Part 5 – Salt Creek Recreation Area, Port Angeles, WA

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 – Salt Creek Recreation Area, Port Angeles, WA – site 32

Well, rain was forecasted, and rain it was. What a lovely way to hitch up a trailer and set off on yet another day of traveling from point A to point B. In this case, Vancouver Island, BC to Port Angeles, WA via the Black Ball ferry. So, having to be out of camp by 11:00 am, meant that we would be in line at the Black Ball ferry dock at around noon for the 3:00 pm sailing. But what were we to do in Victoria towing a trailer. There are no parking garages for truck and trailer, nor any areas where trailers are welcome. So, thinking we might just be turned away and asked to move on down the road when we approached the ticket booth for the ferry because we were so early, we were greeted with open arms and told to just get in line. So, once parked, we moved into our trailer, had a nice lunch, and waited patiently for 1:30 pm when the border patrol would come through and check our passports. While we waited, we took a few pictures.

View across the harbour. (And yes, I spelled harbour correctly. We are still in Canada thank you very much!)

Cute little water taxi.

The “Empress” herself.

Cars disembarking from the Black Ball ferry. Notice that they are coming out of the side of the vessel, not the end. This should be fun boarding with a truck and trailer. Not!

Then another hour before we drove onto the ferry.

Then upstairs to sit in comfort while our ship crossed the Straights of Juan de Fuca. Luckily it was calm sailing. But even then, the boat was rocking side to side more than some of the passengers appreciated. Had it not been raining I would have been out on the bow of the ship doing my Kate Winslet impersonation because I love the ups and downs of riding the waves. But I restrained myself and sat inside reading my current book, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. Which BTW, I am enjoying immensely.

Not an easy read because it deals with poverty. And how rough it was for immigrants in the early 1900’s. But the writing is beautiful, and the story portrays how resilient folks had to be to survive at the very lowest level of educational or work opportunities, or class and nationality distinctions. The book is truly a classic in every regard. I highly recommend you add it to your list of “must read” books.

After leaving the boat we had to go through US Customs. We were prepared with a detailed list of how much liquor we were bringing into the country, how many semi-automatic weapons we were smuggling into Washington, and of course, how many citrus fruits we were bringing into the US from the rich and plentiful tropical citrus groves all over Canada. And the only questions our nice border guard asked us was if we purchased anything in Canada (yes, a wooden sculpture) and did we have any fruit or veggies, (yes, part of an onion, some carrots, and pea pods). (What we forgot to report was the garlic we had purchased on Salt Spring Island. Had it been found; I may have had to write this report while awaiting deportation. Sometimes luck favors the well prepared. And in this case, it proved true.)

No mention whatsoever about drugs, guns, or live animals. Of course, we didn’t have any illegal drugs, guns of any sort, or live animals (except for a possible spider, mosquito, or common house fly trying to immigrate to a warmer climate). But all that effort on our part gone to waste.

Anyway, out of Port Angeles and on west to the Salt Creek Recreation area and our new home for 3 nights.

After unhitching and getting set up, it was way past happy hour. So, after safe arrival libations, we had dinner and a fine evening of reading and an early to bed. Nice to be home in the beautiful state of Washington. We are livin’ the good life, that’s all I have to say!

Thursday, September 26, 2024 – Salt Creek Recreation Area

Well, what to do when it’s mighty cloudy and there is rain in the forecast? Hey, why not drive up to Hurricane Ridge? Actually, that was not our first thought. Before starting out, we had decided to head into Port Angeles (PA) and visit the Fine Arts Center. But as we were driving towards PA, we could see the tops of the nearby Olympic Mountains. So, being the grand adventurers that we are, we took a chance and headed up into the Olympic Nation Park. After all, Hurricane Ridge was only 17 miles from the outskirts of Port Angeles. So, we weren’t investing too much time if all that happened was a nasty old cloud bank completely obliterating Mount Olympus.

But as luck would have it, we had lovely vistas all the way to the viewpoint that looked out at Mt. Olympus and it’s few remaining glaciers.

Eastward view from the ridge.

Gone was the day lodge (visitor’s center) that burned down on May 7, 2023. In its place was a nice his and hers portable washroom. Which for some of us in our golden years, is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow!

But what fun to actually see the namesake of the “real” Mount Olympus that we had visited on last year’s adventure to Greece.

So, a few facts about Mount Olympus – Washington State and Mount Olympus – Greece:

Washington State: Mount Olympus is the tallest mountain on the peninsula, stretching 7,980 feet into the sky. It is also the most glaciated peak in the Olympics. The mountain is not directly accessible by car but can be seen from afar on a clear day from sites such as Hurricane Ridge.

Greece: Mount Olympus is part of an extensive massif (a compact group of mountains, especially one that is separate from other groups) which consists of 52 peaks and deep gorges. The highest peak being 9,570 feet above sea level. And even at that altitude, it only receives a slight dusting of snow in the winter. And unlike Washington’s Mount Olympus, you can drive or walk along the very base of this incredible massif which appears to just rise directly out of the sea.

So, after taking pictures of our Mt. Olympus and availing ourselves of the facilities, we headed back to PA to find some lunch. Having no idea where to eat, we ended up at a nice pub/café calling itself Moby Duck. The fish was fresh and plentiful, and the beer was great.

After lunch we decided to take, as much as possible, local coastal roads back to camp. We hit a few dead ends, but then that was just part of the fun. Finally, we found our way back to camp at about 3:30 pm just in time for the heavens to open.

But safely tucked away in our cozy, warm trailer, we read, wrote, and generally stayed dry.

After a nice dinner of chili (made at home before we left) which was absolutely perfect for a rainy, cold evening, we read for a while until it was time for bed. I feel like this whole trip has been about catching up on sleep. We stay very busy at home. But on our trailer trips, we become lazy. And that is exactly what we need to recharge our batteries.

Friday, September 27, 2024 – Salt Creek Recreation Area

Woke to sun gallantly trying to find its way through the clouds. And by golly, it finally won. And because it definitely is Fall, the leaves are turning color. I just loved this tree with its leaf tips giving way to the inevitable.

After a late breakfast, we decided to go into town (the town being Port Angeles) and visit the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center. Their current exhibit being – Sparks of Connection- In Celebration of Fem Fabrication. According to the center’s website “The featured artist, Heather Dawn Sparks, uses her metal fabrication expertise to create intentional space for other fem fabricators to learn the craft. As an artist she uses metal as a primary foundation for her art and she interweaves paper cutout design, creating a beautiful balance between soft and hard form as she explores the interplay between light and shadow. Exhibiting alongside her to delve into the sparks of connection made through creative collaboration will be emerging and seasoned regional metal artists.”

These were huge spiders. Floor to ceiling.

What nice legs you have my dear!

Not a great picture of the metal piece, but it gives you an idea of the layout of the building.

Another beautiful piece of metal art.

Along with the fine arts center there was a fun outside sculpture park.

Now, that’s my kind of fence!

We walked the whole 5 acres and didn’t get lost. (That would have been impossible because the path was very well laid out.) But still, we made it through without having to ask for directions. Some of what we saw.

Then we headed back to camp for lunch and for Andy to go for a walk up Striped Peak.

And after that, for both of us to read (or nap) outside in the afternoon sun.

After sitting in the sun until I nearly froze to death, I climbed back in the trailer to read until once again it was time to drive into Port Angeles. This time to have dinner at the 929 Woodfire Grill.

We loved the metal sculpture outside the restaurant. This picture is for our dear friend Cindy who absolutely adores giraffes. But then again, who doesn’t?

The restaurant served good food, but no cocktails. And they were out of the beer I like. Oh well, that was OK because we were seated outside under umbrellas. At least there was a propane fire nearby. But still, it was chilly. Enough so that we didn’t even look at the dessert menu. And usually, I like to at least look at the dessert menu because you never know if something new and exciting might be listed. Doesn’t happen often, but it could!

Then back to camp for our last night on the road.

This has been a very pleasant three weeks. Only 5 different campsites, so we really got to know each of the areas we were visiting.

But I’m looking forward to being home. We both miss our kitties and all the conveniences only a real home can provide. But we also know that our hectic pace is waiting not so patiently for our return. Gigs, and doctor’s appointments, and home concerts, and the holidays just around the corner. But fall is also an exciting time of year. Leaves drop, flowers fade, and there is never enough daylight to suit either one of us. But it’s also the time of year for soup and homemade bread, pot roasts, meat pies, and all the other comfort foods that entice us to stay home and stay warm. And just hunker in. We are so lucky. So, yes, I am ready to go home.

Saturday, September 28, 2024 – Camano Island

It’s always sad when a trip comes to an end, even though I am more than excited to be going home. But for me, going home has always meant warmth, family, and a safe and comfortable place to get away from the world. Oh, that everyone was as lucky.

And it really came to mind the difference in how people are looking at the upcoming election from totally different perspectives.

On our way out of Port Angeles, I noticed that more cars were coming into town as opposed to heading east out of town. Then I noticed that some of the vehicles, especially the trucks, were flying American flags and Trump banners. What we were seeing was a rolling, albeit seemingly peaceful, rally of Trump supporters. And it made me very sad.

Note: You may want to skip the next few paragraphs because I feel driven to write about the upcoming election, and it may not be what you want to read.

I don’t care that Trump is a republican. If he were a democrat, I would still hold him in disdain. This election should not be about standing by your party. It should be about good versus evil. And for goodness’ sake, if anyone thinks that if a democrat gets elected, taxes will automatically go up, gun ownership will be eliminated, immigrants would be free to pour into our country and take all the good jobs, and the economy would only get worse. If you truly believe that, because you have been spoon-fed information from a biased, unreliable news source, then you need to set aside some time to search out unbiased information for yourself. Because, in fact, the economy is doing very well. And besides, nothing of real value is getting done because the house and senate can’t even agree that Tuesday comes after Monday. And that wouldn’t change overnight no matter if a democrat got into office. We as a country are at a stale mate regardless of who wins!  

But if Harris were elected, as a nation we would have a person who actually cares what happens to America and the rest of the world from an intelligent, educated, concerned perspective. And she would have a great staff to support her and help her lead our government so that every citizen benefited.

And the bully who once gave high governmental offices to his unqualified buddies and then got rid of them when they dared to have a different opinion, would no longer have the opportunity to hurt our nation. And maybe institutions like FEMA, federal aid for disasters, Obamacare, social security, and other benefits badly needed by many American citizens might stay in place. Or even get better!      

So, please don’t think “I must go along with the party line”. Think, I need to vote for the person who will do the best job of running our democratic country so that it will stay a country of the people and for the people.   

Note: OK, I’m done talking politics. Back to traveling.

We had left plenty of time to reach Port Townsend for our 2:00 pm sailing to Coupeville so we had lunch at a small Mexican restaurant before getting in line. With full tummies we got in line, and after boarding had an uneventful crossing.

In line to board the ferry.

After dispensing with ferry travel for the foreseeable future, we disembarked the vessel and enjoyed an easy and well-known drive to our trailer storage facility.

We cleared the trailer of essentials – perishables, our pillows, toiletries and pills, computers, books, and a clean pair of underwear each. The rest we left for the next couple of days because basically we were pooped. Plus, we just wanted to honker down with our kitties Max and Miles. And of course, an early to bed since Andy had a gig the next day.

All in all, a peaceful, lazy, delightful fall trip.

Thank you for coming along with us on our latest adventure.

And as always, peace and love to all.  

Part 4 – Weirs Beach RV Resort, Victoria (Vancouver Island) British Columbia

Saturday, September 21, 2024 – Weirs Beach RV Resort, Victoria (Vancouver Island) BC – site 10

Our site backed up to a beautiful pond complete with ducks, geese, and a stately blue heron.

The pond through our back window.

The beach just across from our trailer.

Our own driftwood fortress.

Got on the road by 10:00 am. Thought we would arrive at Weirs Beach by about 3:00 pm but instead didn’t arrive until 4:45 pm. And why the delay? Well of course we had to stop for a potty break. Then gas, then lunch. But the main reason we got into camp later than expected was because the main coast highway between Parksville and the turn off to the southern shore of Vancouver Island, has traffic lights every 10 yards. OK, not that frequent, but when you are trying to get from point A to point B, it sure seemed like it!

And then, after passing the small burg of Crofton where we had landed by ferry from Salt Spring Island, we were completely dumbfounded at what we found. Neither of us had ever traveled from this point south to Victoria. (Or north for that matter!) So, instead of a 4-lane highway, it was a windy, slow, at sometimes 2 lane mountain road with of course the obligatory road construction. What? Weren’t we just a few klicks from a major city? How could the road be so rural appearing and like we were in the middle of freaking nowhere? Like I said – we were flabbergasted.

But finally, we were able to head southwest towards our destination. And even then, it felt like we were a thousand miles from civilization. Two lane roads with very poor signage. But Mr. C. couldn’t get lost if his life depended on it. He just instinctively knows how to find where he needs to go. Amazing.

And once again, I didn’t get behind the wheel. Too many places where the good drivers pulling a trailer that we are, pulled over to let other cars pass us. But the pull-outs were narrow and seemed totally too short and scary to me. So, poor Mr. C. did all the driving. And I must say, he was a very good sport about it. (But I still feel guilty.)

And then we got to camp. Right on the water with a beautiful sandy beach with our big back window facing away from the water. But it’s OK. We can sit on the beach that is barely a cars width from our trailer. And it’s quiet here. So, sleeping and relaxing will be the order of the days to come. Well, along with going into Victoria to visit the Royal BC Museum and Butchart Gardens, I may even try to twist Andy’s arm to take me to high tea at the Empress Hotel. The options are endless. I love Victoria.

Sunday, September 22, 2024 – Weirs Beach RV Resort

After a late breakfast, we decided today was perfect for a ride. Since neither of us had been on the southern shore of Vancouver Island (VI), except for Victoria itself, we felt duty bound to go west Mr. and Mrs. Carr, go west.

So, at about 11:30 am we hopped in our truck and headed for Sooke. Of course, along the way we took various offshoot roads because, after all, we were exploring. First stop – Rocky Point. And if ever a place was properly named, Rocky Point is it! But then, every place name on the entire southern coast of VI should start with Rocky. Rocky Metchosin, Rocky East Sooke, Rocky Sooke, and even Rocky Jordan River. Because I have never seen such hilly, rocky landscape in my life. The fact that any animal can actually live off this land is amazing to me. Yet there are signs to watch out for deer, bear, and wolves all along the road, and I do mean road (singular), because there is only one paved road in this area. What could these poor critters possibly be finding to eat? Boggles the mind! And as far as 2 legged critters, there’s not much for us to eat along the way either. Very few dining establishments. Our next main diversion was to leave Rocky Point Road and turn left onto Sooke Road and head to East Sooke. Nothing really there, except a magnificent view of the waterway into Sooke.

So, finding ourselves at a dead end, we turned around and headed north on Gillespie Road until we turned west on highway 14 and on into the tiny burg of Sooke. But before actually going through Sooke, we turned right (north) to follow the Sooke River Road to check out Sooke Potholes Regional Park.  Due to a wildfire located north of Sooke Potholes Park in July of this year, the park was closed until further notice. But it was still a lovely ride as far as we could go. Then back to Sooke and on west to Jordan River. Which of course we just had to cross. Because the Jordan River has since biblical times been imbued with powerful symbolic meanings: it is a boundary and a crossing point, a metaphor for spiritual rebirth and salvation, and a source of holy water.

Now I’m pretty sure the “Jordan River” referenced in the bible is not now nor has it ever been in British Columbia. But it’s never smart to ignore every opportunity to hedge your bets! So, after crossing the river we immediately turned around and crossed it again. It’s called double indemnity.

But the real reason we turned around was because we were starving. And a few klicks back we had seen a sign for Stoked Wood Fired Pizza. Well, by golly, we ate every bit of our Spicy Pepperoni pizza. In fact, the box it came in was almost in jeopardy.

After filling our tummies, it was back to the trailer for a bit of a read outside. For me that lasted about 5 minutes because it was a little bit too cold for my taste. So, inside and onto writing today’s trip report. About 6:00 pm Andy decided he’d had enough nature for the day and came inside to prepare our evening libation. And that’s where I will close for now. Happily sipping a martini while Andy enjoys his Manhattan. M & M’s a pair.

After dinner, more of the same. Read, write, sleep. Not a bad trio.

Monday, September 23, 2024 – Weirs Beach RV Resort

OK, I was awake several hours last night. FOR NO GOOD REASON. If I was anxious about something or didn’t feel well, then I would understand my new tendency towards periodic insomnia. But nothing was bothering me, and I felt just fine. I had heard that sometimes older folks can’t sleep as well as they did when they were younger, but I never thought it would happen to me. (I never counted on wrinkles either, but I’m starting to look like a dried-up prune!) (But that’s neither here nor there.) (Shit just happens!)

Anyway, I slept in a bit longer than I had planned, so we didn’t leave for Victoria until about 11:30 am. Today’s agenda consisted of the Royal BC Museum. So, after parking about 4 blocks from the museum, my legs were so tired by the time we got to the museum, that I was ready to turn around and come back to the trailer. But once I got into the museum, I was raring to go.

Because I love this museum, and it had been too many years since my last visit. But just as Andy was getting in line to buy our tickets, we read that the IMAX theater was about to screen a documentary on Blue Whales. So, we decided to watch that first before going through the museum. (Plus, I could rest my weary legs before strolling through the museum.) And boy oh boy was Blue Whales an interesting and educational production. We both loved it. Next, we toured the museum. But first, 3 views of Victoria from the top floor of the museum.

Then the museum itself.

One of the current exhibitions is about Stonehenge. Very interesting and informative. And it recalled the time my former husband and I had taken our three younger children to Europe for 5 weeks. And one day just minding our own business, we happened to drive by a field that looked empty except for some large stones seemingly enjoying themselves in the afternoon sun. We looked at each other, and even though there was no sign indicating what we were seeing, we were savvy enough to immediately recognize that what we were looking at was Stonehenge. So, all by ourselves, the 5 of us in 1978 walked through these ancient ruins. It was freaking amazing. And we were the only people there.

Now you practically have to offer up your first born, to even stand behind a fence to view this ancient marvel of engineering.

After touring the museum, it was after 3:00 pm and we decided a bit of sustenance was in order. And right in front of us was The Spaghetti Factory which we had eaten at maybe 30 years ago. So, why not? We had two appetizers. Steamed mussels in an amazing wine broth, and fried calamari. Both were delicious.

Then it was back in the truck to head towards our campground. But first, a bit of provisioning. Then back in camp it was cocktail hour and time for me to write up todays’ experiences.

Then cook dinner and do a bit of hand laundering. Andy was out of socks and clean underwear would be in short supply for both of us after tomorrow. So, with no options available, Patti the laundress was put to work!

Then read for a while and an early to bed for me. My body was a bit tired from walking in Victoria and going through the museum. So, knowing we would be doing some more walking tomorrow, I decided to give in to gravity and lay my tired bones down and give them a long rest. When Andy made it to bed, heaven only know?

Tuesday, September 24, 2024 – Weirs Beach RV Resort

Well, I must have been harder on my body than I thought, because this morning I could hardly get out of bed. So, after fixing breakfast and discussing our options for today, we decided Butchart Gardens was out of the question. My arthritic knees just were not up to the task of walking any distance. That left – golf.

We had seen a nearby golf course (Metchosin Golf and Country Club) on our way back from Victoria on Monday. So, armed with golf clubs for Mr. C. and my burning desire to drive a golf cart, off we went for 18 holes of frustration, excitement, zeal, exhilaration, euphoria, discouragement, and every emotion in between. (And that was just my emotional take on the game from a spectator’s perspective. Andy was calm as a cucumber!)

Nice and easy does it every time.

Hazard! What hazard? (And people wonder why I don’t golf!)

And then of course, there are the moving objects to avoid……

But what a grand time we had. Andy played well, and I actually drove the golf cart with as much assurance as if I’d been trained by Mario Andretti. And no Canadian Geese were hurt in the process. Which is amazing since they were happily wandering the fairways as if they owned the place. And the day was perfect for being outside. Sunny and warm with only a slight breeze to remind us that it is indeed fall.

After skipping lunch, we decided to have an early dinner at My-Chosen Café. Wonderful food and charming ambiance. I had liver and onions, with bacon and gravy which came with garlic bread and a lovely fresh veggie salad. (Even the blue cheese dressing was wonderful.) OMG. If I lived here, I would eat at this rustic eatery at least once a week. My entrée was just that good. Andy had pesto linguini with chicken and garlic bread. He also loved his meal.

Then back to the trailer to get some work done in preparation for tomorrow morning’s departure. (Dump black and grey water, put camp chairs away along with our outdoor tables, that sort of thing.)

We usually wait until the morning when we leave to do all these chores, but the weather report was for rain starting about midnight and continuing during the day tomorrow. And neither of us enjoy doing chores and hooking up the trailer in the rain. So, whenever possible, we do as much as possible ahead of time.

Tomorrow will take us back into Washinton state for three more days of trailering. And our last trip of the year.

It is always sad to say goodbye to our trailer for the winter because after all, it is our second home. And we always have so much fun pulling it along with us as we explore new and exciting areas or visiting places that beckon us back year after year. But our dear Pullwinkle needs time off too.

But we’re not done yet. Port Angeles here we come!  

End of part four. One more to go.     

Part 3 – Bella Pacifica Campground, Tofino, Vancouver Island

Monday, September 16, 2024 – Bella Pacifica Campground, Tofino, Vancouver Island – site 26

Because we were informed that we must be out of our campsite by 10:00 am, we got an early start. We actually left at 9:56, which believe me, is not easy for us.

We like a leisurely beginning to our day. We read the paper online while slowly sipping our coffee, followed by a good-sized breakfast to tide us through to lunch. But with an early departure deadline, I skipped reading the paper and went full speed ahead into breakfast preparation. Quickly followed by getting the inside of the trailer ready to move on down the road. While Andy secures the outside. (Unhook water and electricity etc. etc. etc.) After 32 years of trailering, we pretty much have our individual duties down to a science. Which is good, because I am not a morning person. By 4:00 pm I can accomplish great feats of daring. But at 9:00 am, I am basically worthless.

Once out of camp, we turned west on highway 4 towards Port Alberni and on till we reached the shores of the mighty Pacific Ocean. And I must say, the road all the way was not the best road we have ever encountered. Not the worst either. (And yes, we had been warned by our dear friend Tim that the road was rough.) Lots of up and down, a couple 18% grades, around more curves than I ever would have dreamed possible, past two big lakes, large growth forests, and mountains with bare, vertical pinnacles. But an absolutely lovely, unparalleled ride in terms of natural beauty. In terms of smooth and easy to drive, not so much!

Arrived at the “T” in the road. (Going straight would have landed us in the ocean.) Turning left would have taken us to Ucluelet – pronounced you-clue-let (just like it’s spelled) (how often does that happen with “first nation” names). But even with its pronounceable name, we turned right. Our campground was just a few klicks south of the teeming metropolis of Tofino which just happens to be at the very north end of highway 4.

Point of interest: Tofino has grown 58% in the last 20 years. It is no longer a sleepy little village. Several huge resorts are now occupying vast stretches of prime coastal land. Beautiful facilities, but it’s very costly to stay on their hallowed property. But a great place to get away from it all.    

Andy had received a text on his phone while we were driving towards Tofino that provided us with our campsite number and informed us that we were now officially “checked in” and didn’t have to stop and register at the camp office. Great! So, to our site we proceeded. Well, the sites are so close together with very little place to park your pulling vehicle, that we had to ask the kind gentleman across the road from us to move his truck so that Andy could back into our site. He was most accommodating and even helped me guide Andy as he backed our trailer into a site designed for a Volkswagen Beetle. But we made it work.

But what a site. Probably one of the best in the camp which had 265 sites from which to choose. Of course, we wouldn’t fit in 98% of the sites, but here we were for 5 nights with our back window looking out at the ocean, small offshore islands, and a lot of beautiful sandy beach. Lovely.

After getting set up and a enjoying a bit of lunch, Andy decided to take his camp chair and go sit on the beach and read while I typed up the first part of today’s trip report.

While he was down on the beach, he witnessed an episode (presumably) of Canada’s Ultimate Reality Challenge (who knows what that is) being filmed.

For this challenge, each team had to fit 10 pieces of material together to make the rectangular banners and then get them into place on the frame. As you can see from the size of the man standing to the left of the frame, these banners were big and probably quite heavy. It took a great deal of teamwork to accomplish this task and about an average of an hour to complete.

20 people (5 teams of 4) swam to our beach from a barge that was anchored right offshore, then worked in teams to complete different tasks. The above being just one of the assignments.

Some required a bit of strength, but none where anyone was in real physical danger or being asked to eat raw rutabagas or anything that disgusting! The tension was high and screams between teams could be heard. So, it was definitely a serious (at least to participants) competition!

Andy thought it was kind of fun to watch and stayed down on the beach until he got too cold. Then it was back to the trailer for a shot of heat and a couple shots of bourbon in his cocktail of choice this evening – a Maker’s Mark Manhattan.

And oh, the sunset this evening. Magnificent!

After dinner it was the usual. We each read our respective books for a little while before taking those few short steps that afforded us blessed horizontality and a chance to get a good 10 hours of sleep.  Another delightful day in Canada.

Tuesday, September 17, 2024 – Bella Pacifica Campground

Well, the guys predicting rain were not wrong. We woke to a wet world with big old drops of rain. Not a gently little mist or a charming little sprinkle. The ground may have been sodden, but nothing could dampen our spirits. Until Andy tried to light our oven. No way was that sucker going to be lit. So fine! I decided if I couldn’t bake the biscuits for our breakfast of biscuits and sausage gravy with an over easy egg on the side, I would just have to improvise.

The sausage gravy I had made at home and was currently residing in our trailer freezer. The biscuits, in the form of a package mix, were just waiting to be mixed up and baked. But with no oven I had to get inventive. So, I “baked” them on my griddle. I used low heat, flipped them several times, and the result was nicely done biscuits with a crust that was even crispier than if they had been baked. Hurray for me. And since I had made enough gravy for 2 breakfasts, I now had the biscuits in our freezer for the next round of biscuits and gravy. Score 2 for Patti, score 0 for oven!

After finishing breakfast (about 10:30 am) and doing the dishes we decided to take a ride and see what this area had to offer. So, into Tofino we drove. And boy oh boy has Tofino changed since the first and last time I visited this part of the world.

About 25 years ago, my dear friend Linda invited me to come along with her to stay a couple of nights in Tofino and attend some kind of local sculpture garden event. And Linda suggested staying in a hostel. (I had never stayed in a hostel before.) (Or haven’t since and never will again!) Anyway, we got to our hostel and found out that the 4-person, 2 bunk-bed rooms were co-ed. What? Wait! I am not sharing a room with a man. Period!

I was ready to spend any amount of money to get us a room in a hotel/motel or any reasonable accommodation that did not include a strange man listening to me snore! But we had brought all our own food to prepare in the hostel kitchen, so I put on my big girl panties, plus every other article of clothing I had brought along and decided to just go with the flow. But the bottom bunks had already been claimed when we got there. And with my arthritic body I wasn’t going to climb up to the top bunk. So, the delightful young man, as it turned out, who was one of our roommates, offered me his bottom bunk but I declined. So, he helped me move the top bunk mattress to the floor where I slept for the couple of nights we spent in hostel hell. (And no there was nothing we read or were told about the hostel that referenced co-ed in the reservation process. So, be advised, if you plan to stay in a hostel, you might want to call before booking and ask a few pertinent questions. Better to be informed than gob smacked like we were!)

The only good part of staying in the hostel was cooking in the community kitchen and feeding anyone who needed an extra little bit of sustenance. (I do so love to feed people.) But stay in a hostel ever again? Not even if Mark Harmon was one of my bunkmates! Or, I should say, especially if MH was one of my room mates. Yikes! How horrible would that be to have to confess to him that I would be getting up at least 3 times every night to go to the bathroom! These are the things of which nightmares are made! But enough about hostile hostels and back to our exploratory drive.  

In order to not bore you more than I already have, I’m going to make this next part short and sweet. We drove through Tofino, bought fresh fish (halibut and scallops for dinner), drove down to Ucluelet, then back to camp.

Back in camp I wrote up this trip report until it was time to cook dinner. (And yes, it was still raining.) But who cares. We were dry, warm, and had plenty of provisions to ward off hunger or alcohol deprivation. For dinner I made a big salad and fried up the halibut and scallops we had bought in Tofino. I’ve never had better halibut. I simply sprinkled seasoned salt and pepper on one side and fried the fish in half olive oil, half butter and served it with a simple fresh lemon and mayonnaise aioli. Absolutely yum!

Then I read some of my book, wrote up this day’s report, and luxuriated in another early trundle off to bed. Another wonderful day in Canada.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 – Bella Pacifica Campground

Well, we decided today was going to be another quiet day in camp. It wasn’t raining, and the sun was trying its darndest to break through the clouds, but to no avail. So, after a late breakfast we decided to try and find the hostel where I stayed all those years ago. But nothing we found looked or felt familiar at all. (I have a suspicion that some other unsuspecting guest might have burned the building down years ago. Of course, I’m sure that didn’t happen. And no, it wasn’t me! I didn’t do it!)

Next, we searched out where we were going for dinner that evening. That we found. Then into the sculpture garden parking lot that I immediately remembered from all those years ago. Yes, we found the place, but it was closed for the season. Then we decided to check out where the other half find lodging when they visit this area. In other words, the posh resorts. And oh my, there are some pretty fancy digs in this area now. Big money has found its way to this remote spot.

And I sure as heck can understand the appeal. This unbelievably beautiful area with its rugged coastline, numerous offshore islands, abundance of wildlife, surfing opportunities, and lush forests is just such a restful place to leave the hustle and bustle of life behind. It is simply, a nature lovers paradise. And for all you biking enthusiasts, there are biking trails everywhere you look.

After our drive we came back to camp for Andy to take a beach walk and me to do some writing.  Some views from the back of our trailer.

After Andy returned it was time for us to go back into Tofino for dinner. But first a bit of a walk around the many shops and galleries.

For dinner we chose The Schooner Restaurant and had a first-class meal. Had a chance to talk with a charming couple from Alberta that were sitting next to us. Every time we begin a conversation with any unknown person or persons, usually a couple, especially when we are traveling outside the US, I want to start by apologizing for what is happening politically in our country. And inevitably, they just smile and wait for us to bring the name of a certain former president into the conversation. Then they just shake their heads and empathize with us. Because what is happening in America is adversely affecting their nation as well as making America look like a country of unintelligent jerks. So, we do our best to let them know that we aren’t all idiots. And that those of us with half a brain, absolutely hate what is happening to women’s rights, immigrant status, civility, humanity, empathy, and all the other bedrock tenets of democracy. And that hopefully in our upcoming election, good will win over evil.

And then they tell us that their country is also having problems. And I don’t care what country you care to mention. There are seemingly problems everywhere.

After our lovely dinner, it was back to the trailer for another few chapters in our respective books. Which reminds me, I am currently reading Harlan Coben’s second published novel, Miracle Cure. And I especially loved reading the note Mr. Coban wrote about this book many years after it was first published, which BTW was in 1991 when he was in his early twenties.   

He wrote, “Okay, if this is the first book of mine you’re going to try, stop now. Return it. Grab another. It’s okay. I’ll wait.” (BTW, I’m loving the book.) But then, I love Mr. Coben’s writing.

Then it was off to bed to be rocked to sleep by the sound of gentle waves washing up on shore.

Thursday, September 19, 2024 – Bella Pacifica Campground

Took our time waking up and getting started on our day. But soon we had happy tummies and were ready to set off for another day of adventure.

First stop – the Ucluelet Aquarium in (you guessed it) Ucluelet (or as the natives refer to their town – U-kee). And what a nice aquarium this turned out to be.

Hanging on the outside of the aquarium

This is a non-profit aquarium. It opened on June 1, 2012. The aquarium exhibits marine plant and animal life (invertebrates and fishes) native to the west coast of Vancouver Island. The aquarium fosters an “up close and personal” visitor experience through their educational approach, which encourages active participation with staff and volunteers in learning about the marine life on display.

All the specimens in the exhibits, with the exception of freshwater juvenile salmon, are collected from the nearby Pacific Ocean, specifically from Barkley Sound and Clayoquot Sound, and are seasonally released back into the ocean.

After our visit to the aquarium, we stopped for some fried calamari and cod and chips. Then a few provisions at the local Co-op (grocery store) and back to camp to bask in the lovely afternoon sunshine. Well, bask might be a bit of an exaggeration. I stayed in the trailer to write up this report. Andy went for a short beach walk and came back and got his down jacket so he could stay outside to read.

Then it was time for me to start dinner.

After a late dinner we did the same thing we do most evenings whether we are at home or on the road. We read until we can’t keep our eyes open.

And I know, for some of you, reading every evening puts us in the “boy are these two boring individuals” category. We will gladly accept that assessment. Because we also go to a lot of plays, concerts, opera presentations, dinners at friends’ homes, etc. And don’t forget the 3 or 4 trips we take every year. Or all of Andy’s gigs. But for us, being in our golden years, there are still hundreds of books we want to read before we pass on to never-never land. And I don’t have any idea where or if there is a never-never land. But if there is, mine will be filled with wonderful books and an eternity to read every single one of them! And to never-never again have to go to bed before finishing my current book. And I’m pretty sure Andy feels the same way. Except in Andy’s case, our Bösendorfer piano would have to go along with him. (That would make me happy too.) But enough about the afterlife. We are content to stay a while longer on planet Earth just for all the natural beauty that surrounds us. And it doesn’t get much lovelier than where we are right now.

Friday, September 20, 2024 – Bella Pacifica Campground

Woke to sunny skies. Delightful.

After breakfast we decided to take another drive to see what we could find. First stop – Grice Bay. And wow, was that a beautiful place.  

Then we tried to go to the visitor’s center for the Pacific Rim National Park. But it was closed for a cultural event. So, we went in and out a few other offshoots of the main highway, until we decided we had seen everything we wanted to see.

Before returning to the trailer, we went to the same fish market where we had purchased the wonderful halibut and scallops, we had dined on three evenings before and bought the same combination again. And I’m going to cook them exactly the way I did that evening. (Can hardly wait for dinner.)

Then back to the trailer for a small lunch and Andy to take a walk to Tonquin Beach.

While Andy went for his walk, I took my book outside to catch a few rays and hopefully not freeze in place.

Well, as it turned out it was too bloody cold to sit outside, so I stayed inside and wrote a bit and read a whole heck of a lot.

When Andy returned, I cooked dinner, we played 4 or 5 rounds of Bend Dominoes, then it was off to the land of nod for both of us. Our last night at this perfect location.

End of part three. Two more to come.                              

Part 2 – Paradise RV Park, Parksville, Vancouver Island

Thursday, September 12, 2024 – Paradise RV Park, Parksville, Vancouver Island – site 9

After an easy hitch-up, we were on our way to our next destination at 10 minutes after 11:00 am. After being stopped for road construction, we still arrived at the Vesuvius ferry terminal at about 11:30 am. We were directed to the center line and told we would definitely make the next crossing. (Always good news.)  

Andy went for coffee while I rolled down my window and dove into my current book – Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson. And wow, what a story. I’ve decided that from now on, I am going to include in my recipe prefaces and on my travel logs, what book I am currently reading. I love “who done it” books, but I also like to read a smattering of classics. So, I figured everyone needs book recommendations periodically, especially ones that someone else has found entertaining. But back to sitting in line at the ferry dock. There are actually six ways to get off Salt Spring Island. By air, by private boat, swimming (not recommended), and one of three ferry options. We chose the Vesuvius to Crofton option because it got us closer to our destination – Parksville.

Look at that sky as we crossed from Salt Spring Island to Vancouver Island.

The other options that we could have taken – Ganges (Long Harbor) to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island or Fulford Bay to Swartz Bay. So, after a delightful 20-minute ride, we were driving north on Vancouver Island to Parksville.

Upon arrival we went to check in and found that the reservation I had made months before had not been described to me accurately. Our original reserved site, number 3, was a site that backed into woods, even though it was described as an ocean view site. Although in all fairness, if the trees hadn’t been there, we could have seen the ocean. But being the pain in the ass that I am, I told the nice young man that I wanted a site that bloody well had an OCEAN VIEW! Because that was what I had reserved and what was plainly stated on my confirmation sheet. As it turned out, site number 9 for motor homes was available. We took it!

I tried to explain to the young man at the reservation desk that we would be going into site number 3 for just a few minutes before heading to number 9 because we needed to dump both our grey water and black water holding tanks. But the poor guy had no idea what I was talking about when I mentioned grey and black water. He just kept insisting that we go straight to site number 9. Of course, he was extremely busy the whole time we were talking because this RV park also offers bumper boats and miniature golf to not only the campers but everyone up and down the Discovery Coast. And the place was packed with people needing his attention. He never understood my reasoning. I tried several times to explain that the hook up for motor homes was on the opposite side from trailers. Motor homes just pull straight into a site, so the power etc. in on the left side as seen from the road. But with trailers, we back them into a site so the power etc. is on the right when you look at the site from the road. He is probably still trying to figure it out! For all I know, he may still be wondering what a hook-up is! So, to spell it out for those of you who are unfamiliar with what I am talking about, allow me to explain what we did.  

We first pulled into our new site truck first. We then dumped our black and grey water, then Andy backed out of the site. Then he drove out of the RV area, went into a large parking lot and turned around, and came back to the site from the opposite direction.  He then backed our trailer with its lovely big back window up against the sea. We knew there would not be any problem hooking up the water and electricity because we have plenty of length on both our water hose and electric line. And that there was no problem not being hooked up for 4 nights to the septic system. We would simply dump when we got to our next campground.

Our view from the trailer’s back window.

Once we were parked and I had stripped myself off the ceiling, it was time for me to make us a late lunch. Then it was plunk down in our comfy camp chairs outside and read until it was time to make dinner. Then read some more until it was time for an early-to-bed, at least for me. First day in “Paradise”. And just so you know, 2 other trailers did just the same thing we did. They decided that for at least this trip, they too were driving motor homes.

Friday, September 13, 2024 – Paradise RV Park

Slept long and hard. Woke to clouds and the promise of rain. And through our back window, I quickly perceived that the bay water was gone.

OK, the water wasn’t all gone. But there was enough gone for me to wonder if someone had inadvertently pulled the plug!  I also quickly realized that Andy was also missing. But even without my glasses, I could see someone that walked just like him way out on the sandy flats.

Out on the mud flats looking back at the shore and our parked trailer.

Bonfire out on the flats just waiting to be lit.

Closer in view of the shore with the back of our trailer smack dab in the middle again.

Andy got back to the trailer after a few minutes and eventually the water must have missed the shore, because it eventually came back too.

During breakfast, the heavens opened, and it began to rain in earnest. But never to be denied a bit of fun each day, we decided rain be damned, we needed an adventure.

While we were driving from Crofton (the ferry landing on Vancouver Island) north to Parksville, we quickly realized that we were in vacation country. RV parks, motels, hotels, restaurants, galleries, cute little boutique shops, museums, and every possible type of tourist trap you could imagine, were still in full tourist mode. So, our first few visits today were to the RV parks in the vicinity. We decided they each had some interesting qualities, but we would be content with where we were currently parked.    

Then up the coast as far as Qualicum Beach before we headed back to camp for lunch and for me to write and Andy to read. And yes, it rained the entire time we were driving.

We had decided that we would go out for dinner that night. So, when we returned to camp after our ride, I did some research. What I learned was that the Bayshore Restaurant and Lounge in The Bayside Oceanfront Resort, which just happened to be right next door to our RV park, had a first-class menu and very good reviews. So, I made a reservation, and we were seated within 5 minutes of locking our trailer door.

The food was marvelous, and our table was right next to the window looking out on the water. So, we had a lovely evening.

Then back to our home away from home for me to finish my book and start a new one. More to come about my new read. But that can wait until what seemed like a long overdue assignation with my pillow.

Saturday, September 14, 2024 – Paradise RV Park

After a good night’s sleep, I awoke to clouds with a bit of sunshine peeking through. The sun really wanted to present itself more, but the clouds would have nothing to do with sharing the sky. But eventually around 11:00 am, the sun took over for a few hours. There were still clouds here and there, but it was warm enough to shed some layers and go for a ride.

Andy thought he remembered going to a Provincial Park in this area when he was a boy. So, we decided to take a ride and see if going through the camping area of the park he had in mind brought back any memories. The park, Englishman River Falls, is right next to the Englishman River (duh), and he thought those sites looked familiar. So, that was fun.

Then we just followed a few roads that looked interesting until we decided to stop at a BC Liquor store for a bit of provisioning and then up to Qualicum Beach for fish and chips.

Earlier in our trailer trips, the only time we would eat out was for lunch if we were on our way to a new destination. But since I’ve gotten older, I appreciate not cooking three meals a day. So, every two days or so, we have one of our daily meals out. And that suits me just fine. Sometimes it’s not possible to dine out because we are so far from civilization with decent cafés or restaurants, that it seems silly to eat mediocre food when I can jolly well cook something tastier in the trailer. And of course, that’s just what I do. But, when the opportunity presents itself, I enjoy the heck out of someone cooking for me.

After our mid-afternoon lunch, we came back to camp to sit in the sun and read. Well, that didn’t last long. There was a cold breeze coming off the water and we soon sequestered ourselves in our cozy trailer.

But sure enough, the wind died down and the sun came out, so off to the 36-hole mini golf course we proceeded. I came in two strokes ahead on the first 18. On the second 18, I completely lost it, and Andy stopped taking score. (He knows where his bread is buttered!) Anyway, we had a great time and made it back to our trailer just in time for the rain to start. You would think we were still in the Pacific Northwest. But I suppose the Canadians refer to this as the Pacific Southwest. But basically, it’s all the same regardless of what it might call itself! Note to self: Ask a local if we are currently in the Pacific Southwest. That only makes sense. But then, when does anything that makes sense happen?

Since it was almost 6:00 pm, and I had no idea where I was, cocktails were in order.

With martini in hand, I wrote up todays adventures and now must stop writing and cook dinner. Meatloaf (made at home before we left) and corn on the cob we purchased on Salt Spring Island.

After dinner it was a rousing few games of Bend Dominoes. Then we read our books until all the letters started to blur. And finally, we took those 8 arduous steps to find ourselves nestled in our snug queen-sized bed, while visions of adventures danced in our heads. 

Sunday, September 15, 2024 – Paradise RV Park

Just another day in Paradise. After a late breakfast, we decided to head back to Nanaimo and take a short ferry ride to Gabriola Island. (“Gabe” to the residents and locals.)

Our mighty Toyota Tundra out for another ferry ride.

BTW, Gabriola Island is the furthest northern island in the Gulf Islands which is part of the Gulf Islands/San Juan Islands archipelago. (Called the Gulf Archipelago.)

The tip of Lopez Island being at the southernmost point. But back to Gabriola Island.   

Had a bit of difficulty finding the ferry dock in Nanaimo, but once there and ticket purchased, we were soon on our way on yet another BC ferry. And I must say, (sorry Suzie), that BC ferries have got the whole “ferry thing” down pat. From the ticket booth person to the crew that gets us on the boat, to the people that direct us off the boat, we were in very respectful, capable hands. The signage however, to direct us to the boat and what to do when we actually found the terminal, sucked! Big time! You practically had to have been born in the area to understand just exactly what they wanted you to do, and when they wanted you to do it! (And yes, BC folks, riding a ferry is not our first rodeo (so to speak). But a little signage would have been ever so helpful. So, ferry folks – thanks for being so wonderful. Ferry officials who sit in glass towers and feel no directions are necessary because “everyone” already knows how to find these hidden terminals, may the bird of paradise fly up your corporate noses!) (OK, I feel better now. Thanks for listening.)

But once on the island, we were enchanted. Very rural feel, with lots of beautiful homes and wooded areas. Just a few cleared fields. But on those cleared areas cows, horses, sheep, and at least one lama.

Then to the only shopping area we found on the island for a quick sandwich purchase, and back to line up for the next ferry back to Vancouver Island.

BTW – This ferry did not run on a schedule. When the boat gets full (or almost full), they head for the opposite shore. There are two boats which can each accommodate approximately 47 cars. The crossing takes about 20 minutes. So, at either end we didn’t have to wait at all.

Then a bit of grocery shopping in Parksville before returning to camp. The sun was shining, so before dinner we sat in our comfy camping chairs and read until it was time for me to start dinner. A beautiful way to spend a lazy late summer day.

I love it here. The people are friendly and between the water and the mountains it feels just like home. And what can be finer than that!

End of part two. Three more to come.    

Part 1 – Mowhinna Creek Campground – Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

Sunday, September 8, 2024 – Mowhinna Creek Campground – Salt Spring Island, BC – site 47

Left our trailer storage area at 10:30 am, which is amazing considering that I am not a morning person. So, getting up early is not something I look forward to regardless of what the day happens to portend.

But off we went without a hitch. Actually, we did have a hitch. Which of course is something you really need when pulling a trailer!

First stop – the Canadian border at Peace Arch in Blaine, Washington.

The Peace Arch is valued as a symbol of the peaceful co-existence of two nations and marks the western edge of the longest undefended border in the world. And just because we had absolutely adhered to every regulation we could read about regarding bringing food and alcohol from Washington State into Canada, the only questions we were asked by the nice man who held our life in his hands were 1) where we were going in Canada, 2) how long we would be in Canada, 3) did we have any firearms in either the truck or trailer, or 4) were we carrying any live animals on board? I wanted to answer that Mr. C. was a live animal, but I thought better of messing with the guy. Over the years it has been my experience that border crossing folks have absolutely no sense of humor. So, I showed remarkable restraint, and we were allowed to proceed onto the hallowed grounds of Canada after about a minute of intense questioning. So, now what to do with our time between noon and our 5:15 pm ferry reservation? Have lunch, of course!

So, we went into the thriving metropolis of Tsawwassen to look for any café or restaurant where we could find a place to park. Believe me, you haven’t lived until you have been in a town and your truck and trailer together are 45 feet long. (And we have a small 25-foot trailer. Imagine towing a 36-foot trailer! No, don’t even go there. It’s too horrifying to even imagine.)

Anyway, we found a place to eat (White Spot Restaurant) right next to a large parking lot and enjoyed a very nice meal.

After lunch we headed for the ferry terminal. When we got to the ticket booth, we were so early that the ticket lady had to call and see if we could get in line or if not, we would have to leave the area and come back later. Luckily, we were allowed to get in line. And yes, we were the first in line. So, 4 hours later, we were the second to the last vehicle escorted onto the ferry. (See how that works!)

But even though we were worried about getting totally bored for those 4 hours, they went by in a flash. There was so much activity going on at the terminal, we were absolutely captivated watching ferries come and go and all the employees doing this and that. We even heard an announcement for the driver of a black EVO to return to the ticket booth. We then saw the EVO sneaking in and out through the lanes trying to escape the police car that was right on its tail. Apparently, the driver had gone through a booth without paying. But just like at an airport, there is a tall structure that looks like an air traffic control tower where the entire terminal can be closely monitored. So, this poor EVO driver really didn’t have a chance. And since you too may have no idea what an “EVO” is, allow me to explain.    The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, popularly referred to as the ‘Evo’, is a sports sedan and rally car based on the Lancer that was manufactured by Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors from 1992 until 2016.

So, now we are on the ferry for a very calm crossing.

Looking down on our trailer from the sun deck

Then on to Ganges and our camp site for the next 4 nights.

After supper it was an early to bed. Suffice it to say we were so tired neither of us opened our books. That my friends, is a rare occurrence.

Monday, September 9, 2024 – Mowhinna Creek Campground

Slept in until 9:00 am. (We really needed the rest.) Then after a big breakfast, we decided to take a ride up the northern part of the island. We had been on Salt Spring Island 20 years ago for a wedding (nephew Rolfe and Rebecca) but had not been on this Gulf Island since. And since Rebecca calls Salt Spring Island her “favorite place on Earth”, we decided to pick her brain about what to see and do while we were here. So, with a list in hand, we hopped in the truck and away we went.

Our only stop on this first day was for seafood in Vesuvius at the Seaside Restaurant. Nice outdoor seating right next to the ferry terminal where we watched a ferry come in and leave. And we realized we could take that ferry when we left on Thursday for Vancouver Island. It would save us several miles (excuse me) “klicks” of driving. Plus, the boat was fairly small, and it looked like it would be fun to ride.

Picture of the ferry from our restaurant table

Then we decided to go to the Mount Maxwell lookout. Right! We made it quite away up the very poor road. But when it not only got rougher, narrower, and steeper, we turned around. Four-wheel drive truck and all, but it was just a bit too much for me. When Andy asked me if we should maybe turn around, I instantly answered yes. And there is still no question in my mind that we made the correct decision.

Then back to camp for me to sit outside our trailer and read while Andy took a quick hike around Ruckle Park where Rolfe and Rebecca had been married.

Upon his return to camp, it was time for happy hour. Then dinner and Andy back to his book and me to write up this post.

Then lights out thinking about what mischief we could get into the next day.  

Tuesday – September 10, 2024 – Mowhinna Creek Campground

I actually slept until 9:00 am this morning. And it was delightful. I think I mainly sleep better in our trailer because I don’t have a cat cuddled up to me all night. Plus, fewer commitments at home that I sometimes worry to death when I should be sleeping peacefully. But the fact of the matter is that I love being able to sleep until I jolly well feel like dragging my old bones upright from delectable horizontality. And I know. It sounds like we take these mini vacations just to rest and relax. And you would be spot on! We appreciate our getaways so that Andy can take a break from our homeowners’ association on which he serves as treasurer and from his busy gigging schedule. But don’t get me wrong. We love our busy lives, but the 3 or 4 times a year when we can take a respite from reality, we kick back and relax like we can’t at home.

So, for today, it was more adventures on the beautiful Salt Spring Island.

And during our drive we saw some beautiful countryside. We climbed up and down over hill and dale, passed freshwater lakes, feathered friends,

encountered a myriad of saltwater inlets,

St. Paul’s Catholic Church, which is Salt Spring Island’s oldest church built between 1880 and 1885. Founded in 1878 by Father Doncklele who was the first Roman Catholic missionary on the Gulf Islands,

Fulford Harbour

and more farm stands than we could count. At one farm stand we bought tomatoes, pattypan squash, and beautiful green beans.

(Apparently there are about 200 farm stands on the island.) Then we stopped at the Salt Spring Island Cheese shop and purchased some delicious goat cheese. At the Tuesday Farmers Market in Ganges, we bought corn on the cob and a wool dryer ball.

And should you be as ignorant of dryer balls as I was until recently, allow me to explain. Dryer balls are commonly made of tightly compressed wool. They help prevent laundry from clumping together in the dryer by tumbling between layers and separating fabric. This action allows warm air to circulate better which can help reduce drying time. The movement of the dryer balls against fabrics can also help fight wrinkles, prevent static, and soften clothes. So, of course I had to have one.

Then we stopped at Buzzy’s Luncheonette, a small Jewish establishment where they proudly make their sandwiches with their own Montreal smoked meat. 

Our final stop for the day was the Embe Bakery in Ganges. We had been advised to try one of their Eccles Cakes, but they were sold out. So, Andy enjoyed an Affogato, and I had a marvelous strawberry ice cream cone.

Then back to camp for a late afternoon read in the sun for me while Andy decided to take a nice beach walk.

So, off he went while I finished Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, winner of the Nobel Prize.

When Andy returned it was cocktail time and time to watch the Presidential debate. While we rarely watch debates, I really wanted to hear and see what each of the presidential candidates had to say. And once again I was reminded that there are responsible, caring people in this world, and others who are only in it for themselves. And I couldn’t help but wonder once again, why every American citizen over the age of 18 wasn’t seeing, hearing, and comprehending the same thing I was witnessing. One of the candidates was speaking like a wise and informed adult. The other candidate sounded like a spoiled 4-year-old with boundaries yet to be learned. And why anyone could believe that someone with a proven record of detestable behavior would care in the least what happened to them or to future generations is way beyond my comprehension. The thought that some of the listeners couldn’t see through all the elephant excrement left me absolutely repulsed! And very sad for what might happen to our country. Because the same people who depend most on social security, Medicare, Medicaid, low-cost medical insurance, and the rights of women to take responsibility for their own bodies, are the very ones who have the most to lose if an elephant is elected in November. An elephant, the symbol of the Republican party, supposedly represents intelligence, dignity, and strength. But that is not what I see represented any longer. I see just the opposite. So, for the immediate future the only thing I can do is forget about the whole mess and cook dinner. So, that’s just what I did.

After dinner it was read and write and lights out. Another wonderful day on Salt Spring Island.

Wednesday – September 11, 2024 – Mowhinna Creek Campground

Woke up several times during the night to the pitter-pat of rain on our trailer roof. Not a bad sound, but not a good omen for what kind of day we might expect upon awakening. But when dawn arrived there was a reduction of sprinkles, and patches of sun appeared periodically. So, although it wasn’t warm, it wasn’t cold either. We decided the first part of today’s road adventure would be a visit to the Embe Bakery in Ganges to see if they had any Eccles cakes with our name on them. But before I go any further, I should give you the reasons I was so determined to try one of these pastries. First, our niece-in-law Rebecca had told us we simply must buy one while we were visiting Salt Spring Island.  The second reason is because Maisie Dobbs, the female private investigator protagonist in Jacqueline Winspear’s fabulous series set in post–World War I London, is crazy about Eccles cakes and orders them everywhere she dines. So, having read as many of the books in the series as I could find, I decided I too must find out what all the fuss was about. And boy am I glad they were available this morning. Not cheap. Six Canadian dollars for one very small pastry. But they are truly delicious. They are basically a spiced currant and candied citrus peel filled pastry covered with flaky sugar.

A whole Eckles Cake – looks big but it’s only about 4 inches wide. (It’s on a small plate.)

Cut so you can see the filling.

After leaving the bakery, we decided to visit the local arts and crafts store. Very nice works of art which included a wooden whale’s tail (fluke) that followed us out of the shop and now resides at Chez Carr.

A beautiful charcuterie board that didn’t follow us out of the store. (But I now wish it had.)

A lovely guitar that I also wish we had purchased, but figured Vicki could use this picture as a prototype.

Then we hit the local grocery store for a couple of provisions before starting another drive around the island.

One of the places that we found the most beautiful was Burgoyne Bay. I could have stayed there for hours just looking at the calm water and beautiful landscape.

As we were driving, I told Andy that I could happily live on this island. However, I would miss all the musical opportunities available to him where we live. And that I would also miss live theater and all the other cultural events at the level of competency with which we have become accustomed. Not to mention our dear friends that we couldn’t see on a regular basis. Or easy access for our relatives to come and visit us. So, although we plan to return to Salt Spring Island as often as possible, we think we’ll stay on Camano for the foreseeable future.

Back at our trailer we had a late lunch and Andy decided to take another exploratory walk. But for me it was to write up today’s events, which incidentally gives me a great deal of pleasure.

Oh, and if you happen to be wondering if Eccles cakes are in my baking future, if you don’t know the answer by now, you simply have not been paying attention or have never met me! (Of course, I’m going to make these as soon as I get home.)

After dinner we read our respective books until we could no longer keep our eyes open.

Tomorrow it’s on to Vancouver Island for 3 different camping sites. A total of 13 nights. And I can hardly wait. But I will really miss Salt Spring Island. The people are friendly, and the scenery is amazing. And I love all the farm stands. You can find everything from art to apples, corn to cucumbers, flowers to milled flour. And each time you are putting a bit of money in a local farmer’s or craft person’s hands.

Never fear Salt Spring Island, I shall return!  

End of part one. Four more to come.   

(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. 

PREFACE TO ALL 5 (really 4½) WEEKS OF OUR GREEK ADVENTURE

Just back from our last trip to the Cradle of Civilization – GREECE. As with every trip we take, I have documented our adventure with words and provided pictures we took along the way. And as I put my feelings into words, I don’t hold back on how I perceive a place or situation. So, if you want a glowing description of everything there is to see, eat, and experience in Greece, stop now, and find yourself a glossy brochure. Because even as I reviewed what I wrote before presenting it to you, I didn’t rewrite or change my very personal thoughts about what I was feeling or thinking at the time about any given aspect of our holiday. So, please know this is not just a glowing report of our travels. It’s what I experienced – wonderful, not so wonderful, or indifferent.

Plus, if you have ever read anything I have previously written, you know I tend to be verbose. So, come along for the ride if you want. But consider yourself warned. I tend to get caught up on a subject and assume you too would enjoy the history behind “whatever” as much as I do. So, feel free to skip ahead and just look at the pictures. But remember, context will always give you a more rounded picture of what we enjoyed or failed to appreciate along the way.

Now, if you have read up to this point, know that this post is only for week 5 of our trip. There will be 4 more opportunities to become bored stiff to follow. And all will contain this same preface. So, having read this explanation once, and you care to read more about Greece, you can skip to the meat of each post by jumping directly to Greece 2023 – Week 1, 2, 3, and 4. 

So, without further ado, I hope you enjoy reading about our time in Greece. But remember, this is just one person’s view of a country. And that person, who once was an intrepid traveler, is now a 79-year-old woman whose nerves of steel have diminished to nerves so cowardly as to be non-existent! But one who still loves to travel. Go figure! And as always, wishes you peace and love.   

Sunday, October 8, 2023 – Villa Rigas, Pefkohori (4^th day)

Well, we are now on the last leg of our trip. All our clothes are dirty. I have eaten enough Greek food to last me the rest of my life. And if I never have to bang my head while getting in the passenger side of an Audi, that will be just fine with me! I believe I have truly had enough vacation. But we are still here, and I plan to make the most of it.

Now, please don’t get me wrong. I have thoroughly enjoyed this country. The people are wonderful. Most of the traditional Greek dishes are fine if you like food that is mostly on the bland side. Our accommodations have all been between OK and fantastic. With none so awful as to make us want to find another place. And being in this area of the world has given me an even greater appreciation for my terrific life. No place is as wonderful as our home and the view we take for granted daily. Sure, the water is warmer here than in Port Susan Bay. A hell of a lot warmer to be exact! But I’m no more eager to go swimming here than I am at home.

But above all, I miss our friends, our two orange kitties, Andy playing the piano, live music, my kitchen with every convenience known to a cook, and my pillow. I know that might sound strange, the pillow part. Because what constitutes a pillow here can be anything from a bag full of foam that flattens to a pancake, or a pillowcase containing 2½ average sized pillows. And of course, the pillows are never the same from place to place. So, just as you get used to one, it’s time to trundle on down the road.

But today is another day. The sun is shining. There is a lovely breeze. We enjoyed a nice breakfast. This morning’s laundry that I washed in our bathroom sink is drying on the rack provided for just that purpose on our private deck. Andy has made and drunk his second cappuccino. And we are currently munching on mixed nuts. So, am I ready to go home? Yes, I am. But first, a bit more Greece.

Since I don’t think we will ever make it back to this ancient country, while I am still here, I plan to make the most of it. Because I realize the problem is not the country. The reality is that I’m getting older, and traveling is not as easy for me as even 10 years ago. So, for the remaining days we have in Greece, I am going to put on my “way-back” shoes, and travel like I am still young and eager for whatever adventure presents itself.

Part of the reason I wanted to visit Greece in the first place, was because this part of the world is widely referred to as the Cradle of Western civilization. And the Birthplace of Democracy largely due to the impact of its cultural and political achievements during the 5th and 4th centuries BC on the rest of the then-known European continent. I wanted to feel grounded again like I did in Turkey. To feel, once more, that I was a citizen of the world, not just a citizen of the United States.      

It has been very hard for me to witness the changes happening recently to our democratic country. And as much as I would like to blame it all on certain politicians, past and present, it’s not all their fault. Too many Americans with only their own agendas in mind. Who seem to care nothing about anything or anyone but themselves. And not enough people, me included, willing to make sacrifices on behalf of others. I could easily volunteer at the Stanwood food bank, but I don’t. I could help at our local elementary school, but I don’t. I throw money at various charities, but that’s the easy way out. What I’m saying is that I could do more to help others. I think visiting the place where great minds examined their surroundings and decided things needed to change for the better may have influenced me to strive a bit harder towards becoming a better me. I will never be a scholar or a leader that changes the world. Of course, I won’t. But if I can make even one person’s life better, then the great Greek philosophers Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle can take part of the credit. Having placed my feet on stones that they might have stepped on is heady stuff. Hopefully I can take some of their hopes for a better world back with me. At least, I’m sure going to work harder to that end. But enough philosophizing Patti. Back to your trip report.  

After deciding we were a bit hungry at 2:00 in the afternoon, we went to our local supermarket and bought another loaf of bread, some salami, cheese, mayo, and a tomato and I made us small, open-face sandwiches. Just enough sustenance to get us by until dinner.

We were advised by the owners of our apartment to eat dinner at a wonderful fish restaurant right in our own little town. I’ll let you know later how that turns out. But for now, I’m going out on our lovely and shaded balcony to start a new book. Meanwhile Andy has taken his Kindle down to the beach to park his butt up close and personal to the Aegean Sea.

When it was time for dinner, we headed into Pefkohori. With handwritten directions from our host, “the General”, and a neighbor, we blithely took on the challenge of finding this fine dining establishment on the water. Well, as with all towns in Greece, except when you are on quote unquote main roads, you are basically driving up or down very narrow roads. And of course, once we got off the main road through town, we were once again on donkey paths with every other “road” being one way. And because there are graffiti artists here too, some of the directional signs were obscured by paint. Not a great deal of help to us hapless tourists. So, down towards the water didn’t work the first time. While trying to find a way to turn around and start over, we got into the upper part of town. Again, a warren of shrinking streets (and I use the term “streets” loosely} until Andy found a place to pull over and seek the assistance of Google Maps. (A God send BTW! Well, at least most of the time!) Then down through the labyrinth to the main road. Then follow the little blue dot to our destination.

Of course, we made a wrong turn that led us to Google Maps alternate route. Which just happened to be the town folk’s favorite area to walk or stroll in the evening. So, now we find ourselves driving on this cement path that is basically used at night for la passeggiata. At least that’s what walking or strolling in the evening is called in Italy. Of course, there were a few other cars parked along the way. But I truly felt like an ugly American forcing stroller pushing families, arm and arm old couples, young children playing with balls, etc. to the side so that we could drive and park right by the restaurant.

If only I could have explained that we were sorry for any inconvenience we had caused them, but unfortunately, we were currently completely clueless as to where we were and what we were doing. And darned right lucky to be where we were with both the car, both of us, and the pedestrians unscathed. With the hope that the same could be said when we got back to our apartment. But no one would have understood or cared.

People simply aren’t as prickly here as in America. They don’t have the same feelings about their territory versus everyone’s turf. None of the beaches seem to be privatized. There are people walking, sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling at all times of day on the beach in front of the villa apartment where we are staying. Of course, most of the fancy homes, apartment buildings, villas, hotels, etc. are gated. So, there must be some concern about unwanted people on their private property. But the beaches are open to everyone.

After a wonderful seafood dinner, it was back to our apartment. After a short while reading, it was deemed appropriate to scurry off to bed. So, that’s just what we did.

Monday, October 9, 2023

Woke to a few clouds in the sky. Had breakfast, did dishes, wrote for a while, Andy went for a walk on the beach, and then it was time for another adventure. Our last one in this area. So, at about 1:30 pm we left our apartment and headed up to Mountain Holomantas. And the first thing we noticed was that fall was starting to show itself at higher elevations. And this ride took us through one of the most beautiful parts of Greece we had seen so far.   

The mountain range held incredible beauty with breathtaking views in all directions. Imposing trees grew high up on the slopes, with oaks on the lower reaches, and chestnut, pine, fir, and beech higher up. The thing that was most interesting was that there appeared to be no old growth timber. All the trunks had narrow circumferences and were of uniform size. Of course, this is a managed forest, so all these trees may have been planted at the same time. There was also little to no undergrowth. And here and there, great piles of cut wood. And apparently in ancient times, this area was well known for the quality of its timber, much prized by shipbuilders.

Also, from what we learned about this area, there are many species of wild animals and birds in these mountains. We unfortunately didn’t witness any animals while we were driving around. But the area is reported to be the home to amazing fauna. Pretty nice flora too. The highest peak being 3800 feet.  

And as we had previously experienced several times while driving around Greece, some roads were closed with little to no warning or explanation. Just blocked off.  So, we were forced to find a way around the roadblocks. Which of course led to more adventures.

One such closure took us right through the narrow alleys of the small hill town of Arena. But eventually we found what looked like a main road. So, we eagerly followed it to wherever it led if it wasn’t through another maze! So, once again we escaped with our lives and our car intact. Our nerves, not so much. But they could easily be repaired with a good stiff drink!

Along the way we stopped for an early dinner, then back to Pefkohori and our cozy apartment. Another fine day in Greece.

My thought on the way down out of the mountain was most enlightening. At home I wanted to, and do, live close to salt water and look up into the mountains. If I lived in Greece, I would want to live up on Mountain Holomantas and look down at the sea.

Tuesday, October 10, 2023 – Alexakis Hotel & Spa, Loutra Ypatis 

Took our time getting ready this morning because we didn’t have to check out and be on the road until 10:30 am. So, leisurely breakfast, followed by loading the car, paying our bill, and saying goodbye and thank-you to “the General”. It truly had been a quiet and slow-down 5 days. After the hectic past 3½ weeks, we really needed to relax and kick back before the last frantic 3 days of our trip. The drama of me trying to get everything we brought plus what we purchased in Greece in our suitcases. Finding the car rental place so we could give them back their car so they could in turn foist it off on the next unsuspecting moron. Then hire a cab to drive us to our last night’s accommodation. Then reserve a cab for the next morning to take us to the airport by 7:30 am. Etc., etc. None of these things are fun. But necessary. But today’s drive from Pefkohori to Loutra Ypatras was splendid and made the whole day worthwhile. 

Beautiful scenery the entire 400 k (about 250 miles) to our 2^nd to the last night in Greece. Great roads, incredibly up-close views of Mt. Olympus, and always the sea never far away. (Would have taken pictures, but with my point and click camera, there is no way to capture an entire mountain range in one snapshot.)

Interesting fact:  Where we are used to giving a range of mountains a name and then singling out and naming individual peaks, “Mt. Olympus” is an entire mountain range with 52 peaks and many deep gorges.

But soon we were checking in to our hotel.

While waiting for our turn to check in, I heard the concierge ask the 2 ladies who had arrived just before us where they were from. America and the state of Washington. I must have gasped a bit, because the next thing I knew, they had both turned around as I explained that we too were from Washington state. Then one of their husbands came in carrying luggage and I explained that we lived on Camano Island. Turns out the gentleman had lived on Camano until he was three years old. Small world. The couple now live in Gig Harber and the single woman in Tacoma. We were practically neighbors! We talked for a bit and wished each other safe travels, then up to our room to sit on our balcony for a while and take in the late afternoon air and enjoy the view of the Oiti’s Mountains.

Then off to the nearby taverna for dinner. Carbonara for me and fried squid and French fries for Andy. Both were delicious. And then early to bed for us both. We needed to be on the road by 8:00 am in order to turn in our car by 10:30. And where we had to turn in our car was close to the airport, but not easily accessible.

Wednesday, October 11, 2023 – Nathaniel Athens Airport, Spata

Well, this turned out to be a “live & learn” kind of day. When we arrived at our hotel the day before, we were told that breakfast would start at 8:00 am. I told the very nice lady behind the desk that we would be leaving before breakfast. She then informed us that we could come early to breakfast. OK, so this morning we arrived at 7:30, and there were already 2 parties at tables. So, 8:00 am for breakfast is an arbitrary number, kind of like speed limits on the freeways at home? Apparently so. Which in this case worked to our benefit. Because we were due to turn in our car at the car rental place 216 k away.

Anyway, after a nice breakfast we were on the road by 7:55 am. Good roads and wonderful scenery. In fact, we drove along the base of Mr. Olympus with the sea just on the other side of the tollway for quite some time. So, nothing could have been nicer than that for our last real travel day in Greece. So, as they say, smooth sailing until we merged onto the road that would lead us to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport. Here we came to a complete stop.

Then 2 lanes to get our car to the toll booth with several available pay stations. Then a mass exodus from the toll booths back into 2 lanes. And I am here to tell you, politeness was not on display this morning for these drivers. Obviously, they wanted to get to the airport as badly as we did. But eventually we followed the other driver’s lead by bullying our way through the 8 lanes of hostile drivers all wanting to merge into two lanes. But we made it through with our lives and car intact and were once again heading toward the airport.

Unlike every other airport where we have rented a car, there was absolutely no signage for rental cars. Either hiring one or returning one. I saw one sign for long-term parking, but for those of us trying to return a rental car, well, basically we were – – – – out-of-luck. But we did find the airport arrival and departure area, which at this point did us no good at all! So, Andy pulled over, did a Google map search, got us somehow turned around, and headed in the right direction.

Then we had to pass the office on the main road, turn left when it was possible, turn around, and get on the frontage one lane road that led us ultimately to our destination. God, what a hassle! But we were met by the car rental guy, who took one look at the car, and wrote “CAR OK” on our receipt. I thought about telling him that “CARR OK” was not apt in this situation. But why confuse the poor guy since he had been so kind as to not look at the car too closely and order us a taxi. When the taxi arrived, we headed to Nathaniel Athens Airport. Which BTW, was the name given to our next over-night stay. 

When I was making all the bookings for this trip, I searched under “hotels close to the Athens airport”. Booking.com came up with this listing which sounded good at the time. Wrong! But, in my defense, judging from the name Nathaniel Athens Airport, I assumed (and you know the definition of “assume” as well as I do) that it would be adjacent to the airport the same way hotels are close to the Sea-Tac Airport. Wrong! We were close, but not THAT close! I should have paid a great deal more attention when the description was for an apartment. And an apartment in a nearby town. Not right at the airport. With no bloody restaurants close by. And no one to let us in to our apartment until 1:00 pm at the earliest.

So, here we are at our “apartment” at 11:20 am, with all our luggage and no place to even park our butts. But it could have been worse. It could have been raining or we could have been left to wait in an area with no shade. But luckily, it wasn’t raining, and we had the covered parking for the building to keep us from sunburn. And yes, I had spoken with whomever answered the phone at the phone number listed on my reservation confirmation. But as she ever so nicely put it – right on the confirmation it plainly states that someone will be available to let you in to the apartment between 1:00 pm and 11:00 pm. So, once again I was reminded that I need pay greater attention to details when booking anything involved with travel.

Finally, the cleaning lady for the previous occupants finished. So, she gave us the keys to both the front door to the building and the apartment. What she failed to provide us with was which of the many apartments was ours. So, I got back on the phone again, and finally was given the exact location of our room. And into a lovely apartment we entered. Spacious, clean, modern, with two bedrooms and a very nice balcony.

But by now it’s after 2:00 pm and we are hungry. And nary a restaurant nearby. But someone, probably another unsuspecting tourist, had left several menus in the apartment from delivery eating establishments in the area. Most only in Greek, so no help there. But there was one with some English on it. Goody’s, the McDonalds of Greece.

So, after not finding a phone number on their brochure, we went online on our computer to order. After 45 minutes and several unsuccessful attempts to order online, we gave up. But persistent Andy figured out how to order using his cell phone. (Hunger will do that to a person.) (And kicking and screaming, we had been forced to learn how to use Goody’s phone application from the simple realization that it was either figure it out or starve!)     

So, 30 minutes later we had a crispy chicken sandwich (OK), a regular chicken sandwich (OK), onion rings (ghastly), and a chicken Caesar salad for dinner in our fridge.

Well, let me be the first to advise you to never order a Caesar salad from Goody’s. And McDonalds, please be assured that Goody’s will never be a worthy competitor. 

Then it was for me to pack as much as I could tonight, read until about 10:00, and to bed for both of us looking forward to sweet dreams about sleeping in our own bed, with our own pillows, and our kitties by our sides. 

Of course, the going to bed part didn’t go as well as it could have. The top sheet on our bed wasn’t even wide enough to cover the width of the bed. Much less with any material left over to drape over the sides. Or tuck in the bottom for that matter. So, we took the top sheet from the bed in the second bedroom and tried, rather unsuccessfully I might add, to produce a make-shift top sheet for our bed. I know it seems inconceivable that sheets etc. should be a problem, but it wasn’t our first adventure with inadequate bedding in Greece, but it was certainly our last!

October 12, 2023 – Athens Greece to Camano Island, Washington USA

Well, after a night of not sleeping well for either of us because of bedding concerns and a couple of mosquitoes hovering over us all night long, plus anxiety (at least for me) about 1) will the alarm on Andy’s phone really go off, 2) can I do the last minute packing and get all our stuff in our suitcases, 3) will the taxi we hired the day before actually be at our apartment at 7:15 am as planned, 4) will everything go smoothly at check-in at the Athens airport, 5) will we make our connecting flight in Istanbul without having to run from one gate to the next and missing the plane anyway, etc. etc., we survived.

From all of this I have come to realize that the one thing that bothers me most about getting older, besides looking more and more like my mother when I catch sight of myself in a mirror, is the anxiety I feel about things that 20 years ago wouldn’t have bothered me in the least! Fast cars coming around us from other lanes drives me wacko. I almost panic on scary roads that never would have bothered me even a few years ago. I worry when Andy is on the roads late at night without me. That sort of thing. Really, what’s that all about?! Because today was fine. Everything went smoothly. No problems at any level. Even after collecting our car from the long-term car lot at Sea-Tac at 6:30 pm, the freeways were busy, but there were no terrible slowdowns. So, why did I have to go through the worry trauma when I couldn’t have done anything about any of the above concerns in the first place? If it’s just me, then knock it off Patti! If it’s a normal aging “thing”, then darn, that’s not fair. Aging is hard enough without unnecessary worry problems. Oh well, it is what it is. And I am who I am.  

And very glad to be back home with the realization that we were so lucky to have been able to take one more overseas adventure. And were still alive to tell the tale. And that we had arrived safely back home, eager to see our friends, been welcomed home by our kitties, and ready to get back to our wonderful lives.

I won’t bore you with the details of our travel from Athens to Seattle except to tell you that we took off from Athen’s airport at roughly 11:00 am on the 12^th and landed at Sea-Tac at 5:30 pm on the 12^th. How could we have traveled 6,161 miles in such a short time? (Of course, it didn’t feel like a short time. Actually, it felt interminable. But isn’t that always the joy of air travel and just part of the deal? Yes, of course it is!) 

And for the first time since we moved to Camano Island, I was able to see our wonderful paradise from the air. I was on the right side of the 787 with a window seat. As we were making our descent, we were over the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Central Cascades Region. I had no idea there were so many lakes. And such a wide breadth of mountains and valleys. What a breathtaking view from our plane. Then to my delight, Mr. Baker and Glacier Peak came into view. We’re home!!! And because we were landing from the north, I had a great view of Camano and Whidby and all points west, south, and north.

It never ceases to amaze me how much water surrounds our dry land. Of course, we know it’s there. But to see it from above really brings the whole landscape into perspective. And I couldn’t help thinking what a marvelous introduction to the Pacific NW for first time visitors to our fair land. They must have thought they had reached nirvana. Which of course, they had!

So, what did I take away from our visit to Greece:

1. The land is beautiful. And the ancient sites are worth every penny of the trip. The sea shore seems to be everywhere. In fact, Greece has the longest coastline on the Mediterranean Basin and the 11th longest coastline in the world at 8,498 miles in length, featuring many islands, of which 227 are inhabited. All this, and Greece is 1.3 times smaller than the state of Washington.
2. The people are friendly, helpful, appear very happy, and proud of their country.
3. Even though Greece experienced a horrific economic crisis in 2007-2008, they appear to be on the mend and doing well now.
4. The food was not nearly as good as I thought it would be. Very limited menu and quite tasteless. But far cheaper than anywhere in America. And huge portions.
5. Never rent a car with a manual transmission in a land that is 70-80% mountainous!
6. Expect high humidity and bugs if you travel during the summer, September, or October.
7. If you don’t like dogs and/or cats – don’t go to Greece. They are everywhere.
8. The highways, freeways, and toll roads are fabulous. Well signed and with very few cars and trucks. And great public services along the way. We could not have run out of gas or gone without a toilet (all clean BTW) had we tried.
9. Side “roads” (or so they are called) in villages, towns, cities, etc. are narrow, not well signed, and originally designed for 4 legged critters. They are scary, ruthless, potholed, brick, stone, uneven pavement car, truck, and pedestrian hating necessities. If I never have to even be a passenger on one of these nerve-wracking roads again, it will be just fine with me. And for those of you who know me, you know I love to drive. I still enjoy and feel comfortable driving our car and truck even when we are towing our trailer. But I did not take the wheel once while we were in Greece. Even though we had paid extra money for me, being over 75, to help with the driving. There was simply no way I was going to get anywhere near the driver’s seat! Just too much for me at this time of my life.

And finally, I am so glad we went to Greece. If you ever get the chance, do not hesitate. Even with all the inconveniences and trepidations I experienced, I am so glad we went. We saw so many incredible things. Placed our feet on the same stones and paths that the ancients traveled. Slept in century old dwellings that had been modernized so they were fit for today’s visitors. Learned how hard the people of Greece have worked to pull themselves out of poverty. And how gracious they are towards visitors. Forever we will have wonderful (and sometimes less than pleasant) memories to talk about and laugh about as we continue into our golden years.

And again, with this trip, I was reminded that people everywhere are the same. That the average person, regardless of their ethnicity, the color of their skin, their religious persuasion, etc. simply wants a good life for themselves, their children, their relatives, their neighbors, etc. And to be allowed to live a peaceful, productive, and fulfilled life.

I firmly believe that no person should ever think of themselves as merely a citizen of a particular country. But rather, we should all consider ourselves and live our lives as stewards of planet earth. And appreciate and value each other for the diversity that makes every living person special and worthy of respect.

And yes, I know, life is never going to be that simple. There are just too many crazies for whom money and power are not only desirable, but addictive. Who live their entire lives showing no concern for how their actions can and usually do adversely impact everyone around them.

But I still have hope for a brighter future. Which as I learned from our visit to Greece, had been the dream of people far smarter than I am for generations. And just how lucky I had been to visit the place where they too envisioned a better future for everyone.     

So, thank you for coming along with us on our latest adventure. May each of you live the life you desire, full of whatever brings you peace and love. Happy trails!