(Segment 1 already posted – May 3 through May 9)

(Segment 2 already posted – May 10 through May 15)

(Segment 3 already posted – May 16 through May 21)

MAY 22, 2024 – STEAMBOAT ROCK STATE PARK, ELECTRIC CITY – site 36

Woke up in the middle of the night to raindrops falling on my head. Not really. But raindrops performing a patter song on our trailer. Not what you want to hear, especially when it’s a day to hitch up and head to your next campground. But by about 10:00 am the rain had stopped. So, we managed to escape camp without having to change out of wet clothes. Always a good sign.

Then back down SH-153 along the Methow River to Pateros. Then left (north) on to US-97 (straight would have dumped us in the Columbia River) to Brewster. At Brewster we left 97, crossed the Columbia River and were now on SH-173. At Bridgeport we once again changed state highways. We were then on SH-17 which goes up and up over barren hills until we reached Leah and turned on to SH-174. Which continued our up, up, up and away until it was down, down, down to Coulee Dam. At which point we turned south, southwest on SH-155 through Electric City and to our final destination – Steamboat Rock State Park.

After getting set up we had a small lunch.

Who cares if it’s sunny or warm. I’ve got my love to keep me warm. That and a nice lunch and perhaps a safe arrival beer.

While happily sitting in our trailer it started to rain. So, we had just missed the rainstorm both hitching up and unhitching. Some days are just better than others. And we were safe and sound in a park we love, with our back window facing the lake. Banks Lake to be precise.

Banks Lake, part of the Columbia Basin Project, was created by building two rock-faced, earth filled dams at the north and south ends of the Ice-Age channel of the Columbia River, now known as Grand Coulee. The reservoir is 27 miles long with 27,000 water surface acres. Water is pumped for irrigation from Lake Roosevelt by 12 huge pumps up 280 feet into the lake.  

We had previously stayed at this lovely park in 2016 and had been eager to return. It truly is beautiful in the Grand Coulee area.  

But after a long day of driving, we were happy to stay in our trailer, me writing, and Andy plotting a short hike for himself the next day. At that particular moment (I call it a 15-minute lucky streak), all was all right with the world.

MAY 23, 2024 – STEAMBOAT ROCK STATE PARK     

Woke to the promise of rain, wind, thunder clouds, and clear skies – a complete change every 15 minutes. So, after breakfast we decided a ride was in order. So, with our trusty Washington Road & Recreation Atlas in hand, off we went.

Our first adventure was to go north a short way along Banks Lake to the Northrop Point Day use area. A huge boat launching and picnic area. Then up Northrop Canyon to where Andy would take a 3-mile round trip hike later in the afternoon. 

Steamboat Rock from our drive

  Beautiful foliage along the drive. (Wild roses I’m guessing.)

Next, we drove south along the shore of Banks Lake to the very end and followed US-2 west to Jamison Lake Road which took us north through Moses Coulee to (you guessed it) Jamison Lake. And what a beautiful lake we found.

Up close look at the basalt formation

This photo shows the basalt sides of Moses Coulee. Amazing.

The lake was charming. Complete with a blue heron and various species of ducks including loons. And of course, throughout the entire drive up and back from the lake we were able to enjoy a close-up view of the majestic rock walls of this coulee. Most of the vertical walls consisting of basalt columns. And as everyone knows, basalt, which composes about 90% of all volcanic rock on earth, is an aphanitic extrusive igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of low-viscosity lava rich in magnesium and iron exposed at or very near a planet’s surface.    

After spending a bit of time enjoying the natural wonders this area had to offer, we headed back through Coulee City and up to Billy Clapp Lake. Our map indicated that there was a waterfall, but we sure couldn’t find one. But the ride was nice.

It’s interesting to be driving along and suddenly you are on one of the many bridges over the large canal (water released from Banks Lake) that supplies much of the irrigation water for the area around Ephrata and the upper Columbia Basin. Basically, the massive fields of grain, etc. north of Moses Lake. I would have expected the water to be murky. But it’s not. It’s crystal clear and blue.

Then we gassed up in Coulee City and drove back to camp for a small lunch before Andy took off for his afternoon hike. I stayed in camp and read outside until I was driven inside the trailer by a short rainstorm.

After Andy arrived back at the trailer a little after 5:00 pm, we headed over to Dave and Jeri’s trailer for dinner. Along with their dear friends Doug and Ramona, we had a fantastic meal. Chicken cordon blue lasagna, romaine salad with dried cranberries and glazed pecans, warm crusty bread, and strawberry tiramisu for dessert. All of which Jeri prepared in their trailer. And yes, I was more than impressed. I have never made anything that elaborate in our trailer. But it certainly was a call for me to up my game!

This was our second dinner with these lovely people. And had been planned before we left home. But because of our previous truck problems at Summerhill Farm, we had been fortunate enough to have not just one but two wonderful dinners and evenings in their presence.   

Then back to our trailer for Andy to take a shower, me to do some writing, and the heavens to open. Nothing like a hard rain to settle the dust. And from the sound of things, there won’t be any dust around for quite some time.

Then to bed to dream of traveling to our next destination after yet another fun day in Eastern Washington.

MAY 24, 2024 – TUCANNON RIVER RV PARK – site 18

Well, once again it was time to hitch up Pullwinkle.  The name of our trailer because we (and I use the term “we” loosely) have a whole “moose” theme going on in our 24-foot, 7-inch home away from home. But there was yet another wonderful RV park to visit on this trip.

We would have loved to stay longer at Steamboat Rock SP, but even though I booked our sites on January 7^th, there weren’t any available for the Memorial Day weekend. In fact, we were lucky to reserve the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights just prior to Memorial Day. Or as I refer to Memorial Day – “Campground Madness Day”. And then even luckier to be right on Banks Lake.

FYI – booking campsites has literally become a competitive sport! I’m just surprised it has yet to qualify as an Olympic sport because there are definitely winners and losers! And you must prepare for an upcoming “event” months in advance. (I rest my case!)

So, what did we learn on our drive from Coulee City to around the time we hit the Lyons Ferry bridge? Well, having never been on most of our route today, we were amazed by all the farmland. Mile after mile after mile of wheat and what we believe to be canola plants. More land devoted to crops than we ever imagined. (BTW, just driving along I-90 does not give you the same scenery or perspective on how this land is being utilized. I-90 provides you mainly with acre after acre of sagebrush!) 

According to spokesman.com “Travelers driving through the rolling hills of the Palouse this summer may have noticed more fields that glow bright yellow. The yellow blossoms belong to the canola plant, which has become a hot commodity for Eastern Washington farmers.

Canola production and planting acreage in Washington has increased steadily over the last 10 years, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 2011, around 11,000 acres were planted with canola, compared to more than 118,000 acres planted in 2021. In Whitman County alone, canola acreage doubled year-to-year in 2021.”

And where we used to think of this plant as simply rapeseed, it has become confusing. Rapeseed and canola oil are still from the same species. Rapeseed is the traditional name for the group of oilseed crops in the Brassicaceae family. However, that group is now divided into two products. Although derived from the same plant, rapeseed is used for industrial purposes. While canola is a genetically modified version used in cooking. And bottom line – canola oil along with olive oil and safflower oils are healthier choices overall than butter. (Since this report is being posted on a cooking blog, I felt compelled to make some kind of cooking reference.)

Along with all the planted fields, we also witnessed many, many fallow fields. Which made me wonder if we were still paying farmers not to plant crops.

According to Robert Frank, guest blogger for PBS when asked – Why does the government pay farmers not to grow crops?

“Paying farmers not to grow crops was a substitute for agricultural price support programs designed to ensure that farmers could always sell their crops for enough to support themselves. The price support program meant that farmers had to incur the expense of plowing their fields, fertilizing, irrigating, spraying, and harvesting them, and then selling their crops to the government, which stored them in silos until they either rotted or were consumed by rodents. It was much cheaper just to pay farmers not to grow the crops in the first place.

Of course, paying people not to do work is bound to be politically awkward (think of the old New Yorker cartoon of an accordion player on a subway platform with a sign next to his cup that read, “Will not play Lady of Spain, 25 cents”). So, the government described the program as an environmental one rather than an income maintenance scheme. As described to the public, it was compensation to farmers for retiring acreage to reduce fertilizer and pesticide runoff into the nation’s water supply.”

Washington Farm Subsidy Breakdown, 1995-2023

          Commodity programs – $3.64 billion

          Crop Insurance Subsidies – $1.78 billion

          Disaster Programs – $718 million

          Conservation Programs – $2.15 billion

Seems pretty high, but according to Pam Lewison, Director, Center for Agriculture in an article on washingtonpolicy.org “There are 14,700,000 acres farmed in Washington state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture 2017 Census of Agriculture shows there are 6.4 million acres of irrigated farmland and an additional 10,000 acres dedicated to other irrigated agricultural land uses. The counties included in the ECONorthwest study – Adams, Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Garfield, Walla Walla, Whitman – account for 4,975,510 acres, or 33 percent, of the total farmland in our state.

Whitman County boasts the largest amount of farmland acres in the study with 1.2 million and has developed into the breadbasket of our state while remaining a largely dryland farming area. Whitman County leads the state in grain production with approximately $259 million in sales recorded in the 2017 Census of Agriculture.

Benton County has half as many acres devoted to farmland, with 613,000, but leads the state in production of some of Washington’s most irrigation-dependent crops – vegetables, melons, potatoes, and sweet potatoes and generated just over $1 billion in sales in 2017. Despite having half the acreage, the bounty of Benton County is more valuable than that of Whitman County, simply because it has more irrigated land.

Irrigation water in agriculture is extremely valuable. As demonstrated by the difference in revenue between Whitman and Benton counties, the assertion by this study that “dryland farming is economically feasible in the region” does not mean that it is the most effective means for all farmers in the region to operate their businesses. 

Additionally, the study cites 198,227 acres of “non-irrigated cereal grains cultivated within a five-mile radius of the Lower Snake River Dams area. The ubiquitous nature of the number of acres of non-irrigated cereal grains in the region does not necessarily indicate a positive economic correlation to dry land farming. Referring back to the difference between Whitman and Benton counties, Whitman County, where non-irrigated cereal grains drive the agricultural economy, the average size of a farm is approximately 1,200 acres. In comparison, in Benton County, where heavily irrigated crops provide nearly five times as much income, farms are approximately 400 acres in size.”

But enough about the economics of farming in this part of the world. Just suffice it to say there is a lot of land being cultivated. And there isn’t enough money in the world to get me to live such an isolated existence. I’d be climbing the farmhouse walls within 2 days!

And since I probably will never come to this campground on the same roads we traveled today, even though I saw more flour and canola oil on the hoof (so to speak) than I could ever have imagined, it was interesting. Once!

After leaving Steamboat Rock SP, we turned right onto SH-155 to Coulee City. Then we headed east on US-2 towards the huge burg of Wilbur where we turned south onto SH-21 towards Odessa. (Hopefully the “Odessa” in the Ukraine is more interesting than Odessa, Washington. Just saying!) Anyway, then left onto Rosenoff Road and into the thriving town of Ritzville where we stopped for lunch.

From there it was under I-90 and south to Washtucna on SH-261. (We do find the most interesting places on our travels! Washtucna however, not being one of them.) Then SH-260 for a brief spell, and back on SH-261 to cross the Snake River at the Lyons Ferry Bridge and past the bustling dot on the map (Starbuck} and our final destination – Tucannon River RV Resort. Which BTW is worth the ride!

Then settle in, enjoy happy hour, and an early to bed for me.

MAY 25, 2024 – TUCANNON RIVER RV PARK 

Once again it was windy, cloudy, sunny, you name it, we had it. Except for snow or rain, which of course was very nice.

After breakfast Andy headed out for a short hike to Marmes Pond. Not a hard hike, but enjoyable just being outside.

While Andy hiked, I wrote up yesterday’s adventures. When he returned, we decided to go for a drive. So, we turned left out of our campground and proceeded to Starbuck. Not Starbucks, because there was no coffee involved with this visit. We were simply driving through town (and I use the term “town” exceedingly loosely), looking for the Kellog Hollow Road. And of course there were no road signs. But how many roads can there be out of a town of 121 people (as of 2022)! So, with Mr. Cs innate ability to find his way through a dark cave blindfolded, we found the right road. And when I say the “right” road, I truly mean it.

This was one of the most beautiful drives I have ever taken. A narrow hollow through beautiful, cultivated fields and at the “top” of the road, a view into the snowy Blue Mountains. Gorgeous vistas. At a T in the road, we turned right onto Mackay-Alto, then onto Cannery Road for a mile or so into the charming small town of Waitsburg. Pretty older homes, well taken care of, with mature trees providing lots of shade, I’m sure absolutely treasured during the long, hot summer months.

Then back onto US-12 to Dayton where we shopped for groceries. Although Waitsburg and Dayton are not that far apart geographically, they are worlds apart when it comes to charm and pleasant amenities. Dayton is dry and pedestrian, whereas Waitsburg looks like a small college town. Filled with people who obviously take pride in their own homes and in their well-kept city.   

Then back to camp to enjoy the late afternoon reading in our comfy outdoor chairs.

At about 5:30 pm I started dinner since we had not had any lunch.

After dinner it was reading for both of us until we could no longer keep our eyes open.

But what a wonderful day. If you are ever in this area and camped at Tucannon River RV Park, I recommend you drive the loop described above.

In May, when the wheat is only about a foot tall and the most beautiful green you’ve ever seen, the loop drive is amazing. In September, when the hills are dry, maybe not so much. But regardless, this is a unique and interesting part of our beautiful state. And we are thoroughly enjoying our time here.

MAY 26, 2024 – TUCANNON RIVER RV PARK   

When is it not wonderful to wake up to clear skies? Well, perhaps in August, but definitely not today May 26^th. Because the temperature is perfect, and we have a great plan for today. But first, a hearty breakfast. So, after a link sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and 4 farm-fresh eggs scramble, a toasted half English muffin each, a half grapefruit each, and lime-flavored yogurt, we were ready for an adventure.

First, we headed up to Palouse Falls. We had been there last April, but we were a little later this spring and thought there might be more water careening down the face of a cliff. And we were right. The falls were magnificent.

As we were driving away from the park, Andy asked me if I would enjoy a longer ride because he had a suggestion if I was game. And of course, I am always up for a bit of an escapade. And what an exciting adventure it turned out to be. We decided to go check out the Lower Granite Lock and Dam. Never been there? Well, you will want to visit it after I tell you about what a great experience we had.

Between 1955 and 1975, the US Army Corp of Engineers built 4 dams along the lower Snake River. One of the dams being the Lower Granite Lock and Dam which is set in an area of towering walls of basalt columns and majestic views.

The drive down to the river and dam

The facility includes a dam, a navigation lock, powerhouse, a fish ladder, and associated facilities such as a visitor’s center. It provides hydropower, navigation, flood risk management, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and incidental irrigation. The dam is about 3,200 feet long with an effective height of 100 feet. And the really cool part is that you can drive over this concrete behemoth.

Of course, first you have to check in with a guard who writes down your vehicle license plate number and your driver’s license number. Then off you go making your way across this massive concrete structure which includes several tight turns. All the while every bit of the journey is just begging to be photographed. But there are very strict rules about stopping on the dam. Number 1 being – don’t stop. And unsaid but perfectly understood by anyone with half a brain – don’t jump! But as Andy slowly drove across this amazing man-made structure, I was able to snap a few pictures from the passenger side open window. As you approach the other side of the dam, there is another guard station and a gate to be raised if you have dutifully made no errors in judgement as you make the crossing. We apparently hadn’t been bad because they let us go through.

The following are pictures taken along our crossing

Our approach to the visitor’s center

Fish ladder system near the visitor’s center

View back across the dam

Another view back at the dam

Next, we stopped at the visitor center. Nice facility with bathrooms, a short film about the dam, and picnic tables right next to the churning water. All and all, a great place to visit.

But before you even reach the dam, the last part of the drive down to the river is worth the whole trip. So, before I go any further, I will record the route we took to get to the dam. It was part of another loop trip and made for a lovely way to see the surrounding countryside.

After leaving Palouse Falls, we turned right onto SH-261. Then 260 to Washtucna. Then 40 miles on SH-26 to Summers Road then turned right on Almota/SH-194 down to the water. Then left along the water until we got to the dam gate.

After crossing the dam and a quick stop at the visitor’s center, we proceeded along the river shore until it was up through more cultivated hills and away from the river.

Something you should know. There is not a straight road to be had in this part of the country. OK, maybe if you are on I-90. But the rest of the roads are up down curvy and fairly narrow. At least the ones we drove, that is! And paved. We were advised by the gate keeper at the dam to stay on the paved roads. So, that’s just what we did.

But he was not always able to provide us with the name or number of the roads he suggested we take. More on the “turn right at the intersection after the white house” kind of instructions. Turned out to be Gould City – Mayfair Road. Then a sweeping right turn (his description) onto (as it turned out) Dead Man Road (along Dead Man Creek) and down to SR-127 (the road that eventually goes over Central Ferry Bridge which we did not cross). Instead, we turned left and to US-12 which brought us back to camp.

At camp we rested for about an hour and then headed to and through Dayton to visit the Dumas Station Winery where Mr. C. thought the wine was great and therefore purchased 6 bottles. Then back into Dayton for pizza at the Chief Springs Pub.

Then back to camp for a bit of reading before our pillows kept yelling at us to “come to bed”. And as everyone knows, when pillows beckon, it’s futile to not pay attention. Pillows after all know what’s best for us! And we have learned after years of fighting their siren call, that even if we ignore them, they will win in the end.

Another fun day in Eastern Washington. But I swear, I am never going back to Washtucna!

MAY 27, 2024 – DAROGA STATE PARK, ORANDO – site 9

Once again it was time to move to a new location. Sometimes I am eager to get going. Other times like today, I’m sorry to say goodbye to an RV park that has become an old friend. And that’s how I felt today. Even though this was only our second time camping at Tucannon, I wasn’t ready to leave. It’s simply a well-run, clean, and lovely place to park a trailer.

But we had a long drive ahead of us today, so we were up early and on the road by 10:00 am.

I’m not going to make this a long report. It was just a travel day. But our route was basically interesting because most of the way was either new or infrequently traveled roads for us.

Leaving our campground, we turned left onto 261. Just before the Lyons Ferry Bridge we turned left onto Lyons Ferry Road until we reached SH-124. Turned right on 124 and drove to Pasco where we turned north onto US-395. Around Mesa we turned onto SH-17 through Moses Lake, Soap Lake, and past Sun Lakes SP. Just before Coulee City we turned west onto US-2 and followed it to Orando on the east bank of the Columbia River. Then right on US-97 for a short run to camp.

The most interesting part of our travel today was the last 6 miles while we descended to the Columbia River. Winding road, fairly steep, but absolutely beautiful. And when we pulled into the camp, we immediately knew we were going to be happy here. Nicely placed sites with a great view of the water. Large trees, green lawns, and no traffic noise. (There was a train track across the river, but we have never considered the sound of a train to be “noise”.)

Also, right across the river was an interesting geological site. I was immediately amazed that we had driven along alternate US-97 many times without realizing how the formation we were right beside was as tall and cliff-like as you can plainly see from across the river. Andy remembered that right out of Entiat there was a marker that referred to this area as Ribbon Cliffs at Earthquake Point.

The vertical face of Earthquake Point from our campsite.

Pictures of this amazing place from other areas.

According to roadsideamerica.com “Earthquake Point and Ribbon Cliffs are natural formations left by a huge earthquake. The debris from the resulting rockslide actually stopped the flow of the Columbia River in December of 1872. The Indians in the area were told six months before the earthquake to move to a reservation upriver. This earthquake was taken as a sign, since the riverbed dried up as a result of the temporary dam built by the slide of debris. There are also black “ribbons” visible in the cliffs that were long-buried lava, now exposed. That’s how they got the name, Ribbon Cliffs.”

Needless to say, the cliffs are very dramatic. Spectacular would also define this small area of exposed rock and lava perfectly. So, once again, the state of Washington has provided us with another terrific place to park our trailer.

All in all, another wonderful day of seeing new places and discovering some of the natural wonders that make our state such a fantastic place to live. 

MAY 28, 2024 – DAROGA STATE PARK

Woke to semi-sunny weather but lots of wind and a small chance of rain. So, what to do today? Go golfing of course! So, Andy made a tee time for 11:49 am at a golf course in Chelan.

Now this was not just a golf course. This was a posh golf course. Up on the side of a mountain with fantastic views of Lake Chelan. And no, I don’t golf. I went along as the golf cart designated driver and staff photographer. And yes, I love to drive golf carts and watch as Andy spends time hitting a very small ball into a very small hole. While trying very hard to stay on the fairway and not hit any trees or lose any balls in either a marsh, lake, rattlesnake or bear (first hint) den, ruff, or the yard of one of the homes situated sometimes quite close to the fairway or green. But with a bit of luck, and a goodly amount of skill, he didn’t lose a ball or even end up battling his ball out of one of the plentiful deep sided sand traps. (To tell the truth, I was very impressed.)

Now, in case you were wondering what course we visited, I will give you the name later in my narrative. (Hints will be given along the way.) Because for those of you who have golfed in the area, you might find it fun to guess the name of the course as I describe the fun time we had.

When we first arrived, we were met by a nice older gentleman in a golf cart that would turn out to be our ride for 16 holes. He thought it was grand that I was along to act as this fine gentleman’s chauffeur. Then he explained some of the intricacies of a few of the holes to Andy and introduced me to the idiosyncrasies of the lithium battery powered contraption that would carry us up and down this very hilly mountain (second hint) golf course. But first to the clubhouse to pay for today’s adventure. Next bathroom stops for both of us before heading for the first tee.

Now I am not an expert golf cart driver, but I’m not a novice either. But this was the most fun I’ve ever had driving Mr. Carr from hole to hole. The majestic vistas along the way were enough to keep me thoroughly entertained. Along with Andy’s commentary about each hole. And to make driving more interesting, use of the large brake pedal was required between many of the holes. Also, the “give it gas” pedal was also put into play a lot since many of the fairways were uphill battles. And then there was the wind. And I do mean WIND. Not a nice gentle breeze, but a force that sometimes rocked the golf cart. By the 14^th hole, I was forced to add a 4^th layer to stave off frost bite. Not really. It wasn’t that cold. But it sure wasn’t warm either.

Some pictures along the way

Well, I suppose I should provide you with the name of this golf course. Because if you are ever in the Chelan area and want to drive yourself crazy by hitting a tiny ball into the habitat of bears, deer, cougars, snakes, and every kind of ground varmint known to civilized man, then this is the place for you! It’s called Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Course.

And from their website “The Golf Course at Bear Mountain Ranch is a Championship level 18-hole public play course providing residents and visiting golfers with upscale services and amenities.

Opened in 2005, BMR was recently ranked as one of the top six new golf courses in the United States by PGA Professionals and in 2014 it was rated 10th best in Washington State. The golf course utilizes the rolling terrain and natural plateaus, providing golfers with panoramic views and a spectacular golf experience. In addition to the lush fairways and bent grass greens, it is not unusual to spot a deer and other wildlife on any of the holes.

Open from April to the end of October, the immaculately maintained, 350-acre course with an elevation gain of 700 feet, compares with many of the finest resort courses in the country.

The course easily accommodates golfers of all experience levels, from beginner to expert, by offering five sets of tees per hole.”

By the time we got back to camp it was 4:10 pm. And we were hungry since our lunch had consisted of a granola bar each. So, after Mr. C. mixed me a drink, I got busy building big old hamburgers. With chips on the side.

After dinner we read for a while and then an early to bed for both of us.

Another wonderful day of fresh air, beautiful surroundings, and the joy of being in each other’s company. Who could ask for any more from life? 

MAY 29, 2024 – DAROGA STATE PARK

A bit about Daroga State Park

Daroga State Park is a 90-acre camping park with 1.5 miles of Columbia River shoreline on the elevated edge of the desert “scablands.” The park features camping activities and water-sport access in a unique and beautiful outdoor environment. The name “Daroga” comes from the first letters in the first names of the three Auvil brothers, Dave, Robert and Grady, who started an orchard/ranch at this site in 1928. The brothers developed a new type of peach on the ranch, catalogued as “the Daroga Peach.” In 1981, Grady Auvil sold the property to the state of Washington.

Well, the sun was shining this morning when we awoke, but the wind was still blowing. I don’t think we’ve had a calm day since we arrived in eastern Washington. Not one. But it also hasn’t rained on any of our hitching or unhitching. Which is always desirable.

After breakfast Andy took a long walk around our campground while I wrote up yesterday’s golfing adventure. When he got back from his walk I was finished writing, so we decided to take a short loop drive back up into the hills immediately east of us.

Looking down at Wenatchee from the east

So, back to Orando and east on US-2 towards Waterville. Just before we reached the teeming metropolis of Waterville, we turned right onto P Road NW. At the T we turned right onto Badger Mountain Road past the Badger Mountain ski area (lame) and up into the hills. And what a nice ride this was. Then down, down, down to East Wenatchee. But all along the way down this long hill we could see everything from Mission Ridge to the mountains behind Leavenworth and even further north. We could also see all of Wenatchee sprawled before us. Actually, an incredible vista.

On the way back to camp we turned into Lincoln Rock State Park to give it a look see. We immediately decided that this was a state park that we very much needed to stay at in the future. Even the wildlife (marmots) came out to greet us as we were driving around this very popular campground.

Then back to camp for some lunch and reading our books outside in the sun. After a bit I decided even if the sun was shining, it was still too bloody cold to sit outside.  The wind was still periodically whipping through the area and trying it’s darndest to knock over my comfy camp chair even thought I was still in the chair! The nerve of it! I finally decided the wind had won and came inside.

But I could still see Mr. C. and the mighty Columbia through the trailer’s back window when occasionally I lifted my eyes from the words of Michael Dibdin. A nice way to spend our last full day in camp.

When both of us became hungry, we drove into Wenatchee for dinner at Red Robin. I didn’t feel like cooking, and we didn’t have any local knowledge about where to eat. So, we chose a restaurant where we knew we could find something on the menu we liked.

Then back to camp for our last night in the trailer. And my last night for a while without my other bed buddy Max, the cling on kitty. 

But I’m ready to go home. And best of all, we were headed back to our favorite camping place – Chez Carr. There truly is no place like home.

MAY 30, 2024 – CHEZ CARR, CAMANO ISLAND – site 1082 Lightning Way

Being the intrepid travelers that we are, we decided to take the North Cascades Highway home. Great choice.

There is just something about the grandeur of this part of our state that almost brings me to tears. How can anything be this beautiful? And how can any person living in this part of the world not want to make sure this beauty is still around for future generations?

Some pictures I snapped along the North Cascades Highway

I’ve said it before, and I will continue to say it – I am lucky. Lucky to have a wonderful husband, family, and friends who care about the environment, care about the rights of others, don’t care what “color” anyone happens to come in, doesn’t give a flying fig about a person’s sexual persuasion, and respects a woman’s right to make choices about her own body. To name a few of the qualities that make for thoughtful and humanitarian individuals.

So, my wishes for you – the joy of travel, an abundance of good friends, fabulous food at every meal (this is a cooking blog after all), the ability to laugh when really all you want to do is cry, and the independence and enjoyment that comes from just being comfortable in your own skin.

And of course, as always, peace, love and happy trails to all.  

(Segment 1 already posted – May 3 – 9) (Segment 2 already posted – May 10 – 15)

MAY 16, 2024 – SUMMERHILL FARM RV PARK, CHELAN – site 1

Got up early. Why? Because both of us had been in bed by 9:00 pm. So, up and Adam (as they say) and a breakfast consisting of link sausages, easy over eggs, toast with wild blueberry jam (French, of course), a small easy peel orange each, vanilla yogurt with fresh blueberries, and juice. (We do not go hungry on our trailer adventures.)

Then for me – get the inside of the trailer ready for departure, and for Andy – to do all the hard work outside. But then there is the actual hitch-up. For us, this is a two-person job. And quite frankly, we are pretty darn good at it! So, now we are ready for our next adventure after a sad good-bye to our dear friends Craig and Marsha.

Then up and over Sadis Pass, to Toppenish, and north until we were through Chelan and on to the next three nights at Summerhill Farm RV Park. (Or so we thought!)   

If we had known what was in store for us, we would have headed directly for the barn! Holy crap! Never again will I book a camping spot on Union “Valley” Loop Road out of Chelan when to get to the “valley” (if there really is one), you must first climb a 15% grade (or so it seemed) narrow road for 3 miles while your engine is screaming. (And in our case, I mean literally screaming!) And guess who is driving at this point? ME! And I’m telling you true – if I could have beamed myself to any other place in God’s universe, I would have done so with no regrets. Frankly, I was scared shitless! Yes, YOU READ THAT RIGHT! This intrepid woman who took on 3 stepchildren, started a company choir in downtown Seattle, designed a home and acted as the general contractor, and traveled all over the world with no ability to speak even one foreign language was worthless by the time we got to camp. And that’s just some of the adventures I have subjected myself to over the years. But driving up this road, just about did me in. Not to mention that our truck was not sounding well at all. Andy was very concerned. And when Mr. C. is worried, I might as well jump off a cliff!

Then came the ordeal of backing into our assigned site – site number 1. First of all, it was more than a 90-degree backup to get the trailer into position. And to make matters even worse, there was hardly any room in front of the site to allow for easy maneuverability.

Our gravel site

The site across the way from us. Notice the picnic table with the downward slant.

Another look at the site

And Andy is one of the best backer-uppers I have ever met. He should be since he’s been doing it for over 30 years! Whoever designed this layout obviously had never parked a trailer.

Because, in well thought out campgrounds, the sites are angled in such a way that the driver can pull ahead on the main road, then angle back to the left into the site using his or her left side mirror. Because the hookups for electric, water, and sewer are on the left and within sight. (Many campgrounds require backing in from the right. Which is fine if there is ample room, and the driver and spotter can easily communicate.) So, with the help of a partner to assist, it’s usually not that difficult to safely park a trailer, RV, motorcoach, etc. 

If I had any doubt about the layout of this place, all I had to do was look at the barren hill and sites across from us. The lowest one especially caught my eye. Narrow, curved, fairly steep pull up tilted to the right. At the top of this drive-through site, complete with a picnic table which wasn’t even level and positioned right next to a drop-off, it was actually flat. But I can’t even imagine being on this barren site on this rocky hillside in mid-summer. The rocks would retain heat like coals on a BBQ. Crazy ridiculous!   

After we got almost set up, two other trailers pulled in. And from watching them try to park their trailers, and have the same problems we did, we commiserated. One of the wives told me at this point her husband was absolutely furious. And I get it. So, was I.    

So, do you think I was able to get a good night’s sleep. Not bloody likely! I dreamt all night of driving off cliffs. That is, when I could sleep at all! Maybe tomorrow will be better.

MAY 17, 2024 – SUMMERHILL FARM RV PARK

Well, after yesterday’s driving fiasco, I did not sleep well. Of course I didn’t. Sometimes I don’t sleep well when everything is fine and dandy. So, why would I even begin to think I could sleep soundly after yesterday’s death-defying experience.

The original plan for today was to drive to Leavenworth and spend the day with our dear friend Linda. But there was a definite problem with our truck. It was making a noise that was somewhere between a scream and a low whine, and at times kind of a growl. Not a noise you like to hear from your truck’s engine. And it would get louder when you turned the steering wheel.

So, as we were driving down the hill from hell into Chelan, we decided to seek out an auto mechanic to make the truck stop making that awful noise. Well, good luck with that! On a Friday, when the auto shops are already completely booked, you might as well be trying to buy a baby giraffe.

But one shop, Chad’s Quick Auto was very helpful. The owner took the time to come out and listen to the truck and offer his thoughts on what might be the cause of the problem. He felt our truck probably required a power steering flush, new fluid, and possibly even a new pump. Oh, happy day! But the shop was booked solidly for this Friday and would be closed Saturday and Sunday. (Of course, he and his guys need time off too. We got that.)

After calling numerous auto shops from Wenatchee to Winthrop, we were still in Chad’s parking lot. So, Andy went back into the office, and luckily got an appointment for Monday morning at 8:00 am.

We said thank you very much and drove away much relieved that maybe by Monday afternoon, we could be back on schedule. Of course, that meant paying for another expensive night at the campground that I firmly believe caused the problem IN THE FIRST PLACE. Or at the very least, exacerbated a problem already in the making. But sometimes you must just bite the bullet. And take it like an adult. Which has never been one of my top strengths. I’d much rather write a scathing review and see this place sink into the hillside, never again able to alienate another unsuspecting moron who thought she had discovered a fantastic new place to camp near Chelan! Who also just happened to be behind the wheel for the entire arduous uphill ordeal!    

After much consideration about should we drive to Leavenworth or just go back to the trailer and wait it out, we decided a trip to Safeway first was in order. Then directly back to the trailer to sit out our time until Monday morning reading, writing, eating, drinking, and generally enjoying each other’s company. Actually, not a bad way to kill time. And of course, there is nothing we can do about the situation. We will make this work! And we will not kill each other in the process! 

In retrospect, this could have happened to us far from any campground or reasonable place to be stuck for a couple of days. 

So, as Andy was taking about a 4 mile walk up the road and back, I wrote up today’s events, read for a while outside in the sunshine, and then cooked a nice dinner for us. Beef stroganoff and microwaved petite peas.

Then we read for a short time, played two grueling games of Skip-Bo, then an early to bed.

One positive thing I can say about this campground is that it is free from traffic noise. Of course it is! No one in their right mind would drive this road at night! (But I’m still going to write a scathing review!)

MAY 18, 2024 – SUMMERHILL FARM RV PARK (still!)

I am going to call today – STUCK IN CAMP DAY! Because that is absolutely where we are at this point. Our truck is sick, and the doctor won’t be in until Monday. But at least we are in a safe place with electricity, water, and a septic dump. The propane situation is a bit iffy, but if worse comes to worse, we have a 20 lb. tank in the truck that we use for our BBQ and propane fireplace. So, we should be just fine cooking in the trailer and having the furnace on at night.

Despite the fairly warm temperatures during the day, it is still chilly at night. Which is good. Much easier (and quieter) to run the heater rather than having the air-conditioner on all night. (Air conditioners are bloody noisy.)

So, our forced day at this expensive campsite – $80 on weekends and only $75 on weeknights, which is basically a gravel area with very close sites (see pictures) with our big back window aimed at the owner’s lawn and house, and a portable toilet (one hole) with 2 shower stalls, and no laundry facilities, or play area for children, or fire pits, or any of the regular amenities (like paved sites) associated with a high nightly price tag.

As our next-door neighbor was getting ready to depart this morning, he knocked on our open door suggesting that we might want to close that side of the trailer because he was getting ready to dump his black and grey water. And because the utilities for his trailer were so bloody close to our door, he was worried that the smell might be a problem for us. Great neighbor, but lousy design for either privacy or functionality. There is really no room between sites, and even our two camp chairs were a close fit.

As I’m sure you have figured out by now, we were not pleased with this campground. 

I haven’t decided how to warn people about the drawbacks of choosing this campground. But being charitable at this point is not an option!

But we made the most of our day. Read a lot, Andy took a nice walk, (see pictures below) and I served us chili dogs for dinner. When the times get tough, there is nothing better than a big old plate of comfort food.

Looking down on the north side of Lake Chelan

Looking north at Summerhill farm

Then lights out to the sound of people playing party music until after 10:00 pm and the dog in either a nearby trailer or neighbor’s yard continuing its all-day and all-night incessant barking. Another couple of reasons I wouldn’t recommend this campground to even someone for whom I had no regard at all!

One more day to go before we can take our truck to see if can be fixed. 

MAY 19, 2024 – SUMMERHILL FARM RV PARK (needless to say – unplanned)

More views of our site. In this one, notice Andy reading behind our trailer and right next to the hookup for the next trailer. Absolutely unacceptable!

The restroom and showers.

Really special to be right next to your neighbors hook up. NOT!

A closeup of the picnic table on the site just across from us. BTW, the trees you see are between site 3 and 4 up the hill. Gives you an idea of how bloody close the hilly, barren sites really were.

The lawn behind us was pretty. But a working farm is not a quiet place. Farm workers were forever going to the house in their noisy golf carts, etc. The noise would have been OK, if everything else would have been reasonable. Which unfortunately, it was not!

You can see a couple of the farm vehicles parked by the house. Nice house, but not what I want to spend $80 a night to look at. Grrrrrrrrr

Well, we made it through the night. But again, another day without a lot of excitement was anticipated. But we were wrong.

Andy went for another walk, I wrote up my travel report for the 18^th, we had lunch and lo and behold 2 trailers pulled into camp together.

Today’s view of the lake from Andy’s walk

At first, we paid them no real attention. Until the driver of the second trailer got out of his truck to check out the space. Andy recognized the driver first, and then his wife came around the back of the trailer. It was our good friends Dave and Jeri with whom we already had plans while camping at Steamboat Rock. The four of us all kind of looked at each other with that “what are you doing here” face, and then we told them our story.

They too were not pleased with the drive to camp from Chelan. The arduous uphill drive should be THE FIRST THING YOU LEARN ON THE CAMPGROUND WEBSITE! Along with one of the posted rules on a sign near the entrance to the campground that states “no alcohol”. Really! That should also have been disclosed on their website. (We usually obey rules. But sometimes they just scream to be bent. And that is exactly what we did!)  

Unfortunately, all the other campgrounds in the area had been booked solidly when I remember feeling overjoyed at finding an opening at this park. Now I know why there was space for us. This is a “fool me once” kind of place.

I later realized that every other campground was full because there was a jazz festival in town over the weekend, which BTW, we would have enjoyed attending. Ya think?

Anyway, at least we now had not one but two other couples with whom we could commiserate. The other couple being Dave and Jeri’s dear friends Doug and Ramona. And of course, Dave and Jeri’s doggo Sophie. And after having happy hour and dinner with these terrific people, we can certainly understand why these four people have been fast friends for decades.

So, our day was saved by the presence of these fun, intelligent people. Sometimes when a door is slammed in your face, another door is opened, allowing friends to walk in.

After a wonderful, shared dinner, we all decided that it might be time to call it a day. And what a fine day it had been! So, a couple of games of Sequence, a bit of a read, and our heads on pillows by 10:00 pm.  

MAY 20, 2024 – RIVERBEND RV RESORT, TWISP – site 40

So, at 7:45 am Andy headed down the road from hell to see if the nice folks at Chad’s Quik Auto Clinic could fix our truck. If not, we would have to either stay put, or find some way of moving our trailer to Andy’s sister Katie and husband Rick’s home in Winthrop. Rick had offered to tow our trailer with his truck to their home, but we really did not want to put him to that much trouble. But if worse came to worse, that would be the logical thing to do. And leave our truck at Chad’s until it was once again drivable.

But, at around 12:30 pm, Andy arrived back at camp with a clean and gassed up truck. So, after hitching up, we said good-by to our friends Jeri, Dave, Doug, and Ramona and were once again on the road. And a “we will not be back” to Summerhill Farm!

But what a pleasant ride after we safely made it back down the hill into Chelan. First along the mighty Columbia River on US-97 to Pateros, then left along the Methow River on SH-153, and in Twisp, north on SH-20 towards Winthrop. Our campground being between Twisp and Winthrop.

It was quite a revelation for us to see the Methow Valley in May. Usually when we go to Winthrop, it’s to visit Katie and Rick, and it’s sometime during the summer. And by then it’s hot, the surrounding hills are brown, and the high peaks have lost all their snow. But in May, the valley is glorious to behold. Green and lush everywhere you look.

So, if you wanted to take a long loop drive some sunny day in May, you could go up and over the North Cascades Highway, down through Winthrop and Twist, drive down US-97 (past Chelan), and in Wenatchee turn right and head up SH-20 to Leavenworth and then up and over Stevens Pass. A beautiful way to spend a long day.

Arrived safely in camp to find we had been assigned a lovely spot. Not right on the river, but we could see it from our side windows.

After a bit of lunch, we called Rick and Katie to tell them we had arrived safely. They told us to come on up to their home for drinks and dinner. That had been the plan all along. But with truck trouble, we weren’t sure we would even be able to see them this trip. But it all worked out. Lovely drinks and a marvelous dinner of braised lamb shanks, a cannellini bean and veggie side dish, and green salad with heirloom tomatoes. Yum!

After dinner, we excused ourselves. It had been a long day. But we would be seeing them again the next day for dinner at The Veranda at the Casia Lodge and Ranch.

So, back to our trailer and an early to bed for these 2 weary travelers.

MAY 21, 2024 – RIVERBEND RV RESORT

Right across from our trailer. We couldn’t camp there because at this time of year, the mighty Methow River sometimes escapes it’s assigned path.

Looking downriver

Downriver from our site

Both of us slept really well last night. Do you suppose that was because we were parked in a nice campground and had a truck that was running properly? You bet your sweet bippy THAT WAS THE REASON!

It was really hard on us being stuck in a campground not knowing if our truck was too sick to be fixed in a timely manner. While having to pay an extra exorbitant nightly fee for the most basic campground amenities! Grrrrrr. So, when the owners periodically appeared, I wanted to tell them just what I thought of their campground. And believe me, I would have, except that Andy, who is definitely the better person, would have been mortified by my behavior. So, I shut my mouth and stayed as far away from the owners as possible.

But now, here we were in a lovely setting, complete with laundry facilities, which BTW were sorely needed after 2½ weeks on the road. So, after breakfast it was 3 loads of wash and a trip to Hanks Market in Twisp for provisions. (Great market BTW.)

At about 3:00 pm we headed up to Winthrop to spend the late afternoon with Rick and Katie and then the 4 of us went up to Casia Lodge (outside of Twisp) for dinner. A fine meal, with wonderful people, and then back to our trailer about 9:00 pm. Then a bit of writing and reading and another early to bed for both of us.

I have said this before, but it never ceases to amaze me that I can easily sleep 10 or more hours when I am in our trailer. And I don’t think it’s just from all the fresh air. We get plenty of fresh air on Camano Island. I think it might be the fact that Max, one of our orange kitties, is not pressed up to my body every minute I am in bed. His favorite position being me on my right side with my left arm around him. (I believe that is called “spooning”.) If he could have his way, I would never roll over, get up to go to the bathroom, or even move an inch while I sleep. I have tried explaining to him that this is impossible. But he just looks me in the eye, and flops down as close to me as he can get. Purring all the while. Do I miss him? Yes, I do. But frankly, I sleep a lot better when he’s at home and I’m in the trailer! 

And yes, another wonderful day spent on the road even though I am beginning to miss our beloved critters and all the creature comforts only a real home can provide. (I might actually be getting a bit homesick.)         

        

(Segment 1 already posted – May 3 – 9)

MAY 10, 2024 – CASCADE PEAKS FAMILY CAMPGROUND – site 62

I must say, we were very sorry to leave Fort Flagler. The water, the mountain view, and the sunshine made for a very wonderful camping experience. But as with all good things, it had to come to an end. And in this case, it was once again time to push on to the next campground and hope for the best.

So far, we have been lucky. Both Crescent Beach and Fort Flagler were new to us. And both were great places to camp. La Push we had been to several times before and it was and still is undoubtedly one of our favorite places to park our trailer. But who knew what the future held because our next destination was yet another new facility.

But first we needed to pick our route. And that is always fun. Because both of us enjoy traveling over roads that are new to us or have only been driven a few times. And we like to stay away from major highways.

So, from Flagler we drove back to Chimacum. Then Center Road to Quilcene and US-101. South on 101 down Hood Canal and through Shelton. South of Shelton we turned off onto SR-108 to McCleary where we had lunch at the Bear’s Den, (Great burgers.) Took SH-8 west to Elma where we picked up US-12 up the Chehalis River valley to meet I-5 north of Centralia. We were only on I-5 for 20 miles. Left I-5 and headed East on H-12. From there it was 60 miles to our Camp which is 7 miles east of Randle. Much of the time along the Cowlitz River. 

Well, Andy, with all his aptitude for reading maps, came up with a bit longer route than was absolutely necessary, but very scenic and with only 20 miles on I-5.

Before I book sites, I make sure they are not too far apart. I consult Google maps and get the time it takes to go from place to place. What Google can’t include in its analysis is the fact that a) we are hauling a trailer, b) we have to stop for gas, c) we are older and have to pee regularly, d) we need to eat along the way since we normally pull out of camp between 10:00 and 11:00 am, and e) every drive of any distance we are faced with at least 4-5 “road work ahead, reduce speed, stop for flagger, etc. etc.”. So, when Google told me it takes 3½ hours from point a to point b, I should have added at least 2 hours, which is about what it took!

When we arrived at Cascade Peaks Family Campground, the nice older lady in the office at first couldn’t find our reservation. I said I was sure I had made one and she looked again. Sure enough, the reservation had been filled incorrectly. Then the fun began. 

When we reached our site as instructed by the lady in the office, we drove into a rather large field, truck first. At which point, Andy had to make a goodly number of turns in this small area to get to a point where he could back the trailer into the site. And then we had to add 3 blocks for the rear tires on the right side of the trailer to reach any semblance of level. But once we got unhooked and the water and electricity flowing into the trailer, we had time to look at our surroundings. And oh my. What a camping spot! Right next to the Cowlitz River and no one close by. Just a little bit of heaven to ourselves.

Since we had arrived after 5 and it had taken us a while to get set up, we were both ready for our safe arrival drinks. I really wasn’t in the mood at that point to fix a fancy meal, so we had tacos. Perfect repast after a long day. But still, another great day on the road.

MAY 11, 2024 – CASCADE PEAKS FAMILY CAMPGROUND        

Woke up to a bright sun-shiny day. The best kind of day when you’re camping. Especially in May and you’re in the mountains. Or at least close to three major Washington State giants – Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Adams.

After breakfast we decided to drive as far as we could towards Mt. Adams before the road was closed because of snow. From camp, we drove back to Randle, turned left over the Cowlitz River and proceeded about 2 miles to where Forest Road (FR)-23 heads to Trout Lake and FR-25 leads to Windy Ridge on Mt. St. Helens.

We decided to first drive towards Windy Ridge which is East of Mt. St. Helens. But after only a couple of miles, the sign told us the road to Windy Ridge was still blocked by snow. So, we turned around and went back to the intersection with FR-25 to try our luck with Mt. Adams.

We turned around at this point

But a lovely drive along the river where the snow had already melted

Well, we did have better luck on this road. And it was a lovely ride along the Cispus River in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. And the Dogwood trees were in bloom. And there were lots of them. As well as wild rhododendrons in full regalia.

 

We made it 28 miles before there were enough potholes and snow on the unpaved road that we thought it would be better to not continue any farther. (Hard to see potholes when covered with snow. Plus, we knew we would have to turn around at some point. Might as well do it while there was bare earth to back onto.) We basically decided at this point that there would be no more exploring for today. So, back to camp after a quick trip to Packwood for a bit of provisioning.

Then it was outside reading by the river for Mt. C. and inside the trailer writing for me.

Well, you know there is a problem when you stop paying attention to your computer and the floor of your trailer is flooded. Yep, full of water. So, I did what any good wife would do – I yelled for help from my husband.

Our trailer toilet had given us a bit of grief in August of 2023 on our last excursion for the year. The part of the toilet that allows a bit of water into the toilet bowl after flushing kept leaking. But we thought we had solved the problem. Apparently not!

Because obviously after going to the bathroom, the toilet just kept running water into the bowl, out of the bowl, and all over the floor. And had obviously been so engrossed in writing up my May 10^th trip report, I hadn’t noticed that my toes were getting wet.

So, after mopping up the water, placing our 3 area rugs out to dry on our picnic table, we tried to fix the problem. Great! Two completely unqualified plumbers trying to make sense out of a schematic that offers no bloody help at all! We tightened fittings, turned off the shore water, and prayed that the damn thing would stop leaking. Well, there is definitely something to be said for prayer, because after a while, the toilet stopped dribbling water. And behaved itself beautifully all night.

(Further on in the trip I realized that the problem wasn’t the toilet alone, but rather the user was also to blame. In my own eagerness to get writing, I had contributed to the flood.)

If you are unfamiliar with trailer toilets, you can push the flush pedal down a bit to allow more water into the bowl if needed. (This doesn’t flush the toilet. That comes later.) But in my haste to get back to my computer, I hadn’t fully flushed the toilet which allowed water to keep flowing. At the time, something seemed a bit wrong, and in retrospect I should have stopped to listen to that little voice that was screaming “something isn’t right here dummy”, but I didn’t. Lesson learned.

And since I know you are wondering, nothing was hurt in the trailer. The only thing that was shattered was my pride. Which, incidentally, happens quite often! And more than ever since I turned 70!)    

Now I am just waiting for the fourth shoe to drop. First the stabilizer bar, then the truck battery cable came loose, and now the toilet is being prickly. What next? I don’t even want to think about what that might be. I think I’ll just have a nice martini and forget about the whole messy business. Then go to bed and get up every hour to make sure all is dry. Oh well, tomorrow is another day!

MAY 12, 2024 – CASCADE PEAKS FAMILY CAMPGROUND   

The following pictures are all from our drive up to Paradise on Mt. Rainier    

Another beautiful day in paradise. (And no water on the floor.) And speaking of paradise, that was our plan for today. A drive to Paradise. (On Mt. Rainier.)

So, after a hearty breakfast, we left the campground at about 10:00 am to see if we could beat the crowd. (On a sunny day like today and it being Mother’s Day to boot, we knew every other family in the Seattle-Tacoma area would be headed to this amazing national park.)

When we got to the park entrance, we were only about the 15^th car in line. And with our Senior National Park Pass, we got through in about 4 minutes. (We had our own line.) When we left the park at about 2:30 pm, there was an entrance line up for at least a half mile. Their wait time could easily have been 30 minutes. Or even more.

And having arrived ahead of most of the visitors, we could stop in every parking area. This allowed us to take the pictures you see above.

Even at Paradise, the closest parking lot to the lodge was full, but the other one still had room. We weren’t interested in stopping anyway because all the paths were still covered in snow. And who needs that much humanity when the real reason for coming to this area is for the wildflowers. Which probably wouldn’t even be showing their beautiful heads for at least 2 months! So, we turned around and leisurely took our time driving back through the park.

By the time we got back to Randle it was about 3:00 pm and we were hungry. We stopped for lunch at the Blue “something”, but I wouldn’t advise you to do the same. Just OK food and cowboy music playing a little louder than I would have preferred.

Then back to camp for me to write and Andy to read.

But again, I was reminded that we live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. And I felt so blessed to experience the natural wonder that is Western Washington once again.

MAY 13, 2024 – PEACH BEACH RV PARK, GOLDENDALE – site 27

Cruise boats we saw while we were camped at Peach Beach. One close up, one in perspective.

Todd, Cindy, and me with before dinner drinks

Craig, Marsha, me, and their wonderful dog Murphy (if he ever goes missing, they might possibly guess where to find him…..)

Having survived another night without any camping calamities, we woke to some cloud cover but no rain. Always so nice not to have to de-camp in the rain. But we were excited to get on the road to stay once again at another of our favorite camping spots – Peach Beach RV Resort (right next to Maryhill State Park) on the mighty Columbia River. So, basically moving from our trailer parked right next to the Cowlitz River to backing right up to the Columbia River. But first we must make the arduous trek over White Pass.

Now, if you have never driven this pass from Packwood (think south of Mt. Rainier) to Naches (think close to Yakima) then you have missed out on one of the most scenic roads between Western and Eastern Washington. The route was first established in 1931 as State Road (SR)-5 in 1931, and the link was completed in August 1951 along the current route, later designated U.S. Route 12. The pass reaches 4500-feet at the summit and the route is between the headwaters of the Clear Fork of the Cowlitz River and the Tieton Basin. The pass was named for Charles W. White, a civil engineer, who discovered the saddle while working for the Northern Pacific Railway Company.

So, all along the way it’s beautiful mountain peaks, mountain streams, and glorious vistas.

After going through Yakima, we turned south at Toppenish (after grocery shopping at Safeway) to go over yet another pass – Sadis Pass. And because we could, we stopped at the St. John’s Monastery and Bakery for a late lunch. (The best gyros you are ever going to taste.) Plus, all kinds of other dishes and pastries. A “must stop” for us.)

Got into camp about 4:00 pm and sat outside reading until our dear friends Craig and Marsha arrived. They too had eaten a late lunch, so after they got set-up, we had appetizers for dinner along with safe-arrival drinks. Then an early to bed for all 4 of us.

Another day in paradise!  

MAY 14, 2024 – PEACH BEACH RV PARK

How many trains did I hear last night while I was either trying to get to sleep, up for a night call, wondering what the flickering greenish light was that was in the next campsite, or just unable to get to sleep because I enjoy worrying about things over which I have no control? Well, I’ll tell you how many trains I heard – not enough! Because, although there is a busy train track across the Columbia River from us on the Oregon side, and just behind our campground on the Washington side, there still weren’t enough for me. I simply love the sound of trains in the night. The reason being that my dad loved trains. Our entire attic in the house where I grew up was a train set up. So, therefore, I too love trains.

And BTW, the green flickering light was where the cord attached from the camp electric post to the all-electric camper van that snuck into camp after we were already in bed. But even through our closed blinds I could see this shining green beacon. Weird, to say the least.

After a shower for me, breakfast for us both, and a leisurely morning, it was time for an adventure. So, the first stop for Craig, Marsha, Andy, and me was Maryhill’s Stonehenge.

Andy, Craig, and Marsha about to enter the inner sanctum.

View down the mighty Columbia River. Note Mt. Hood off in the distance.

According to maryhillmuseum.org., “Maryhill’s Stonehenge was erected as the nation’s first WWI memorial and dedicated in 1918 to the servicemen of Klickitat County, Washington, who died in the service of their country during the Great War, Hill’s Stonehenge Memorial is a monument to heroism and peace.

Hill erroneously believed that the original Stonehenge was constructed as a place of human sacrifice. Concluding there was a parallel between the loss of life in WWI and the sacrifices at ancient Stonehenge, he set out to build a replica on the cliffs of the Columbia as a reminder of those sacrifices and the “incredible folly” of the war.

Guided by leading authorities on archaeology, astronomy, and engineering, Hill combined their knowledge to duplicate, as nearly as possible, the original size and design of the ancient Neolithic ruin in England.

The original idea was to use local stone, however, when the rock proved unsatisfactory, Hill decided to use reinforced concrete. (The rough, hand-hewn looking texture was created by lining the wooden forms with crumpled tin.) Stonehenge Memorial was completed in 1929.”

After visiting this replica (both Marsha and I have visited the real Stonehenge), it was off to the Maryhill Museum of Art.

Some pictures of exhibits at the museum

Andy and I had explored this museum several times before, so it was like visiting an old friend. And since it was such a perfect day weather-wise, the view of Mt. Hood and the surrounding countryside made for even greater enjoyment.

Then back to our trailers for a bite of lunch, a possible nap, and preparation for “company for dinner”.

You know when all is right with the world when you have 2 sets of dear friends in camp with you. Craig and Marsha here at Peach Beach. And technically, Todd and Cindy were not in the same camp, but right next door at Maryhill State Park.

So, dinner for the 6 of us at the picnic table between our trailer and Marsha and Craig’s trailer.

Appetizers and drinks first, then 2 kinds of pasta, steamed Broccoli, and a chewy French baguette. Yum!

So, as you can imagine, much laughter, too much food, and possibly a bit too much adult beverage. But sitting in comfy camp chairs right next to a river with friends is my idea of the perfect way to spend an evening.

Then off to our own trailers and beds for 6 sleepy seniors.

MAY 15, 2024 – PEACH BEACH RV PARK

Although we had gotten to bed at a decent time (9:30ish), we still slept until 8:30 the next morning. I don’t know why it is, but when camping we can easily sleep for 10 hours, whereas at home that almost never happens. (I think it’s all the fresh air. Although we don’t exactly have stale air at home. But somehow, it’s different when it’s not the regular air you breathe at home. Or at least that is my conjecture!)  

After a hearty breakfast, the 4 of us (Craig, Marsha, Andy, and I) decided to go on an adventure.

With the help of our trusty Benchmark Maps Washington Atlas, we decided to visit the Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge. So, up US-97 to Goldendale, and then head west on SH-142 towards our destination. As we were driving along Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams were always prominent features. Then we started to descend into a deep gorge formed by the Klickitat River. Absolutely gorgeous. (I now suspect that the word “gorgeous” must have been derived from natural wonders just like this one.) And wonder of wonders, the road was paved and in excellent condition. We saw a vulture, deer, a wild turkey, 4 deer who couldn’t decide which way to leave the road, and assorted squirrels, cows, and other farm animals. At one point, Andy described our drive as the “most scenic route in Washington that no one knows about”.

But as we were driving along, we could see a dark area at the base of Mt. Adams. As we got close, we realized it was smoke.

Finally, we reached the wildlife refuge. We drove all around it to finally see the sign that read, at the blocked entrance, “Prescribed Burn. Do not report!” So, all this way to take a 2 mile walk in this high meadow marsh to see birds and flowers, to only find a planned burn in progress. Oh well.

Our stop along the way to figure out “where in the hell is the entrance to the reserve”?

The drive itself was worth the time and effort. At this point we took a country road to the Trout Lake highway and down into White Salmon and onto SH-14 on the Washington side of the Columbia River.

And as planned, we stopped at the Jacob Williams Winery close to the Columbia Hills State Park where we shared a charcuterie board and did some wine tasting. Then back to camp for naps, reading, and me to write up this trip report.

At 6:00 pm we left camp to join Todd, Cindy, Craig, and Marsha for dinner in Rufus, Oregon at Bob’s Texas T-bone Steakhouse. Well, we had mixed feelings about our dinner. My sirloin steak was fine, Marsha’s smoked chicken was fine, Andy’s ribs were fatty, Todd had some kind of steak, and declared it fine. Cindy also had sirloin and was happy with her choice. Craig had a T-bone, but it was mostly fat and gristle. He said the flavor was OK, but who wants a chewing exercise at dinner?

Then back to camp, and beddy-bye. At least for us. The other 2 couples may have partied all night for as much as I would have noticed. Sometimes a rock and I have a lot in common!

        

Once again, we took our lives into our own hands and headed away from the safety and sanity of our home into the unknown wilderness. But unlike most of our other trailer trips, this year we stayed exclusively in the great state of Washington. And what an adventure we had.

You know, getting old isn’t easy. And the older we get, the less flexible (in ever so many ways) we become. So, whereas 30 years ago we would have just gone with the punches, now it’s (at least for me) OMG, we are going to die! What happened to that brave girl who shed unforeseen difficulties like water off a duck’s back? Where did she go? And who is this new person with the doomsday mentality? I’m telling you the truth; I much prefer the younger me. And I’d bet good money that Mr. C. does too. But we are what we are and there is no getting around that simple fact of life.

But we made it home safely with lots of great memories and some fun tales and pictures to share with you.

I’m dividing our trip into 4 segments. Makes it easier for me, and I know there is only so much of me you can stand at any one time!

So, there will be:

SEGMENT 1 – MAY 3-9, 2024

SEGMENT 2 – MAY 10-15, 2024

SEGMENT 3 – MAY 16-21, 2024

SEGMENT 4 – MAY 22-30, 2024

I hope you enjoy my trip reports. I love writing about our adventures. And I know many of you are travelers, either by pulling a trailer or seeing our beautiful land by car. And if I can help with a bit of insight about places you too might like to visit, then I have fulfilled my goal. 

And as always, peace and love to all.

MAY 3, 2024 – CRESCENT BEACH AND RV PARK, PORT ANGELES – site 23

Well, even waking up early doesn’t always mean an early start. At about the same time, around 6:15 am, we both jumped out of bed rearing to get going. (OK, we don’t jump any longer, but you know what I mean!)  Showers a pair, breakfast, and all the last-minute items packed in the truck. And away we go to hook up the trailer.

As we are driving along, I jokingly mention the hitch. Oh God, Andy says, “I knew there was something I forgot”. So, he drops me off at the trailer so I can store the last of our things (toiletries, pills, pillows, Aeropress, etc.) and basically get the cabin ready for takeoff. (OK, not takeoff, but just about!) So, muttering something under his breath, Andy drives back to the house to attach the one item we must always bring along when we head out on a trailer adventure. Almost everything else can be purchased along the way. But to hitch up a trailer, you must have a hitch!

Anyway, after returning to the trailer he remembered that to keep the hitch steady when traveling over bumpy roads or suddenly breaking, he needed to also attach the hitch vice. (To the hitch itself.) However, his socket set was still in our garage. So, second trip back to the house to retrieve the socket set. Good thing our trailer storage site is only 5 minutes from home!

At this point, we are still ahead of schedule, but thinking maybe we are getting a bit old for this game. Because I could have noticed that there was no hitch on the truck too. I was there. Oh well, we still left Camano Island at 11:00 am. Our first destination – the Edmonds-Kingston ferry. But in Stanwood we had to stop because one of the stabilizing bars was dragging. (First time ever!) Anyway, Andy showed that stabilizer bar who was boss, and away we went in less than 5 minutes.

I figured with our luck; we would have to wait at least 2 hours in line. It being Friday and all. But we only had to wait 15 minutes before we were safely parked in the bowels of the MV Suquamish. Then off the vessel and on to lunch in Kingston at Los Tres Compadres. Then, on to Crescent Beach and RV Park, site 42.

After checking in, I found that site 42 was not quite what I expected. So, after talking with one of the people who worked at the park, we were able to change to site 23 which was much more to our liking. 

Having survived the early part of the day without flipping out or just packing it in, and since it was after 5:00 pm, we decided a safe arrival drink was called for. So, a martini for me and a Manhattan for Mr. C. were much appreciated.

After having a big lunch, we decided that a simple appetizer dinner was all that was required. Followed by a bit of reading and an early bedtime. So, 9:00 pm found both of our heads happily resting on our pillows which fortunately we did not leave at home!

MAY 4, 2024 – CRESCENT BEACH AND RV PARK

Great burl in the tree right next to our trailer

Andy woke up early and went for a walk at Salt Creek Recreation Area. (It’s right next door to our campground.) This area is considered Washington’s premiere shore diving destination because it apparently offers a breathtaking underwater park replete with sea urchins, anemones, sea cucumbers, and wolf eels.  

For those of us who stay above water, there is wonderful tide pooling populated by a myriad of critters in their rocky pools at low tide. There are also plenty of coves and rocks to explore if you are a kayaker. Marine mammals are also abundant in this area. Salt Creek Rec Area is also on the Whale Trail, so it’s possible to see whale spouts from the cliffs. A perfect spot just to enjoy the beach, stroll, or find that perfect spot out of the wind to soak up the sun in a sheltered cove. Camping and RV sites are also available.

 

I got up around 8:00 am and started prepping for breakfast. Just as I was ready to sit down and read until he returned to the trailer, he walked in the door. Prefect timing. After a hearty breakfast, we decided to take a drive out to Neah Bay.

We had been to Neah Bay last a few years ago when we were camping at the Quileute Oceanside Resort in La Push. But I really wanted to see the area again. But for those of you who have not ventured along the coast past Port Angeles, you need to know there is no such thing as a straight road along the way. It’s up and down, twists and turns, 2 lanes (kinda sorta), paved most of the way, but gravel occasionally where slides have played havoc with the road surface and railing. And there have been lots of slides over the years. Lots! Actually, it was quite a bumpy ride.

So, it is not a quick ride. But scenic? You bet! And worth the drive? Absolutely.

So, state highway (SH)-112 from our campground to Neah Bay. Had a great lunch at the Warmhouse Restaurant, then decided it was time to head back. But with a bit of a different route. (Not that there are a lot of ways back to Crescent Beach. There are only two.) But at least part of the way was a new road for us. And we always like finding a new road to drive.

So, SH-112 to SH-113. Then at the end of 113, left onto US highway 101. Then just past Lake Crescent, a left onto East Beach Road, right on Joyce-Piedmont Road and finally onto Crescent Beach Road which brough us right back to our site.

After that, it was writing for me and another walk for Andy.

Then dinner, reading, and another early to bed.

An absolutely great way to spend our first full day away from home.

May 5, 2024 – CRESCENT BEACH AND RV PARK

After a great night’s sleep for both of us, Mr. C. went for a short beach walk while I started breakfast. Just as I finished frying up the bacon, he magically appeared. (The man has perfect timing.) After a leisurely breakfast, we decided to go into Port Angeles for a small bit of provisioning.

I always leave home with the basics (ground beef, ground lamb, flank steak, bacon, chicken, link sausages, dinner sausages, along with some type of homemade pasta sauce, soup or chili, cookies, and breakfast bread in the freezer. But depending on when and how I want to serve these items, I leave some purchases for when need dictates.

And for this evening’s meal I decided to serve ground lamb patties. And everyone knows you can’t enjoy the full on “ground lamb patty” experience without a side of tzatziki. Duh! Thus, the need for a cucumber and some plain yogurt. That and some hummus and cooked red skin potatoes liberally doctored with butter and sour cream, and you have an easy and delicious trailer meal.

And for those of you who have gone out in your trailer or motor home for a month will attest, you simply can’t bring every food item with you. Plus, it’s fun to go shopping when you’re camping if only to break up the monotony of fabulous natural wonders and quiet solitude that you often find when trapped in a beautiful setting. But enough about food. (You would think I was posting this trip report on a food blog!)

Anyway, after we left the Safeway in Port Angeles, we decided to take a side trip up the Elwha/Olympic Hot Springs Road. As with many spontaneous outings, we were thwarted by lack of knowledge. The road is now closed after 2 miles. Apparently when the upriver dam (Glines Canyon) was blasted away (completing the largest dam removal project in US history, BTW) the river decided to run free, including washing out the road. After parking the truck, we decided to get out and take pictures of the mighty Elwha River in all its glorious free flow.

Then back in the truck and back to camp for a bit of lunch.

After lunch Andy decided to drive up to Lake Crescent to take a short hike up to Marymere Falls. The falls are accessed by a 0.9 mile, well-maintained, dirt trail through an old-growth lowland forest consisting of fir, cedar, hemlock, alder trees and 2 wooden bridges.

I decided to stay in camp and whip up this report and help Harry Bosch solve another mysterious murder. Don’t know Detective Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch – look him up!

After dinner, a couple rounds of SkipBo, reading, and an early to bed. Another wonderful day in paradise.

MAY 6, 2024 – QUILEUTE OCEANSIDE RESORT, LA PUSH – site 11

The view out our back window

The sea stacks just offshore

The perfect spot

Well, once again we lucked out. No rain while hitching up. Now, that might not seem like a big thing to those of you who have never folded a tent or hitched up a trailer in the rain. If not, let me be the first to inform you that it’s really nice to leave camp in dry clothes. And yes, we can always go back into the hitched trailer and change into dry clothes. But if you’re tent camping, changing clothes in the confines of the front seat of your vehicle, is truly no fun at all. So, in either instance, it’s much more pleasant when changing clothes is not required. (Sometimes it’s the little things that go right that can cause the most joy. Or so it seems to me.) Anyway, we got off at 11:06 am without a hitch. Oh wait, let me rephrase that. We did have a hitch, but we got off without any problem. (The same word with its various meanings can be just so much fun! That’s the main reason I so love to write!) Anyway, by 11:06 am we were on the road again headed for the Quileute Oceanside Resort. One of our favorite places to park our trailer. But first, our road (US-101) would take us around Lake Crescent.

Now, if you have never driven this stretch of road, you are in for a surprise. There are very few settings as beautiful as this lake with its surrounding landscape. And because the lake and mountains are part of Olympic National Park, there are very few dwellings on the lake. Which makes the lake even more scenic.

When we reached Forks, we stopped for a couple of grocery items before heading West to La Push.

After lunch, Mr. C. went for a short walk on the beach while I put items together for the charcuterie board I planned to serve before our dinner with friends.

One of the main reasons we come to this camp so often is because it is close to the Quillayute River Resort which our dear friends Chip and Linda own and operate. (A fantastic get-away BTW.) Along with our close friends Jim and Margo, it’s like a family reunion.

So, while Chip was prepping for the pizzas (they have a real Italian pizza oven at the resort), Margo and I set up the charcuterie board, Linda baked homemade gougères, while Jim and Andy mixed M & M’s (Martinis and Manhattans).

The pizza oven

Chip the pizza master

Linda supervising the whole project

One of six perfect pizzas

After that we sat down to eat 6 different kinds of pizza, Linda’s grilled broccoli salad, and maple cream pie for dessert. OMG. I demanded the recipe from Linda after just one bite. The pie was just that delicious. So, in the future, I will pass the recipe on to you.

After a lovely evening spent with these amazing people, it was time to head for camp. After parking the truck, Mr. C. decided it needed to be closer to the trailer at which point the trouble began. The truck wouldn’t start again. No power. Andy couldn’t even lock the doors.

We had been having electrical trouble with the truck off and on for some time. But it had been running fine recently. And it had just started at our friend’s resort, just 15 minutes before.

So, Andy did what any intelligent person would do. He called an expert. And Jim, just happens to fit that description. Jim owned a very successful auto repair shop on Queen Ann Hill in Seattle for decades. So, the man knows car and truck engines.

Jim thought it was probably either the battery or possibly the alternator. He said he would come take a look in the morning. Which he did. And he was spot on. One of the wires from the engine to the battery had come loose. He tightened the fitting and the truck leaped into action.

Sometimes our guardian angels do indeed look after us. This could have happened in the middle of nowhere and with both of us possessing absolutely no mechanical aptitude, we would have been stuck. Sure, we have AAA, but often the areas we visit have no cell service. Considering everything, we were very, very lucky it happened when it did!

MAY 7, 2024 – QUILEUTE OCEANSIDE RESORT

Well, as you might expect, I didn’t sleep really well last night. I envisioned the whole next day spent finding someone to fix the problem with our truck.

We had even gone so far as to make an appointment at an electrical repair place in nearby Forks, if we could get the truck started with jumper cables.

As I explained in my May 6^th post, the problem was solved withing minutes. And we were back to our regularly scheduled program. Which for today was nothing more than spending the evening again with our dear friends Jim, Margo, Chip, and Linda. Which meant that until 5:00 pm our entire day was open to get into whatever trouble we could find.

So, Andy went for a nice walk to Second Beach, while I wrote for a while, read for a while, and generally was completely lazy.

Where normally I would be accompanying Andy on some of his less strenuous adventures, this trip is different. It seems my arthritis is acting up again and my left leg is taking a beating. So, always being content with my own company and wanting Andy to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible, I sent him on his way.

But before I go any further, a bit about Second Beach. Source – The Outdoor Society.

The trail starts at a small parking lot, and quickly crosses a small wooden bridge, before heading into the woods. As you walk along, the forest gets more interesting. Giant trees sprout multiple spires, turning views of forests into wooded cathedrals. Every direction you look, branches and roots are grasping everything, large stumps intertwined with the life-force of its neighbors. Many hurry down the 0.7 mile trail to reach the beach. But don’t miss the beauty the walk itself has to offer.  

As the ocean draws closer, the roar of the crashing waves increases. From here, the trail starts losing elevation fast, a series of supported switchbacks leading down to the forest wall before the beach officially starts. Even if you peek, the true beauty of Second Beach won’t be visible until you stand on the giant driftwood lining the beach. It is here, once the trail meets the driftwood, that Second Beach’s beauty is shown in full force.

To the south, endless sea stacks appear in the breaking waves, inviting you to walk down the coast until you hit Teahwhit Head. This immense wall of sea stacks and jagged, eroding land separates Second Beach from Third Beach, helping make this stretch of beach cut off from hikers on Third Beach. To the north, the beach quickly heads toward a rocky outcropping that is as stunning as anything on the Pacific Coast. Over time, the crashing waves found a weakness in the ridge, slowly chipping away until it created a bus-sized hole right near the crashing waves.

So, basically, 2^nd beach offers something for everyone. A great place to visit.   

At 5:00 pm, with more charcuterie board items for the appetizer course, we headed off for dinner with our friends. Another great meal (kale, sausage, veggie, and cannellini bean soup, warm homemade bread, and more of Linda’s Maple Cream Pie. Then hugs all around and back to our trailer for a great night’s sleep.

As I was drifting off to sleep, I wondered what life would be like without good friends. Luckily, I have never had to attain that knowledge firsthand. As I have said many times before, I am well and truly blessed.

 MAY 8, 2024 – FORT FLAGLER STATE PARK, NORDLAND – site 50

The view from our site

Patti next to the trailer reading. What a novel experience for her. (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)

I am always sad to leave La Push. The setting is so beautiful, and we so love spending time with Chip and Linda at their fabulous resort. But it was time to push on to our next campsite at Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island. So, back around Lake Crescent, through Port Angeles, around Sequim, towards Chimacum (South of Pt. Townsend), over the bridge to Naval Magazine Indian Island (commonly called “Indian Island”), and along the fenced off road (read why below), and then over another bridge onto Marrowstone Island. Destination Fort Flagler and campsite 50.

A bit about Naval Magazine Indian Island

Naval Magazine Indian Island is a controlled access installation. Access is limited to authorized military personnel and Department of Defense civilian employees. The installation is home to a deep-water ammunition pier and a conventional ordnance storage site. Indian Island provides munitions support to the Navy and Joint and Allied vessels. The whole island except for the Marrowstone Island access road is therefore off limits to the likes of us. Their loss I figure! Humph!  Our loss too, because the entire 2,700-acre island hosts a wealth of cultural and natural resources, including several Native American archeological sites, historical pioneer homestead sites, and WWII-era buildings. The island is also home to a wide diversity of wildlife species, including 10 established bald eagle nesting sites, several hundred deer, coyotes, otters, and an occasional cougar.

A bit about Fort Flagler

Fort Flagler was a Coast Artillery fort that along with Fort Warden and Fort Casey once guarded Admiralty Inlet, the nautical entrance to Puget Sound as part of a “Triangle of Fire” defensive plan. Admiralty Inlet was considered so strategic to the defense of Puget Sound that the three forts were placed at the entrance with huge guns creating a “triangle of fire.” This military strategy was built on the theory that the three fortresses would thwart any invasion attempt by sea.

Fort Flagler was established in 1897 and activated in 1899, then closed in 1953 and was subsequently purchased as a state park in 1955. But back to the present.  

Since we had never stayed at Fort Flagler, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. But for anyone who loves a view of Port Townsend Bay and the Olympic Mountains, this is the place to stay.

Our site was out in the open, with the trailer’s large back window providing a million-dollar view. And it was nice out. The sun was shining and for the first time on this trip, we could take our books outside to read without putting on every piece of clothing we owned. And I must tell you, it felt just wonderful to sit outside in such a quiet and peaceful park. People were flying kites. Others were simply taking strolls around the camping loop we’re on. Others had their leashed dogs out and about smelling every bush, tree, log, etc. that the length of their leash would allow. In other words, the area was filled with happy campers and daytime visitors. Many here because of the minus 3 tides that allowed them to pick up some interesting edibles at around 7:00 in the morning. So, after setting up camp and taking it easy most of the day, we headed into Port Townsend for dinner.

When we were camping with our dear friends Craig and Marsha last year, we ate dinner one night at the Silver Water Café in Port Townsend. I really wanted to go back to that restaurant because the food they serve is excellent. So, that’s just what we did. And the food lived up to my memory. Wonderful.

Then back to camp to read for a bit before, for me at least, an early to bed. There is just something about camping that makes me want to get extra sleep. It’s like I am either catching up from our busy lives back home, or I am storing up energy for when we get back and our busy lives resume. Whichever, I don’t fight it. I go to bed when the urge hits.

MAY 9, 2024 – FORT FLAGLER STATE PARK

Woke up this morning to bright sunshine and very little breeze. In other words, a perfect day. The mountains were out in all their glory and the bay was calm. It could not have been more ideal.

Andy read outside while I showered, then the usual thing that happens every day happened again this morning. We had breakfast. After that I went outside with my book and read until it was time to go for a short exploratory drive around Fort Flagler. Since this had been a military installation, there were many indications of how important this military instillation had been in its day. Old cement gun bunkers, a fine light house, and beautiful officer’s quarters that were currently available for overnight guests.

On the way out to the lighthouse

But the one thing that struck me as a total waste of the taxpayer’s money, were the empty barracks that we believe must have been dwellings for single servicemen. OK, I get that this is no longer an active military base. But couldn’t these empty barracks be made useful as say, temporary shelters for homeless folks? No, they wouldn’t be fancy housing, but they would provide a roof over someone’s head, a warm bed to sleep in, and bathrooms. And there must have been a mess hall somewhere close by. So, food could be made available too. Then I woke up to reality.

Fort Flagler is too far away from anywhere to help those who are trying to get back on their feet. Job opportunities would be few and far between, and barracks would be no place for a family. And those who simply wanted a free ride for whatever reason – drug or alcohol addiction, mental health issues, etc. would be too far away from any of the agencies that provide the services they might need. But it still made me sad to see these once fine facilities apparently left to molder away. 

After returning to camp, Mr. C. decided to take a hike. So, off he went to Mt. Zion.

2 pictures of signs near Chimacum (home of Betty MacDonald who wrote The Egg and I)

I stayed in camp to stare at the water and mountains, write up this report, help my protagonist solve a crime, and generally enjoy my own company.

I have learned over the years that my alone time is a blessing. Not that I would ever wish Mr. C. to just go away for a while. That has never happened. Because he understands that when he is at a rehearsal or performance that I can’t attend or sits at the piano for any length of time, I can happily entertain myself. That I don’t need him to prop me up or be a constant reminder that I am not alone. And I feel the same way. There are many days when I spend hours researching recipes, developing new recipes, and posting recipes on this site. I know he doesn’t feel neglected when I am in my own little world. I may physically be at home, but my mind is far away. So, being alone or together we are never apart.

When he returned from his hike, I made dinner. After dinner we played a rousing game of Bendomino, then off to an early rendezvous with our pillows. Another lovely day in paradise.