A Sad Day in the Fretts Family

 Part of us died on Monday.  Beloved companion and protector Walt was put to sleep after his battle with age and bad hips finally caught up with him this weekend.  Since he was a pup, he was the kind of dog that had a personality that always lit up the place he was at.  His love of travel was only second to his obsession for retrieving...yes he was a tried an true yellow lab. One of Walts favorite activities was diving for rocks or anything under water he could find.  He was inseperable from both Mark and Shawn and frequent trips to the river was just the thing for all.

As Walt got older, you could see his desire to be with Lori and I  was getting to a be a problem.  He was very vocal about being left at home and could be seen often hanging with us at the local coffee shop.  There were few dogs or cats that Walt didnt like.  He will be sorely missed,

A couple years ago, Lori and moved from our motorcycle to a trailer.  Partly as we knew Walt was getting older and mostly because we wanted him around us as he wanted to be with us,  I remember the many times as soon as the keys were picked up, he would bolt out the door taking out anything or anyone in his way.  He would do laps around the truck till I opened the door and he would jump from wherever he was standing usually hitting the door or truck and falling down,  He will be missed.

Last spring, the reality of his age really hit me in the stomach like I was getting socked.  He could not navigate the rocks and would not swim.  This site sickened me as the Walt we had been annoyed with over the years by  his tireless desire to make anyone in his reach happy by bringing them a stick.  I have come to associate our beach property with the many lives of both people and pets that have come and gone from this place.  Why Walt and why now?  It doesn't seem fair that God always takes the good ones way too early even if they lived a long life here on earth.  We are never happy or seem ready to accept the reality of life and death.  They will all be missed.

Last month we took Walt on one final vacation.  I knew from the start, it may kill him as he was slowing quickly.  He still managed to hold his head high and search the roads for us even though his sight was nearly gone.  We had to find a vet in Canada to help him and they gave us some great joint paint pills that helped him alot.  As we neared the end of the trip, we could tell poor Walt was too worn out to do much more and was content to sit and smell the air.  He faded quickly after returning home and began to have balance problems.  A couple weeks ago we came to grips with the inevitable and I tried to prepare myself for the trip to town that one last time.  I think he heard us and got quite a bit better.  We were relieved.  It was for not as this last weekend, he was now suffering and I needed to man up and get on with my responsibility as a pet owner and friend,  He didnt deserve to go out with anything less that holding his head up, making friends even in those last few breaths.  Even the vet was emotional as Walt layed in my arms taking a last few peaceful breaths on this earth for now.  I know his spirit will return soon and a dog will 'pick' us to help him grow up to be the same or better dog than Walt.  He will be missed.
 
One last thought in my obituary for my companion.  I feared the final act more than anything on earth.  When the decision was made, there are three distinct acts that I had to complete.  The hardest for me was to make the call to the vet.  This was the moment of reality.  I was commited to following through now.  Then I sat and watched the clock waiting for the time to take the drive.  Walt enjoyed his final ride and seemed relaxed as he almost knew it was his last.  I dont know, maybe I wanted him to be ok with what I was doing to him.  He walked in mostly on his own and layed with me on the floor as the sedative wagiven.  We said our goodbyes and asked him to say hi to a few pets who have already gone to 'dog heaven' He seemed to understand as his eyes slowly closed and his pain went away.  A calm came over me and I actually felt ok.  Dont mistake what I mean, I still have moments I lose my composure, but it was the right thing to do and probably should have been done sooner.

He is missed!

Toutle River 2010

Radium Hot Springs and Beyond

My writing has slowed the past few days after getting home from vacation.  I have a few minutes to get caught up, so here I go.

After leaving Revelstoke, it was time for that long, hard drive to Radium Hot Springs.  The weather has finally warmed and with all of 150 miles to go, we were in no hurry.  We pulled the pass heading east out of Revelstoke with no problem and after an hour, it was time for a potty break.  Once  we pulled off in a pull out for a break, I happened to look over and got a great view of the Columbia River far below.  It was a great spot and we sat there for several minutes watching the river.  Back on the road, we pulled into Golden and had no problem finding our way.  We hit 93 south and made the final 30 or so miles to Radium.  Not alot to see as we head south till we got close to town.  What a beautiful area.  As we neared town, we spotted the RV park on our right.  We stayed at the Radium Vally resort.  AS we were there on our RPI card, they directed us to and area on the north end of the park.  It seemed small for sites, but one we started to back in, it was deceiving as there was a wood walkway and a patio complete with barbecue.  The site was right on the hill and looked toward the mountains on one side and out over the huge valley to the north.

We goofed off at the resort that day and hit the pool after dinner.  A very nice facility and not that many people.  We had checked in town and found a coffee stop with an outside patio and a spot for Walt to sit and watch people and critters.  The following day, we headed back north to Golden and hit Hiway one.  We headed up the the pass and stopped at the famous railway corkscrew tunnels.  We sat and waited hoping to see a train for over an hour.  This location is unique as it has two series of tunnels to lessen the elevation/drop of trains crossing the pass.  As the locomotive enters the tunnel, it make a turn and exits as the middle of the train is still on the top side of the tracks.  At one point you can see three different sections of the train at the same time.  We ate lunch and sat some more.  I was about to give up when a tour bus arrived and several people lined the observation area.  We soon learned they had spotted a train further up and it was expected soon.  Within minutes, the train passed by us and entered the tunnel.  It was quite a site and worth the wait if you are a train buff!

Day three here took us to the hot springs.  We went to the hot pool which was very soothing and enjoyable.  It is built on a rock canyon type setting with rock going straight up all around you.  It was enjoyable sitting and soaking while talking to all the people visiting the area.  As we sat there, I noticed two large big horn sheep walking the 90- degree walls just up from us.  What a site...wish I had the camera.

One thing about this area was the little canyon I mentioned.  When we leave town the following day, we have to pull the trailer through this area and there is one spot that requires me to straddle the center line as there is not enough clearance to get the trailer through in my lane.  They placed a mirror across the street so you can look and make sure the coast is clear as you round the corner.  Oh, did I mention it was also an 11% grade on top of that?  We made it no problem and continued on our way to our next destination, Canmore, Alberta. 

The following morning, we made the short drive to Canmore.  This town is located just east of Banff and at the eastern edge of the Rocky mountains.  We were planning on two nights here and as we dove in, marveled at the beauty all around us.  We found the RV park no problem and as we checked in, the gal told us we were a day late.  I showed the paperwork showing they had booked it correctly and she told me we would have to move sites if we wanted to stay.  I chose to head south instead and we set up for the night.  After getting settled, Lori and I walked to town.  We found a walking trail that took us around and to the center of town.  We shopped and found coffee of course.  After a couple hours, we headed back and found a boardwalk along a creek which ende at the bridge by the park.  It was a wonderful walk and very scenic.  We settled in for the night and talked with several people also traveling in the area.

The next morning brought clear, but windy conditions for our next leg.  We were headed for Lethbridge for a stop over before entering the US.  As we headed for Calgary, we reminisced about the many trips we had made through here on the bike.  Soon we were in Calgary traffic and once we cleared it was a straight shot south.  We made such good time, we made it to the area just west of town by 1100.  We decided to forgo the stop and find a place in Montana.  As we continued, the winds howled and made it tough to keep our speed.  The diesel was working hard to keep us headed down the road and the fuel gauge was dropping fast.

Once we crossed the border just east of Glacier park, it was up and down on narrow roads as well as the wind.  We hit a pullout and had lunch while viewing the park out of our back window.  It was great.  We continued and I felt we could make Whitefish by 5 pm.  We called the KOA and they told us they had a site for us.  We pulled in to a dusty, noisy and cramped park.  There was no way I could fit in the site they had for us and we declined to stay.  We called the KOA at Polson (our favorite) and they gladly allowed us to stay.  We love this KOA and enjoyed the two days  here on R&R just goofing off.  It got kind of cold and this made for early nights.  We made a day of Big Fork shopping a bit.  I have to say that Lori was great this trip and shopped very little.  I also have to mention that no Casinos were contacted either which is a record for me!

Soon it was time to head for Spokane.  We made the quick trip across and hooked up with Mark and Sandy.  I helped Mark change his water Pump and enjoyed visiting with the crew.  Our final two days were in Randle at the K&M park where we were to meet up with the Falls.

We left Spokane that Friday morning having so enjoyed our visit, but with the reality that this was our last stop on our great adventure.  We headed west and soon were in the heat of the Yakima valley.  Up and over White pass with no problems and soon we were pulling into the park.  We got set up and soon the Falls arrived and set up next to us.  It was a pleasant evening and we sat and talked, laughed and laughed some more.  Soon it was bed time and we slept good as we usually do on vacation. 

On Saturday morning, we woke to sunshine and great weather.  We walked to the latte stand and I was able to prove to myself I was better.  (this walk was the one that I had alot of pain on and came to the realization I had a heart problem a couple months ago.)

When we got back, Gwen and Loren wanted to go Geo Caching and hit the dusty road to their own adventure.  Lori and I had lunch and as I sat, looking out the window, I couldn't help notice there were not that many people on the golf course.  Soon Lori and I were on the course hacking and digging divots like the best of them.  We had a great time and headed back for dinner and much conversation. 

All to soon, it was time to head home.  Not much conversation today and Walt was worn out.  He had done pretty good, but the reality of his age quickly made me realize, he is not meant for too many more vacations.  He had a great time and every day stands by the truck waiting for that next great adventure.  We are too and hope to hit the road again soon!

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.