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!