from a time when I actually made a difference.  I do relegate some of this to others.  There is no shortage of handymen and contractors to do everything and anything for a fee.  One of the determining factors is tools.  I'm no longer collecting these, and I carry a couple of tool bags.  So, if something more specialized or expensive is required I'll hire someone rather than buy the necessary tools.

For this project I went to the local Ace Hardware and purchased a disposable tray, paint roller and 3" wide foam brush. These will be disposed of after use.  I had a quart of solvent in the under compartment of the RV and that would do for cleaning any stain from my hands. 

First, I don an old shirt, pair of Jeans and worn New Balance sneakers. I save these for chores such as this.

I prefer Cabot's oil based semi-solid stain.  I've been using it since the 1980s on cedar shingles, decks, etc. That's what I chose for this deck.  I had about a fifth of a gallon in storage, left over from the previous application and I purchased another gallon.  I stirred thoroughly and mixed these so as to get the same color; there are differences in batches. Note that when not in use I store these in an environmentally controlled space.  Freezing water based or certain oil-based products can ruin them.

First task is to remove everything from the deck, including the wooden stairs. I do this and then clean the deck in the morning. We get morning shade which makes this more pleasant. Also, it is better not to apply in full sun, which accelerates evaporation and drying. This can lead to streaking and uneven application. 

I need several rain-free sunny days to do this. I prefer to apply the stain when daytime temperatures peak about 90F and on a dry day. As I noted above the actual application is in the shade. After application I allow the deck stain to dry thoroughly for several days. It takes a while for the oil base to evaporate and soak into the wooden deck.  As the day progresses and the sun moves westerly we do get complete coverage with sunlight. This aid the drying.

Early in the morning I remove furniture and sweep the deck.  Then, using a long-handled stiff brush I scrub the deck with soap and water to loosen any debris.  This is followed with a deep power-washing.  I was able to borrow a washer at the campground.  

11:30am, after power washing and replacing stairs and cook station

After power washing I put the stairs and my "cook station" back in place and allow the deck to dry for a couple of days.

Several days later I again remove the cook station and stairs and sweep the deck. Then, using a roller with medium nap I apply the stain using consistent strokes and uniform application. 

Applying the stain with a Roller

About two hours after beginning I was done. I let the deck dry completely for a couple of days.  While this was occurring, we used the front door of the RV, which allows us to avoid walking on the deck.

All done! 

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Note: No AI tools were used to produce this blog. Most photos are unretouched.

(c) 2025 N. Retzke

Leland MI and Fishtown

 

Leland, MI August 10, 2025

The sky was hazy because of Canadian wildfires.  In fact, the nearby islands were not visible on the 9th because of the smoke. The above is a view of the Leland River, looking Southeast on the 10th. Below is the view in the opposite direction, looking toward Fishtown:

Leland, MI August 10, 2025

We strolled through Leland enroute to the Fishtown Historic District and lunch. The area near the Yacht Harbor and Fishtown is very walkable.

"Infinite Disc"

Leland Yacht Harbor

Explore Fishtown

Historic Fishtown

Taking a pause in Fishtown

We decided on lunch at the Cove restaurant in Fishtown district.  I've always enjoyed the Whitefish in the UP.  It is a mild, firm fish and I prefer it fried.  Cherry season has ended, but there were an abundance of goodies available, including cherry pie. I really enjoyed the pie at the Cove.  Lots of cherries, slightly tart and not overwhelmed by syrup or starch.  Yum.

I ordered a fried whitefish sandwich.  I spread it with a thin layer of house made tartar sauce, which interfered with the photo.  To see what it is like "naked" you'll simply have to order your own.  I thought it was delicious!

Whitefish Sandwich and fries

We shared a slice of Cherry Pie and Vanilla Ice Cream. A winning combination.

A View from of the restaurant:

Looking toward the restaurant and falls

It was time to go.  Next stop, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Munising.

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Note: No AI tools were used to produce this blog. Most photos are unretouched.

(c) 2025 N. Retzke