Well, we left Washington on Friday as I stated in my last blog entry. Have you ever driven through Portland, Oregon on a Friday afternoon around 3:00 p.m.? Ugly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I decided that Portland is an L.A. wanna be. Not only was the traffic horrific in Portland, but it didn't let up until we were almost at Eugene!! So glad we decided to try out this little campground near Springfield, OR. So at least we got to stop before my stomach showed it's nasty contents from being stressed about the traffic getting way too close to our motorhome! We stayed at this little campground in the Oregon mountains for the night as well as the full next day. Then we were on the road again! (gee didn't somebody once put that in a song and make a few million off of it?)
Drove to Yreka, CA and stayed the night in a WalMart parking lot again. Notice, this was Yreka and not Eureka. My question is why Yreka even exists! What a little podunk town. Oh and the interesting people you see going through the trash cans in the parking lot. EEEEWWWWW! White guy with blond dreads about a foot long. I can only imagine what was living inside that lovely hairdo. Oh yeah, now I remember why Yreka exists. The pot growers in Northern California have to have somewhere to go and buy groceries and other necessities. Now, I understand.
Left Yreka Monday morning early heading for a campground just south of Sacramento. Oh yay! More city traffic with this big motorhome towing a car. Need I say more? No wonder I really need to relax once we reach our destinations. Anyway, we stayed at the campground for the night and the next day as well. Not quite as nice as the one in Oregon. But at least we got to relax by the pool and catch some rays so it looks like we actually were on vacation.
Left Sacramento early yesterday morning. Mike originally said that he was only going to drive to Bakersfield and we would find another WalMart parking lot to park the night in. Lo and behold, once we got near Bakersfield Mike informed me that he was just going to drive the rest of the way home. No problem with me sir! Oh wait, traffic around L.A. during rush hour!!!!!!!!! Lord help my eyes not see and my stomach not lurch! I couldn't handle it for very long and spent most of the last 60 miles laying on the couch behind the driver's seat. Have you ever tried this while being seat belted in? Quite interesting to say the least. At least I was able to save my sanity by not having to watch the traffic and idiot drivers.
We got home last night about 6:30 p.m. Home was a sight for sore eyes. Why is it you can't wait to leave, but are really happy to return?
Today we spent the day unpacking the motorhome as well as some needed chores done around the house. Laundry is going to wait until Monday. Oh, the mail load? Priceless!! Guess I really didn't have to work out this morning. Carrying that load out of the post office was work out enough. Whoa!!!!
Thus ends this portion of Patty and Mike's RV Adventures. Hopefully it won't be too long before we hit the mighty road again.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Last Few Days with the Kids
Sunday we went to the kids' apartment and spent the day with them. Mike worked on their little Triumph Spitfire making notations of what needed to still be done. Before we went to the kids' apartment we stopped at Toys R Us and we bought Hana her very first rocking horse. We also bought her one of those popping bubble toys that you push. Really obnoxious, but she loved it!
Monday we went to the kids place in the afternoon and after dinner we went to Bangor Submarine Base to go bowling. That has got to be one of the nicest bowling alleys I've ever been in. Bowled the best games I can remember! Wendy did awesome as well. The guys? Well, let's not go there. Anyway, after we finished bowling I asked Wendy if she would drive us into the Navy housing units that are right behind the commissary and NEX. That's where we lived 32 years ago and where Wendy celebrated her first birthday. We pointed out the exact unit to her. Memories are a wonderful thing!
Tuesday we didn't do much as far as sightseeing is concerned. Spent more time with Larry, Hana and Wendy once she came home from work.
Wednesday Mike and I went to the Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport. It is dedicated to undersea warfare and scientific research. Quite interesting to say the least. Saw the model submarine they actually used in the filming of Hunt for Red October. Needless to say it is allot smaller than what is depicted in the movie. After the museum we headed to the kids' place. Took them to dinner at Red Robin. OMG can that little granddaughter of ours eat spaghetti!!!!!
Today we headed to the kids' place earlier than we have been. The parts for the generator for Wendy's Spitfire came in the mail yesterday. So Mike had more work to do. He got the brushes installed and then tested out the car. It now runs and runs pretty darn good. One more thing Wendy gets to cross of the to do list! Had fun with Hana on the swings and sliding board that is in the playground right outside of their apartment. Had dinner with them and visited a little while before we said our goodby's. So sad to leave, but they really need to be able to get back to some normalcy in their life. So tomorrow morning we head out for Oregon and then to California after that. Looks like our vacation is beginning to wind down.
Monday we went to the kids place in the afternoon and after dinner we went to Bangor Submarine Base to go bowling. That has got to be one of the nicest bowling alleys I've ever been in. Bowled the best games I can remember! Wendy did awesome as well. The guys? Well, let's not go there. Anyway, after we finished bowling I asked Wendy if she would drive us into the Navy housing units that are right behind the commissary and NEX. That's where we lived 32 years ago and where Wendy celebrated her first birthday. We pointed out the exact unit to her. Memories are a wonderful thing!
Tuesday we didn't do much as far as sightseeing is concerned. Spent more time with Larry, Hana and Wendy once she came home from work.
Wednesday Mike and I went to the Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport. It is dedicated to undersea warfare and scientific research. Quite interesting to say the least. Saw the model submarine they actually used in the filming of Hunt for Red October. Needless to say it is allot smaller than what is depicted in the movie. After the museum we headed to the kids' place. Took them to dinner at Red Robin. OMG can that little granddaughter of ours eat spaghetti!!!!!
Today we headed to the kids' place earlier than we have been. The parts for the generator for Wendy's Spitfire came in the mail yesterday. So Mike had more work to do. He got the brushes installed and then tested out the car. It now runs and runs pretty darn good. One more thing Wendy gets to cross of the to do list! Had fun with Hana on the swings and sliding board that is in the playground right outside of their apartment. Had dinner with them and visited a little while before we said our goodby's. So sad to leave, but they really need to be able to get back to some normalcy in their life. So tomorrow morning we head out for Oregon and then to California after that. Looks like our vacation is beginning to wind down.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Saturday in the Upper Great Northwest
Wendy and Larry had things they needed to get done today, so Mike and I decided to take the day and do some touristy type stuff.
We went to the Poulsbo Farmers Market this morning. A little on the small scale, but tasty offerings none-the-less. But talk about the Birkenstocks/Hemp crowd!!!! I felt like I was immersed in Santa Fe, New Mexico again. Yikes!!!! Mike got really grossed out when he saw one woman with hairier legs than his along with more armpit hair than he has ever had. Yuck!!!!!
After the Farmers Market I wanted to head to this particular fabric store that I visited earlier this week. One of my friends from my embroidery club asked me to check it out for some 50's rock and roll style fabric. So I went to check to see if they had any and sadly they didn't. Sorry Angie, I tried.
Then we went a checked out a couple of other gift shops and antique malls. Lo and behold, we actually made it back to the car without spending another penny. How that happened, I am unprepared to explain at this point in time.
Next item on our agenda for the day? Head to Port Angeles and Port Townsend to taste wines at the 8 local wineries listed in the flier we picked up. Little did we know when we started out that Port Angeles is more than 50 miles away. Oh well, as I stated when we finally found the first winery, "they better have some good wines for this lengthy drive out here."
You will notice that I stated "we finally found." Yes that is so right. Talk about out of the way, obscure signs and buildings. Wow! These wineries were not easy to find. Out of the 8, we actually only found three. And the wines? Not that great! Alot of dry reds. And for those of you who know us well, Mike and I are really sweet while wine drinkers. The third winery was the best. A very small operation, but fantastic wines. In addition to the fantastic wines, they only charge $2.00 for tasting. Not $5.00 like the others. And their wines were very reasonably priced, the most expensive being $10.99. Oh, the name of this winery you may be asking? Black Diamond Winery. They even have a web site www.blackdiamondwinery.com. I bought four bottles of wine there. Awesome. Can't wait for my weekly visit at Jennifer's house to begin my consumption of these tasty liquids!
After wine tasting, we decided to head back to the motorhome here in Poulsbo. Just reheated good old Domino's Pizza in the nuker and then just sitting back and relaxing. Nice. Tomorrow we get to go spend the entire day with the kids!!!!! Wendy doesn't have to go to work, so we will get to spend the whole day with her. Tomorrow will be stellar!!! Hurry up. Get here. We love our kids.
We went to the Poulsbo Farmers Market this morning. A little on the small scale, but tasty offerings none-the-less. But talk about the Birkenstocks/Hemp crowd!!!! I felt like I was immersed in Santa Fe, New Mexico again. Yikes!!!! Mike got really grossed out when he saw one woman with hairier legs than his along with more armpit hair than he has ever had. Yuck!!!!!
After the Farmers Market I wanted to head to this particular fabric store that I visited earlier this week. One of my friends from my embroidery club asked me to check it out for some 50's rock and roll style fabric. So I went to check to see if they had any and sadly they didn't. Sorry Angie, I tried.
Then we went a checked out a couple of other gift shops and antique malls. Lo and behold, we actually made it back to the car without spending another penny. How that happened, I am unprepared to explain at this point in time.
Next item on our agenda for the day? Head to Port Angeles and Port Townsend to taste wines at the 8 local wineries listed in the flier we picked up. Little did we know when we started out that Port Angeles is more than 50 miles away. Oh well, as I stated when we finally found the first winery, "they better have some good wines for this lengthy drive out here."
You will notice that I stated "we finally found." Yes that is so right. Talk about out of the way, obscure signs and buildings. Wow! These wineries were not easy to find. Out of the 8, we actually only found three. And the wines? Not that great! Alot of dry reds. And for those of you who know us well, Mike and I are really sweet while wine drinkers. The third winery was the best. A very small operation, but fantastic wines. In addition to the fantastic wines, they only charge $2.00 for tasting. Not $5.00 like the others. And their wines were very reasonably priced, the most expensive being $10.99. Oh, the name of this winery you may be asking? Black Diamond Winery. They even have a web site www.blackdiamondwinery.com. I bought four bottles of wine there. Awesome. Can't wait for my weekly visit at Jennifer's house to begin my consumption of these tasty liquids!
After wine tasting, we decided to head back to the motorhome here in Poulsbo. Just reheated good old Domino's Pizza in the nuker and then just sitting back and relaxing. Nice. Tomorrow we get to go spend the entire day with the kids!!!!! Wendy doesn't have to go to work, so we will get to spend the whole day with her. Tomorrow will be stellar!!! Hurry up. Get here. We love our kids.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Fantastic Days With The Kids
Spent the last three days with Wendy, Larry and Hana in their apartment here in Silverdale, WA. Just cannot get over how much Silverdale has changed in the past 32 years since Mike, Wendy and I last lived here. Absolutely unbelievable! The Kitsap Mall used to be a little strip mall with about six tiny stores and a grocery store. Now it includes Kohls, Barnes and Noble, Macy's, Sears, etc. Silverdale has absolutely everything in it now. Just cannot believe it!
Larry's sister Barb and her two daughters Madison and Taylor were here as well. Got to finally meet one of Larry's sisters personally. Diane and Paul should be very proud of themselves. They have raised some really great kids.
Today Mike and Larry spent the day building a special bookshelf that will double as a private feeding room for Wendy's aging cat Patches. Have to admit, they are doing a great job. It is turning out quite nicely.I have never seen an idea like this before. Wendy just may have something here.
I got to spend the day with my little Hana. God I love that little girl. She is just the cutest, most special little girl on this earth. Although, wow can she tire a person out. I guess I really am getting older. Whew!
Had dinner with the kids and then just sat and visited for awhile. Absolutely fantastic evening. I love our kids!!!!!
Larry's sister Barb and her two daughters Madison and Taylor were here as well. Got to finally meet one of Larry's sisters personally. Diane and Paul should be very proud of themselves. They have raised some really great kids.
Today Mike and Larry spent the day building a special bookshelf that will double as a private feeding room for Wendy's aging cat Patches. Have to admit, they are doing a great job. It is turning out quite nicely.I have never seen an idea like this before. Wendy just may have something here.
I got to spend the day with my little Hana. God I love that little girl. She is just the cutest, most special little girl on this earth. Although, wow can she tire a person out. I guess I really am getting older. Whew!
Had dinner with the kids and then just sat and visited for awhile. Absolutely fantastic evening. I love our kids!!!!!
Friday, July 15, 2011
We have reached Poulsbo, Washington!
It's been a while since our last post on July 2, 2011. We were in Bismarck at Mike's mom's house until July 11th. We seemed to have something going every single day while in Bismarck. Mike's family had a family reunion at his mom's house on July 3rd. Mike's sister Colette drove up from the Denver area and Mike's sister Joan, brother-in-law Bob, nephew Brian and niece-in-law Takeisha drove up from Colorado Springs. Mike's sister Katherine and brother-in-law Bob shortened their weekend camping trip with their kids in order to come into Bismarck for the reunion. So, we got to spend the day with all five kids together. It's been five years since all of the kids were together. Cameras were flashing everywhere. It was a wonderful day.
July 4th was a nice relaxing day. We fully intended on heading up to the capital building in Bismarck to watch the fireworks display for the first time in North Dakota's state capital. However, once we got back to the motorhome to change clothes and apply mosquito repellent we smelled a horrible smell. No, it wasn't the sewer! It was burning electrical wiring. Whew that stuff stinks!!!!! Still not sure what happened, but our surge guard burned up! At least it cut out the electrical current to the motorhome before any damage could be done. Thank goodness for that. Unfortunately we missed the fireworks display altogether and then had to fork out a whopping $250 the next day to buy and install a new surge guard!
Friday, July 8th we headed to Katherine and Bob's ranch north of Lemmon, SD. We took Mike's mom with us. On the drive to the ranch we noticed some really dark looking clouds. Just like the clouds we had been seeing and experiencing for the last three days. Then the clouds opened up and dumped the rain. It was really heavy for about five miles, and then just sprinkles for the next five miles. After that, sunny and beautiful. We had such a nice visit at the ranch with Mike's nephews Donald and Jeff as well as Katherine and Bob. Also got to visit with Mike's great-niece Kaylene and his great-nephew Justin. Katherine and Bob suggested we go into Mott to the Pheasant Cafe for their weekly fish fry buffet. So they got into their car and we got into Mom's car and took off for Mott. A few miles outside of Mott my telephone rang and it was Mike's sister Valerie asking where we were because there was a tornado watch in Bismarck. I told her we were in Mott and thus not in danger as the sun was shining and the weather was beautiful! So off to dinner we continued. Dinner was delicious! I don't like fish, so I got the prime rib. Anyway, why would I want to eat anything other than beef when I am in North Dakota where they grow some of the best tasting beef in the country!!!!!! After dinner we went and visited Mike's uncle George for a bit before heading back to Bismarck.
Left Bismarck on the 11th and headed to Billings, MT. Called Pam and Rick to see if we could camp out in front of their house again for a couple of days. They were thrilled to have us back. Well, at least that's what they said!
Left Billings on the 13th. Traveled to Butte, MT and decided to spend the night in a WalMart Supercenter parking lot. After we pulled in and got all settled in, we decided to go into the store to get a couple of things that we had on our shopping list. Mike was tired and trying to rush me through, so he decided to let me stay in the store while he headed back to the motorhome for a quick nap before dinner. About 20 minutes later I got a text from Mike telling me to hurry up and get back to the motorhome because a storm was coming. So I headed to the checkouts and checked out. I couldn't believe how dark the skies were when I got outside of the store. As I was walking back to the motorhome the wind was blowing so hard it almost knocked me over. Whoa! I just got back to the motorhome and all hell broke loose! Wow did it rain!!!!! The next morning was just as unbelievable! We got to experience our first hail of the trip! Thankfully it remained small and didn't cause any damage. Anyway, after the skies cleared we headed out onto the road again.
Last night was spent in Moses Lake, WA at another WalMart Supercenter parking lot. Getting to be pros at this. Thankfully WalMart is camper friendly and allows campers to park in their parking lots country wide free of charge. Of course we tend to go into the store when we stop and make sure to purchase items we are needing.
Arrived in Poulsbo, WA this evening. What an absolutely beautiful drive through the Washington Cascades!!!! Snow still is plentiful in the mountains. Wild flowers are blooming in plenitude as well. It is just breathtakingly beautiful!!! Get to see the kids tomorrow. Cannot wait!
July 4th was a nice relaxing day. We fully intended on heading up to the capital building in Bismarck to watch the fireworks display for the first time in North Dakota's state capital. However, once we got back to the motorhome to change clothes and apply mosquito repellent we smelled a horrible smell. No, it wasn't the sewer! It was burning electrical wiring. Whew that stuff stinks!!!!! Still not sure what happened, but our surge guard burned up! At least it cut out the electrical current to the motorhome before any damage could be done. Thank goodness for that. Unfortunately we missed the fireworks display altogether and then had to fork out a whopping $250 the next day to buy and install a new surge guard!
Friday, July 8th we headed to Katherine and Bob's ranch north of Lemmon, SD. We took Mike's mom with us. On the drive to the ranch we noticed some really dark looking clouds. Just like the clouds we had been seeing and experiencing for the last three days. Then the clouds opened up and dumped the rain. It was really heavy for about five miles, and then just sprinkles for the next five miles. After that, sunny and beautiful. We had such a nice visit at the ranch with Mike's nephews Donald and Jeff as well as Katherine and Bob. Also got to visit with Mike's great-niece Kaylene and his great-nephew Justin. Katherine and Bob suggested we go into Mott to the Pheasant Cafe for their weekly fish fry buffet. So they got into their car and we got into Mom's car and took off for Mott. A few miles outside of Mott my telephone rang and it was Mike's sister Valerie asking where we were because there was a tornado watch in Bismarck. I told her we were in Mott and thus not in danger as the sun was shining and the weather was beautiful! So off to dinner we continued. Dinner was delicious! I don't like fish, so I got the prime rib. Anyway, why would I want to eat anything other than beef when I am in North Dakota where they grow some of the best tasting beef in the country!!!!!! After dinner we went and visited Mike's uncle George for a bit before heading back to Bismarck.
Left Bismarck on the 11th and headed to Billings, MT. Called Pam and Rick to see if we could camp out in front of their house again for a couple of days. They were thrilled to have us back. Well, at least that's what they said!
Left Billings on the 13th. Traveled to Butte, MT and decided to spend the night in a WalMart Supercenter parking lot. After we pulled in and got all settled in, we decided to go into the store to get a couple of things that we had on our shopping list. Mike was tired and trying to rush me through, so he decided to let me stay in the store while he headed back to the motorhome for a quick nap before dinner. About 20 minutes later I got a text from Mike telling me to hurry up and get back to the motorhome because a storm was coming. So I headed to the checkouts and checked out. I couldn't believe how dark the skies were when I got outside of the store. As I was walking back to the motorhome the wind was blowing so hard it almost knocked me over. Whoa! I just got back to the motorhome and all hell broke loose! Wow did it rain!!!!! The next morning was just as unbelievable! We got to experience our first hail of the trip! Thankfully it remained small and didn't cause any damage. Anyway, after the skies cleared we headed out onto the road again.
Last night was spent in Moses Lake, WA at another WalMart Supercenter parking lot. Getting to be pros at this. Thankfully WalMart is camper friendly and allows campers to park in their parking lots country wide free of charge. Of course we tend to go into the store when we stop and make sure to purchase items we are needing.
Arrived in Poulsbo, WA this evening. What an absolutely beautiful drive through the Washington Cascades!!!! Snow still is plentiful in the mountains. Wild flowers are blooming in plenitude as well. It is just breathtakingly beautiful!!! Get to see the kids tomorrow. Cannot wait!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Why Photo Traffic Law Enforcement Doesn't Work Well in North Dakota
And this is one of the cleaner vehicles!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Travel Day to Bismarck, North Dakota
Left Dickinson, ND this morning around 9:00 a.m. (MST). A beautiful day to travel. The wind was at our back pushing our motorhome eastward, the sky was partly cloudy so it wasn't too hot. Just a perfect day. It is so absolutely green here in North Dakota. The entire country has been hearing about the flooding in parts of the state due to the heavy winter snowfall in Montana as well as the rains that have been going on all spring and summer thus far. All of this moisture has resulted in beautiful heavily grassed fields. Of course all of the rivers and lakes are exceptionally full as well.
Arrived in Bismarck, ND at about 12:30 p.m. (CST). The road from the interstate to the KOA Campground is being torn up so that it can be widened to a four lane road. Wow! Messy! Made it just fine to the KOA and checked in. Got one of our favorite campsites. The trees don't block the satelite signal for our DirecTV. Awesome. Got our motorhome all set up and then tried to get our laptops hooked up to the free WiFi here at the campground. Major difficulties. The owners of the campground are really accommodating. Sat beside Mike and telephoned the Internet provider and tried everything to get connected. Couldn't get it done at that point in time, but assured us they would keep trying to get the problem resolved.
Left to head down to Mike's mom's house. Mike's sister Colette is already here. Got to visit with her and mom and then Valerie and Leroy arrived. Really nice seeing everyone and visiting with them all. Looking forward to the next ten days with Mike's family.
It's really interesting how time seems to move alot faster when you change time zones. Came back to the campground to get some sleep. Checked to see if we could access the campground free WiFi and as you can all see, we have success.
Arrived in Bismarck, ND at about 12:30 p.m. (CST). The road from the interstate to the KOA Campground is being torn up so that it can be widened to a four lane road. Wow! Messy! Made it just fine to the KOA and checked in. Got one of our favorite campsites. The trees don't block the satelite signal for our DirecTV. Awesome. Got our motorhome all set up and then tried to get our laptops hooked up to the free WiFi here at the campground. Major difficulties. The owners of the campground are really accommodating. Sat beside Mike and telephoned the Internet provider and tried everything to get connected. Couldn't get it done at that point in time, but assured us they would keep trying to get the problem resolved.
Left to head down to Mike's mom's house. Mike's sister Colette is already here. Got to visit with her and mom and then Valerie and Leroy arrived. Really nice seeing everyone and visiting with them all. Looking forward to the next ten days with Mike's family.
It's really interesting how time seems to move alot faster when you change time zones. Came back to the campground to get some sleep. Checked to see if we could access the campground free WiFi and as you can all see, we have success.
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