Oh Canada

We made it minus six levelling blocks, I’ll expound and state a valuable lesson at the same time. Spent the morning trying to find a bank or duty free shop to exchange money with no limit. Found one not Wells Fargo because we are not customers so I had that on my mind. Next thing happened I had to check the little room in the back of the trailer inside I hear the tailgate close, I’m thinking he picked up the blocks. After I lock up I don’t look around like I always do; in the car we hear clunk jerk. I asked what we run over. Roy says it’s probably a sticky break cause I checked the brakes in reverse. I say do you want me to go look. Roy’s answer was no. Fast forward to camp setup at Cache Creek that night, guess what wasn’t there. Yes, the nothing we ran over. (should have got out) We had enough for the hitch but decided to be a tad off balance. Lesson learned don’t mess with routine.

You know how you prepare to cross the border based on past experience it’s never the same. I finished up my milk so we didn’t cross the border with it. We both went over our answers to how long you in Canada for, how much money we had. It was not important. The female Border Agent was more curious about Roy’s trucking career and what I retired from then anything else. The other thing was asking two different ways if we had any alcohol. After going through our passports she saw a stamp from our entrance into Beaver Creek Canada in 2017. We said yes, she then asked if we’d been searched then. I said no, (Roy thought she was going to say well then today’s your day). She smiled when I said we wanted a stamp because no one does that anymore. I did make sure Roy would not contaminate any more border crossings cause he would stay in the car. (If you haven’t heard about that I’ll retell it just let me know in the comments).

So border crossing done headed to Cache Creek BC

We chose this route because of all the fruit stands that were closed the year we drove through here to avoid the fires. Well, this time through the fruit isn’t ready yet so gues what that means. Another trip north just a little later in the season. Heading up 97 to Peachland we were near water, beaches and vineyards. Maybe next trip spending a few days here.

Picking up 97c it was all ups and downs. Very little traffic on the road, I think because it is mountainous and winding. Taking back roads you never know what you will find, like the Highland Valley Copper mine.

It was gigantic. These are roads I am learning to enjoy.

Stop Whining

today’s the day, finally connected with a Harvest Host in Oroville WA. The winery is Esther Briques Winery, meaning sweet fragrance http://www.estherbricques.com . The owner Linda said it was not intentional, either way it works. Arriving mid-afternoon after an interesting lunch experience in Omak WA more on that later. We parked right next to grapes that were planted in 2007. They started the vineyard in 2001 and it has grown each year. In choosing the name of the winery she picked on E so she was closer to the beginning of the alphabet so when sellers are listed alphabetically she is not lost in the middle.

We spent some time chit chatting with these two retired teachers who are working harder now since when they were working for a living. I can tell they both enjoy creating and sharing the ‘fruits of their labor’ Roy tasted a few wines and we settled on Forbearance. Story behind this blend is the day they were beginning to harvest the grapes they treed a mom and three cubs. Long story short after the local fire department came out and Washington Fish and Game came out they were able to get the bears down. Linda decided to name it Forbearance after the incident.

Now for lunch (small rant here) Do you know two 3 piece dark meat chicken one side each is over 20 bucks at KFC. You can tell I don’t eat at KFC often. It was almost as bad getting just 8 pieces of dark meat. I just thought I would share that. Now back to the blog.

Animals are increasing we saw two deer in a field. I also wanted to show you pictures of one of the dams in the area.

We’ve been gone a week today next stop Canada.

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay

watching the tide roll in. Sorta. We hada change of plans with Harvest Hosts again, tomorrow is another chance. Today was to be in Yakima Wa a winery and distillery (granted they were closed). The view from the driveway was amazing. I say driveway because that’s as close as we came. I guess the jeep doesn’t want to pull a trailer up a steep 24% grade in all wheel drive. (next time 4×4 before we start). Add to the steep incline and possible water in gas tank we were not going there.

So you ask how did we turn around? WE DIDN’T! Roy’s prior lifestyle choices paid off (he was an over the road truck driver). Seeing pulling the trailer we could not do a u-turn, he backed all the way down the hill using only his side mirrors. I said nothing just sorta held my breathe. I did say how impressed I was he said it could have been better. We got down in one shot so that is all I care about. Once down the hill and pointed in the right direction we said now what.

First things first gas at costco then truck on to get close to Oroville, WA because we are staying at a winery tomorrow. We head up the US 82 to US 90 climbing all the way, then 284 to 17 which is where we are now. We stopped for the night beside Blue Lake.

Amazing views and even some gulls to entertain me. It is interesting how even out in the middle of nowhere there are places you don’t feel like staying due to the disrepair of the place. We passed a few before settling down for the night.

The only thing that made me nervous was the amount the wind that was blowing. I talked Roy into putting in the slide. The way the awning over the slide out was really whipping. (Last thing needed was a sail. BTW the wind quit blowing. I prefer to be safe rather then sorry. We are camping in a huge pull out area with a camper at either end so we know we are where we are supposed to be.

I have to say the animal sightings are increasing right before we found the place to bed down a healthy doe crossed the road in front of us. At the pull out there were gulls and magpies. We have a short drive up to Oroville, WA then it’s onto Cache Creek BC

Lazy Day

We are not where we said we would be today no wine with dinner. I still have it, the ability to schedule an extra day at a place evenwhen it was not planned. Today was going to be a Harvest Host stop which we were able to cancel no problem. This was a good thing because of the warm temps (my MS is so looking forward to cool weather) we need electric most of the Harvest Hosts don’t offer. The other good thing is by stauing in Pendleton an extra day we put ourselves in places after the heat has moved through.

So today is one of those days. I have taken some time today to add a link page to the blog you can find it under the menu. This will make it easier to find a link without having to search through all the posts. I have also caught up on sleep no getting up early to head down the road.

My last post mentioned pulling into our spot last night to a sea of white, well it was not snow. I do wish it was though. I have a few allergies mainly pollen, some molds nothing a pill can’t control. That’s a mostly true statement, Cottonwood trees are a killer. Maybe I shouldn’t have said I’m doing ok because all this Cottonwood isn’t in bloom. (see what happens). The trees don’t brother me most times but I have to wear a mask so I can breathe when the seed pods are a blowing. I’m hoping the extra day here will get us out of sink with the bloom.

I also have to share what not to do when bringing in your slide. When we were getting ready to pull out yesterday I try and bring in the slide, it stops about halfway in, so I let it back out. Now I try it again same thing happens, back out again this time it’s off kilter damn I think. I’m getting fustrated and then I start to think what am I missing. So usually I have a routine, take care of water then pull in slide. Taking care of water includes cover the sink with the boards that came with the unit, then I would bring in the slide. I keep the boards on the shelf under the tv, when there they overhang into the path of the slide. So upon closer inspection guess what step I missed. The cover for the sink. Needless to say these covers now have a new home so if I miss a step no major damage should occur. I was able then to bring the slide in a little take it back out so it was back in line then pull in the slide. Lesson learned follow your steps, don’t rush, and we will get there when we get there.

So the coming week will see us in Canada and then onto Haines Alaska for a few days of exploring and photos.

Over the Hill and to Dale

Yes my family is following me and not just from my blog. June 1st found us heading out of Burns on US 395 North.

If you haven’t taken this drive traffic wise it equates to Hwy 50 in Nevada, scenery wise just breathtaking. Plus we actually saw a few animals that were not cows. My signature bird (the Magpie) has made an appearance. We saw a squirrel, some wild horse and a couple of antelopes hanging outside of Seneca Oregon. Also you come across the 45th parallel which is one more reason to take this road.

Now on to the scenery which was a journey through hills, valleys, canyons, next to high and fast flowing rivers. Just trying to see what was around the next curve was fun, I even stayed awake for most of the drive. This drive will take you through the Blue Mountains and both the Malheur and Umatilla National Forests, included is the Oregon scenic district of Ukiah – Dale. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/malheur_national_forest ) (if I have more info on things I blog they will be posted on my links page under menu). After leaving the anyons and climbing the last climb before heading into Pendleton there was just miles of rolling green expanse I was in awe. On a side note it is amazing to see how the earth heals, we drove through a freshly burned area (within the last year or two,) and seeing the new green ground cover first steps to rebuilding the forest. Like any back road you have small towns where you have to do the speed limit but I think that adds to the easy laid back drive.

Speaking of small towns I think we saw every car in a fifty mile radius in one place on Saturday, the area high school in Canyon City Oregon. The cool thing was seeing the area businesses closed for the graduation. Made me think about home. Speaking of home another town that stood out was Dale. It seemed to be a small open spot in the forest. Funny what you find on the highway.

I did text this picture to him also, I think I’ve run in to every name in my family including me somewhere on these road trips.

After a long day drive through the mountains we pulled into our stop for the night and encountered a field of white. More on that later.

It’s Raining It’s Pouring

that’s what happened on our drive to Burns, OR today. The most intriguing thing about the rain today is the view was so flat and wide that you could actually see the squall line. There were spots where two feet off the road it was dry and we were getting wet. We did get a bath for lancelot and the car.

Pulling out of Fallon NV I found my sign. ‘I don’t have a dirty mind …. I have a sexy imagination’. Just saying those who know me know that’s partly true. We also had some rain when we pulled into Lattin Farms so it was a tad muddy. We all know it’s not camping until you get dirty. The cool thing about the Harvest Host membership is all they ask is you buy something from their establishment so fresh garlic and zucchini bread made it into the trailer. We are also going to be stopping at three wineries this coming week. (guess what we will get there).

The drives have been lacking in animals except for cows, cows, and more cows. The sad thing was we did see a dead cow on the side of the road and what must of been his mate standing by the side of the road. I’m thinking the animals are saving themselves until we stay in one place for a few days.

After dodging rain drops we get to Burns and decide to stay for the night. We pull around a curve and see the RV park and realize we’ve been here before. Still a good place to stay, especially since they had space. Flying by the seat of the pants off the beating path isn’t that bad. Well, we needed to head back into town to get gas, Roy forgot that Oregon is a full service gas pump state. He hopped out started to pump and then saw eight sets of eyes on him oops his bad. Tomorrow I’ll make sure he stays in the car.

Nostalgia Strikes

Today was all about old stomping grounds, Bishop, CA, Montgomery Pass, NV, Hawthrone, NV and Wildes Manor and setting down in Fallon at Lattin Farms home of a cool yearly corn maze. We used to travel over Montgomery Pass when we lived in Nevada and had to head to California. At the top of the pass there used to be a hotel, restaurant, and casino, no more.

Did I mention there was snow in the mountains.

We also would see a herd of wild mustangs. Today they were not in their usual place so no pictures. I did see them down in the valley but there was no place to pull over. Hawthrone NV is where the Army and Navy have weapon storage facilities. I think the foot print has gotten bigger. Roy did notice that the town of Hawthrone has many closed businesses and is a little run down.

Wildes Manor was the mobile home park we lived at when I decided to have a mid life crisis and join the Army (good decision). I would have to say that it shocked me to see the condition it was gone, just piles of wood and some metal frames. It was a 20 space park and it looks like it happened recently. Lattin Farms is a local produce grower in the area and they allow RVs who are members of Harvest Host to stay.

This is our first night no hook-ups, not bad now that the TV is working. I blew a fuse and now Roy can add McGyvor to his bag of tricks. I plugged in the 12v TV into the socket then tried to plug it into the TV. I grounded it out, the plug did what it was supposed to do and blew its fuse. Guess what we didn’t have extra fuses. Guess what will be in our toolbox now. The fuse is now working because Roy wrapped it in foil and then put it back in the plug. It worked now I just have to remember to plug into the TV first. Camping is definitely an adventure.

Speaking of adventures, maybe next year’s road trip will be driving across US 6. The road goes from Bishop CA to Provincetown MA. I think that could work only if we come back through Canada. I haven’t posted any animal sightings because there hasn’t been many. A rabbit at Kramer Junction and the wild horses near the pass. So send animal thoughts my way please.

Friday is another true SOP experience as no reservations have been made. We want to make it to Burns OR which is over 5 hours so we will see.

Random Thoughts

Yesterday Roy and I were sitting outside at the pinic table. The sun was on my hair, wind gently blowing through it, hubby has his elbows on table. He looks into my eyes I’m thinking this is romantic. You are too, well you are wrong. What came out of his mouth ‘My you really do have grey hair.’

Seriously. I thought he was going to say ‘having a great time’ ‘can you get me a cup of coffee. That is why I love him. After I faked being shocked more then I was he did tell me it looks good and frames my face.

He redeemed himself later by taking me out for ribs. This dinner will feed us for most of the week. We are boondocking in Fallon so no microwave solve the problem order two whole rack of ribs so we have leftovers. The old expression eyes bigger then stomach held true. These ribs were the best I’ve had since Carson’s the place for Ribs in Chicago. Truly fall off the bone no knife needed, and tangy not spicy BBQ sauce.

Today we hung around Lone Pine and did some more scoping for the October rally, looking forward to the movie museum and movie road tour. We checked out the kitchen at the campground and found some birds for the birders in our group.

Something tells me this trip is going to be special be it animals, scenery or just spending time with my love. I am also glad you are coming along for the journey.

On the Road

Well our first day

is actually a night. Pulling out at zero dark thirty. I mentioned we were also undertaking a kitchen remodel, you know that means removing everything that you don’t want demolished. Roy was in charge of making notes and taping them everywhere, I was in charge of finding a place for our landline to live. (Mind you this was 2 am on Tuesday right before we pulled out.)

Fast forward to me sitting in the trailer at Kramer Junction catching up on typing. It was windy when we left at 4 am so we took the long way which involved going up Cajon Pass. The pass is on the 15 it connects Victorville and some other ‘bedroom communities’ to Los Angeles. I’m glad we were heading away from LA, at 5:30 am traffic headed in was heavy. Regarding traffic I did ask a brilliant question (I had just woke up): climbing up a hill I see a string of headlights coming torwards us I ask are those headlights? Roy responds nope they are white taillights headed in the other direction. Here’s your sign. (those who know Bill Engvall those who don’t here’s a link https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Engvall ). My story is I was very tired so that’s what I’m sticking with.

I have decided to share my bed, wait I mean pics of my bed.

Go Green Bay. Just saying. We have settled in for the night at Boulder Creek RV Park in Lone Pine. Tomorrow we are headed up to Fallen Nv, to stay for free at a Harvest Host a club where you can stay at wineries or farms. This also had another sign moment tied to it. We will be traveling up US 6 to Fallon instead of what I swore would take us there US 395.(BTW 395 goes to Reno). I’m glad I’m not driving. (directionally challenged).

Roy’s getting comfortable and waiting for Jeopardy. Have to see James continue his streak.