Aug 18th to 23rd - NV, UT, NV

Aug 18^th – Tues

After coffee & goofing off, we went to Reno for a late breakfast and some more slot play. No, we don't really get tired of casinos unless they are beating us up really bad!!

Then it was time to do laundry in a REALLY nice laundry room at the RV park. Terry helped carry everything and then I sent him back so I could enjoy a book while the clothes were washing & drying.

Put away, make the bed, etc. I had started dinner before doing laundry so I finished it up and we had a nice quiet evening.

Aug 19^th – Wed

We got a fairly early start and continued to head east to Wells NV. We got a message that the truck needed DEF so we found a WalMart for that and a few other items. I had us going in the wrong direction for an RV park but we saw a decent place just off the highway and checked in for a couple of nights.

Not too much exciting for the rest of the afternoon & evening!

 

Aug 20^th – Thurs

After coffee and breakfast, we went for a bike ride to Angel Lake which is not too far from Wells. You get to the bottom of some mountains and then climb on switchbacks for 4 miles to a beautiful lake with a backdrop of lovely mountains. We went there 6 years ago but earlier in the year when there was still a lot of ice on the lake which didn't keep people from fishing.

When we got back we stopped at the golf course to see if we could play. The course is just down the road from the RV park so they let us take the golf cart to the RV park to pick up our clubs – hard to carry them on the bike and we hadn't unhooked the truck. Small towns are great!

The course is 9 holes with different tee boxes to play 18. It is fairly long and the wind was quite strong so we played the same tee boxes for both 9's. We haven't played golf since we left Mesa so we were tired. Back to the RV park to drop off the clubs and pick up the bike. Quite a day. Of course the cook's day wasn't done!! Actually we had a salad when we got back and then dinner later.

Aug 21^st Fri

If anyone is looking at a map you may think that we are traveling in odd directions since we went to Logan UT today. The reason was to look at the XLR 385AMP toy hauler again.

We headed NE out of Wells on 233 which is a lonely, straight highway. It changes to 30 in Utah and has miles & miles of hay fields with large rectangular bales which are generally destined for shipping overseas on ships.

When we got to Logan we looked unsuccessfully for an RV site and finally had lunch and went to the RV dealer. We were so disappointed to find that the width might be doable for the Spyder but there is not enough available length due to the width and a corner cabinet. We didn't really check the length previously as the toy hauler part is supposed to be 12 feet but that is apparently not so.

Now we were back to trying to find an RV park. Let me say again that Terry is VERY good at backing & turning! We saw solid traffic on I15 so we ended up somewhat east in Coalville at an RV park that Terry spotted from the highway. It was just fine and we were happy to be settled for the night. We didn't take the bike out so I worked around it to make dinner which we ate outside.

Aug 22^nd – Sat

We had a shorter driving day headed south, stopped for fuel & lunch along the way and stopped in Mesquite NV. We didn't have an RV park in mind when we stopped at the Casablanca Hotel & Casino. We saw signs for an RV park by the hotel but ended up at a narrow road with no obvious end or exit so we just parked and went in to the hotel/casino. We inquired at the registration desk and found out that there was an RV park so we got a site and went to park. The site was a short pull through that Terry had to back into due to trees & power posts so we parked in a big corner site and went back to the hotel where the very nice clerk said we could stay where we were with no additional charge. Smart lady since we would gamble & eat here!!

Hot weather so we went to the lovely pool to cool off. There was a shady area on one side with a ledge for sitting which was perfect. The bad thing was we didn't take any money to buy a drink at the bar! Of course we had to spend some time and a few dollars at the casino later.

Aug 23^rd – Sun

We had a lovely relaxing morning and then went for a nice brunch (mimosas included) at the hotel/casino. We followed that up with some slot play and then carried on to another casino down the highway a bit. We stopped at a grocery store for some items – limited to what we can carry in the bike and on my lap. We actually drank a large bottle of water while we were shopping and had the clerk ring it up and throw the bottle away!

After I put stuff away, we put on our suits and went to the pool which is just a short walk away. This time we took money and got very good – and expensive! - raspberry margaritas. By the time we finished our drinks we were cooled off and ready to head back for drinks, computer games & something to eat.

Aug 14th to 17th - OR, CA, NV

Aug 14^th – Fri

We originally were going to leave today but we saw that there was a dance at the Elks club so we decided to stay another day. It turned out to be a drizzly, cool day so we “hibernated”. We happened to tune to a TV station that had multiple shows of “Brain Games” and “Stupid Science” which explained the scientific reasons for dumb stunts going wrong. The shows were all fascinating and/or funny. Terry spent a lot of time on the computer looking for the toy hauler that interests us.

The dance was great! Dinner was available from 5:00 to 7:30 and the dance started at 7:00 which was when we arrived. We found 2 stools at the corner of the bar which was perfect as we could see everything and get out to dance easily. A husband & wife duo provided good music and we were told that they have played there for 20 years. Line dance lessons are given at the Elks so we joined a couple of their dances and then just did ones we knew by ourselves. The instructor came over to talk and ask where we learned to dance. At the end of the dance, we chatted with a couple (Ted & Janet Cook) who dance beautifully. Turns out they stay at VDO for part of the winter and Ted has come to VVV occasionally. It is so fun to dance again!!

Aug 15^th – Sat

We packed up, had to move to dump tanks, loaded the bike and headed south to destination unknown. We left the coast and headed towards I5 on a road (42) that we have not taken before as indicated by the lack of a green line on our map. We hit I5 just north of Canyonville so our break/lunch stop was Two Feathers Casino! For a change we both did OK and not only did we not lose our allowance, we made money!

We still hadn't decided where to stop, just to continue south. By Ashland I was searching for RV parks and we unfortunately found one! We pulled into the driveway and saw tents and, if it was the 60's, hippies everywhere. No where decent to turn around but Terry managed an amazing driving feat and got us headed out. “Mellow” people were standing around watching and complimenting Terry. The next place I found had an answering machine saying the office was closed but didn't mention that they had no vacancies so again Terry had to do a nifty back up turn around. Third time lucky? Nope! A dubious, messy place right beside the freeway. Could have had chickens running around. By now Terry didn't even want me to select a park in the GPS so we passed a decent looking park in Yreka. We exited to find it and had ANOTHER backing turn at an intersection where the road we were on said “no rigs over 50 feet total” and the other road stretched to infinitely over the hills. We did end up finding the park and as we stopped at the closed office, a nice guy pulled up on an ATV and led us to a very welcome pull through site. Time for a much needed drink before dinner.

Aug 16^th – Sun

I figured we needed a decompress day after yesterday so we went to the office and paid for last night & tonight. After a bit we took the motorcycle and found a WalMart for a few groceries including ingredients for a big burger that Terry was craving. I made a late breakfast when we got back and then entered a couple of days in the blog.

The weather was sunny but not too hot so we enjoyed sitting outside and being lazy. The burgers cooked on the BBQ were yummy!

We mistakenly thought both propane tanks were empty this morning so Terry went to the office to ask about getting them filled. They called someone who did the filling but he & his wife were on their way to a birthday party and said they would contact us when they returned. Guess they got back late because they didn't show up.

Aug 17^th – Mon

We loaded up and stopped at the propane filling station where we got both tanks filled/topped up.

Our tentative destination was Reno and we ended up in Sparks at a park where we have stayed previously. We encountered some road construction that had a sign warning of possible 30 minute delays but our line of traffic started moving just after we got there so it wasn't too bad. We were looking for somewhere handy for lunch but didn't spot anything easy in/easy out so went to the RV park & set up.

We took the motorcycle and went to a casino where we first had lunch. A coupon with offers for first time card members was misleading so after a bit of slot play we went to Harrahs. Thanks again to our GPS as some road construction messed us up.

We did better on the slots and a decent bonus for Terry put money back in his pocket. Back at the RV park we sat outside with a drink and then got out salami (thanks Doug & Delores!!), cheese & crackers for dinner since lunch was so late.

Aug 10th to 13th - ID & OR

Aug 10^th – Mon

We did a little backtracking and went to Lewiston ID so Terry could check out an Idaho Tote as a solution to having one rig and still being able to take our motorcycle. The Idaho Tote is a “trailer” that connects directly to the fifth wheel frame rather than using a ball hitch. This means that the tote is not a trailer and can be used in states that do not allow double towing.

We got set up in Granite Lake RV before going to the Idaho Tote construction/sales location. We were impressed with the construction and answers to all our questions but still not sure that this is the solution.

Now it was time to do laundry in the nice clean facility at the RV park. Not much time afterward to do anything besides relax & have dinner. The wind came up while I was in the laundry room (Terry put up an absent neighbor's awning) so it was nice to be inside.

Aug 11^th – Tues

We headed out with a general destination in mind (coast) and ended up at Seaside (OR) so we could see Dave & Sandi/Sami. We couldn't get a site where they were staying and got the last (expensive) site at a park a few miles away due to a cancellation. Must be summer!!!

Dave & Sami came to visit with us and Terry bought a bundle of firewood so we could enjoy a fire for a change. We even got to talk to another VVV resident when Phyllis Kaspar called. I was boiling ribs as we visited but we didn't feel like eating much after drinks & munchies so just had ice cream.

Aug 12^th – Wed

We would have had to move to dry camping at $30 to stay another night so we carried on south down the coast. We needed a break & lunch and unfortunately choose Chinook Winds casino in Newport.

We ended up at the Elks RV park in Florence. This is a regular RV park rather than a special place in a parking lot like a lot of Elks clubs. Once again we got the last available site and got set up. A neighbor stopped to admire the motorcycle and wondered if she could convince her husband to get one!

Easy dinner with ribs ready to put on the BBQ.

Aug 13^th – Thurs

We had a nice leisurely morning including computer games and breakfast. We went for a motorcycle ride and stopped to view the Darlingtonia californica display which is just down the road from the RV park. Darlingtonia are insect eating plants that look really healthy at this time of year.

We went to “old town” Florence but didn't stop to shop this time. Of course we had to check out the nearby Three Rivers casino and don't like it any more than others!! On the way back we stopped at Fred Meyers for a few items before finding a DQ for a Blizzard fix. We tried to find access to the beach or sand dunes with no luck. We found one fee area but weren't planning on spending enough time to pay to park. We had an early dinner, walked around the park and checked out the really nice activity center.

Aug 4th to 9th - WA

Aug 4^th – Tues

We didn't have a very long drive to Dave & Margo's in Burbank WA (TriCities area). We had coffee and checked out their new house before Dave went with Terry to turn our rig around and back it in next to their big shop and a 30 amp hookup. Then we went to lunch at the local tavern which had good food – and cold beer.

Back at the house, Margo filled a cooler with ice & drinks and we drove a short ways to the marina where they keep their pontoon boat. We had a lovely cruise up the Snake River (actually Sacajawea Lake at that point above Ice Harbor Dam). Since we had a fairly big lunch, Margo put together a perfect dinner with leftover roast and several salads.

Aug 5^th – Wed

We had a light breakfast before going to Pasco/Kennewick to pick up their mail and make a visit to Costco. By the time we got what we wanted and then walked all over looking for a flashlight (out of stock!), it was time for a Costco lunch. We went to a harbor and looked at a “tall ship”. The amount of rigging is absolutely mind boggling. The tops of 2 masts had to be removed to clear a couple of railway bridges on the trip from Aberdeen. The crew was dressed in period clothes for a little more authenticity.

This time we took the pontoon boat down stream on another lazy cruise. Dinner was enjoyed outside where we remained until some mosquitoes showed up. We went inside and taught Dave & Margo how to play Cross Cribbage since that is one game that is easy to take along in our little “summer cabin”. The ladies got off to a great start but the guys snuck by for the win.

Aug 6^th – Thurs

Margo had bacon frying when we went in for coffee so we couldn't refuse to stay for breakfast. We didn't bother unloading the bike when we arrived so it was a quick disconnect and on the road to Spokane and the RV parking at the Elks club.

I wanted to do some much needed cleaning so Terry took the truck to a car wash, picked up the mail and made an appointment for an oil change and a diagnosis of a check engine light.

Now of course it was time for a trip to a casino where we played longer than most places lately. On the way there we stopped for a late lunch so didn't really need dinner when we got back.

Aug 7^th – Fri

After coffee and goofing off, we took the truck in for the oil change. Terry rode the motorcycle and we went from there to Bill & Georgia's for lunch. Lonnie & Cindy from across the street came over to say hi and to chat for a while. We got to ooh & aah over Bill & Georgia's new truck (note from Terry – a Chevy!) and 5^th wheel – very nice! Bill & Georgia were driving to Georgia's sister's place (Hi Bonnie!!) near Seattle so we didn't stay too late.

We stopped at Verizon to see if they could help us discover why we were using so much data and to reinstate Terry's VA discount. Shortly after we got back to the Elks we got a call saying our truck was ready to pick up.

Nice news for a change. The check engine light that has been coming on periodically for a while translated to “misfire”. It turned out to be a glow plug that was covered under warranty for 3 more days. So we only had to pay for the oil change.

Dinner at home and a quiet evening.

Aug 8^th – Sat

We took the motorcycle to Bayview to surprise Larry & Julie. Good thing Julie called as we were on the way so she had time to shower before we got there! We visited with them and Terry and Tena before going for lunch on the deck of a nearby restaurant. Julie & Larry had to go to their grandson's birthday party so we left around 3 and headed to Harlan & Barb's in Mead. They have a park model in VVV and Barb line dances with us.

Of course they had to make dinner for us even though they had a bunch of company arriving a bit later. And of course we had to have Moscow Mules in their special copper mugs! Hugs goodbye and back to the Elks.

When we got there, Larry & Julie and Natalie were waiting for us to join them for a drink at the Elks.  The bartender worked for Julie years ago so Julie stops in for a drink once in a while.

Aug 9^th – Sun

Back to time wasting computer games this morning with our coffee & muffin! Then we went to an RV show/sale at the Spokane Arena but didn't find anything interesting. We continued on to a couple of RV sales lots with the same lack of “perfect” rigs. We stopped at WalMart for a few items and went back to our site where I put stuff away and made lunch.

Terry got on the internet (thanks Elks club wifi) to search for the model of 5^th wheel that we saw in Minnesota – no luck anywhere vaguely close. I took a break and “worked” on my 24 hours of unlimited lives in Farm Heroes!

We went to dinner at Skip (Terry's brother) & Kathy's. Their son Nick is living with them and it was great to see him. We always have such a good time with them – and always good food!

July 31st to Aug 3rd - SD, WY, ID, OR

July 31^st – Fri

There were lots of bikes on the road today since we went right past Sturgis and the motorcycle rally officially starts on Monday. What surprised us was the number of bikes leaving the area. I guess lots of people want to be gone when the real crazy stuff happens. There were miles of fields full of “campers”.

We stopped in Mitchell to see the corn palace again since the “decorations” change each year and it's been a few years since we were there. The town was jammed with bikers. We also had to make a stop at Wall Drug (LOTS of bikes) where we got a couple of Tshirts and ice cream cones.

We ended up near Devils Tower for the night. $37 for a pretty rough campground. The pull-through site was so slanted that Terry ended up parking “backwards”. Of course a helpful neighbor with the front wheels of his motorhome jacked off the ground had to point that out to us! Terry brought the 30 amp power cord from our fifth wheel and it has come in handy several times as an extension cord since some places have power boxes every other site – or we park backwards. I was cooking dinner so we took the bike out even though we didn't plan on going anywhere.

Aug 1^st – Sat

We took the bike to Devils Tower before hitting the road today. We were heading to Cody and took highway 14/16 to Sheridan where we had lunch. The road was great with little traffic and lots of antelope in the fields. We continued on 14 to Cody which turned out to be a very scenic drive – climbing quickly which requires hairpin corners and a new view at every turn. Of course I was the only one looking at the view! Down the other side included driving along a lovely stream and more amazing scenery.

We got one of the last, small back-in sites at the Absaroka RV park. Luckily there was an empty site beside us which the lady at the office gave us to park the truck. We had a drink and boiled some ribs before taking the bike to check out the town a bit and to pick up a few groceries. Once again bikes and bikers everywhere. Yummy dinner & crash.

Aug 2^nd – Sun

We got a fairly early start and headed east which took us through Yellowstone Park. We stopped for a good breakfast at a lodge just outside the park. We had a couple of long lines of traffic when everyone had to slow/stop to view a buffalo herd and then ONE elk.

We decided to go North Fork ID to an RV park where we stayed previously but by the time we got near Rexford we decided it was too long a drive so we continued to Pocatello. Unfortunately we stopped at a casino which was not nice to us. We stayed at the fairgrounds as I couldn't find another campground nearby. All we needed was electricity to run the AC as it was pretty hot – and that's all we got! I put together some leftovers from the freezer for dinner which we washed down with a drink – or two!

Aug 3^rd – Mon

We got an early start (before 6) this morning as we had listened to a nasty weather forecast for southern Idaho and a big wind gust hit the rig shortly after 5 am. We loaded the bike and took off. We stopped for breakfast & fuel and decided to make Pendleton OR our destination.

The drive was easy – all on I84 – even with LOTS of road construction. We didn't encounter more than gusty wind for a while. Of course Pendleton means the White Horse Casino & RV park. We set up, put a roast in the crock pot and walked to the casino where we spent several hours before calling it quits and coming back for dinner & TV.