Revelstoke

Greetings  from a cool and wet Revelstoke.  We arrived to find cool, misty weather.  They tell us there is only one more day of this grey weather and then the sun will come out.

Our first day, we decided to go to Mount Revelstoke Park.  As we climbed the steep grades to the top, it got very cold and was in the 30's at the top.  We hiked around a lake in the snow while Walt snoozed in a warm truck.  Soon, we were headed back down the mountain and we found a spot to sit and have a picnic lunch.  It was breath taking scenery this day from the overlooks showing the Columbia river down below.

Soon we were back in town scoping a good coffee house.  We found one and enjoyed a good cup of coffee to warm our bones.  It was a good day and we had fun.

Day two took us to the local vet for Walt.  He was having trouble with his feet and needed a toe nail clip bad.  We had stopped at a pet store and got some chewable pills for his hips which were working great.  He got his manicure and the doc looked at his leg.  He got some stuff for his leg and we were off.  It was clear today and the sun was shining bright.  It was warming fast and highs were forecast for the 90's.

We headed north and went to the Revelstoke dam.  It was fun, but they wont let you even take a camera or purse inside.  It was a nice time, but nothing like the dams in WA.

In the afternoon, we headed for the train museum.  We spent alot of time here looking at all the neat artifacts from the steam era of the Canadian Railway.  Back for another coffee and we chilled in the very nice park we had found.  We located a riverside walk and got our exercise there the one night.  Walt went a ways and then chilled while we continued.  There was a dike walk right at the RV park and this provided a nice and long walk for us.  Later in the evening, we sat in the main street area and listened to music for awhile.  As we listened, the heat and exercise were catching up, so off to bed we headed.

The next morning we packed and headed for a four night stay at Radium Hot Springs.  I will try to catch up as we stay at places with the internet.  Goodbye for now.

Vacation 2010

Howdy,

I am sitting outside at the picnic table (aluminum) chilling in the breeze. It is about 72 but winds are brisk. We hit the road at 0550 if you can believe that! Neither slept well last night and so we were up by 0430. I am dragging right now. Lori is in watching soaps and then the three of us are off for a walk.

We are at the Wenatchee river county park. My lot is on the end and I have about 40 feet to my neighbor. It is a great grassy site. Lots of road noise and of course a train or two, but wow, what a gem for the first day out.

This morning, we were at camping world at 715, so walked in a good rain storm to Starbucks and had coffee and a sandwich. Hit CW at 0800 and within minutes had spent over $500.00. Got the new tailgate , a stand for the dish and a adjustable water pressure reducer thingy. A couple small items and we were off.

Traffic was heavy on hwy 18 all the way to I-90. No problems on the pass, but just eaast it got crowded and slow. We poked along and once on Blewitt pass, traffic was medium. Hwy 2 to the park was heavy and it is very heavy now. Our plans include finding a fruit/veggie stand to get us bye till Canada and then stock up. Later on the road.


Day 2

We are camped in a very nice Desert Gem RV park in Oliver, BC. It is a nice park for an overnight stop, but not for much more. The sites have about 10 feet between and are very cramped. We have nice neighbors though and are enjoying it here.

As for the trip, we left a very nice park in Wenatchee and headed north on 97 towards Canada. As we approached Omak, I recalled days of bike riding and Loren getting us kicked out of Wal Mart. I took a picture for him to remember the store. As we get closer to Canada, the temps started to warm considerably. Soon we were at the border and drove right up to the gate. I later heard that it was common to wait for quite awhile over this weekend and some even reported a 4 hour wait to get across.

as we continued north, dozens of wineries lined the hiway and every street had signs for more. We got set up at the RV park and took off to explore. We went to Silver Sage and a couple others we have not been to. It is fun to drive around to these areas as the views and scenery are spectacular.

After dinner, we sat and enjoyed the evening sun and retired to watch some tv. As for Walt, he has good and bad moments. I have been giving him some aspirin and it seems to help. He does ok for short walk, but tires easily and wants to lay down. I fear this will be his last trip with us as he is slowing down alot. We keep our hopes up and enjoy the vacation with some adjustments.

Today is another travel day and we head to our first destination stop, Revelstoke. We will be here for three days and hope to see some sites, but also chill. They are calling for a little weather here today, but sun and warm skies are forecast!

Hangin with Friends

Several weeks ago, a little bantering on Facebook led to a camping trip for three couples. Lori and I were joined by Troy, Marie and Blaine along with Loren, Gwen and Land Shark (AKA Cooper). I somehow got put in charge of this caper and had the duty of locating a decent RV park to suit or needs.

After a couple trys, I found the Toutle River RV Resort in Castle Rock, WA. I called and was able to get reservations for all three with no problem. As time neared, many things changed and the weekend almost didnot happen.

Asd I was getting hooked up, I noticed a tire on the trailer looked low. I was going to check it anyway, but found it had about 25 lbs of air. I filled it up and it lost a couple pound in five minutes. I was already hooked up, so off I went to Schwabbs for a tire fix. Soon, I was without a screw in the tread and we were headed south. My luck lately.

We all got there and found this huge park very well kept and tons to do. We got set up and soon had dinner. A gathering was in order to solve all the world problems and at 8pm, we headed to the Karaoke area just in time to watch Blaine 'strut his stuff' on stage. A great night and off to bed as it was getting very cold.

Only issue with this park, is it is located close to the main line for the railroad and lots of trains come through. I loved it, but Loren complained (ya I know what else is new) yet he did seem to have a good time.

Saturday brought clear skies and warm temps. We headed to the pool for awhile, went to Castle Rock for coffee and just goofed off. Lori and I walked alot and all was good. As the evening drew closer, we sat and talked and had a great time just hanging out. Then it was off to watch Blaine sing and had to laugh when he was given a free two night pass to the park for his song choice and entertainment value!

Late in the afternoon, Loren pointed out my water connection was leaking and I used the quick connect to unkook and tighten the hose. Well I decided to reconnect without turning the water off and yep, got hosed down real good with Loren standing right along side. He was laughing so hard, he couldn't breath! Jerk...

Sunday morning, we walked up and hit the hot tub to sooth the sore muscles from Saturdays walk. It was fun and we were virtually alone. Soon it was time to hookup and head home. Only 75 miles to get home and with a coffee stop, we were there in no time. Jen was coming home from Portland and wanted to hitch a ride. She was dropped off at the RV park and rode home with us.

Unlike last time, I hit the driveway on one try and had no issues getting in. It was a great weekend and now I am nursing a sunburn, but one I galdly earned!

A Little R&R

Just over a week ago, I found out I had some heart problems and ended up getting a stint put in. I was off work for 10 days and with my new found energy, was driving the DW nuts. We decided to hitch up and head to Spokane to visit the oldest kid and sister. We took our time and was all hooked up and ready to roll last Wednesday. Only problem was a nasty pacific storm going through with some wind and heavy rain.

We did well watching traffic and taking our time. All was going well. we started to head up Snoqualmie pass in very heavy rain when all the sudden, the passenger wiper quit all the way up, the driver side came down on top and bent the %$@* out of both wiper arms and stuck!

I managed to get off the freeway with almost 0 visibility and after getting drenched, was able to salvage enough parts to make the drivers side work. We called ahead to a Dodge dealer and they welcomed us in. The one wiper worked ok (had to bend the arm back enough for it to partially work) and made it to Ellensburg with no further problems.

We unhooked the trailer and sat outside and ate lunch (much to the amusement of all passing by) while they put our Dodge back together. They didn't have the parts, so after a weather check, we hooked up and continued to Spokane and a Dodge dealer fixed it for us here!

Never let it be said that any of my RV outings are not an adventure! Oh and by the way, we were delayed just long enough for one day of good weather here and now the rain has followed us.

We set up at Ponderosa Falls campground and really like hanging out here. We visited Mark and Aunt Sandy over the next few days. On Thursday, Mark and Aunt Sandy were working, so we headed to Spokane falls park in downtown Spokane. Lots of trails and things to see. We walked so much with my new found energy that Walt almost stroked out on us. I thought I was going to have to carry him at one point as he was so exhausted! We went to Red Robin and had a great salad for lunch, walked some more and headed back to the trailer.


Friday night as we were wrapping up out trip, met everyone out at the Casino (Northern Lights) for dinner and some fun. After a great dinner and visit, I was getting the itch to 'pay' for my trip. As we walked through the casino, Mark and I stopped at the Craps table. He wanted to learn how to play and we went over a few rules and put some money down. In just over an hour, both of us had an incredible tie and walked away with alot of their money ( well alot to us!)

We met the crew Saturday morning for coffee and Lori and I headed for the sun. It was off to Yakima and the Casino in Toppenish. We got to town after a pleasant drive and along with Walt, sat and enjoyed the sunshine for the day.

As evening set in, Lori and I had dinner, closed up and walked the half mile to the casino. We bummed around and while I lost a little of my earnings from Spokane, she won enough to make us even again. Back to the trailer and sat outside to watch the sun go down. It was still warm as we went to bed. What a great day.

Let The Sun Shine

Every once in awhile, all the conditions come together for a great outing. This weekend was one of those. After seeing the weather people promise 70's and clear skies for this weekend, I called K&M and made reservations for Maple Grove Resort in Randle, WA. After telling our friends Loren and Gwen about our intentions, they decided to tag along and join us for a couple days worshiping the sun.

This is a resort we have heard alot about, both good and bad. In looking at reviews in Campground reviews RV Park Reviews some people had been critical of this park. Wet and muddy conditions were noted as well as narrow sites. I wanted to check it out as we may stay here on the way home from vacation in a month or two.

Lori, Walt and I hit the road about 330 on Friday and were met with heavy traffic all the way south till we got off the freeway. As we headed east on Hiway 12, traffic was heavy but moving ok. Soon we were at Randle and see the sign for the campground. We cross the bridge and can see the park on the left. What a beautiful RV park. We pull in and soon find it is a find your own spot park. I hate these as we cant ever make up our minds. All the end spots were taken, so we opted for two spots in the middle row of the full hookups. Very long sites, but as reported earlier, kind of narrow. We were in the park and finishing setting up as Gwen and Loren along with Land Shark, AKA Cooper arrived. Cooper was glad to see us, especially Lori as she is the one with treats and soon we all had dinner out of the way and we sat and enjoyed each others company.

Saturday morning brought sunshine and warming temps. We all headed to the indoor pool and Hot tub for relaxation. It was a very nice facility and we had a great swim. Very clean and well kept up.

Lori, Walt and I headed out later that morning for a Latte. We saw the stand about a half mile from the campground and decided with the nice weather to walk. They were very nice and gave Walt treats and water as we sat on a picnic table and enjoyed our coffee. We made it back to camp and all of us goofed off. We could tell it was getting close to dinner as the barbecue smells started to sift through the area. Again, socializing and alot of laughter made the evening go to quick. We slept good that night and were up around 730. Back off to the pool and an enjoyable dip. We packed up and said our goodbyes and headed out.

Only weird thing all weekend was the electric water heater went out in our trailer. I will get that fixed before we head to Memorial day weekend. We still had the gas heater, so we had hot water. On the way home, I rounded a corner and you could see a large swarm of something ahead right on the hiway. When we drove through it, the splatters of some kind of bug covered the front of the truck and I am sure the trailer. We kept going and found later that we had a huge mess on the front of the trailer.

After we got home, I had to wash the trailer and now we are all set for memorial day! A fun weekend and great company.

April Showers...

Here it is April and the sun has promised to show its warming glow over the weekend. I called K&M and got reservations at Ocean Mist. During the week, we loaded and I accomplished some needed maintenance on the trailer and hitch. I popped the top of the hitch off and could see alot of gunk around the slide and gear. I cleaned it with electrical cleaner and then sprayed on this vegetable lubricant. I tested the release and it worked alot better. I sprayed the steps and checked tire pressures. All was in good shape as was the new landing gear. I found the other side didn't go all the way in unless you tapped it with your hand. All was loaded and as Friday afternoon arrived, we were treated to mid 60 temps and blue skies.

We arrived at Ocean Mist about 4 and found we had scored a beach front lot. I was excited to be able to look out the back window at the dunes and see at least part of the ocean. As I pulled around the corner, there sit a motorhome in our spot. The maintenance guy came over and asked us if we needed help. I pointed to the motorhome and told him this was our assigned spot. He relayed that the MH had come in after the office closed a couple days ago and have not checked in yet. As the afternoon went on, it appeared they parked it and went back home, saving a spot for the weekend. Some people!

Anyway, we got a very nice spot across the road and immediately met the neighbors. This weekend was very friendly and although not that many rigs there, it was a very quiet and nice group. We got set up and soon were feasting on Spagetti that Lori had prepared at home and only needed to cook the noodles. We picked our teeth, sat outside and watched the sunset and set in for a wonderful evening doing nothing.

We did reminisce about our tent trailer and adventures on the bike. Although we both miss those days, I do not miss waking in 30 degree weather or rain to walk to the bathroom. We snickered a little when a couple pulled in next to us and went to set up their pop up trailer. We watched as they opened the canopy, raised it and exposed both beds to the elements. It was nice out, but I think this would be a pain in the rain. Soon they were all tucked in, but we chuckled a little as we remembered thos walks for a shower and tinkle.

During the early morning of Saturday, both of us awoke to the sound of heavy rain. It was really coming down. We drifted back off to sleep and soon I awoke to the best smells ever...coffee and cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. We ate a hearty breakfast and happened to find a great movie on TV. As that one ended, another came on that was just as good. This meant, it is almost noon and neither have showered or moved out of our chairs.

We got ready and headed to Ocean Shores for lunch. We happened to stop at Duggans Pizza and had a great hot sandwich. Then it was time for the casino. As we pulled into the lot, I noticed there were people everywhere. It was a classic car show and with the hundreds if not thousands of people there to see the cars in the lot, the rain and wind pushed them inside. Only a couple slot machines and no seats at the card tables. We bagged it and headed out.

I have wanted to check out Pacific Beach State park as it is a local favorite. We drove up and were surprised to find it only about half full. A nice park, but only electricity at the site. There is a dump station as you leave. I liked it as it sits right on the water.

Today we got up to find sunshine and warming temps. We ate and watched some tv before breaking camp. It was hard to head out when the weather is so nice. We did have to stop in Aberdeen for our Starbucks fix...sorry, just took a sip of coffee, and headed home. As is always my routine, I go around and pull up to the driveway headed towards the freeway. This makes for what I call a drivers side turn. Lori gets out and stops traffic. I pulled up, she gets out and I pull into the other lane to pull out at an angle. As I do, a truck flies up the hill, disregards Lori and goes around me. I pause, show my appreciation and continue. Another car comes the other way and as I start to back, she pulls around and goes past as I am swinging out. I guess people were in a hurry today. We got baked in and unpacked in what seemed like record speed. It was a fun weekend and for once, other than a couple minor blips, a error free weekend. Both of us are getting pumped as the weather improves. Happy camping everyone.

* on a side note, the slideout issue turned out to be low fluid. I added ATF to the hydrolic pump and it has worked flawlessly since. I have monitored the fluid level and there has been no drop. Not sure what caused that.

Be My Valentine

A unique set of days came together this year. Both presidents day and Valentines day landed on the same weekend. This meant a 3 day weekend and the chance to get away. Lori checked at work and was able to getFriday off as well. Where to go and what to do? After a few checks and compromises, we decided we would head south and stay at the Seven Feathers Casino and RV resort. This resort is rated very high and we stayed here last June.

Both of us were getting over the crud and not very ambitious, so we put off most of the packing till Thursday night when we got home from work. Lori was headed east about 3:30 and I was watching the clock tick away. I took off and we met for a Latte on the way home.

As we walked in the door at home, I was quickly reminded of how no matter what you envision, reality is waiting to show its ugly head. Walt was sick and pooped throughout the house. It was time to break out the carpet cleaner and get to it. Lori dodged the bad stuff and took stuff out to the trailer, while I gagged from the smell and worked on the living room and hallway. As I got near the couch, I was surprised by vomit on the couch from one of the cats. Ki Ki has been seeing how much she can eat in a setting and tries to get all of Daryls food before she starts on hers. Then she is so full, she yaks it awhile later. We have to feed them in separate rooms or she takes it all. So I clean that the carpet. I needed to send Shawn a couple of pics of the trailer and as I sit there, Walt walks in and Throws up all around the studio. What else...well, as I clean that, I find a spot the cats have been using as a cat box! 1.5 hours later, the house is really clean and Lori has the trailer loaded.

We were up and off just before nine. We were worried because Walt had been sick for a couple days and not feeling well. This meant frequent stops to make sure he was ok. He was drinking some water, but if he drank alot, he would throw it right back up. I gave him just a little and he had a problem the first time, but was okay after that. The trip south was about 335 miles of freeway, so little driving challenges except heavy traffic in Portland.

As we pulled into the park at about 4:30, there several rigs in front of us waiting to check in. This place is very busy for the middle of winter. It is such a nice park, I can understand why there are so many people here. Soon we were set up in a nice pull through site near the pool and hot tub. By the time I got set up, Lori had tacos cooking and we had a great dinner.

Off to the hot tub to soak. My ankle was acting up from the drive for some reason and we wanted to relax. On a good note, Walter was drinking more and more water and some snacks. He seems to be getting better.

After dinner, Lori wanted me to set up the satellite dish so she could check out her soaps. This was not to happen tonight. For some unknown reason, the setup would not change to this setup. I tried and tried and nothing. I gave up and we hooked up to cable to watch the opening of the Olympics.

The next morning, Walt was ore alert and ready for a walk. He was doing alot better today and we were hopeful he was ok. We headed out for a Latte after a great Lori breakfast. We drove around a bit and found a couple small towns in the area. Not alot down here, but a nice area.

We stopped for lunch at the truck stop at the base of the hill. Very good food and then back to the trailer. We goofed off and it was in the 50's here, so we took out the lawn chairs and watched the world go by.

This is when things go bad...when you get a little bored and start to goof off. I felt the desire for some reason to open the awning in order to dry it out. I unhooked and loosened, looking like a pro with years of experience, but the post near the door stuck. As I opened from the front side, some water came down. I went and tugged on the other post a couple times, and pop, it comes loose! A large amount of water cascades off the awning to completely drench me head to toe. My lovely wife offered her support by asking if I needed a towel. Of course this was between the hysterical laughter.

This triggered a most feared necessity in our lives. Loren used to travel alone with us on the bikes and at least once a trip, Gwen gets a phone call that starts out " I wanted to call you first, so (insert a name here, usually mine) and tell you the truth about what happened before you hear it from someone else!"

It was my turn to make that most distasteful call to Loren. Not alot of support on this call, as I soon found out I was on speaker phone! The unsupportive *&@$.

Around 3:30 we caught the shuttle and headed for the casino. We had found out last wek that Frankie Avalon was performing tonight here and I got us a couple tickets. I could only think about his performance at his age would include tricked out walkers, maybe a quick break to change an adult diaper and samples of ensure for the audience. What the heck, its valentines weekend and nothings too good for my bride!

Much to my surprise, Frankie at 79 performed as well as entertainers half his age or more. We were treated to 50's and 60's hits as well as tributes to many icons of that era. Well worth the price of admission and the only downside was no ensure samples or even geriatric vitamin samples!

We donated our money to the casino and came back to the trailer and watched Olympics till bed time. As I write this, we are finished with breakfast and headed for the hot tub. With one exception, a great weekend so far.

Later, we both returned to the casino and while I lost money, Lori did okay, winning about $80.00, We wanted to try the buffet and were surprised how mediocre it was. There were alot of places with no food, little choice and tastless food. Not all worth even half the $19.00 per person. I do have to say this was n the heels of one of their busiest nights ever and may have flat run out of food. Either way, we walked away disappointed. Back to the trailer and more Olympics for a quiet evening and off to bed. I had been worrying about my slideouts as when we set up, they would not go out very well. I was worried we would have trouble getting them closed and with a long drive, could be a problem.

I woke at 6 and soon we were up getting things ready to head out. Finally, it was time to close the slideouts...no problem, closed like normal. I did grease the tracks, so not sure if that helped.

It took nearly 8 hours to get home with traffic and stops. We had a good trip home, but freeways are not very scenic. The truck did great and trailer pulled well. We were greeted to heavy rain as we got close and had to unhook in a rain storm...typical. I went to open the slides and again they struggled to open. Not sure what is going on, but need to figure it out. It was a great weekend and we had fun. Lori already wants to go next weekend as the weather is calling for sun and highs near 60. We will see.