Rolling, rolling, rolling . . . keep this fifth wheel rolling! Isnt' there a song that goes something like that?
Since I last wrote, we have finished up our Washington coast visits, caught the last one in Astoria, OR, survived the Seattle traffic, been buried in the southeastern hills of the Blue Mountains, trekked through Spokane . . . and are now in Montana!
Bay Center, WA - a great little park off the beaten path, but right in the heart of 'clamming' country. This is the first park we've found that actually rents out 'clamming rakes'. They also have a neat pathway right out to the coast, which turns into 'mud flats' when the tide is out. Perfect for clamming! Thought we would never get here over the ever winding Highway 101 - but it was better than facing Seattle traffic.
Illwaco, WA - new owners here, turning a very old, tired park around. Found a newly remodeled laundry and did my least favorite chore. They still have some work to do, but they have accomplished so much already.
Astoria, OR - this one was just across the bridge - but what a bridge - over the Columbia River. A very large park, but the staff graciously loaned us a golf cart to do the 'walk-about', which saved us so much time! Reminded us of our campground days, as they had the same log building that we built in OKC - only the bigger version.
Seattle - or bust! Had been dreading this one - not the park - the traffic getting there. Actually, it wasn't quite as bad as we had been told, but it must get that way, for there were digital highway signs that flashed the projected travel time to the towns along the way. The best thing was finding a Sam's Club just a couple of miles from the park and we stocked our freezer to the brim, to hold us till we see Oklahoma again. Roger took time to schedule an oil change for the truck. What should have taken only a couple of hours turned into 4+, for after the truck was finished, he was to stop and pick up a couple of things we couldn't get at Sam's. The drug store I had found on the internet wasn't open yet, then the WalMart that Sylvia (our GPS) sent him to had closed . . . needless to say, it wasn't Roger's day. Guess he had quite a 'tour' of the surrounding area before he finally found a WalMart. I ended up doing the exit review at the campground without him, but it went fine.
A full day of driving to Dayton/Pomeroy/Blue Mountains KOA in southeastern Washington. This is a small conversion park, formerly called "The Last Resort" - which is very aptly named. We drove through miles of wheat fields. It reminded us of western Oklahoma - only with lumps! The wheat fields roll up and down over the hills for miles on end. By the time we reached the park (19 miles off the 'main' road, which is not exactly what we call 'main'! GREAT folks in the middle of their Hawaiian weekend festivities -and we finished our day with a pineapple/coconut ice cream sundae at their evening social.
Felt like we truly had been 'buried' for we had no cell tower for our phones - on either phone - and only strong enough internet to get e-mail in and out.
When we pulled out of The Last Resort, we were directed to take a 'secondary, secondary' road to cut off some miles. The only problem, it was a gravel road - and it went straight up! I swear it felt like the fifth wheel was sliding sideways. The road was very aptly named: Blind Grade Road! It was one of those that is basically one-lane around the curves. Thankfully we only met one car - and he pulled over to let us by! Roger kept saying "No problem!" Maybe it wasn't for him, but it was for me! The road was such a 'washboard' that it nearly bounced our coffee pot off the counter . . . and it is tied down! So glad to get to pavement finally, and we made it on into Spokane without a hitch. Next time though, we'll drive the 19 miles - if I have my way!
Pulled into Spokane about 1:45. When Roger went in to register, the owner indicated he would be free in about 15 minutes and he wanted to do the walk-about with us. Before we even had a chance to get our rig set up, he was at our door. I grabbed my paperwork and off we went on our walk-about. Finished up about 3:30 and headed back to the trailer to do the printed report. Roger threw some pot-pies in the oven for our supper and we met back with him at 6:00 for the exit review. That is the fastest review we've done this season! This guy is so full of energy - and so proud of what he has accomplished - that there was no slowing him down. Another older park that has made some much needed improvements; its been in the family for 30+ years, but the next generation has taken over, bringing new energy & enthusiasm.
Our drive on Tuesday took us through Idaho - where I actually saw a moose! I was gazing out at the scenery as Roger was driving and spotted a small RV park off to the side. Then I realized that the four-legged creature trotting across an open meadow was a young buck moose, complete with antlers. What a thrill! I had given up on seeing a moose - and of all the places - Idaho!
As we approached our destination of Missoula, Montana, we spotted another 'sight' that brought a sparkle to our eyes. . . a Cracker Barrel! Gosh, it's been quite some time since we've seen one of those. We immediately made plans to have breakfast there on one of our mornings in the area.
'Cashing in' on a bit of a bonus from our boss Monday evening, we checked with the staff here at Missoula for their recommendation on a nice place to spend a quiet evening & supper out. Their recommendation was unanimous: Lolo Creek Steakhouse in the nearby town of Lolo. We ran a couple of errands and headed out.
Arriving there about 4:15 (not having lunch & ready for an early supper), only to discover that they didn't open until 5:00. A beautiful log building, with a full front deck, which we put to good use waiting for them to open.
The meal was everything that had been promised! Roger had the steak & seafood special, while I opted for strictly steak - and it was delicious.
Now, for all of you who have known Roger for very long, know that he does not TOUCH any type of dressing on his salad. I just about fainted when he asked what type of 'vinaigrette' they had! He then proceeded to order the house special 'huckleberry'! And went back to the KOA telling the staff how good it was!
He liked it so well, he had them special ordered two bottles of it for him! THIS IS NOT THE MAN I MARRIED! In fact, this rates right up there with seeing Roger's dad eat nacho flavored Doritos (he has been an avowed 'cheese hater' for his entire life!
We were remembered by some of the KOA staff as the 'inspectors' that LOVED huckleberries - from our first visit there in 2002. After this year we will always wear that title. In 2002 we brought home a gallon of huckleberry topping; this year we picked up 4 gallons. Roger has all kinds of plans to make homemade ice cream, slushies, etc. with them. I'm sure every 'special occasion' will have me making some kind of huckleberry concoction!
I even have a jar of "Huckleapple Butter" tucked away for the first special breakfast occasion that comes along.
The only thing missing from our time in Montana so far, is that he hasn't found anyone offering huckleberry ice cream yet - but he will. We still have the month of August to find it.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Where's the Heat!?! or Christmas in July!
We had been told by several that our drive from Revelstoke, BC to Hinton, AB would be gorgeous . . . and I'm sure it was! We just couldn't see it for the clouds and SNOW! They say only in Alberta!
We awoke that morning to cool temps and as we enjoyed a pancake breakfast with the owners at Revelstoke, it began to rain - and get cooler. The owners here are South Korean. Although Mom & Dad are the financial backers, the son & daughter-in-law (Sung & Lily) manage the park. After our meeting, Sung loaned Roger an umbrella to go get the rig, while I waited (nice & dry) in the store.
And the day did start out beautiful. We made our way towards Lake Louise and then turned north. Right at the start of our trek north a Big Horn sheep darted across the road in front of us. Know they are sure-footed, thankfully, for it bounded over the road barrier on to a hill that, I know, went straight down! It happened so fast! I knew it wasn't a deer, but it didn't have the 'big horns' - but (I'm told) that's because it was a female.
As we drove, the temperatures continued to take a downhill spiral. Wasn't long before Roger said, "I do believe that is snow hitting the windshield!" Sure enough! It didn't last long, but the clouds were hanging so low, we couldn't see the mountains. Driving on, and then it began to snow again . . . this time harder! Now, folks, this is JULY 10th! We passed several 'pull-over' areas, but what was the use? We couldn't see anything! So we kept driving. We saw signs about glacier activity, but it was so cold - and we were in shorts & capris & sandals - that we decided we would just add this to the list to do 'next year'. . . and kept driving. The snow continued to 'come & go' but by the time we passed Ice Center, it was coming down so heavy it was accumulating and the temp was showing 31 degrees! It was beautiful, though!
Finally, I had to stop for a much needed bathroom break. I asked Roger to stop at the next 'level' wide spot in the road, cause I couldn't put it off any longer. He saw a spot ahead, and there was a car & some bicyclers already there. We pulled over, and had hardly got stopped, when one of the young women came running up to the truck. I rolled down the window and she said, "Could we please get a ride on in to Jasper? We are freezing!" Although we are not supposed to take on riders, we could not say "No" to these folks. They were so grateful that we had stopped, that we didn't have the heart to tell them that we really had just stopped for a bathroom break! Seems the car had stopped to help, but 4 people and 4 bikes would not even begin to fit in the car. So the guys got three of the bikes in the back of the truck and one in the fifth wheel. One couple rode in the car and the other couple climbed in our back seat. What a delightful afternoon it made as we drove the 60 miles or so on in to Jasper.
We even had some lukewarm coffee left in the Thermos to share - and we cranked up the heat, to help them thaw out. They were two young adventursome couples that had taken a week off to bike the Canadian Rockies. The snow had definitely NOT been in the weather forecast. They had camped out just north of Ice Center the night before and had awoken to snow on their tent. They made the attempt to ride out of it, but after three flats on the bikes, they were frozen and the girls had made the decision that it was time to call a halt to this 'adventure!' It was time to ask for help - and they couldn't thank the 'big yellow truck' enough for rescuing them!
They filled us in on all kinds of info about the area, and we will definitely make it a must if we make it back here next year - hopefully in better weather. When we dropped them off in Jasper, they even wanted to get a picture of their 'rescuers', complete with the rig. Just mark that up to some good 'ol KOA public relations!
One of the things we noticed as we drove was how 'milky' the water looked - almost a seafoam green. Our new friends told us that was due to it being water from a glacier - it pick up a lot of silt, etc. that makes it that way. They then told us to watch for a spot just outside of Jasper where two streams join - one glacier fed and one a spring fed. It is neat to see the waters meet and the spring water is so clear, while the glacier stream is so murky that there is a definite 'line' where they meet. And sure enough we spotted it as we finished our drive on in to Hinton, AB.
Thankfully we had scheduled a day off in Hinton, and that day (for me anyway) was spent sleeping. Roger claims I had 3 or 4 naps . . . I wasn't counting! It just felt good to rest.
A beautiful park here - full to the brim - and an easy review to do. Sunday (7/13) found us trekking west, back in to Briish Columbia to the Clearwater/Wells Gray area. Another good bit of driving, but today was THE day - as Roger finally got to see his black bear.
Trucking along, when a bear lumbered out in to the road. Roger & I both saw it at the same time, and Roger begin to slow down. The bear spotted us and picked up his pace to get across the road. No time for pictures, but it was still a thrill, as this was the first bear we have seen in all our travels.
No time this year for sightseeing here in the Wells Gray area, but we'll add it to the list of places to come back too. New owners here and we enjoyed a delicious full breakfast in their restaurant before hitting the road, headed south to Sicamous, BC.
Sicamous is in lake country - it is the "house boat capital' of BC. We got to 'connect' again with one of the other FSR teams, but only for a very few minutes. They were leaving Sicamous as we arrived.
Monday found us headed south again - back to the good 'ol US of A. But, turned out, we had many mountains to cross before we got there! Looking at the map, I decided we should head south a bit then take an 'freeway' to yet another 'freeway' that would land us just north of the Lynden, WA KOA. What I didn't know was that these 'freeways' took us - basically - straight up - and straight down. Don't know if it was my 'tired' catching up - or just what - but before the end of the day, I was in tears. It might be ok if we were just in a car, but knowing that we have 15,000 lbs plus 'pushing' us down those mountains, scared me to tears. So glad that is behind us.
I've complained about the mountains we've had to drive here in the US, but they are NOTHING compared to those. Unreal! And to 'add' to the excitement, as we pulled through the toll booth, we saw two RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) standing by a car that was in the ditch. The 'unsettling' thing, was that they were getting rifles out of their trunk as we passed. Then just a ways down the road, we had to go through a 'road block' and were stopped and questioned by the police. Seems there was some kind of 'man hunt' going on. Since we hadn't made any stops since the toll both, they passed us on through.
Finally we found our turn off to the border. Everyone seemed so friendly, but, as luck would have it, we got the 'greenhorn' border patrol. After consulting with the border officer in the next booth over, he directed us to "pull over and go inside". OK. The guy inside explains that we now have to 'pay' a fee to cross in to the US, since we are 'commercial'. I smiled sweetly - (really) - and said, "You know, I just have to say, that we've been crossing the border for the past 6 years and NEVER have we been charged a 'fee'!" His answer to that was, "Well, you just got lucky!
Not that it has to come out of our pocket - the company would pay it - it's just the principal of it all! I got in one parting comment, that it is not like we are transporting goods - it's just 'paperwork' we do! He consulted with his supervisor, and, once again, we were told we were free to go.
Still doing a review a day, we worked our way down the Washington coast (Lynden, Burlington & Concrete). Friday, July 18th, was another travel day, but this time it included a ferry ride from Coupeville to Port Townsend. The ferry cost us about $60, but well worth it, when it saved us from having to drive completely around Seattle - many miles and much traffic. Once we hit dry land at Port Townsend, it was a short drive over to Port Angeles, where we will actually get to park the rig for three nights.
Although the rig gets to sit still, we don't. Up early to catch the 7:15 shuttle from the KOA to the Victoria Express walk-on ferry to Vancouver Island. It was packed, but the hour-long ride was fairly smooth. Had to cross the Canadian border - again - but this time we were not in yellow shirts and not in our yellow rig. Told them we were just coming over for the day to 'visit friends'; true, we hadn't 'met' these friends just yet - but every KOA owner is a friend!
Picked up our rental car, stopped for a bite of breakfast and then 'attempted' to find our way out of Victoria. On our second try, we found TransCanada Highway 1 and headed out to the KOA. Pretty little park here - and, indeed, new friends. Spent the day with them doing the review, then headed back in time to stop for a leisurely supper, before turning in the rental car and catching the ferry back across to Port Angeles. This time the crossing was not as smooth, and when we hit the tidal swells, my Dramamine 'jumped ship'. I was a bit 'green' by the time we hit dry land again and so ready to be back to the rig. Think it took me all of about 30 minutes to get in my night gown & recliner. Roger woke me up about 11:00 to go to bed.
Then yesterday (Sunday, July 20) we slept in and 'vegged' the morning away. Got around and did our walk-about later in the afternoon. Not a full day 'off' but almost. This morning we will meet with these folks about 9:00 and then drive 5 hours down the coast to Bay Center.
The days are beautiful, the nights cool enough that the heater is running once again. That's the Washington coast for you!
We awoke that morning to cool temps and as we enjoyed a pancake breakfast with the owners at Revelstoke, it began to rain - and get cooler. The owners here are South Korean. Although Mom & Dad are the financial backers, the son & daughter-in-law (Sung & Lily) manage the park. After our meeting, Sung loaned Roger an umbrella to go get the rig, while I waited (nice & dry) in the store.
And the day did start out beautiful. We made our way towards Lake Louise and then turned north. Right at the start of our trek north a Big Horn sheep darted across the road in front of us. Know they are sure-footed, thankfully, for it bounded over the road barrier on to a hill that, I know, went straight down! It happened so fast! I knew it wasn't a deer, but it didn't have the 'big horns' - but (I'm told) that's because it was a female.
As we drove, the temperatures continued to take a downhill spiral. Wasn't long before Roger said, "I do believe that is snow hitting the windshield!" Sure enough! It didn't last long, but the clouds were hanging so low, we couldn't see the mountains. Driving on, and then it began to snow again . . . this time harder! Now, folks, this is JULY 10th! We passed several 'pull-over' areas, but what was the use? We couldn't see anything! So we kept driving. We saw signs about glacier activity, but it was so cold - and we were in shorts & capris & sandals - that we decided we would just add this to the list to do 'next year'. . . and kept driving. The snow continued to 'come & go' but by the time we passed Ice Center, it was coming down so heavy it was accumulating and the temp was showing 31 degrees! It was beautiful, though!
Finally, I had to stop for a much needed bathroom break. I asked Roger to stop at the next 'level' wide spot in the road, cause I couldn't put it off any longer. He saw a spot ahead, and there was a car & some bicyclers already there. We pulled over, and had hardly got stopped, when one of the young women came running up to the truck. I rolled down the window and she said, "Could we please get a ride on in to Jasper? We are freezing!" Although we are not supposed to take on riders, we could not say "No" to these folks. They were so grateful that we had stopped, that we didn't have the heart to tell them that we really had just stopped for a bathroom break! Seems the car had stopped to help, but 4 people and 4 bikes would not even begin to fit in the car. So the guys got three of the bikes in the back of the truck and one in the fifth wheel. One couple rode in the car and the other couple climbed in our back seat. What a delightful afternoon it made as we drove the 60 miles or so on in to Jasper.
We even had some lukewarm coffee left in the Thermos to share - and we cranked up the heat, to help them thaw out. They were two young adventursome couples that had taken a week off to bike the Canadian Rockies. The snow had definitely NOT been in the weather forecast. They had camped out just north of Ice Center the night before and had awoken to snow on their tent. They made the attempt to ride out of it, but after three flats on the bikes, they were frozen and the girls had made the decision that it was time to call a halt to this 'adventure!' It was time to ask for help - and they couldn't thank the 'big yellow truck' enough for rescuing them!
They filled us in on all kinds of info about the area, and we will definitely make it a must if we make it back here next year - hopefully in better weather. When we dropped them off in Jasper, they even wanted to get a picture of their 'rescuers', complete with the rig. Just mark that up to some good 'ol KOA public relations!
One of the things we noticed as we drove was how 'milky' the water looked - almost a seafoam green. Our new friends told us that was due to it being water from a glacier - it pick up a lot of silt, etc. that makes it that way. They then told us to watch for a spot just outside of Jasper where two streams join - one glacier fed and one a spring fed. It is neat to see the waters meet and the spring water is so clear, while the glacier stream is so murky that there is a definite 'line' where they meet. And sure enough we spotted it as we finished our drive on in to Hinton, AB.
Thankfully we had scheduled a day off in Hinton, and that day (for me anyway) was spent sleeping. Roger claims I had 3 or 4 naps . . . I wasn't counting! It just felt good to rest.
A beautiful park here - full to the brim - and an easy review to do. Sunday (7/13) found us trekking west, back in to Briish Columbia to the Clearwater/Wells Gray area. Another good bit of driving, but today was THE day - as Roger finally got to see his black bear.
Trucking along, when a bear lumbered out in to the road. Roger & I both saw it at the same time, and Roger begin to slow down. The bear spotted us and picked up his pace to get across the road. No time for pictures, but it was still a thrill, as this was the first bear we have seen in all our travels.
No time this year for sightseeing here in the Wells Gray area, but we'll add it to the list of places to come back too. New owners here and we enjoyed a delicious full breakfast in their restaurant before hitting the road, headed south to Sicamous, BC.
Sicamous is in lake country - it is the "house boat capital' of BC. We got to 'connect' again with one of the other FSR teams, but only for a very few minutes. They were leaving Sicamous as we arrived.
Monday found us headed south again - back to the good 'ol US of A. But, turned out, we had many mountains to cross before we got there! Looking at the map, I decided we should head south a bit then take an 'freeway' to yet another 'freeway' that would land us just north of the Lynden, WA KOA. What I didn't know was that these 'freeways' took us - basically - straight up - and straight down. Don't know if it was my 'tired' catching up - or just what - but before the end of the day, I was in tears. It might be ok if we were just in a car, but knowing that we have 15,000 lbs plus 'pushing' us down those mountains, scared me to tears. So glad that is behind us.
I've complained about the mountains we've had to drive here in the US, but they are NOTHING compared to those. Unreal! And to 'add' to the excitement, as we pulled through the toll booth, we saw two RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) standing by a car that was in the ditch. The 'unsettling' thing, was that they were getting rifles out of their trunk as we passed. Then just a ways down the road, we had to go through a 'road block' and were stopped and questioned by the police. Seems there was some kind of 'man hunt' going on. Since we hadn't made any stops since the toll both, they passed us on through.
Finally we found our turn off to the border. Everyone seemed so friendly, but, as luck would have it, we got the 'greenhorn' border patrol. After consulting with the border officer in the next booth over, he directed us to "pull over and go inside". OK. The guy inside explains that we now have to 'pay' a fee to cross in to the US, since we are 'commercial'. I smiled sweetly - (really) - and said, "You know, I just have to say, that we've been crossing the border for the past 6 years and NEVER have we been charged a 'fee'!" His answer to that was, "Well, you just got lucky!
Not that it has to come out of our pocket - the company would pay it - it's just the principal of it all! I got in one parting comment, that it is not like we are transporting goods - it's just 'paperwork' we do! He consulted with his supervisor, and, once again, we were told we were free to go.
Still doing a review a day, we worked our way down the Washington coast (Lynden, Burlington & Concrete). Friday, July 18th, was another travel day, but this time it included a ferry ride from Coupeville to Port Townsend. The ferry cost us about $60, but well worth it, when it saved us from having to drive completely around Seattle - many miles and much traffic. Once we hit dry land at Port Townsend, it was a short drive over to Port Angeles, where we will actually get to park the rig for three nights.
Although the rig gets to sit still, we don't. Up early to catch the 7:15 shuttle from the KOA to the Victoria Express walk-on ferry to Vancouver Island. It was packed, but the hour-long ride was fairly smooth. Had to cross the Canadian border - again - but this time we were not in yellow shirts and not in our yellow rig. Told them we were just coming over for the day to 'visit friends'; true, we hadn't 'met' these friends just yet - but every KOA owner is a friend!
Picked up our rental car, stopped for a bite of breakfast and then 'attempted' to find our way out of Victoria. On our second try, we found TransCanada Highway 1 and headed out to the KOA. Pretty little park here - and, indeed, new friends. Spent the day with them doing the review, then headed back in time to stop for a leisurely supper, before turning in the rental car and catching the ferry back across to Port Angeles. This time the crossing was not as smooth, and when we hit the tidal swells, my Dramamine 'jumped ship'. I was a bit 'green' by the time we hit dry land again and so ready to be back to the rig. Think it took me all of about 30 minutes to get in my night gown & recliner. Roger woke me up about 11:00 to go to bed.
Then yesterday (Sunday, July 20) we slept in and 'vegged' the morning away. Got around and did our walk-about later in the afternoon. Not a full day 'off' but almost. This morning we will meet with these folks about 9:00 and then drive 5 hours down the coast to Bay Center.
The days are beautiful, the nights cool enough that the heater is running once again. That's the Washington coast for you!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Four Months Finished . . . Two to Go!
We had an uneventful 4th of July - but nice. We took that drive from Yakima down to Richland. We had thought we would do a bit of 'furniture shopping' but everything was closed up. These towns are definitely NOT Oklahoma City with Mathis Bros!
Ended up at Sacajawea State Park - a beautiful area - where the Columbia & Snake Rivers meet. We found a small museum open and had a nice chat with the volunteers & a park ranger. We were really looking for directions to the Ice Harbor Lock & Dam; we got that and much more. We spent some time in the museum and strolling around. It is rather sobering to realize that you are actually standing on land were Lewis & Clark once camped.
We then trekked on to the lock & dam and it was just as I remembered it - only we could not get down to the ladders as I had back in 1967. In talking to the locals, we can thank "9/11" for that. Roger got some shots, but 41 years has taken its toll on the salmon population. There are all types of programs afoot to remedy that now - forty-one years too late.
Drove back to Yakima and found our supper a bit 'overcooked'. I had left a pork loin on low in the oven, but something went wrong. Guess I didn't have it wrapped good enough and all the liquid cooked out. But - gravy will 'save' anything, so I whipped up a bit and salvaged supper. As 10:00 p.m. rolled around we broke out the lawn chairs and walked over to the dike separating the campground from the Yakima River. We had the 'best seat in the house' for a really nice 30 minute fireworks show the City of Yakima put on at the fairgrounds, just 2 miles away.
Saturday was another gorgeous day, and we tried our luck at furniture shopping again. Not but two stores in the Yakima area that carried Lazy Boy recliners (BOTH the chairs in the fifth wheel are completely broke down!). Our first stop I found - and fell in love with - a gorgeous red leather one. Of course, my 'champagne taste' on a 'beer budget' always gets me. We cussed & discussed, Roger did some 'bargaining' - and we still decided to run our other errands and 'think on it'. And, as always, after letting the 'moment' age a bit, a cooler head prevailed and we decided to look further.
The second store had MUCH better prices, but not near the selection. But, we decided that - for now - Roger could be happy with a dark brown leather (at half the price) and I'll get my red leather another day. It is SO NICE to once again have a comfortable chair to relax in. Basically Roger gets it in the evenings - and I claim it in the mornings before we start our day.
Found a Super Cuts and I got a needed trim, while Roger picked up some printer ink cartridges and tried to find a supply of Diet Coke. Funny, in the North East we always had trouble finding my Diet DP, but out west it is the Diet Coke that is tough to find. Never did find it in Yakima.
Sunday afternoon found the campground a bit of a 'ghost town' with the holiday weekend coming to an end. We put on our yellow shirts and went back to work. Turned out to be a bit of 'an exercise in futility' for we learned the campground is to be closed in mid-September. The Bureau of Land Management has purchased it. It will be 'returned to its natural state' and then used to widen the Yakima River as part of a flood control plan. What a waste - but the owner basically had only two options: take their buy-out offer OR they would 'take' it. At least they feel they got a 'fair offer' and they are ready to retire anyways.
Monday found us trekking north to Leavenworth, WA. Off the beaten path, but what a lovely area. Nice visit there and then it was on to Winthrop, WA. Another gorgeous park with great folks. Wish every park was as good as these two.
But, now it's time once again to cross the border into Canada. We have been hassled so many times when crossing the border, that we have really come to dread it. It shouldn't be that way, but we weren't surprised when we, once again, were asked to pull over and check in with the 'officer in charge'. We were in our 'yellow' and we clearly stated the purpose of our visit. When that was not satisfactory, Roger stated that the border patrol officer in Ontario had told us that as representatives of the franchisor (KOA), that we had the right to come in to Canada to inspect our franchisees.
BUT, this guy didn't like our use of the word "right"! So we got to stand and listen to this guy lecture us that "we didn't have any right to come in to Canada - it was a privilege! When asked exactly what we 'did' during an inspection, Roger then made the almost fatal mistake of saying that 'we do everything from check water temperature to GFI outlets'! Wrong thing to say! The border officer then stated that if he 'really wanted to' he could refuse to let us enter Canada, for in doing 'actual work' we were taking jobs away from Canadians. At that point, I was ready to say, "Ok, fine . . . we'll just turn around, call the Home Office, and let them send someone else in to do these visits! That's four less parks for us to have to do - and a week earlier we could be back in Oklahoma!"
He then told us to sit down, he was going to 'run some checks'. About that time, I noticed his supervisor walk over, they had a bit of a conversation, and he decided that 'he would let us in THIS time!' How nice of him! So we surrendered our one onion and half bag of potatoes, and we were allowed to go.
And, believe it or not, he tried to tell us that we were pulled over due to a 'random' selection! Do they really believe themselves!?! I might believe it if we weren't grilled EVERY TIME we cross the border.
I told Roger that they just must not like his looks! Whatever it is, it is NOT random!
Continued on to Revelstoke, BC. We were traveling Highway 97, and what a mistake. Much to our surprise, it was almost solid 'towns' from the border until we got about an hour from Revelstoke. It was a beautiful drive, but so much "stop & go" that it took us almost 8 hours to go 298 miles. We even got a call from the campground, as they were getting worried about our late arrival.
Once we got there, we had a 2-hour walk-about to do, for this is a large park. Had to get it done before dark, so we parked the rig, threw some chicken pot pies in the oven, and got started. Sat down to supper about 8:45 p.m. (so much for eating early) and then about 9:30 there was a knock on the door. Our hosts were feeling so sorry for us, that they brought us ice cream bars for dessert, since we had missed their ice cream social.
At least the weather was unseasonably cool. Up till midnight getting the report done and we met with them over breakfast the next morning. Thursday (July 10) dawned gray & cold, and by 10:00 a.m. it was pouring rain. Another long days drive ahead, as we trek along the Canadian Rockies to Hinton, Alberta.
So much for being hot!
Ended up at Sacajawea State Park - a beautiful area - where the Columbia & Snake Rivers meet. We found a small museum open and had a nice chat with the volunteers & a park ranger. We were really looking for directions to the Ice Harbor Lock & Dam; we got that and much more. We spent some time in the museum and strolling around. It is rather sobering to realize that you are actually standing on land were Lewis & Clark once camped.
We then trekked on to the lock & dam and it was just as I remembered it - only we could not get down to the ladders as I had back in 1967. In talking to the locals, we can thank "9/11" for that. Roger got some shots, but 41 years has taken its toll on the salmon population. There are all types of programs afoot to remedy that now - forty-one years too late.
Drove back to Yakima and found our supper a bit 'overcooked'. I had left a pork loin on low in the oven, but something went wrong. Guess I didn't have it wrapped good enough and all the liquid cooked out. But - gravy will 'save' anything, so I whipped up a bit and salvaged supper. As 10:00 p.m. rolled around we broke out the lawn chairs and walked over to the dike separating the campground from the Yakima River. We had the 'best seat in the house' for a really nice 30 minute fireworks show the City of Yakima put on at the fairgrounds, just 2 miles away.
Saturday was another gorgeous day, and we tried our luck at furniture shopping again. Not but two stores in the Yakima area that carried Lazy Boy recliners (BOTH the chairs in the fifth wheel are completely broke down!). Our first stop I found - and fell in love with - a gorgeous red leather one. Of course, my 'champagne taste' on a 'beer budget' always gets me. We cussed & discussed, Roger did some 'bargaining' - and we still decided to run our other errands and 'think on it'. And, as always, after letting the 'moment' age a bit, a cooler head prevailed and we decided to look further.
The second store had MUCH better prices, but not near the selection. But, we decided that - for now - Roger could be happy with a dark brown leather (at half the price) and I'll get my red leather another day. It is SO NICE to once again have a comfortable chair to relax in. Basically Roger gets it in the evenings - and I claim it in the mornings before we start our day.
Found a Super Cuts and I got a needed trim, while Roger picked up some printer ink cartridges and tried to find a supply of Diet Coke. Funny, in the North East we always had trouble finding my Diet DP, but out west it is the Diet Coke that is tough to find. Never did find it in Yakima.
Sunday afternoon found the campground a bit of a 'ghost town' with the holiday weekend coming to an end. We put on our yellow shirts and went back to work. Turned out to be a bit of 'an exercise in futility' for we learned the campground is to be closed in mid-September. The Bureau of Land Management has purchased it. It will be 'returned to its natural state' and then used to widen the Yakima River as part of a flood control plan. What a waste - but the owner basically had only two options: take their buy-out offer OR they would 'take' it. At least they feel they got a 'fair offer' and they are ready to retire anyways.
Monday found us trekking north to Leavenworth, WA. Off the beaten path, but what a lovely area. Nice visit there and then it was on to Winthrop, WA. Another gorgeous park with great folks. Wish every park was as good as these two.
But, now it's time once again to cross the border into Canada. We have been hassled so many times when crossing the border, that we have really come to dread it. It shouldn't be that way, but we weren't surprised when we, once again, were asked to pull over and check in with the 'officer in charge'. We were in our 'yellow' and we clearly stated the purpose of our visit. When that was not satisfactory, Roger stated that the border patrol officer in Ontario had told us that as representatives of the franchisor (KOA), that we had the right to come in to Canada to inspect our franchisees.
BUT, this guy didn't like our use of the word "right"! So we got to stand and listen to this guy lecture us that "we didn't have any right to come in to Canada - it was a privilege! When asked exactly what we 'did' during an inspection, Roger then made the almost fatal mistake of saying that 'we do everything from check water temperature to GFI outlets'! Wrong thing to say! The border officer then stated that if he 'really wanted to' he could refuse to let us enter Canada, for in doing 'actual work' we were taking jobs away from Canadians. At that point, I was ready to say, "Ok, fine . . . we'll just turn around, call the Home Office, and let them send someone else in to do these visits! That's four less parks for us to have to do - and a week earlier we could be back in Oklahoma!"
He then told us to sit down, he was going to 'run some checks'. About that time, I noticed his supervisor walk over, they had a bit of a conversation, and he decided that 'he would let us in THIS time!' How nice of him! So we surrendered our one onion and half bag of potatoes, and we were allowed to go.
And, believe it or not, he tried to tell us that we were pulled over due to a 'random' selection! Do they really believe themselves!?! I might believe it if we weren't grilled EVERY TIME we cross the border.
I told Roger that they just must not like his looks! Whatever it is, it is NOT random!
Continued on to Revelstoke, BC. We were traveling Highway 97, and what a mistake. Much to our surprise, it was almost solid 'towns' from the border until we got about an hour from Revelstoke. It was a beautiful drive, but so much "stop & go" that it took us almost 8 hours to go 298 miles. We even got a call from the campground, as they were getting worried about our late arrival.
Once we got there, we had a 2-hour walk-about to do, for this is a large park. Had to get it done before dark, so we parked the rig, threw some chicken pot pies in the oven, and got started. Sat down to supper about 8:45 p.m. (so much for eating early) and then about 9:30 there was a knock on the door. Our hosts were feeling so sorry for us, that they brought us ice cream bars for dessert, since we had missed their ice cream social.
At least the weather was unseasonably cool. Up till midnight getting the report done and we met with them over breakfast the next morning. Thursday (July 10) dawned gray & cold, and by 10:00 a.m. it was pouring rain. Another long days drive ahead, as we trek along the Canadian Rockies to Hinton, Alberta.
So much for being hot!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
We Finally Found the Heat. . . and It's HOT!
I've been complaining all spring long about being cold, but not any more! Our time on the Oregon coast came to an end, (where we were experiencing temps in the high 50's & low 60's) and we headed 'inland' - just 100 miles or so - to Salem. The temperature that day hit a 101 degrees - and it was 99 degrees in our fifth wheel!
We melted! It was so hot that we postponed doing our walk-about until 8:30 that evening, but it didn't help much. That was much too drastic a change in a 24 hour period. But it looks like the heat is here to stay. Thankfully, we only had the one day of 100+; after that it has just been in the 90's.
In spite of the heat, as we drove from I-5 over the Cascade Mountains to Sisters, Oregon, we once again traveled through the mountain tops with snow all around us. A special 'treat' was coming 'face to face' with a pair of fawns standing in the middle of the road. One can only imagine what they must have thought to see a 'big yellow monster' bearing down on them. We were going slow, anyways, and after a moment of 'deer in the headlights' they bounded up the mountain. They were so young that they still had their spots.
It is just hard to comprehend how it can be so hot in the valley and so cool in the mountains that all of the snow hasn't melted.
A night in Sisters, then up and over a bit to Culver, Oregon, before we crossed the Columbia River and set foot for the first time in Washington. Still lots of mountains, as we made our way to the Ellensburg KOA. Drove right by the Yakima KOA on our way, but we'll be back there to spend the holiday weekend. We didn't want to 'waste' a day (that's one more park DONE) - so we drove on 40 miles north and got the review done at Ellensburg.
On the way through Yakima, we made a supply run at the local WalMart. Now we have shopped our share of WalMarts, but NEVER have we ever seen one as busy as this one. The parking lot was so full, that there wasn't a spot - (spots, actually) - for our fifth wheel. Luckily we found street parking behind a semi. I'm sure it was partly because it was the 'first' of the month - and the holiday weekend.
This morning we dropped back down the 40 miles and are settled in for the long weekend at the Yakima KOA. Wasn't sure just what we'd find here, but was pleasantly surprised to find two fishing ponds - and the Yakima River. Roger just might get some fishing in! As we drove in to the entrance I noticed 'something' sticking up in the pond. I was trying to figure out just what it was, when I realized I was 'observing' the tail ends of several ducks! They were 'ducking' their heads in the water, feeding, and all I was seeing was their tails sticking up in the air!
In fact, once we got settled in to our site, we discovered a mother duck nesting on some eggs in one of the flower barrels near our site. She sits so still that from a distance she looked like a statue. We would never have noticed her, had the owner not told us about her.
Roger had quite a time getting his satellite TV dish set up. Wouldn't you know that the one spot I picked to 'sit' for 4 days - he would have trouble shooting through the trees! After an hour+ and a good bump on the head when he hit one of the slide outs, he got it. When it comes to his TV reception, he NEVER gives up.
Think we'll do a bit of sightseeing over the weekend. Plan to drive over to Ice Harbor Dam to see the 'fish ladders'. I saw them back in the 60's on a trip with my folks - and have never forgotten them. Hopefully we'll find a fireworks display in the area.
But for now, we are out of our yellow shirts! Now if we could just loose the yellow truck & trailer for the next 3 days!
We melted! It was so hot that we postponed doing our walk-about until 8:30 that evening, but it didn't help much. That was much too drastic a change in a 24 hour period. But it looks like the heat is here to stay. Thankfully, we only had the one day of 100+; after that it has just been in the 90's.
In spite of the heat, as we drove from I-5 over the Cascade Mountains to Sisters, Oregon, we once again traveled through the mountain tops with snow all around us. A special 'treat' was coming 'face to face' with a pair of fawns standing in the middle of the road. One can only imagine what they must have thought to see a 'big yellow monster' bearing down on them. We were going slow, anyways, and after a moment of 'deer in the headlights' they bounded up the mountain. They were so young that they still had their spots.
It is just hard to comprehend how it can be so hot in the valley and so cool in the mountains that all of the snow hasn't melted.
A night in Sisters, then up and over a bit to Culver, Oregon, before we crossed the Columbia River and set foot for the first time in Washington. Still lots of mountains, as we made our way to the Ellensburg KOA. Drove right by the Yakima KOA on our way, but we'll be back there to spend the holiday weekend. We didn't want to 'waste' a day (that's one more park DONE) - so we drove on 40 miles north and got the review done at Ellensburg.
On the way through Yakima, we made a supply run at the local WalMart. Now we have shopped our share of WalMarts, but NEVER have we ever seen one as busy as this one. The parking lot was so full, that there wasn't a spot - (spots, actually) - for our fifth wheel. Luckily we found street parking behind a semi. I'm sure it was partly because it was the 'first' of the month - and the holiday weekend.
This morning we dropped back down the 40 miles and are settled in for the long weekend at the Yakima KOA. Wasn't sure just what we'd find here, but was pleasantly surprised to find two fishing ponds - and the Yakima River. Roger just might get some fishing in! As we drove in to the entrance I noticed 'something' sticking up in the pond. I was trying to figure out just what it was, when I realized I was 'observing' the tail ends of several ducks! They were 'ducking' their heads in the water, feeding, and all I was seeing was their tails sticking up in the air!
In fact, once we got settled in to our site, we discovered a mother duck nesting on some eggs in one of the flower barrels near our site. She sits so still that from a distance she looked like a statue. We would never have noticed her, had the owner not told us about her.
Roger had quite a time getting his satellite TV dish set up. Wouldn't you know that the one spot I picked to 'sit' for 4 days - he would have trouble shooting through the trees! After an hour+ and a good bump on the head when he hit one of the slide outs, he got it. When it comes to his TV reception, he NEVER gives up.
Think we'll do a bit of sightseeing over the weekend. Plan to drive over to Ice Harbor Dam to see the 'fish ladders'. I saw them back in the 60's on a trip with my folks - and have never forgotten them. Hopefully we'll find a fireworks display in the area.
But for now, we are out of our yellow shirts! Now if we could just loose the yellow truck & trailer for the next 3 days!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
The Many Faces of the Oregon Coast
Wow, the days are going by in a blur! This year it
is definitely more 'work' and not much 'play'!
But we can't 'waste' being on the Oregon coast, and took time to see four of the 11 lighthouses. We actually saw two others, but the timing wasn't right (towing a 38' fifth wheel) to pull over and take pictures. School is finally out here in the Northwest, and traffic is picking up in the tourist areas. But that's OK - we know where they are now and will catch them next season.
Our first KOA on the Oregon coast was Oregon Dunes. This park would be the 'favorite' of Randy, Wes & Nick - for it is right in the middle of the Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area and the park caters to 'off-road vehicle' enthusiasts. Miles and miles of sand dunes; so many that they look like little ants swarming over the dunes. Just south of that park, we found the Cape Arago Lighthouse. The light is the hardest to get a picture of, for you can not get close. The above picture is actually 'cropped and zoomed' - but you can still get a feel for the beautiful rocky coastline.
Then it was north a bit to the Umpqua River Light. Along this part of the coast, the sand dunes have flattened out a bit, but you could still here the 'buzz' of the dune buggies as you gaze out to sea.
Then a drive south to the Bandon/Port Orford area, where we find a KOA that is indeed situated right in the middle of an enchanted forest. Beautiful area! A small park, in great condition, and we unhooked and spent the afternoon driving further south to Gold Coast. A beautiful drive! This area is famous for myrtlewood and there are many shops along the drive selling everything you can imagine made from myrtlewood. This wood is mentioned in the Bible (Isaiah 55:13) and it only grows in southwestern Oregon and in Jerusalem. It is actually a type of evergreen.
Recommended by the KOA, we stopped at a little shop and spent a time getting a 'tour' and chatting with the owner. It is actually 'home' for four artisans and although it doesn't look like much from the outside, it was a 'gold mine' inside with all the beautiful art work. This was not your 'usual' souvenir shop! I found - and was fascinated - by some beautiful baskets (that's my weakness!) woven of pine needles. We saw huge slabs of wood with beautiful carvings of all types of animals. Exquisite work, but very much out of our price range. But the little proprietor was so patient - and quite a story teller - that we thoroughly enjoyed our time, without spending a penny.
Cape Blanco is just a few miles from the KOA. A beautiful light - the view is spectacular - and the wind is ferocious!
Just one night there and then we head back north all the way to Lincoln City. We made a stop just north of Bandon at the Coquille River Light.
Along this stretch the coast 'changes' once again. I would LOVE to have a few pieces of this driftwood, but Roger wasn't thrilled with the idea of transporting it for the next 2 months!
Our drive north was beautiful - but long. With all the little towns full of tourists and the up and down and side to side roads, our 175 mile trip took the best part of the day. Another park in great shape and our 'find' there was Mel's Diner - right on the park. We 'made a date' for breakfast (it was delicious!) and then we headed back south a bit to the Waldport/Newport area.
Wow! this park sits right on the bay - what a view! The wind was still with us, but the views made it all worthwhile.
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