Aug 27th – Fri – Spokane
Terry helped Bill do some organizing in his shop while I finally caught up my blog. Then I helped them clean out an unused horse shed in order to store some items belonging to Dennis that have been stored in the shop. Georgia had an appointment for a massage and got home just as we were finishing lunch.
Terry & Bill purchased and installed struts to hold open 4 flip up doors that required one hand to hold up the door which made it awkward to get items out of the cupboard. Not sure why they did not come with struts. I used the convection oven for the first time to bake cookies – works pretty well.
I made most of the dinner today. I cannot get Georgia to understand “nothing” when she asks what to bring! Then the guys finally beat us at Sequence.
Aug 28th – Sat – Spokane
We left at 8 with B&G to go to the sprint boat races at St John’s which is about 1 ½ hours from here. We had a red wagon loaded with a cooler, a folding shade canopy and 4 folding chairs as it was a fair walk from the parking lot. The viewing area is tiered grass and we got an excellent spot on the top tier near the starting gate. Qualifying heats started at 10. For the uninitiated, sprint boats race on narrow “canals” that curve around and cross each other. A different course through the canals is used for each meet and the racers get a “did not finish” if they do not follow the course.
Bill & Georgia’s son Dennis owns and races a boat. There are 4 qualifying heats for each of 3 classes of boats, then 3 more races with 8 then 4 then 2 boats for each class to get to the winner. Dennis missed getting into the top 8 by 1/10th of a second. B&G’s daughter Sherry, her husband Jim and daughters Janelle & Natalie from Walla Walla joined us there.
We didn’t need the shade canopy (we thought for a while that it might be a rain canopy) as it was cloudy and cool. There was an area between the race course and the parking lot where a lot of RVs stayed overnight.
The race course is called Webbs Slough and was developed in a farmer’s field. The parking area is still used to grow alfalfa and is incredibly dusty. I am glad that Bill wanted to drive as Terry had our truck washed yesterday!
We got on the road after the races at 5:45 and stopped for Chinese food for dinner. Then we went to B&G’s for a nightcap and to watch a movie. Terry didn’t last too long and headed for bed but I finished watching the movie.
Aug 29th – Sun – Spokane
B&G went to early Mass again and they still invited us over for breakfast before we could get anything going! Then we all went shopping. Costco, Dollar Store, Home Depot (finally found a folding table for the BBQ), Hobby Lobby which was closed and Fred Meyer. Then we spent time putting everything away which involved some more shuffling of items – an activity that will probably continue for a while as we “settle in” and use the new 5th wheel more.
We had a snack since we didn’t have lunch and didn’t want to spoil our appetites for the baby back ribs that we HAD to make today since we have been here for a week and a half and haven’t made them. I also made a fruit pizza for dessert which I haven’t made for a long time. The convection oven did a fine job again – especially since Terry & Bill evened out the legs on a wire rack that you have to use. When I made cookies, the pan wanted to slide off the rack. Terry & Bill also got into another “little” project of making a dish draining rack fit the smaller side of the double sink. They actually ended up buying a new one and making it work after messing up the old one which needed to be trashed anyhow.
Granddaughter Samantha came to stay the night so B&G left fairly early and we immediately went to bed to watch TV.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Aug 22nd to 26th - Spokane
Aug 22nd – Sun – Spokane
Bill & Georgia went to early Mass and called us on their way back to ask if we wanted to go to breakfast with them. Lonnie & Cindy also joined us at Barlows in Liberty Lake for a good meal.
I tried out the built in vacuum and cleaned the 5th wheel, worked on the blog and organized all the bits & pieces of the computer desk “junk” drawers. Terry & Bill did a wonderful job of installing the CB radio in the truck and then Terry used the riding lawnmower to mow the very large lawn while Bill put away all the items they have used in the shop over the last few days.
Georgia & I went shopping for a few groceries and a couple of boxes to complete my junk organizing. I finally finished & posted the blog before another dinner made by Georgia. Lonnie & Cindy came over later to play Yahtzee.
Aug 23rd – Mon – Spokane
Bill took Georgia to a doctor’s appointment this morning so we looked after Samantha for a while. She is 9 and doesn’t take much looking after as she loves to draw and play Club Penguin on the computer. Then Bill took her geo-caching while Terry and I did some more shopping. It seems like we keep finding a few more ways to make our new home more convenient.
Today was our turn to have everyone (B&G, Samantha, Lonnie & Cindy) over for dinner. I used the crock pot again for a pork roast and Cindy gave me some lovely fresh potatoes dug today from her garden. It got a little cool in the shade where we had the table set up but we still enjoyed dining al fresco.
Aug 24th – Tues – Spokane
We all went golfing early today but got a break with a 6:30 start time. Cindy, Georgia & I followed Terry, Lonnie & Bill. We let a twosome play through on the 4th hole and weren’t too far behind when we finished. Both Cindy & Georgia did really well and we could take our jackets off after 3 holes so it was fun. Georgia made pancakes and fruit for breakfast after golf – spoiling us even more.
Terry & I went to the CDA Casino. Lonnie & Cindy were going to join us but their daughter dropped over to wish her mom a happy birthday. There was a special at the casino buffet for lunch using points from frequent player cards so we took advantage of it. OK but not outstanding. We started out losing steadily, each won a bit after lunch and then gave it all back.
We got back about 5, had a drink and then the guys went to pick up a pizza. It was late by the time we ate and Terry was zapped so we retired early. I made rice krispy squares and then had a long chat with sister Marg.
Aug 25th – Wed – Spokane
We joined B&G, Lonnie & Cindy and Vern for golf today at Antler Springs GC about an hour north of here. It is a course that was developed and owned by one person and you can tell that it was not professionally designed. Some holes are so close together that they share half a fairway. Another is across a gully and measures 165 yards from all tees – rather tough for most women. But it was in good shape and had beautiful signage on each tee box and at the entrance. We were glad that we saw it once but would not go back. It was also affordable with a Mon/Wed special of $35 for 18 holes and a cart for 2 people. We stopped briefly after 9 holes to eat our sandwiches at a picnic area.
On the way back, we stopped to see Lonnie & Cindy’s daughter’s house and then stopped for ice cream. A local landmark, Ron’s Drive In, was having an anniversary special on a hamburger combo for 59 cents so the 6 of us went to get dinner. Mistake!! Half the population in the area had the same idea so we ended up at Dave’s Bar & Grill, another landmark dining facility.
Aug 26th – Thurs – Spokane
We had a couple of business items to look after today so after I hung a load of laundry on the line and got another load in the washer, I phoned to get our vehicle insurance updated. After going through all the steps, the representative could not tell me the premium for the 5th wheel as “it was another department and she would have to email them and then send us a bill for the difference”!! She finally said she would find out and call me back. So we decided to have some lunch, take in the laundry and then visit an insurance agent for some comparisons. Turns out they don’t even have all the info for 2011 vehicles and they could not come close to the premium for the truck so we will try another call to GMAC tomorrow.
Georgia made beer-butt chicken on the BBQ and I made potato salad for dinner. I helped Bill with Picasa and downloading & moving pictures from his camera and then it was bed time. There were high winds today and some wildfires not too far away so it was really dusty and smoky. Luckily it had cooled down so we could close windows and not be too hot to sleep.
Bill & Georgia went to early Mass and called us on their way back to ask if we wanted to go to breakfast with them. Lonnie & Cindy also joined us at Barlows in Liberty Lake for a good meal.
I tried out the built in vacuum and cleaned the 5th wheel, worked on the blog and organized all the bits & pieces of the computer desk “junk” drawers. Terry & Bill did a wonderful job of installing the CB radio in the truck and then Terry used the riding lawnmower to mow the very large lawn while Bill put away all the items they have used in the shop over the last few days.
Georgia & I went shopping for a few groceries and a couple of boxes to complete my junk organizing. I finally finished & posted the blog before another dinner made by Georgia. Lonnie & Cindy came over later to play Yahtzee.
Aug 23rd – Mon – Spokane
Bill took Georgia to a doctor’s appointment this morning so we looked after Samantha for a while. She is 9 and doesn’t take much looking after as she loves to draw and play Club Penguin on the computer. Then Bill took her geo-caching while Terry and I did some more shopping. It seems like we keep finding a few more ways to make our new home more convenient.
Today was our turn to have everyone (B&G, Samantha, Lonnie & Cindy) over for dinner. I used the crock pot again for a pork roast and Cindy gave me some lovely fresh potatoes dug today from her garden. It got a little cool in the shade where we had the table set up but we still enjoyed dining al fresco.
Aug 24th – Tues – Spokane
We all went golfing early today but got a break with a 6:30 start time. Cindy, Georgia & I followed Terry, Lonnie & Bill. We let a twosome play through on the 4th hole and weren’t too far behind when we finished. Both Cindy & Georgia did really well and we could take our jackets off after 3 holes so it was fun. Georgia made pancakes and fruit for breakfast after golf – spoiling us even more.
Terry & I went to the CDA Casino. Lonnie & Cindy were going to join us but their daughter dropped over to wish her mom a happy birthday. There was a special at the casino buffet for lunch using points from frequent player cards so we took advantage of it. OK but not outstanding. We started out losing steadily, each won a bit after lunch and then gave it all back.
We got back about 5, had a drink and then the guys went to pick up a pizza. It was late by the time we ate and Terry was zapped so we retired early. I made rice krispy squares and then had a long chat with sister Marg.
Aug 25th – Wed – Spokane
We joined B&G, Lonnie & Cindy and Vern for golf today at Antler Springs GC about an hour north of here. It is a course that was developed and owned by one person and you can tell that it was not professionally designed. Some holes are so close together that they share half a fairway. Another is across a gully and measures 165 yards from all tees – rather tough for most women. But it was in good shape and had beautiful signage on each tee box and at the entrance. We were glad that we saw it once but would not go back. It was also affordable with a Mon/Wed special of $35 for 18 holes and a cart for 2 people. We stopped briefly after 9 holes to eat our sandwiches at a picnic area.
On the way back, we stopped to see Lonnie & Cindy’s daughter’s house and then stopped for ice cream. A local landmark, Ron’s Drive In, was having an anniversary special on a hamburger combo for 59 cents so the 6 of us went to get dinner. Mistake!! Half the population in the area had the same idea so we ended up at Dave’s Bar & Grill, another landmark dining facility.
Aug 26th – Thurs – Spokane
We had a couple of business items to look after today so after I hung a load of laundry on the line and got another load in the washer, I phoned to get our vehicle insurance updated. After going through all the steps, the representative could not tell me the premium for the 5th wheel as “it was another department and she would have to email them and then send us a bill for the difference”!! She finally said she would find out and call me back. So we decided to have some lunch, take in the laundry and then visit an insurance agent for some comparisons. Turns out they don’t even have all the info for 2011 vehicles and they could not come close to the premium for the truck so we will try another call to GMAC tomorrow.
Georgia made beer-butt chicken on the BBQ and I made potato salad for dinner. I helped Bill with Picasa and downloading & moving pictures from his camera and then it was bed time. There were high winds today and some wildfires not too far away so it was really dusty and smoky. Luckily it had cooled down so we could close windows and not be too hot to sleep.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Aug 18th to 21st - Missoula to Spokane
Aug 18th – Wed – to Spokane
We were up early with Terry moving all the stuff from the outside storage compartments while I continued to move inside stuff. We didn’t know when the fan would be installed so I had to put away everything as I moved it so we could pull in the slides as soon as they wanted the rig. They took the rig about 8:30 and I sat in our old, empty home to catch up my blog. Terry took off our bike rack – after realizing he needed a key that was in the new 5th wheel and having to crawl over the kitchen counter to get it as the slides were in – and figured out that the adapter was not going to work with our rack. So he had to buy a new bike rack that fits on the ladder. Hopefully, when we get to Spokane, Bill & Georgia’s son Dennis (a welder) will be able to help us modify the hitch.
Once the fan was installed, we had to install the bike rack, hang the bikes and we were on our way about 11. We finally got something to eat at 12:45 and pulled gratefully into Bill & Georgia’s back yard mid afternoon after gaining an hour from MDT to PDT.
Dennis came by to pick up his daughter Samantha and was soon under the 5th wheel making a drawing and a list of parts needed to modify the hitch. Anybody want to buy a ladder bike rack?!!
Georgia made dinner which we enjoyed on the patio.
Aug 19th – Thurs – Spokane
Terry joined Bill, neighbor Lonnie and another friend to play golf at 6 this morning. That is – tee off at 6! The pro shop is not even open then so they pay when they finish their 9 hole game. I was actually up & dressed when they returned at 8.
The guys went shopping with the parts list from Dennis and for other items necessary for organizing the rig. I did a couple of loads of laundry and hung them out on the line to dry which didn’t take long with lots of sun and a light breeze.
We decided to have a yard sale on Saturday so I had to get through everything to decide what we don’t need or want any more. As I sorted it out, I carried it into the shop to price later. Along with other things, Terry & Bill put some shelves in the big closet for our ice maker and plug-in cooler – works great.
B&G’s daughter-in-law Trisha and her son Tallon came by for a visit in the afternoon. Neighbors Lonnie & Cindy invited us over for dinner. When we arrived, Cindy was apologizing all over the place as Lonnie put the veggies - that she had prepared ahead of time - on the BBQ but had mistakenly left the pork roast in the fridge instead of leaving the foil package of zucchini. Dinner was going to be a little late so Lonnie was at the store getting some salad ingredients to eat before the meal as they thought we would all starve waiting for the meat to cook.
It was hot again today so we were able to eat & sit outside after dinner.
Aug 20th – Fri – Spokane
Cindy & I joined the guys for golf this morning. There were 6 in our group so we played 2 groups of 3. Cindy is a beginner but did really well and didn’t hold us back. She, Lonnie & I had dropped back just one hole behind Terry, Bill & Vern when we finished by 7:30.
More of the same today – sorting and organizing. Georgia had a lot of stuff in boxes in the shop that were meant to go to Goodwill but hadn’t made it there yet so she joined me later in the afternoon and we got everything priced. The guys took a break from putting shelves, etc in the 5th wheel to move larger items out for the sale.
We took a dinner break – hamburgers & salads made by Georgia – and then continued with sale prep. Dennis & Samantha came over with the new hitch and Shannon (Dennis’ wife) and their dog Charlie walked over. After Shannon got a tour of our new home, they all joined us for dessert.
Aug 21st – Sat – Spokane
We had quite a bit of rain last night but it cleared in time for Lonnie & Cindy to come over to help us set up everything for the yard sale. We had only advertised the sale on one free web site (SpokaneAd.net) so Lonnie set out quite a few signs about 8:30. We had a fairly steady stream of lookers/buyers until about 2 when it slowed down. Terry & Bill worked on 5th wheel things – like painting & installing the hitch and putting up a couple more shelves. Just before 4, Georgia & I started packing up the remaining items and then the guys loaded it all in a trailer to donate to Goodwill. We didn’t make a killing but we got unwanted items out of our 5th wheel and B&G’s shop.
I had put a roast in the crock pot and cooked potatoes & carrots while we were relaxing outside with a drink. It is amazing how tiring it is to sit around most of the day in the garage! Guess we forgot about the setting up & taking down part.
We initiated our new rig by eating dinner and then playing Sequence inside. Who better to share this with than B&G?! Oh yes, the fairer sex won at Sequence.
We were up early with Terry moving all the stuff from the outside storage compartments while I continued to move inside stuff. We didn’t know when the fan would be installed so I had to put away everything as I moved it so we could pull in the slides as soon as they wanted the rig. They took the rig about 8:30 and I sat in our old, empty home to catch up my blog. Terry took off our bike rack – after realizing he needed a key that was in the new 5th wheel and having to crawl over the kitchen counter to get it as the slides were in – and figured out that the adapter was not going to work with our rack. So he had to buy a new bike rack that fits on the ladder. Hopefully, when we get to Spokane, Bill & Georgia’s son Dennis (a welder) will be able to help us modify the hitch.
Once the fan was installed, we had to install the bike rack, hang the bikes and we were on our way about 11. We finally got something to eat at 12:45 and pulled gratefully into Bill & Georgia’s back yard mid afternoon after gaining an hour from MDT to PDT.
Dennis came by to pick up his daughter Samantha and was soon under the 5th wheel making a drawing and a list of parts needed to modify the hitch. Anybody want to buy a ladder bike rack?!!
Georgia made dinner which we enjoyed on the patio.
Aug 19th – Thurs – Spokane
Terry joined Bill, neighbor Lonnie and another friend to play golf at 6 this morning. That is – tee off at 6! The pro shop is not even open then so they pay when they finish their 9 hole game. I was actually up & dressed when they returned at 8.
The guys went shopping with the parts list from Dennis and for other items necessary for organizing the rig. I did a couple of loads of laundry and hung them out on the line to dry which didn’t take long with lots of sun and a light breeze.
We decided to have a yard sale on Saturday so I had to get through everything to decide what we don’t need or want any more. As I sorted it out, I carried it into the shop to price later. Along with other things, Terry & Bill put some shelves in the big closet for our ice maker and plug-in cooler – works great.
B&G’s daughter-in-law Trisha and her son Tallon came by for a visit in the afternoon. Neighbors Lonnie & Cindy invited us over for dinner. When we arrived, Cindy was apologizing all over the place as Lonnie put the veggies - that she had prepared ahead of time - on the BBQ but had mistakenly left the pork roast in the fridge instead of leaving the foil package of zucchini. Dinner was going to be a little late so Lonnie was at the store getting some salad ingredients to eat before the meal as they thought we would all starve waiting for the meat to cook.
It was hot again today so we were able to eat & sit outside after dinner.
Aug 20th – Fri – Spokane
Cindy & I joined the guys for golf this morning. There were 6 in our group so we played 2 groups of 3. Cindy is a beginner but did really well and didn’t hold us back. She, Lonnie & I had dropped back just one hole behind Terry, Bill & Vern when we finished by 7:30.
More of the same today – sorting and organizing. Georgia had a lot of stuff in boxes in the shop that were meant to go to Goodwill but hadn’t made it there yet so she joined me later in the afternoon and we got everything priced. The guys took a break from putting shelves, etc in the 5th wheel to move larger items out for the sale.
We took a dinner break – hamburgers & salads made by Georgia – and then continued with sale prep. Dennis & Samantha came over with the new hitch and Shannon (Dennis’ wife) and their dog Charlie walked over. After Shannon got a tour of our new home, they all joined us for dessert.
Aug 21st – Sat – Spokane
We had quite a bit of rain last night but it cleared in time for Lonnie & Cindy to come over to help us set up everything for the yard sale. We had only advertised the sale on one free web site (SpokaneAd.net) so Lonnie set out quite a few signs about 8:30. We had a fairly steady stream of lookers/buyers until about 2 when it slowed down. Terry & Bill worked on 5th wheel things – like painting & installing the hitch and putting up a couple more shelves. Just before 4, Georgia & I started packing up the remaining items and then the guys loaded it all in a trailer to donate to Goodwill. We didn’t make a killing but we got unwanted items out of our 5th wheel and B&G’s shop.
I had put a roast in the crock pot and cooked potatoes & carrots while we were relaxing outside with a drink. It is amazing how tiring it is to sit around most of the day in the garage! Guess we forgot about the setting up & taking down part.
We initiated our new rig by eating dinner and then playing Sequence inside. Who better to share this with than B&G?! Oh yes, the fairer sex won at Sequence.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Aug 15th to 17th - Missoula
Aug 15th – Sun – Missoula
The service department is closed today so we knew we would just be waiting and shopping. I made a large batch of cookies as Todd jokingly included 2 dozen homemade cookies in our deal and I decided to call his bluff.
Another Cougar 5th wheel just like Walter & Marlene’s parked beside them and they – Lynn & Candy - have no 12 volt power but luckily their slides work. We all ended up sitting in the shade in front of our rigs and having a great gabfest with happy hour(s). Lynn & Candy’s fridge won’t even work on propane so we plugged our cooler in so they could put their frozen items in it. They thought the cooler was such a great idea that when they went to get ice for their fridge they also bought a cooler.
Aug 16th – Mon – Missoula
Waiting, waiting, waiting! Our new rig was pulled into the shop to have a small spot of rippled siding fixed and Terry bought a fantastic fan for the bedroom which they will install.
We went shopping for a knife block to fit a narrow, open “cupboard” beside the microwave. We found a really different one that has tightly packed tiny plastic rods to hold the knives rather than slots. While we were gone, Walter & Marlene got their new 5th wheel pulled (rather than backed) into the spot beside them so the doors are facing for moving. I went over to try the knife block in their kitchen and it was ¼ inch too wide. So we went back to the store to return it, stopped at a couple more stores and bought a tradition, narrow knife block that will work really well.
In anticipation of getting our Montana tomorrow, we started pulling stuff out of drawers & cupboards and weeded out some excess baggage. I cut pieces of non-slip shelf liner so I can put it in quickly before loading the cupboards. We sat out and visited a bit with other “campers” and then Marlene & Walter joined us when they were too exhausted to continue moving.
Aug 17th – Tues – Missoula
I made jelly biscuits to share with Walter & Marlene this morning as they were still trying to get everything set up in their new rig. We went to a liquor store and picked up some boxes (as well as liquid refreshments) and then did some more packing. We went to check the rippled siding that the service department had worked on and told them it was not acceptable which the warranty manager agreed with so it has to go back in the shop. I backed up Marlene’s pictures on her computer. We had an appointment at 3 for the final signing and then a walk-through where we found out that the fantastic fan in the bedroom had not arrived and therefore – obviously - was not installed yet. And we have a problem with the hitch for the bicycle rack. We had them order an adapter to go from the new 1 ¼ inch receiver to our existing 2 inch bike rack and were told that it would not take the weight and would bend so they sent it back. We don’t have too many options so Terry said he would take the responsibility for it possibly bending and we would use it to get us to Spokane where we can get a permanent solution. The owner went and picked it up again!
At 5:45 we were finally ready to get the new rig set up beside ours but it was quite a circus to get that to happen. Someone had just parked in the space vacated by Walter & Marlene so our salesman Todd asked if they would mind trading spaces with us. One forklift pulled Walter & Marlene’s old 5th wheel out and another one brought our new Montana to the parking area. He set it down and moved our old rig to Walter & Marlene’s spot, the nice people who moved pulled into our spot and Terry hooked up to the Montana and pulled into the spot beside us so the doors would be together for moving. Got all that?!
It was really hot so we had both air conditioners running which was a bit of a losing battle with the doors open. We had made pretty good progress when Walter & Marlene brought Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner as a thank you for helping her with her computer. It was very nice and we definitely needed a break.
We continued to move until I finally said “enough” and we got to bed at midnight. The Montana does not have as much storage space as our old rig so it was a challenge trying to figure out where to put everything.
The service department is closed today so we knew we would just be waiting and shopping. I made a large batch of cookies as Todd jokingly included 2 dozen homemade cookies in our deal and I decided to call his bluff.
Another Cougar 5th wheel just like Walter & Marlene’s parked beside them and they – Lynn & Candy - have no 12 volt power but luckily their slides work. We all ended up sitting in the shade in front of our rigs and having a great gabfest with happy hour(s). Lynn & Candy’s fridge won’t even work on propane so we plugged our cooler in so they could put their frozen items in it. They thought the cooler was such a great idea that when they went to get ice for their fridge they also bought a cooler.
Aug 16th – Mon – Missoula
Waiting, waiting, waiting! Our new rig was pulled into the shop to have a small spot of rippled siding fixed and Terry bought a fantastic fan for the bedroom which they will install.
We went shopping for a knife block to fit a narrow, open “cupboard” beside the microwave. We found a really different one that has tightly packed tiny plastic rods to hold the knives rather than slots. While we were gone, Walter & Marlene got their new 5th wheel pulled (rather than backed) into the spot beside them so the doors are facing for moving. I went over to try the knife block in their kitchen and it was ¼ inch too wide. So we went back to the store to return it, stopped at a couple more stores and bought a tradition, narrow knife block that will work really well.
In anticipation of getting our Montana tomorrow, we started pulling stuff out of drawers & cupboards and weeded out some excess baggage. I cut pieces of non-slip shelf liner so I can put it in quickly before loading the cupboards. We sat out and visited a bit with other “campers” and then Marlene & Walter joined us when they were too exhausted to continue moving.
Aug 17th – Tues – Missoula
I made jelly biscuits to share with Walter & Marlene this morning as they were still trying to get everything set up in their new rig. We went to a liquor store and picked up some boxes (as well as liquid refreshments) and then did some more packing. We went to check the rippled siding that the service department had worked on and told them it was not acceptable which the warranty manager agreed with so it has to go back in the shop. I backed up Marlene’s pictures on her computer. We had an appointment at 3 for the final signing and then a walk-through where we found out that the fantastic fan in the bedroom had not arrived and therefore – obviously - was not installed yet. And we have a problem with the hitch for the bicycle rack. We had them order an adapter to go from the new 1 ¼ inch receiver to our existing 2 inch bike rack and were told that it would not take the weight and would bend so they sent it back. We don’t have too many options so Terry said he would take the responsibility for it possibly bending and we would use it to get us to Spokane where we can get a permanent solution. The owner went and picked it up again!
At 5:45 we were finally ready to get the new rig set up beside ours but it was quite a circus to get that to happen. Someone had just parked in the space vacated by Walter & Marlene so our salesman Todd asked if they would mind trading spaces with us. One forklift pulled Walter & Marlene’s old 5th wheel out and another one brought our new Montana to the parking area. He set it down and moved our old rig to Walter & Marlene’s spot, the nice people who moved pulled into our spot and Terry hooked up to the Montana and pulled into the spot beside us so the doors would be together for moving. Got all that?!
It was really hot so we had both air conditioners running which was a bit of a losing battle with the doors open. We had made pretty good progress when Walter & Marlene brought Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner as a thank you for helping her with her computer. It was very nice and we definitely needed a break.
We continued to move until I finally said “enough” and we got to bed at midnight. The Montana does not have as much storage space as our old rig so it was a challenge trying to figure out where to put everything.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Aug 13th & 14th - Missoula MT
Aug 13th – Fri – to Missoula MT
We left about 9 for a 5 ½ hour drive to Missoula. When we left, we called the RV salesman that we talked to when we came through here a month ago. He said the 5th wheel that we liked was still available but he was not working today. He asked us to park in one of their serviced parking spots and wait to see him tomorrow.
We made a quick stop for at Subway in Dillon for lunch, hit some rain showers and got here just after 4. We made a call to a law office about setting up a Montana LLC corporation but of course the attorneys were gone for the weekend. The receptionist emailed us an information package and we will continue the process on Monday.
By this time it was time to relax, have dinner and hope we sleep better than we have been. I guess it’s too much anxiety & excitement that have been disturbing even Terry’s sleep.
Aug 14th – Sat – Missoula
Nope, didn’t sleep any better. We met with the salesman (Todd) just after 9 and found out that the 5th wheel with the blue color scheme was sold yesterday. He showed us another one with a black color scheme that was actually very classy and not as dark as it sounds because of light beige leather couch & recliners. As we examined the rig, we saw several items that needed fixing and we didn’t really want to buy it. Todd disappeared for a bit and then took us to see a brand new rig (still in the service area) with the same black color scheme. Now we were excited! After a couple of hours of back & forth we became the owners of a Montana 3400RL. We even got lunch with the deal as the dealership provided BBQ hamburgers & hot dogs for the staff so Todd included us.
We did a bit of shopping for the new rig, came back to our parking lot parking spot (free!) and started removing the Velcro that secured items to the walls. I found that Goo Gone and gentle pulling did not remove the top layer of wallpaper.
Just as we were about to eat dinner, a couple pulled in just down from us. Terry went to talk to them and found that they were the couple who bought the blue 5th wheel yesterday. They (Walter & Marlene) are from Saskatchewan and are trading in their old rig. They did not realize that they had to get import paperwork when they came into the U.S. so today they had to drive back to the border to get the paperwork. We invited them to come over when they got set up and we had a nice visit with them.
We left about 9 for a 5 ½ hour drive to Missoula. When we left, we called the RV salesman that we talked to when we came through here a month ago. He said the 5th wheel that we liked was still available but he was not working today. He asked us to park in one of their serviced parking spots and wait to see him tomorrow.
We made a quick stop for at Subway in Dillon for lunch, hit some rain showers and got here just after 4. We made a call to a law office about setting up a Montana LLC corporation but of course the attorneys were gone for the weekend. The receptionist emailed us an information package and we will continue the process on Monday.
By this time it was time to relax, have dinner and hope we sleep better than we have been. I guess it’s too much anxiety & excitement that have been disturbing even Terry’s sleep.
Aug 14th – Sat – Missoula
Nope, didn’t sleep any better. We met with the salesman (Todd) just after 9 and found out that the 5th wheel with the blue color scheme was sold yesterday. He showed us another one with a black color scheme that was actually very classy and not as dark as it sounds because of light beige leather couch & recliners. As we examined the rig, we saw several items that needed fixing and we didn’t really want to buy it. Todd disappeared for a bit and then took us to see a brand new rig (still in the service area) with the same black color scheme. Now we were excited! After a couple of hours of back & forth we became the owners of a Montana 3400RL. We even got lunch with the deal as the dealership provided BBQ hamburgers & hot dogs for the staff so Todd included us.
We did a bit of shopping for the new rig, came back to our parking lot parking spot (free!) and started removing the Velcro that secured items to the walls. I found that Goo Gone and gentle pulling did not remove the top layer of wallpaper.
Just as we were about to eat dinner, a couple pulled in just down from us. Terry went to talk to them and found that they were the couple who bought the blue 5th wheel yesterday. They (Walter & Marlene) are from Saskatchewan and are trading in their old rig. They did not realize that they had to get import paperwork when they came into the U.S. so today they had to drive back to the border to get the paperwork. We invited them to come over when they got set up and we had a nice visit with them.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Aug 10th to 12th - Idaho Falls/Pocatello
Aug 10th – Tues – Idaho Falls/Pocatello
Georgia has a list of “the biggest landmarks” in every state and wants to view as many as possible so we headed to Blackfoot this morning to see The World’s Largest Baked Potato which is in front of a potato museum. The potato needs a little TLC but the museum was very interesting especially to a potato farmer’s daughter like me.
Luckily (for Georgia?!), Blackfoot is right on the way to Pocatello so when we finished at the museum we went to look at the truck as the salesman had called and said it was available.
It was a long, stressful day but we ended up buying the truck. The salesman told us right away that there was only one 5th wheel hitch that might fit on the 2011 truck and later we thought the deal would not happen because of the hitch but the dealer made a lot of phone calls and found a hitch that would work and a company that could order it and install it on Thursday.
Bill & Georgia were so patient while we looked, talked, went to a bank, etc. The salesman/manager treated us all to lunch at 3:00 at a tavern with good food just down from the dealership. We moved all our junk from the old truck to the new one, the service department removed the CB radio & storage box for us and we were off in our 2011 Chevy Silverado, one ton, single wheel, blue-granite-metallic super truck. Yeah!!!
We stopped at Costco to exchange our new GPS as the sound would quit and I would have to “reboot” to get it going again. The price was $10 less than we paid and the tax is less so we have a cash card with $16.80 in addition to the new unit. Bill also bought the same unit as Georgia was having all sorts of problems with their not-so-old one and Bill wanted the elevation to show on his GPS.
Georgia & I thought dinner would not be required but Terry changed that idea. We put chicken burgers on the BBQ, enjoyed the buddy burner and turned in fairly early. I didn’t get to sleep that early, however, as I talked on the phone for an hour to brother Bob and 45 minutes to sister Marg. They are in Pacific time so it wasn’t as late for them as for me.
Aug 11th – Wed – Idaho Falls
We got going fairly early today so we could empty the storage box and have Bill help place it correctly in the truck before they left to head north. Of course he also lifted all the stuff back in while Terry stowed it in the box. This was a good thing as I cannot lift the tackle box & tool box onto the tailgate!
Goodbye hugs to Bill & Georgia about 11 and then we sorted out all the “inside” junk for the truck. It is amazing how many old insurance papers, tire warranties and registrations can pile up. We went shopping for a few items, had lunch and I got a long overdue haircut. Then it was time to do laundry here at the park. Terry thought a swim sounded good but the pool was cold so he ended up in the hot tub while I read waiting for the laundry to finish.
It cooled off quickly tonight so we spent the evening inside watching TV & reading.
Aug 12th – Thurs – Idaho Falls/Pocatello
I gave Terry a haircut this morning before we left at 7:30 to go to Pocatello (50 miles) to get our hitch installed. We stopped at the Chevy dealer to get a loaner car and were early for our 9 o’clock appointment for the hitch.
We went for breakfast and then just bummed around until the hitch was ready just after noon. They also put in a plug in the truck bed for the 5th wheel and gave us a $250 credit for our old hitch. When Bill & I left Costco, Bill commented – and I agreed – that everyone we dealt with in Pocatello was great. The company that installed the hitch continued that tradition.
On the way back we detoured to a little town called Shelley to visit a dollar store to get 2 plastic cups to use in the door cup holders to hold pencils, sunglasses, etc. I spent way too much time putting some fleece fabric inside one cup so my sunglasses would not get scratched. It is lovely having time to do mindless tasks like that!
I was lazy so we went to WalMart for some deli chicken (General Tsao). I added packaged teriyaki noodles and salad for a great, easy dinner. The weather was much cooler today and the wind picked up this evening so we spent a brief time with the buddy burner and then headed inside.
Georgia has a list of “the biggest landmarks” in every state and wants to view as many as possible so we headed to Blackfoot this morning to see The World’s Largest Baked Potato which is in front of a potato museum. The potato needs a little TLC but the museum was very interesting especially to a potato farmer’s daughter like me.
Luckily (for Georgia?!), Blackfoot is right on the way to Pocatello so when we finished at the museum we went to look at the truck as the salesman had called and said it was available.
It was a long, stressful day but we ended up buying the truck. The salesman told us right away that there was only one 5th wheel hitch that might fit on the 2011 truck and later we thought the deal would not happen because of the hitch but the dealer made a lot of phone calls and found a hitch that would work and a company that could order it and install it on Thursday.
Bill & Georgia were so patient while we looked, talked, went to a bank, etc. The salesman/manager treated us all to lunch at 3:00 at a tavern with good food just down from the dealership. We moved all our junk from the old truck to the new one, the service department removed the CB radio & storage box for us and we were off in our 2011 Chevy Silverado, one ton, single wheel, blue-granite-metallic super truck. Yeah!!!
We stopped at Costco to exchange our new GPS as the sound would quit and I would have to “reboot” to get it going again. The price was $10 less than we paid and the tax is less so we have a cash card with $16.80 in addition to the new unit. Bill also bought the same unit as Georgia was having all sorts of problems with their not-so-old one and Bill wanted the elevation to show on his GPS.
Georgia & I thought dinner would not be required but Terry changed that idea. We put chicken burgers on the BBQ, enjoyed the buddy burner and turned in fairly early. I didn’t get to sleep that early, however, as I talked on the phone for an hour to brother Bob and 45 minutes to sister Marg. They are in Pacific time so it wasn’t as late for them as for me.
Aug 11th – Wed – Idaho Falls
We got going fairly early today so we could empty the storage box and have Bill help place it correctly in the truck before they left to head north. Of course he also lifted all the stuff back in while Terry stowed it in the box. This was a good thing as I cannot lift the tackle box & tool box onto the tailgate!
Goodbye hugs to Bill & Georgia about 11 and then we sorted out all the “inside” junk for the truck. It is amazing how many old insurance papers, tire warranties and registrations can pile up. We went shopping for a few items, had lunch and I got a long overdue haircut. Then it was time to do laundry here at the park. Terry thought a swim sounded good but the pool was cold so he ended up in the hot tub while I read waiting for the laundry to finish.
It cooled off quickly tonight so we spent the evening inside watching TV & reading.
Aug 12th – Thurs – Idaho Falls/Pocatello
I gave Terry a haircut this morning before we left at 7:30 to go to Pocatello (50 miles) to get our hitch installed. We stopped at the Chevy dealer to get a loaner car and were early for our 9 o’clock appointment for the hitch.
We went for breakfast and then just bummed around until the hitch was ready just after noon. They also put in a plug in the truck bed for the 5th wheel and gave us a $250 credit for our old hitch. When Bill & I left Costco, Bill commented – and I agreed – that everyone we dealt with in Pocatello was great. The company that installed the hitch continued that tradition.
On the way back we detoured to a little town called Shelley to visit a dollar store to get 2 plastic cups to use in the door cup holders to hold pencils, sunglasses, etc. I spent way too much time putting some fleece fabric inside one cup so my sunglasses would not get scratched. It is lovely having time to do mindless tasks like that!
I was lazy so we went to WalMart for some deli chicken (General Tsao). I added packaged teriyaki noodles and salad for a great, easy dinner. The weather was much cooler today and the wind picked up this evening so we spent a brief time with the buddy burner and then headed inside.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Aug 7th to 9th - Yellowstone to Idaho Falls
Aug 7th – Sat – Yellowstone
We headed back into the park this morning after stopping in town so I could post my blog. There is a one lane stretch of road construction that we had gone through on Thursday and had to go through again today. Terry timed it just right and we barely had to slow down as the traffic our way had the “Slow” sign. We returned to the Canyon area to view the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It deserves all the superlatives and we probably used most of them as we went to different viewpoints. We also stopped at an interesting education center before going to the Canyon.
The roads north & west from Canyon to Mammoth are through very different country than the geyser areas that we saw on Thursday. It was mostly forested, very hilly and went up to 8800 feet. We looked for a picnic table for lunch but settled for a tailgate lunch at a pullout. We finally saw a lot of elk – right in town in Mammoth. They were grazing and sleeping peacefully on the lawns in the medians and were “guarded” by a park ranger.
We drove to the top of the Mammoth Hot Springs and walked several boardwalks rather than walking from the bottom as the estimated minimum time to walk all the area is 2 hours. The hot springs here form terraces with many colors and little dams on the dried up areas. We stopped & walked at Norris Geyser Basin but by this time we were all getting “geysered out” so we took a short cut. We weren’t quite so lucky at the one lane construction zone but only had to wait 17 minutes.
We switched to Yahtzee tonight but Bill still made it guys against girls with a win for one person a win for the “team”. The guys won.
Aug 8th – Sun – Yellowstone
After jelly biscuits & cantaloupe for breakfast, we went into town. Terry spent some time looking for trucks on the internet while Georgia & I browsed the one store in town that we missed earlier. We drove all around the area just looking at everything and finally found some housing areas with some really nice houses. We had wondered if everyone left in the winter even though we know the park is open to snowmobiles.
We had a snacky lunch when we returned and then I did some cleaning while the others went for a bike ride. A couple from Nova Scotia stopped by to look at our map and chatted for a while. I had put a pork roast in the crock pot so with a veggie & salad from Georgia and a veggie from me it made an easy dinner.
We returned to Sequence tonight and finally played to a tie again.
Aug 9th – Mon – to Idaho Falls ID
We left just after 9 this morning (Bill & Georgia traveling with us) for a drive through beautiful scenery to Idaho. We went south through the park and encountered construction with one way traffic just at the south park entrance. We sat for about 15 minutes watching a steady line of cars coming through from the other direction. When we drove through, I counted 355 (!!) vehicles in the line waiting to come into the park. I cannot even imagine how long it would take them to get through the construction and then through the entrance.
There were a lot of people in Jackson as we drove through and we couldn’t even think about finding some place to park 2 rigs so we could have lunch. We took Hwy 89 to Hwy 26 rather than the steeper & windier Hwy 22. It follows the Snake River and is a lovely drive. We used one of the well-marked pullouts to stop and make a sandwich for lunch.
We are staying at the Snake River RV park on the north side of Idaho Falls
As soon as we set up, we went to a Chevy dealer in our search for a truck. No luck. We had seen an RV dealer with lots of Montana 5th wheels so we went there to check things out. The salesman made a few phone calls and found a Chevy dealer in Pocatello with a truck that might be available so we will check it out tomorrow.
We stopped for a few groceries but it happened to be at a WalMart with long checkout lines so Bill was really ready for happy hour when we got back. We had a late dinner but it was still nice enough to eat outside. We went through several rainstorms today but it cleared and warmed up when we got here. Back to Yahtzee tonight with the same result as before.
We headed back into the park this morning after stopping in town so I could post my blog. There is a one lane stretch of road construction that we had gone through on Thursday and had to go through again today. Terry timed it just right and we barely had to slow down as the traffic our way had the “Slow” sign. We returned to the Canyon area to view the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It deserves all the superlatives and we probably used most of them as we went to different viewpoints. We also stopped at an interesting education center before going to the Canyon.
The roads north & west from Canyon to Mammoth are through very different country than the geyser areas that we saw on Thursday. It was mostly forested, very hilly and went up to 8800 feet. We looked for a picnic table for lunch but settled for a tailgate lunch at a pullout. We finally saw a lot of elk – right in town in Mammoth. They were grazing and sleeping peacefully on the lawns in the medians and were “guarded” by a park ranger.
We drove to the top of the Mammoth Hot Springs and walked several boardwalks rather than walking from the bottom as the estimated minimum time to walk all the area is 2 hours. The hot springs here form terraces with many colors and little dams on the dried up areas. We stopped & walked at Norris Geyser Basin but by this time we were all getting “geysered out” so we took a short cut. We weren’t quite so lucky at the one lane construction zone but only had to wait 17 minutes.
We switched to Yahtzee tonight but Bill still made it guys against girls with a win for one person a win for the “team”. The guys won.
Aug 8th – Sun – Yellowstone
After jelly biscuits & cantaloupe for breakfast, we went into town. Terry spent some time looking for trucks on the internet while Georgia & I browsed the one store in town that we missed earlier. We drove all around the area just looking at everything and finally found some housing areas with some really nice houses. We had wondered if everyone left in the winter even though we know the park is open to snowmobiles.
We had a snacky lunch when we returned and then I did some cleaning while the others went for a bike ride. A couple from Nova Scotia stopped by to look at our map and chatted for a while. I had put a pork roast in the crock pot so with a veggie & salad from Georgia and a veggie from me it made an easy dinner.
We returned to Sequence tonight and finally played to a tie again.
Aug 9th – Mon – to Idaho Falls ID
We left just after 9 this morning (Bill & Georgia traveling with us) for a drive through beautiful scenery to Idaho. We went south through the park and encountered construction with one way traffic just at the south park entrance. We sat for about 15 minutes watching a steady line of cars coming through from the other direction. When we drove through, I counted 355 (!!) vehicles in the line waiting to come into the park. I cannot even imagine how long it would take them to get through the construction and then through the entrance.
There were a lot of people in Jackson as we drove through and we couldn’t even think about finding some place to park 2 rigs so we could have lunch. We took Hwy 89 to Hwy 26 rather than the steeper & windier Hwy 22. It follows the Snake River and is a lovely drive. We used one of the well-marked pullouts to stop and make a sandwich for lunch.
We are staying at the Snake River RV park on the north side of Idaho Falls
As soon as we set up, we went to a Chevy dealer in our search for a truck. No luck. We had seen an RV dealer with lots of Montana 5th wheels so we went there to check things out. The salesman made a few phone calls and found a Chevy dealer in Pocatello with a truck that might be available so we will check it out tomorrow.
We stopped for a few groceries but it happened to be at a WalMart with long checkout lines so Bill was really ready for happy hour when we got back. We had a late dinner but it was still nice enough to eat outside. We went through several rainstorms today but it cleared and warmed up when we got here. Back to Yahtzee tonight with the same result as before.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Aug 3rd to 6th - Yellowstone
Aug 3rd – Tues – to West Yellowstone MT
I posted my blog and backed up files from the computer before leaving about 9 today. It was a 4 ½ hour drive and by the time I thought we should stop for some lunch we were close enough that we just kept going. I am glad that we did because we got one of the few remaining sites with electricity in the Bakers Hole campground. It is a federal campground where we can use Terry’s Golden Age pass for a discounted rate of $14 per night. The park is wooded, the sites are spread out and we are only 3 miles from West Yellowstone so it is a great place to stay and explore the park.
After getting a site and walking back to the check-in to register, it was late enough that I decided to make an early dinner rather than spoil our appetite with lunch or snacks. We took a walk all around the park and then I sat out & read while Terry went for another walk. I went in when it cooled down and mosquitoes came out. Terry came back from his walk along the river and had really been attacked by mosquitoes.
Bill & Georgia are joining us tomorrow and we are hoping we can get an electric site for them. Signs on posts indicate when the current occupants have paid to, but a lot of people pay day-by-day so you don’t know for sure if they are leaving by the date posted.
Aug 4th – Wed – Yellowstone
It was a bit of a madhouse here this morning with people driving around looking for sites. The people next to us were supposed to be leaving today but they got back late yesterday and weren’t up early so we could ask if they were actually going. Terry made an early walk around the campground and saw that campers had found out that current residents where leaving and claimed sites by putting stubs from the pay envelopes on the posts. So Terry “claimed” the site next to us before we even found out that they were indeed leaving. It was a little nerve wracking.
Bill & Georgia had driven a long day yesterday so were here about 10. I made breakfast sandwiches and Georgia had cantaloupe for a nice lunch for all of us. Then we made a trip to West Yellowstone where we shopped, went to the museum, had ice cream and picked up literature at the tourist center. We sat out for happy hour, BBQ hamburgers and the buddy burner until cooler weather & mosquitoes sent us to our respective rigs. It rained a bit after we had gone in.
Aug 5th – Thurs – Yellowstone
I didn’t have much to put in a lunch for today so I made a batch of brownies as soon as I got up. They took longer to cook & cool than I thought so we didn’t leave with B&G to tour the park until after 9.
We had a lovely day – not a cloud in the sky when we went on one of the first walks to see bubbling, steaming holes in the ground. Just for a change, some of the holes in the ground were bubbling mud. Don’t get me wrong, Georgia & I enjoyed every walk and the guys were very good sports. When we got to Old Faithful, it was time for lunch. Bill found a perfect parking spot and we had about 40 minutes before the projected time for an eruption so we sat on the porch of the lodge and ate our lunch. Then there was just time for the guys to get ice cream cones for dessert before Old Faithful lived up to its name.
We saw lots of buffalo with a few right on the road, one moose, one elk right by the road and a whole herd far away, a swan and lots of fishermen. There was one walk to the Upper Falls in the Canyon that was 3/8 mile with a 600 foot elevation change – that would be down and puff back up. Georgia stopped part way down, Terry went a couple more switchbacks and then back up to join Georgia while Bill & I went the whole way down for some spectacular views and a tougher walk back up.
We made one last stop at Canyon Village for milkshakes and had a slight construction delay before getting back to the RV park about 7:30. I didn’t have a milkshake and wanted something to eat so I made some nachos. There was a huge thunderstorm with heavy rain just after we got back.
Aug 6th – Fri – Yellowstone
We don’t get wifi at our campsite and we had a couple of bills to pay so we decided to just go into town and then hang around today rather than doing another day in the park. We all figured it would be a good opportunity to have breakfast in town also so we took off after I caught up my blog as I could also post it today.
We had a good breakfast, I got a fast connection to the internet, paid the bills, checked email, got phone numbers for Chevy dealers and totally forgot to post the blog. We spent a few hours wandering through town, picked up a few groceries, fueled up at $3.09 for diesel and came back to the park.
I spent some time putting expenses on the computer (way behind!) while Terry & Bill relaxed & chatted. We had a short rain shower but it cleared and we went for a bike ride around the park. Bill brought some fire wood so we lit a fire – Georgia couldn’t believe they did it as it was still in the high 70’s – and sat outside for happy hour. We were also able to BBQ steaks and eat outside before it got really windy.
We moved inside to play Sequence – tied – and have brownies sundaes for dessert.
I posted my blog and backed up files from the computer before leaving about 9 today. It was a 4 ½ hour drive and by the time I thought we should stop for some lunch we were close enough that we just kept going. I am glad that we did because we got one of the few remaining sites with electricity in the Bakers Hole campground. It is a federal campground where we can use Terry’s Golden Age pass for a discounted rate of $14 per night. The park is wooded, the sites are spread out and we are only 3 miles from West Yellowstone so it is a great place to stay and explore the park.
After getting a site and walking back to the check-in to register, it was late enough that I decided to make an early dinner rather than spoil our appetite with lunch or snacks. We took a walk all around the park and then I sat out & read while Terry went for another walk. I went in when it cooled down and mosquitoes came out. Terry came back from his walk along the river and had really been attacked by mosquitoes.
Bill & Georgia are joining us tomorrow and we are hoping we can get an electric site for them. Signs on posts indicate when the current occupants have paid to, but a lot of people pay day-by-day so you don’t know for sure if they are leaving by the date posted.
Aug 4th – Wed – Yellowstone
It was a bit of a madhouse here this morning with people driving around looking for sites. The people next to us were supposed to be leaving today but they got back late yesterday and weren’t up early so we could ask if they were actually going. Terry made an early walk around the campground and saw that campers had found out that current residents where leaving and claimed sites by putting stubs from the pay envelopes on the posts. So Terry “claimed” the site next to us before we even found out that they were indeed leaving. It was a little nerve wracking.
Bill & Georgia had driven a long day yesterday so were here about 10. I made breakfast sandwiches and Georgia had cantaloupe for a nice lunch for all of us. Then we made a trip to West Yellowstone where we shopped, went to the museum, had ice cream and picked up literature at the tourist center. We sat out for happy hour, BBQ hamburgers and the buddy burner until cooler weather & mosquitoes sent us to our respective rigs. It rained a bit after we had gone in.
Aug 5th – Thurs – Yellowstone
I didn’t have much to put in a lunch for today so I made a batch of brownies as soon as I got up. They took longer to cook & cool than I thought so we didn’t leave with B&G to tour the park until after 9.
We had a lovely day – not a cloud in the sky when we went on one of the first walks to see bubbling, steaming holes in the ground. Just for a change, some of the holes in the ground were bubbling mud. Don’t get me wrong, Georgia & I enjoyed every walk and the guys were very good sports. When we got to Old Faithful, it was time for lunch. Bill found a perfect parking spot and we had about 40 minutes before the projected time for an eruption so we sat on the porch of the lodge and ate our lunch. Then there was just time for the guys to get ice cream cones for dessert before Old Faithful lived up to its name.
We saw lots of buffalo with a few right on the road, one moose, one elk right by the road and a whole herd far away, a swan and lots of fishermen. There was one walk to the Upper Falls in the Canyon that was 3/8 mile with a 600 foot elevation change – that would be down and puff back up. Georgia stopped part way down, Terry went a couple more switchbacks and then back up to join Georgia while Bill & I went the whole way down for some spectacular views and a tougher walk back up.
We made one last stop at Canyon Village for milkshakes and had a slight construction delay before getting back to the RV park about 7:30. I didn’t have a milkshake and wanted something to eat so I made some nachos. There was a huge thunderstorm with heavy rain just after we got back.
Aug 6th – Fri – Yellowstone
We don’t get wifi at our campsite and we had a couple of bills to pay so we decided to just go into town and then hang around today rather than doing another day in the park. We all figured it would be a good opportunity to have breakfast in town also so we took off after I caught up my blog as I could also post it today.
We had a good breakfast, I got a fast connection to the internet, paid the bills, checked email, got phone numbers for Chevy dealers and totally forgot to post the blog. We spent a few hours wandering through town, picked up a few groceries, fueled up at $3.09 for diesel and came back to the park.
I spent some time putting expenses on the computer (way behind!) while Terry & Bill relaxed & chatted. We had a short rain shower but it cleared and we went for a bike ride around the park. Bill brought some fire wood so we lit a fire – Georgia couldn’t believe they did it as it was still in the high 70’s – and sat outside for happy hour. We were also able to BBQ steaks and eat outside before it got really windy.
We moved inside to play Sequence – tied – and have brownies sundaes for dessert.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
July 31st to Aug 2nd - Sask to Billings MT
July 31st – Sat – Swift Current
Gilbert & Grace made a good breakfast to provide energy for our golf game at 11. We played 9 holes and walked to get a little exercise. We all got scores of 7 on the first hole (par 4!) which set the tone for several more holes. Then everyone except me got warmed up and started to do better. It was hot with a welcome breeze.
We made a few stops before heading home for a late lunch. Like Pauline, Grace bakes buns which make wonderful sandwiches. Just after we finished lunch, a football game (Saskatchewan vs Hamiliton) started so we had to watch it. I took time first to post my blog and catch up with email since Gilbert has a router that I could use for internet access.
Grace & I watched the end of the game (Saskatchewan won) while we were making dinner. We made 3 types of fish – bass, walleye & Northern pike – and did our own little taste testing.
It was late when we finished eating & cleaning up but we were going to play cards again. Then I tried to help Gilbert with email on his laptop and it took too long and we were all yawning so we called it a day.
Aug 1st – Sun – to Billings MT
Again, G&G made breakfast. Goodbye hugs all around and we left around 9:30 for a rare 5 ½ hour drive. This is longer than we normally drive in a day! We drove straight south from Swift Current to Monchy which is north of Malta MT. There was a very nice customs agent who actually smiled most of the time. We had a pretty empty fridge so didn’t have to give away any vegetables or fruit.
I forgot to mention in a previous blog that on the drive from Moose Jaw to Swift Current, we saw HUGE hay fields with thousands of round bales. They dwarf the fields & production of the El Centro area which we thought was incredible. Well, on this trip the fields & bales continued in amazing quantities both in Canada & Montana. Fields with grazing cows look really scrubby but the cattle were sleek & fat.
We are staying at Trailer Village RV park. Our truck is absolutely yellow on the front with smashed bugs and Terry was going to find a car wash but decided that tomorrow will be soon enough.
Aug 2nd – Mon – Billings
We started out by finding a car wash which turned out to be very close to the RV park. Then we went truck shopping. Terry had spent time on the internet and figured we better look at GMC as well as Chev since there is a shortage of new Chev diesels right now. The Chev dealer had only one new Chev diesel – a one ton dually. The GMC dealer had none even though they showed 5 a couple of days ago on their web site. We called a dealer in nearby Laurel and the saleslady said she would do a search.
Since we were discouraged about the truck, we decided to check out the 5th wheels that Terry had also seen on the internet. They had a 2011 Montana 3400RL that we would seriously consider if we had a truck with enough pulling power. We were now closer to Laurel so we drove out there. The only truck they had was a short bed which we had already been thinking about. We haggled a firm price with them and then went back to the RV dealer to discuss changing over our hitch. The new Montana has rounded front corners so it can be towed by a short bed Chev but the service department said we would definitely need a sliding hitch - ??. Back to Laurel we went to make some more measurements. On the way and at the Chev dealer we finally decided to wait for a long box truck to be available – the only one in the northwest right now is in Everett WA. Chev has some type of hold on all trucks being delivered and the dealers are not told what the reason is. This whole exercise has taught us to get the truck first and get it all set up and then look again for a 5th wheel. Yes, I know we said that we were going to stay with our current vehicles for a while but our plan changing is well known!
We found a liquor store (definitely needed that by now!) and a grocery store and came back. I started laundry and alternated that with putting away groceries and starting dinner. There are only 3 washers so I had to do 2 sets of washing & drying which made dinner kind of late.
Gilbert & Grace made a good breakfast to provide energy for our golf game at 11. We played 9 holes and walked to get a little exercise. We all got scores of 7 on the first hole (par 4!) which set the tone for several more holes. Then everyone except me got warmed up and started to do better. It was hot with a welcome breeze.
We made a few stops before heading home for a late lunch. Like Pauline, Grace bakes buns which make wonderful sandwiches. Just after we finished lunch, a football game (Saskatchewan vs Hamiliton) started so we had to watch it. I took time first to post my blog and catch up with email since Gilbert has a router that I could use for internet access.
Grace & I watched the end of the game (Saskatchewan won) while we were making dinner. We made 3 types of fish – bass, walleye & Northern pike – and did our own little taste testing.
It was late when we finished eating & cleaning up but we were going to play cards again. Then I tried to help Gilbert with email on his laptop and it took too long and we were all yawning so we called it a day.
Aug 1st – Sun – to Billings MT
Again, G&G made breakfast. Goodbye hugs all around and we left around 9:30 for a rare 5 ½ hour drive. This is longer than we normally drive in a day! We drove straight south from Swift Current to Monchy which is north of Malta MT. There was a very nice customs agent who actually smiled most of the time. We had a pretty empty fridge so didn’t have to give away any vegetables or fruit.
I forgot to mention in a previous blog that on the drive from Moose Jaw to Swift Current, we saw HUGE hay fields with thousands of round bales. They dwarf the fields & production of the El Centro area which we thought was incredible. Well, on this trip the fields & bales continued in amazing quantities both in Canada & Montana. Fields with grazing cows look really scrubby but the cattle were sleek & fat.
We are staying at Trailer Village RV park. Our truck is absolutely yellow on the front with smashed bugs and Terry was going to find a car wash but decided that tomorrow will be soon enough.
Aug 2nd – Mon – Billings
We started out by finding a car wash which turned out to be very close to the RV park. Then we went truck shopping. Terry had spent time on the internet and figured we better look at GMC as well as Chev since there is a shortage of new Chev diesels right now. The Chev dealer had only one new Chev diesel – a one ton dually. The GMC dealer had none even though they showed 5 a couple of days ago on their web site. We called a dealer in nearby Laurel and the saleslady said she would do a search.
Since we were discouraged about the truck, we decided to check out the 5th wheels that Terry had also seen on the internet. They had a 2011 Montana 3400RL that we would seriously consider if we had a truck with enough pulling power. We were now closer to Laurel so we drove out there. The only truck they had was a short bed which we had already been thinking about. We haggled a firm price with them and then went back to the RV dealer to discuss changing over our hitch. The new Montana has rounded front corners so it can be towed by a short bed Chev but the service department said we would definitely need a sliding hitch - ??. Back to Laurel we went to make some more measurements. On the way and at the Chev dealer we finally decided to wait for a long box truck to be available – the only one in the northwest right now is in Everett WA. Chev has some type of hold on all trucks being delivered and the dealers are not told what the reason is. This whole exercise has taught us to get the truck first and get it all set up and then look again for a 5th wheel. Yes, I know we said that we were going to stay with our current vehicles for a while but our plan changing is well known!
We found a liquor store (definitely needed that by now!) and a grocery store and came back. I started laundry and alternated that with putting away groceries and starting dinner. There are only 3 washers so I had to do 2 sets of washing & drying which made dinner kind of late.
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