Gnorm hits the "Strip!"

Gnorm had no idea what lie in store for him as we headed toward the infamous Las Vegas "Strip!" I know, Gnorm appears a little pale or bleached out. When we set him on the floor, he got a glimpse of his first "cocktail waitress!" I had to turn him around and get the picture really fast before he blacked out from the "shock!" We immediately wet him down and got him into a cool place. Once he was back to normal we couldn't hold him back. He began to "kick" inside his bag every time we entered a new Casino.



I promised him he could "join the crowd" if he behaved.







Actually, if we back out abit you'll see that we actually had the opportunity to "relive" Woodstock!







That was fun but Gnorm was drawn to the casino floor by all the bells and whistles of the slots!








When the casino guard "carded" Gnorm we figured we better head for another venue. The problem is, Gnorm is becoming "Mr. Popularity!" We couldn't get out of the casino without a couple of Gnorm's fans wanting a "photo op!"



Gnorm will surely miss all of the "Vegas" attention he's received.

Gnorm gets a warm welcome to Nevada

Gnorm had a chance to relax on the relatively short trip from Williams, AZ to Las Vegas, NV. We drove over Hoover Dam to Gnorm’s muted snores as he slept soundly in his “sack.” Traffic over the Dam was busy so we opted to return the next day to explore this magnificent engineering marvel.
Being from New England, Gnorm was totally unprepared for the “warm” (are you kidding) soaring temperatures. We had to keep Gnorm’s sack open to keep him comfortable as the temperature at the dam climbed to 115’.
We surprised Gnorm with a ride through the bag inspection X-Ray machine. We all had a good laugh when the guard on the monitor screen began to laugh and told his partner to check out what’s inside the bag. Gnorm was an instant celebrity. Then the guard on the monitor decided to play a trick on the gurad on the exit end of the conveyor belt by telling him to “open the bag, but watch out it may jump or bite!” The guard became curious and was really hesitant to open the bag. He carefully opened the bag with trepidation. As he opened the bag he saw Gnorm looking up at him and we all had a great laugh… as you can see!
From there we took Gnorm over 600’ down into the “belly of the beast.” He wasn’t too impressed with the tunnels or the rumbling of the giant turbines but he was completely surprised by the view from the top of the dam. I had all I could do to restrain him the closer he got to the edge of the wall.
Gnorm was “speechless” scanning the Dam’s panoramic grandness as he caught glimpses of the tiny boats making their tiny wakes on Lake Meade. Surely, Gnorm has never seen such a man-made wonder. The one thing he really thought was the best part of the day was when we returned to the HHR and cranked up the A/C!
Tomorrow, Gnorm does Las Vegas!

Gnorm says, "What, another big hole in the ground!"

Gnorm continues to put up with us! We drag (er carry) him everywhere we go and he never complains. Today he braved the noon day sun and heat to join us as we headed into the entrance of the main visitor building of the massive impact crator. Gnorm had to check out the space capsule just to see if he’d fit. (In case he might like to change his career,) Little did he know that we’d be walking in the desert heat on the crater rim edge on dusty rugged terrain.
He held up really well as we headed out with Kim, our Crater rim tour guide.
Still suffering from “Vertigo” from his experience at the Grand Canyon, Gnorm in grand style wanted a look down into the 500’ “bowl” of the crater. One of the couples on our tour got to meet Gnorm and thought he is really cool! The rim tour lasted an hour, just long enough for Gnorm to realize just how good air conditioning is.
By now, Gnorm is beginning to get the message that, whether he likes it or not, he’s going to go where we go and see what we see.

Gnorm at the Grand Canyon

I have no idea where I am! All I know is this is a lot bigger hole in the ground than I’ve ever seen my owner, (Debbie) dig in her garden. The first time Dave and Pat set me near the edge of the “South Rim” of the Grand Canyon and for nearly a minute I couldn’t catch my breath. This thing called vertigo is something I was totally unprepared for. I was thankful there was no wind blowing or I probably would have ended up over the edge!
I must admit, scanning the opening of this enormous gouge in the ground is mind boggling. For the first time, Dave and Pat had to give me a drink or I would have passed out. They took me to several of these “viewing points” and each time the vastness of this place made me increasingly light headed.
Thankfully, they let me check out a view from behind a window. I got to see lots of people as I was “carted” about under Dave’s arm and I caught some smiles on their faces as we passed them.
I guess I have to say my abduction is turning out to be much different than I expected, for the better. I even got to meet a lady who worked at the store in the Petrified Forest store the other day. Everyone is really nice to me. Come to think of it, this is much nicer than standing watch over the snails, frogs, and insects in my garden at home!

ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz!

Boring! Don’t we ever stop driving? Two days in this knapsack and they bring me to this “Taj Mahal” of a campground! Although, I’d have to say except for the “bone jarring” road out of Oklahoma City, I’ve caught up on my sleep.
Sure, I finally get out of my “bag” to stretch my legs and they tell my I’ve now got to watch out for rattle snakes, great!

Through Oklahoma, Texas and into New Mexico for a stop over in, what I think they call, a “rustic” old city called Tucumcari. Doesn’t that name have a nice “ring” to it? At least Dave took me out of the camper, and now I know what they mean by “dry heat!” It was 99’ as we walked about this equally “rustic” campground. A few more photo ops but this time I got to meet a few local garden gnomes. They weren’t too friendly but that’s OK, I was going back into the air conditioned camper!

We awakened Gnorm form his “quarters” to see what all the driving was for. We took him from his warm roost to a cool early morning saunter through the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert National Park. The vistas were glorious. However, he had the most fun trekking through the Petrified Forest.

Norm had never seen a tree that's a "rock!" If he couldn't understand what a "petrified" tree was, do you think he'd know anything about the "Teepees?"

Gnorm does Branson!

Gnorm has “found his legs!” His backpack “home” has become a new appendage for me and, boy does he let me know if he’s not with us when we head out! Gnorm is becoming somewhat of a celebrity himself. He’s been going nuts looking for photo ops! Everyone he meets loves him and inquires about his “story.” I’m just going to let Gnorm’s photos tell this blog!

On the way to Branson, Gnorm drove us crazy. He wants to try everything! He had been "itching" to help us with the coach. (He was also pushing us to drive faster the closer we got to Branson.) He insisted on expiditing our fuel stop by "manning the pump!" He faded into the coach when I asked him to pay for the fuel!

Gnorm couldn't pass by this giant rocker!

Even though Andy Williams was a little "pressed" for time, he took the time to say hi!

The outdoor "forest" of Andy Williams' Moon River Theater was a must for Gnorm!

I didn't dare let Gnorm down on the grass, it was hot and the water just a bit too inviting for him! He didn't like that I held him... hmmmm, funny, he didn't mind being held by this young British "Titanic" "First Class Mate!"

This interesting piece of "art" (read, junk) was a must see for Gnorm! (You may have to hunt for him!)

Gnorm fell in love with these rubber tire "horses!"

Gnorm spied this wooden "hobby" horse in front of "Dicks 5&10." We got a couple of funny looks on this one!

Gnorm didn't want to tour "Historic Downtown" Branson from the inside of his backpack!

By now most of you have seen "Gnorm the Groupie" in his "celebrity" photo, so you can imagine how excited he is becoming as we travel westward. All the new sites and people Gnorm is meeting is unreal. Last night's thunder and lightening show didn't phase him one bit, he slept like a log! Gnorm is taking advantage of today's rain, he's "kicking back."

I guess, this just about says it all...

Gnorm is a "groupie!"

To see how Gnorm is doing here in Brason, check out who Gnorm had his very own "meet and greet" with... Say hellow to Bill Medley and Paul Revere!

St. Louis, MO and the Gateway Arch

Passing through St. Louis made it possible for us to visit a monument that has interested me for years. We had to get up close and personal with the “Gateway Arch.” We were not let down. The 630’ stainless steel arch is impressive and a marvel of architectural engineering. You can just imagine what was going through Gnorm’s mind when we took him out of his knapsack to check out this man-made piece of art. At first, Gnorm thought we were supposed to “climb” the structure. We headed into the “underground” facility, passed through the screeners and into a busy complex of theaters, a museum, stores and a very impressive passenger ride system to the observation deck at the top of the Arch.
We gave serious thought to taking the ride up, but sitting inside the “knee touching” cramped “drum,” we had second thoughts. We settled for a photo op in the (five passenger tram) on the below grade complex floor.
We checked out the in depth museum that traces Lewis and Clark’s expedition and the important role St. Louis played in America’s history. Gnorm “snuck” through a couple of barricades for a photo op before the Park Rangers noticed. We took in the short movie, “Monument to a Dream” that chronicles the construction of the Arch.
We did a short walk in downtown St. Louis to find out the Cardinals were playing the Padres. As the crowd developed we went the other way to find a lunch spot. Gnorm wasn’t too hungry; he was still suffering from the effects of standing next to the awe inspiring beauty and sheer size of the Arch. All in all, Gnorm really enjoyed his "romp through history." He's becoming quite a photo "hog!" Thankfully, no one seems to mind.
We headed back to our campground to relax for our next day’s trek. Gnorm will be resting for the next couple of days… he wasn’t quite used to the heat that seems to be preparing us for what is to come as we head further south and west.

Gnorms Last Day in Indiana

Gnorm is having a bad night. Today was his last day with Buzz, Darlene and Winston. After a relaxing morning on Buzz and Darlene’s porch, we headed for Buzz’ routine shuffleboard games at the local park. Gnorm couldn’t stand watching the players and coerced us into letting him have a try at the game. The stick was a bit long but he gave it his all. The puck never did make it to the other end but Gnorm had a great time and became a friend to one and all.
Buzz and Darlene just happened to be celebrating their anniversary. They asked us to join them for their annual “Anniversary Pizza dinner.” We couldn’t refuse. Gnorm was right at home and was in for a real treat… it was his first pizza!
We headed back to Darlene and Buzz’ house for a few more games of “Sequence,” We also got to finish off the delicious anniversary/birthday cake they surprised us with and headed onto the porch to finish off our visit with some great conversation and relaxation before we head out in the morning.
Throughout our stay, Gnorm has been a perfect gentleman. He’s been welcomed by everyone and is fast becoming a very good traveler. Tomorrow, he’s heading for the “Gateway Arch” in St. Louis, MO.

On the Way and Exploring Indiana

Gnorm had a tuff two days of travel as we headed to our next stop over. We planned a Flying J stop over a little more than half way to our Indiana multi-day stop. The first day’s drive was foggy but cool. Stopping at Flying J was noisy and too many moving vehicles for Gnorm to “stretch his feet!” Coach bound, Gnorm dealt with his “confinement” as a real trouper.
When we finally set camp for three nights in the New Lisbon CG, Gnorm couldn't hold back his excitement. He “bolted” out the camper door and did a “nose plant” on the soft green grass of the campground.
He scurried over to check out a couple of the local BBQ cookers on hand. We lost site of Gnorm for just a few seconds. At first, we feared the worst; we thought he may have been absconded by another camper (but there is only us and a couple workers here). Or, he was headed for I-70. It turned out, Gnorm headed for a picturesque view of the campground’s pond. We couldn’t help but feel, Gnorm has a hint of patriotism in him; he wanted to admire the large flags that were proudly displayed.
We took Gnorm along with us to visit our friends Darlene and Buzz. Darlene and Buzz winter in the same campground as we do. They also have a very inquisitive dog, Winston. Winston gives new meaning to “in your face!” As you can see, it was a “slobbering” event for Gnorm. Winston didn’t care to share any of his toys with Gnorm so we thought it best to return Gnorm to the peace and quiet of the HHR.
What a day! The next morning, we “packed up” Gnorm and headed out with Darlene and Buzz for what turned out to be a most interesting day. Buzz took us through some of the farm country in the area and we literally stumbled upon a superb tourist attraction, Wilbur Wright’s birthplace. Buzz grew up in the area and treated Gnorm to a day of exploration and surprise. Gnorm got to go face to face with a helicopter. He couldn’t resist a turn on the mower and almost got a ride on a fixed wing airplane… but the pilot ignored his plea for a ride. Gnorm got to check out the stove Wilbur Wright’s mom cooked on and even managed to “hang out” with a couple of “dumb clucks!” Gnorm even tried his hand at the controls of the Wright’s “trainer” flyer. This turned out to be quite a day for Gnorm. We stopped to check out a never-ending field of soy beans and we nearly lost him. He bolted out of the car and into the soy plants. He didn’t get far. He was so overwhelmed with the smell of the rich soil, he got light headed and we simply corralled him into his private “hideaway!”
Gnorm is really getting into this travel thing, and he doesn’t even mind that Pat or Dave have to carry him around the attractions with all of the people looking at him!