Lori, Walt and I are packed and as soon as Lori gets home, we are off to Burlington and then onto Blaine for a slow paced and relaxing week long vacation. The plan is to stay at the Burlington KOA tonight, sat and sun, then after a stop at camping world to install a couple vent covers, we are off to Blaine and the K & M campground there.
One plan was to get a certificate of health for Walt, so he could go to Canada on some day trips. We took him to the vet and they found an infection in his eye, did a complete physical and sent him home with meds. A whoping $300.00 later, he is in good health and can go with us. Had I known he was going to cost that much, he could have slept in the trailer while we enjoyed Canada!
Speaking of Walt, the vet put him on some joint pain meds to make him get around better. Liked him better when he layed around and was cudly...now he is full of you know what and is all over the place. Today, I put him in the truck as I always do when I hitch up as he was running around all psycho. He refused to get out, is ready to go camping and has been in the back seat for over an hour...Anyway, more from the road!
Oh, One last thing before we head out. A couple weeks ago, Lori got a new GPS for her car. Last night she informs me we will be using her GPS as it is much better and is more updated...Who'd ever thunk...GPS envy!!!
Well, we hit the road at about 2:20 pm, a personal best for us. We hoped to get through traffic and be set up no later than 7pm. Well, that didnt happen. As we hit Ft Lewis, traffic slowed to a crawl and stayed that way. We decided to stop at Applebys in Tacoma hoping the traffic would lighten up. We feasted on the two for twenty special which I had the buffalo wings and ribletts. This would later become a serious issue with me. I rarely eat stuff with all this sauce...I was hungry and it looked good. We made it back on the freeway and I can point out every piece of roadway through Tacoma as I had plenty of time to study it. We got back up to about 45 mph in Federal Way and then more slow downs as we inched our way through Seattle and north.
As we cleared North Seattle my worst fears began to materialize...I needed to use the restroom and there was no way to even get off the freeway(remember the ribs and buffalo wings?) Things went south very fast if you know what I mean? I wont bother you with the details but thank god I finally spotted a rest area.
At a whopping 8:40, we are in camp and set up. I am exhausted from the trip and soon we had the satellite set up and TV was on. This KOA is packed tonight and there are people everywhere, but it is quiet. All are minding themselves.
Saturday morning was too early and we vegged all morning. After breakfast, we headed for the pool and hot tub. After Hiding in the shower room till I made sure Greenpeace was no where around, I went for it and hit the pool. It was a very nice and warm pool as was the hot tub. Ahhh, we are finally on vacation.
We headed to La Conner for lunch. After walking around a bit, we found a nice cafe that is on the dock over looking the waterway. We dined on fish and chips as the boats slid by and were even entertained by a seal in the river feasting as we were. After checking out the shops, we loaded up. I wanted to check the Potlatch resort, an RV park in town. Reports were not favorable but after driving through, I felt this park was very suitable for those spending time in La Conner. The sights are narrow, but well maintained and nice level pads.
We then headed for Anacortes. I wanted to look at the Fidalgo Bay RV resort. It is located on a beautiful spit on the water overlooking Fidalgo bay. As we drove in, there is a section to the left and another down a road. This first section was dry, unkempt and not very inviting. Units seemed packed in like sardines. Not my idea of a place to camp. I guess if you were there to fish and not spend alot of time in camp, it would work fine. The other section however was very nice with wide sites and million dollar views. We would definitely spend time here.
We worked our way into Anacortes and what do you know, a Starbucks! Time for a fix and then drove around the back side of the bay which narrows down into Deception Pass which was spectacular. Back at camp, we watched the Seahawk game (cost of new satellite dome down to about $80.00 per viewing hour now) and another tactical mistake...Nachos for dinner! Thank god we have the extra strength Tums with us. Oh ya, she also cooked up some asparages for me...my gut, my a*&#. After dinner, we walked and as we went past the community campfire, some folks who have taken a liking to Walter invited us to stay. We talked till late and had a great time.
This morning we awoke to a brisk but clear morning. Coffee and a walk with Walter was the highlight. We are taking it easy today with Outlet mall shopping and Starbucks. Tommorrow, we pack up and head to Blaine with a stop at Camping World to have some vent covers put on. Sounds like this will be a timely addition as they are calling for rain later this week. More on vacation 2009 later.
After a disappointing trip to the Burlington outlet stores (not too many stores that Lori likes) but she did find some clothes. We headed to Red Robin and had a good lunch. Seems food is the highlights most of the time. We headed back and hung out the rest of the night. Parks has cleared out for now, but they said it promises to be busy on Labor Day.
Monday morning was our appointment at Camping world to have vent covers put on. As we talked to the service rep, she learned of our destination of Beachwood. She told us how no sites are reserved and there are several sections (a though G) to choose from. She strongly advised us to head to section G which we did when we arrived. What a huge resort. The pool area hosts three pools, two outdoor hot tubs and one inside tub. A workout area and lots to keep one busy. we were worn out as when we left Camping world, I decided to go off the beaten path and travel up WA 11 towards Bellingham. What a beautiful but treacherous drive with a trailer. The roads were narrow and up and down as you hugged the coast literally on the edge. we finally made it to the RV park and as we turned into section G, which is secluded from the rest, we really liked the sites. We had a few to choose from and picked an end site. Very nice neighbors and lots to watch and enjoy. The pool area was quite a ways away and it required a trip in the truck when cool outside. A day to rest up and check out Birch bay and then it was off to BC. Next, our trip north...
That night, I went to set the GPS for our trip. I soon learned that there was no Canada map loaded. Appearently, a little known secret is all the Garmin Gps units which end in 00, only have the bottom 48 states. I was off to the parking lot where I could get Wi Fi and a short two hours later, I had the updated maps loaded on the computer, but would not load in the Garmin. I was frustrated and went back to the trailer. The next morning, I called tech support and found out the 'trick' to getting the map loaded.
After a good breakfast, we locked in the GPS and were off (around 11 am) to Whistler. Within minutes we were at the border and when asked where we were headed, the borader agent gave us an alternate route to get through the Vancouver traffic...Ya, right. Was it the first left and off the round about? No, take the second left and the first exit out of the...oh crap, we're lost again. We were on the shoreline and headed in the right directiion, but not even close to the route we needed. I soon was able to get back on track and we headed up the bay towards Whistler. What a beautiful drive. There was construction 75 % of the way as they were trying o get ready for the 2010 Olympics. We saw several venue's and when we arrived at Whistler, all I could say was WOW! The place is huge and people everywhere. We parked and walked around the interior area with all the shops and places to eat. It was fun sitting in a curb side cafe watching all the people. I believe most countries and races were represented here. What a diverse area.
After a great lunch, Lori and I walked up to the lift area and could see alot of mountain bikers coming down the hill. It looked like some sort of competition, but I am not sure.
As the day turned to evening, it was time to head home. Easier said than done. We got caught in traffic and construction heading down the hill, but made it to west Vancouver just in time for ridlock. It was no faster than 10 mph for several miles. When we finally made it to our exit, I swore I would never come back to Vancouver. We made it over the border and by the way, not a question about Walt (good use of $330.00) and we were at a pizza place. We took it to the trailer and settled in for some tv. A long but enjoyable day.
Next, it was back over the border, but on the east side of Vancouver for wine tasting. We mapped out several locations, found a couple, saw a couple that were closed and made it to an old Fort town northeast of Vancouver. We ate lunch at a small coffee shop and I as well as Lori felt this was one of the best Lattes we have had. we walked the town and soon realized it was a major tourist trap with little to hold our interest. We packed up and headed south. As we approached a busy intersection, I could see a car ahead stop abruptly as it turned left. The car stayed there and it appeared it was disabled. As we neared the intersection, I was able to see what happened. A scooter was down as was the rider. The female driver was out of her car and both she and the downed rider were on their cell phones...strange.
As our week neared the end, I felt we had a great time, but I am not used to this type of vacation. I like to spend a couple days here and there, moving to a new spot and seeing more stuff. We enjoyed our time at Beachwood, but I felt somewhat unfullfilled. We have some fine tuning to do on this RV thing.
As the summer is winding down, we reflect on our travels and our accomplishments. I love RV travel, but feel guilty with the bike sitting in the garage and the grass grows taller at our neglected beach property. With our schedules, something has to give...but what would it be?
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Land Sharks and Sand
Last weekend, we traveled to Silver Cove RV park near Castle Rock, WA. We met up with Gwen and Loren for a weekend of relaxation and...well...thats about all we had planned. The Falls were a little nervous as they were bringing their new pup along and well, lets just say, he has a few social problems. You see, Cooper is adopted and has had a rough short life. He is a Pug, Chihuahua mix. If you are trying to visualize, think of Loren very anorexic. Anyway, Cooper is a little stand offish when he is around you for the first time. I was introduced to Cooper shortly after we arrived and he soon earned his nickname of land shark. Cooper is a little uppity and likes to growl while showing his teeth. After a short time (Almost two days!) Cooper settled down and when given a treat by Lori, soon was her best bud. He never warmed up to a bored and un impressed Walter which seemed to make Cooper even more ill tempered. Kind of reminds me of Loren when dinner is late!
Saturday morning, Lori and I went for coffee, returned and sat around watching tv, napping and walking this huge and beautiful park. We watched boaters come and go, fish jump and in general had a great time. I can easily see why the Falls love this place.
Saturday night, we grilled hamburgers while the Falls provided their special corn on the cob. It was great and we sat around enjoying the fire at night watching Loren constantly moving wood around trying to put the fire out every minute of so. We had a great time.
Sunday, my plan was to head through Portland, hit hiway 26 and later onto Oregon 6 into Tillimook and onto Sand Lake to meet Shawn and Neal for some quad riding on the sand. All was going well until I went to take the exit off I-5 to Hiway 26. Exit was closed and no detour. Thankfully Rosie routed me over Cornelious pass and then back to my original route.
Soon I was on my quad and hitting the sand. We rode all afternoon and rode with several of Shawns friends who came down for the day. We all decided to take the 'one way' which is a trail on the north end and is supposed to be a one way trail. About three quarters of the way in, the first guy did a loop and when he exited, Shawn was just entering and they collided. Both were thrown off their bikes and suffered minor injuries. The bikes were not so lucky. Shawns bike was broke and we had to put the front on the back of my quad and tie it down. I then acted as a tow truck and towed it all the way back to camp.
we licked our wounds and made dinner. Neal and I went back out riding for a sunset cruise. We ride up to a bluff over looking the Pacific Ocean and watch a spectacular sunset. It is very romantic...er I mean we high fived and rode off into the sunset...
Monday morning brought a very sore and slow moving Shawn. He slpt good during the night, but was in need of Advil real bad. I made omelets and Neal and I went back out for a couple hours as Shawn slept some more. We packed up and headed for home about 1130. We made great time till we hit Seaside. From there it was one construction project after another and we crept along and breakneck speeds of 5mph for miles. After 4 1/2 hours, I was home and another adventure had ended. On a side note, Shawn is much better and moving more every day.
Saturday morning, Lori and I went for coffee, returned and sat around watching tv, napping and walking this huge and beautiful park. We watched boaters come and go, fish jump and in general had a great time. I can easily see why the Falls love this place.
Saturday night, we grilled hamburgers while the Falls provided their special corn on the cob. It was great and we sat around enjoying the fire at night watching Loren constantly moving wood around trying to put the fire out every minute of so. We had a great time.
Sunday, my plan was to head through Portland, hit hiway 26 and later onto Oregon 6 into Tillimook and onto Sand Lake to meet Shawn and Neal for some quad riding on the sand. All was going well until I went to take the exit off I-5 to Hiway 26. Exit was closed and no detour. Thankfully Rosie routed me over Cornelious pass and then back to my original route.
Soon I was on my quad and hitting the sand. We rode all afternoon and rode with several of Shawns friends who came down for the day. We all decided to take the 'one way' which is a trail on the north end and is supposed to be a one way trail. About three quarters of the way in, the first guy did a loop and when he exited, Shawn was just entering and they collided. Both were thrown off their bikes and suffered minor injuries. The bikes were not so lucky. Shawns bike was broke and we had to put the front on the back of my quad and tie it down. I then acted as a tow truck and towed it all the way back to camp.
we licked our wounds and made dinner. Neal and I went back out riding for a sunset cruise. We ride up to a bluff over looking the Pacific Ocean and watch a spectacular sunset. It is very romantic...er I mean we high fived and rode off into the sunset...
Monday morning brought a very sore and slow moving Shawn. He slpt good during the night, but was in need of Advil real bad. I made omelets and Neal and I went back out for a couple hours as Shawn slept some more. We packed up and headed for home about 1130. We made great time till we hit Seaside. From there it was one construction project after another and we crept along and breakneck speeds of 5mph for miles. After 4 1/2 hours, I was home and another adventure had ended. On a side note, Shawn is much better and moving more every day.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Back to the Beach
It's 1200 and the trailer is loaded. We are off to a relaxing, but maybe wet weekend at Ocean Mist RV park. It's only been a couple weeks since we were on the road, but I need to get away. Work is staggering again and help is finally here. I have a new partner and thee load will ease from here. With that, gives me the ability to escape beyond the confines of this county. We will be on the road this weekend, next weekend with Gwen and Loren (he always gives me much to write about...you know the kind...black cloud over head) in Castle rock. Then we are off to the Northwest corner for vacation near the end of the month. Grandma and grandpa Munson should be here soon, so off to finish loading and then the grueling 35 minute drive to the park!
We arrived at the park around 4 or so. It was packed but there were a couple spots open by the ocean side. We were lucky enough to get a spot right next to the one we occupied a few weeks earlier. Soon we were hooked up and the grill was going with chicken. We had apple salad, Taco salad and chicken for dinner and sat around picking our teeth for hours. We do eat well while traveling! I set up the satellite for TV and we sat and relaxed over fresh baked cinnamon rolls.
Saturday we goofed off and went to the Casino in the afternoon. Mild temps and no wind made for a great day at the beach. When we got back, the mist was moving in as I heated up the barbecue. Tonight was Halibut for the guys and Grandma Munson got to sample some chicken Kabobs and Corn on the cob. Wow, what a feast. We walked around later to work off some of the dinner.
About 3:30 in the morning, I awoke to clanking and movement in the trailer. After realizing it was'nt the in laws in the bedroom, I got up to investigate. I looked outside and noticed the wind had come up and the awning was moving around pretty good. I decided to go out and close it up. As I wound it up, I could hear others doing the same thing in the dark. Oh Well, we are camping after all.
Sunday was warm and some sun. As we broke camp, the weather continued to improve, but we knew it was not going to last. What a nice weekend and now to go back on the diet. As we headed east, I noticed there seemed to be a mass exodus from the beach. Traffic was heavy and lots of RV's were on the road. We topped off the weekend with a stop at Starbucks for a nice cup of joe. I could get used to being on the road. Side note: Walt got lots of attention and walks. We had to check him a couple times to make sire he was just sleeping sound and not dead. That was one tired puppy.
We arrived at the park around 4 or so. It was packed but there were a couple spots open by the ocean side. We were lucky enough to get a spot right next to the one we occupied a few weeks earlier. Soon we were hooked up and the grill was going with chicken. We had apple salad, Taco salad and chicken for dinner and sat around picking our teeth for hours. We do eat well while traveling! I set up the satellite for TV and we sat and relaxed over fresh baked cinnamon rolls.
Saturday we goofed off and went to the Casino in the afternoon. Mild temps and no wind made for a great day at the beach. When we got back, the mist was moving in as I heated up the barbecue. Tonight was Halibut for the guys and Grandma Munson got to sample some chicken Kabobs and Corn on the cob. Wow, what a feast. We walked around later to work off some of the dinner.
About 3:30 in the morning, I awoke to clanking and movement in the trailer. After realizing it was'nt the in laws in the bedroom, I got up to investigate. I looked outside and noticed the wind had come up and the awning was moving around pretty good. I decided to go out and close it up. As I wound it up, I could hear others doing the same thing in the dark. Oh Well, we are camping after all.
Sunday was warm and some sun. As we broke camp, the weather continued to improve, but we knew it was not going to last. What a nice weekend and now to go back on the diet. As we headed east, I noticed there seemed to be a mass exodus from the beach. Traffic was heavy and lots of RV's were on the road. We topped off the weekend with a stop at Starbucks for a nice cup of joe. I could get used to being on the road. Side note: Walt got lots of attention and walks. We had to check him a couple times to make sire he was just sleeping sound and not dead. That was one tired puppy.
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