Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Idaho Falls, ID

August 16, 2014
Our drive from Helena to Idaho Falls was uneventful. We stayed at Snake River RV Park. This is a nice park with grassy sites and all the amenities. We were able to sit out enjoying the warm weather. We did our laundry and just relaxed. We have about 300 miles to get to Boise.

Idaho Falls, ID

August 16, 2014
Our drive from Helena to Idaho Falls was uneventful. We stayed at Snake River RV Park. This is a nice park with grassy sites and all the amenities. We were able to sit out enjoying the warm weather. We did our laundry and just relaxed. We have about 300 miles to get to Boise.

Helena, MT

 August 11, 2014
We drove 300 miles to Helena, MT. When we arrived everybody was at Soup Creek so we got ourselves set up. When they came back to Lakeside I went for a SeaDoo ride with Caitlin, one of the twin 13 year old granddaughters. She really likes to go fast and jump boat wakes. Very fun time. Also at the property were Wade, an EMT who works with Steve and his wife and daughter. Wade is an avid fisherman so he brought a huge cooler full of fresh fish. For dinner they cooked fresh sea bass fish and chips, onion rings, salmon seviche, and dungeness crabs. WHAT???? I think we had more fresh fish in camp than in all the fish markets in Helena. After dinner we had a huge fire and s'mores.

August 12, 2014
When we got up the kids were doing breakfast and invited us to join them. After breakfast they were going back to Soup Creek so Gail and I ventured into Helena to explore the town. We walked through the old town area and visited a variety of shops. Then back to the camp for a nice warm afternoon. When the group returned from Soup Creek they were preparing for dinner. We ate on our own because they were having fresh grilled marinated tuna and we had had enough fish the night before. After dinner we were all out at the fire pit again.

August 13, 2014
After breakfast we gathered Carley and Caitlin to go for a day trip. We headed for the town of Townsend which is a western theme community. We drove from there to White Sulpher Springs where we stayed 7 or 8 years ago. We had a fun lunch at Dora's Cafe. Lots of laughs. Then we took them to the Springdale Colony which is a self sustaining Huderite community. The folks there school their children, make their own clothes, sell products to the public and retail outlets throughout the state. We had gotten produce from them on our previous visit so wanted to do this again. When we drove in the people were watching us from their homes and doorways. One of the ladies sent some some people to help with what we wanted. We got cucumbers, carrots, radishes, dill pickles, and bread. It is all organic and delicious. When we were getting ready to leave two of the young women helping us asked if the girls were twins. They were very curious. The twins really enjoyed the experience. Back at the lake we had dinner of fried walleye, chili ghetti, salad and other goodies with Jeremy and Deanna, friends and next door neighbors at the lake.

August 14, 2014
This morning Jeremy was cooking Huckleberry pancakes and maple sausage. It was a stormy day with wind, some rain and thunder. Everyone stayed in camped and watched movies or played games. When the weather cleared in the afternoon we guys went out for some trout fishing in Jeremy's boat. We caught 2 that weighed over 3 pounds. We got back to camp at about 5 so it was time for dinner and some time outside.

August 15, 2014
Up in the morning to have a light breakfast. The weather was still a little storm at times so we stayed close to camp sitting under the awning if needed. Between squalls we all played some horseshoes. For dinner we went to the Lakeside Bar then back to Jeremy's house to watch the Seahawks game.

August 16, 2014
We were up early to get packed up for a drive of about 250 miles to Idaho Falls.

Helena, MT

 August 11, 2014
We drove 300 miles to Helena, MT. When we arrived everybody was at Soup Creek so we got ourselves set up. When they came back to Lakeside I went for a SeaDoo ride with Caitlin, one of the twin 13 year old granddaughters. She really likes to go fast and jump boat wakes. Very fun time. Also at the property were Wade, an EMT who works with Steve and his wife and daughter. Wade is an avid fisherman so he brought a huge cooler full of fresh fish. For dinner they cooked fresh sea bass fish and chips, onion rings, salmon seviche, and dungeness crabs. WHAT???? I think we had more fresh fish in camp than in all the fish markets in Helena. After dinner we had a huge fire and s'mores.

August 12, 2014
When we got up the kids were doing breakfast and invited us to join them. After breakfast they were going back to Soup Creek so Gail and I ventured into Helena to explore the town. We walked through the old town area and visited a variety of shops. Then back to the camp for a nice warm afternoon. When the group returned from Soup Creek they were preparing for dinner. We ate on our own because they were having fresh grilled marinated tuna and we had had enough fish the night before. After dinner we were all out at the fire pit again.

August 13, 2014
After breakfast we gathered Carley and Caitlin to go for a day trip. We headed for the town of Townsend which is a western theme community. We drove from there to White Sulpher Springs where we stayed 7 or 8 years ago. We had a fun lunch at Dora's Cafe. Lots of laughs. Then we took them to the Springdale Colony which is a self sustaining Huderite community. The folks there school their children, make their own clothes, sell products to the public and retail outlets throughout the state. We had gotten produce from them on our previous visit so wanted to do this again. When we drove in the people were watching us from their homes and doorways. One of the ladies sent some some people to help with what we wanted. We got cucumbers, carrots, radishes, dill pickles, and bread. It is all organic and delicious. When we were getting ready to leave two of the young women helping us asked if the girls were twins. They were very curious. The twins really enjoyed the experience. Back at the lake we had dinner of fried walleye, chili ghetti, salad and other goodies with Jeremy and Deanna, friends and next door neighbors at the lake.

August 14, 2014
This morning Jeremy was cooking Huckleberry pancakes and maple sausage. It was a stormy day with wind, some rain and thunder. Everyone stayed in camped and watched movies or played games. When the weather cleared in the afternoon we guys went out for some trout fishing in Jeremy's boat. We caught 2 that weighed over 3 pounds. We got back to camp at about 5 so it was time for dinner and some time outside.

August 15, 2014
Up in the morning to have a light breakfast. The weather was still a little storm at times so we stayed close to camp sitting under the awning if needed. Between squalls we all played some horseshoes. For dinner we went to the Lakeside Bar then back to Jeremy's house to watch the Seahawks game.

August 16, 2014
We were up early to get packed up for a drive of about 250 miles to Idaho Falls.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Packwood, WA

August 6, 2014
We had our short drive to Cascade Peaks near Packwood this morning. After setting up the site we walked around the park to see what has changed since last year. The new owners have done some cosmetic updates to some of the facilities. After lunch Hart and Amy Hughes and their kids arrived. We have camped with them at Peaks the past few years at this time of year. Hart is a long time friend of Tracy and our family. A couple hours later Tracy and her girls arrived. The gathering is almost complete. After everyone was set up we went to their site and enjoyed the evening fire. It was a beautiful sunny day at Cascade Peaks

August 7, 2014
I went to pick up Hart this morning and we went fishing at Skate Creek. No luck so it was back to camp. The adults at their camp took the kids swimming in the pools at the park in the afternoon. The owner of the Packwood Outdoors Store suggested we try fishing Packwood Lake. He told us it is a 6 mile drive south of town on a paved road so Gail and I went to check it out. It was a winding road to a parking lot where the sign indicated it is a 4.5 mile hike to the lake. Needless to say we didn't take the hike nor will I go later with the men of the camp. Later we joined the others at their site for the evening fire.

August 8, 2014
I planned to go fishing with all that were interested but when I went to their site at about 9 most of them, even the kids, had just gotten up and were more interested in breakfast and swimming in the pool or going to play along the Cowlitz River so Hart and I headed to Skate Creek to give it a try. We fished a couple locations using various baits and lures with no luck so back to camp stopping for groceries and ice on the way. At the evening fire I asked who wanted to go fishing in the morning. Sydney, our almost 16 year old granddaughter said she did.

August 9, 2014
I was at the kids' campsite at 7:30 AM to go fishing with Sydney. She was ready to go so I gave her the keys to the truck and she drove to Skate Creek. We tried fishing at several locations catching 2 small trout each at one site. I had a wonderful time with Syd on this outing. She is a sweet teenager with a lot going for her. Then back to the park for breakfast. Later Gail and I went for a walk around the park. The others went to the river for the day. Too much sun and heat for us and no place to hide from it on the river. They had inner tubes and other toys so they floated a small side stream and the main river. We saw them doing this and it looked like a lot of fun but the river is glacier fed so too chilly for me.

August 10, 2014
We got up and broke camp to head for Post Falls, ID as an interim stop on out journey to Helena, MT. After saying good bye to all we hit the road at about 9 AM. The Couer de Alene RV Resort is very nice in Post Falls. We went out to dinner a a local pub called Capone's. They have a great selection of craft beers and terrific food. Then back to the park to enjoy the massive orange full moon.

Packwood, WA

August 6, 2014
We had our short drive to Cascade Peaks near Packwood this morning. After setting up the site we walked around the park to see what has changed since last year. The new owners have done some cosmetic updates to some of the facilities. After lunch Hart and Amy Hughes and their kids arrived. We have camped with them at Peaks the past few years at this time of year. Hart is a long time friend of Tracy and our family. A couple hours later Tracy and her girls arrived. The gathering is almost complete. After everyone was set up we went to their site and enjoyed the evening fire. It was a beautiful sunny day at Cascade Peaks

August 7, 2014
I went to pick up Hart this morning and we went fishing at Skate Creek. No luck so it was back to camp. The adults at their camp took the kids swimming in the pools at the park in the afternoon. The owner of the Packwood Outdoors Store suggested we try fishing Packwood Lake. He told us it is a 6 mile drive south of town on a paved road so Gail and I went to check it out. It was a winding road to a parking lot where the sign indicated it is a 4.5 mile hike to the lake. Needless to say we didn't take the hike nor will I go later with the men of the camp. Later we joined the others at their site for the evening fire.

August 8, 2014
I planned to go fishing with all that were interested but when I went to their site at about 9 most of them, even the kids, had just gotten up and were more interested in breakfast and swimming in the pool or going to play along the Cowlitz River so Hart and I headed to Skate Creek to give it a try. We fished a couple locations using various baits and lures with no luck so back to camp stopping for groceries and ice on the way. At the evening fire I asked who wanted to go fishing in the morning. Sydney, our almost 16 year old granddaughter said she did.

August 9, 2014
I was at the kids' campsite at 7:30 AM to go fishing with Sydney. She was ready to go so I gave her the keys to the truck and she drove to Skate Creek. We tried fishing at several locations catching 2 small trout each at one site. I had a wonderful time with Syd on this outing. She is a sweet teenager with a lot going for her. Then back to the park for breakfast. Later Gail and I went for a walk around the park. The others went to the river for the day. Too much sun and heat for us and no place to hide from it on the river. They had inner tubes and other toys so they floated a small side stream and the main river. We saw them doing this and it looked like a lot of fun but the river is glacier fed so too chilly for me.

August 10, 2014
We got up and broke camp to head for Post Falls, ID as an interim stop on out journey to Helena, MT. After saying good bye to all we hit the road at about 9 AM. The Couer de Alene RV Resort is very nice in Post Falls. We went out to dinner a a local pub called Capone's. They have a great selection of craft beers and terrific food. Then back to the park to enjoy the massive orange full moon.

Mayfield Lake

August 3, 2014
We drove to Mayfield Lake Park, about 100 miles for a three day stay. The park is part of the Tacoma Power parks system with reservations available through the state parks on line site. Our daughter Tracy and family had been here before and told us it is a nice park. Our site was right in the lake about 20 feet from the water. We arrived on Sunday at about 3 so the lake was very busy with water craft and swimmers. The weather was very nice and cooled in the evening so sleeping was comfortable. The park was full all three days we stayed.


August 4, 2014
Another warm day with a nice wind to make it quite comfortable. No need to go anywhere except for ice so we sat out and read most of the day. What a great way to spend the day. We sat out until about 11 then inside to rest up for another day by the lake.

August 5, 2014
Today was nice and sunny but a wind blew most of the day. It was just windy enough to be cooling but pretty annoying. In the evening it was even chilly so I got our fireplace out for the first time since early June. Tomorrow it’s off to Cascade Peaks near Packwood for our annual gathering of some of the clan and extended family. A drive of about 45 miles.

Mayfield Lake

August 3, 2014
We drove to Mayfield Lake Park, about 100 miles for a three day stay. The park is part of the Tacoma Power parks system with reservations available through the state parks on line site. Our daughter Tracy and family had been here before and told us it is a nice park. Our site was right in the lake about 20 feet from the water. We arrived on Sunday at about 3 so the lake was very busy with water craft and swimmers. The weather was very nice and cooled in the evening so sleeping was comfortable. The park was full all three days we stayed.


August 4, 2014
Another warm day with a nice wind to make it quite comfortable. No need to go anywhere except for ice so we sat out and read most of the day. What a great way to spend the day. We sat out until about 11 then inside to rest up for another day by the lake.

August 5, 2014
Today was nice and sunny but a wind blew most of the day. It was just windy enough to be cooling but pretty annoying. In the evening it was even chilly so I got our fireplace out for the first time since early June. Tomorrow it’s off to Cascade Peaks near Packwood for our annual gathering of some of the clan and extended family. A drive of about 45 miles.

Ellensburg

July 21, 2014
Just a nice 75 mile drive to Ellensburg and Yakima River RV Park. This park is a working ranch as well as a rustic RV park. I say rustic because there is no shower and public bathroom. How's that for picky? Anyway there are horses and Brahma bulls in the fields adjacent to the campground.


Last night we saw a fox crossing the fields. When we got set up we went into Ellensburg for a fantastic lunch at the Palace Saloon and Cafe which has been in business since 1892. Then we asked and found a good pizza place for a coming meal. Back at camp I went fly fishing in the Yakima River getting a few bites but no catching. The river is barbless hooks and catch and release. We had a chicken dinner and sat out enjoyed the cooler evening and sunset.


July 22, 2014
There was some rain last night which was pretty refreshing. After breakfast we went into Ellensburg to check out the shops. Gail had never been here and I haven't foe many years. There are some quaint shops and restaurants in the old part of the town. We happened upon a shop that is closing Saturday so was clearing out the inventory with 50% to 70% off. We found a few things that we didn't know we couldn't live without. Then we went to lunch at The Cornerstone Pie, a highly recommended pizza place. We had some pizza and beer and got another pizza for later. Yup, it was good. Then back to the park to go fishing and enjoy the evening

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Wenatchee

July 8, 2014
We were up and on the road before 9:30 heading to Wenatchee River County Park. We’ve stayed here a few times in the past. It’s a nice park right on the Wenatchee River. IT WAS HOT! I mean 103 degrees. After we got set up we went into Wenatchee to visit PYBUS Public Market. We don’t know what the name stands for but it’s a nice market that’s been open about a year with 20 year around vendors including fruit and veggie stands, restaurants, a cheese monger and other nice stands. We bought a Walla Walla sweet onion, a real good cheese and a packet of charring spices for cooking meats. After a real good salmon dinner we sat out until about 10 enjoying the cooling evening. It got down to about 70 overnight

July 9, 2014
Not as hot today but still in the low 100's. After breakfast we went into Leavenworth to cruise the shops and enjoy the ambiance of the community. We had a nice lunch and back to the RV park. It was  a"take  it easy" day.