If you have been following, RV Buddies documented the transformation of Sandy Oliver's RV to a fully accessible coach. While ALS has presented challenges to her, Sandy has taken them on like everything else in her life - as a challenge. On this Independence Day, Sandy shows us what "never giving up" means. Here is another of her blogs - this one from the Grand Canyon with husband Kenny and friends.

June 5th Maiden Voyage

We are finally off for our maiden voyage in the newly renovated motor home. It’s been a long four months, but well worth it. As they load me up in the newly installed wheelchair lift, I kinda miss the pushing, pulling and shoving that previously took place to load me (NOT)! I am buckled in and we are pulling away... aahhh.

Our first day consisted of a quick 5-hour drive to Laughlin, parking in the Harrah’s RV parking lot, and then off to the casino. On Kenny’s third pull on a video poker machine, a Royal Flush was dealt to him. Now that will make the trip more pleasurable!

We went back to the motor home later that evening and started getting ready for our first night sleeping. Lucky for us, Laughlin was enjoying the same high 80-degree weather that had also blessed Bakersfield, so a few open windows made for a very good night’s rest.

Back on the road and destination, the Grand Canyon. We stopped in Williams, AZ, which is the gateway to the Grand Canyon. We went to the visitor’s center to gather some information. There is a small museum there with history of the Grand Canyon. More importantly, a very helpful staff. We learned since I was handicapped we would be able to purchase a pass for the motor home to take the bus route to see the views. I recommend any visitors, especially first time visitors, to stop at the visitor center in Williams. The town is small, offers great food, information and shopping.

Since I had made the campground reservations over the internet, we were anxiously looking to see our sites. Much to our extreme pleasure, the sites and campground, Trailer Village, could not have been more perfect. We pulled in, our friends in their motor home were right next to us, and started to set up camp. Full hookups, good friends, great food and a newly renovated motor home, life is good.

The next day, we all loaded up in our rig and took off for the 7-mile sightseeing adventure. We were let right through the electric arm guard with our pass, right with the busses. We started the ride thinking it would be back-to-back busses and people. We soon found that we were by ourselves looking at the most awesome scenery imaginable. As we approached the turnouts, we easily pulled in, unloaded, took pictures, enjoyed the views, and left all at our leisure. At the end of the road, we enjoyed a nice lunch and another visitor’s center. We started back down the same road, and stopped again to view our favorite sites.

Back at the village, we visited El Tovar Lodge, and spent the rest of the day browsing and enjoying the wonderful views of the Canyon.

Back at camp it was time for another delicious meal prepared by my friends. I soon found that if I sat right out on the lift, I could enjoy my friends from my balcony!! We had to watch the NBA playoff game from the outside TV. There was panic at first, the TV was not getting the signal. I have never seen men move in such a hurry. Butts were sticking out of the storage box as they tried to figure out the problem. At last, they found a loose connection. Tempers cooled while the beers began to flow, all was right once again.

The next morning they packed up while I supervised the operation. We were leaving the Grand Canyon and heading home, but first another overnight stop at Laughlin...

Having the renovation completed allowed me to be much more comfortable and mobile. I could again enjoy traveling with the comforts of my home. I am so thankful to all that made this happen... RV Buddies, FinalTouch and RV Décor... you have put the pleasure back in our motor home adventures.

Here’s to the next adventure...
Sandy