Saturday, December 20, 2014

Driving in Circles

When we first arrived in Red Bay, we were told they probably couldn't get to us for another five weeks.  Yikes!  Ok...  we'll plan on spending Christmas in Red Bay.  We settled in to wait.  The following Monday we received an early morning call that we could pull around to Bay 31 to start our service.  Go figure.  Thus is the mystery of Red Bay.

While waiting, we decided to take a look at a new 2015 Phaeton.  Significant changes have been made on the outside and inside.  Huge mistake!  We fell in love, and started to talk to several dealers to see what could be done.  We found a dealer in Memphis who gave us a good deal.  We also decided to order a coach so Jerry could watch it be built.  Next step was to talk to the finance company (s) to find a good rate.  Here's where our learning curve went straight up...  If you are a full time RV'er, and do not own property, you are viewed a bit differently and large down payments are required.  Of course somewhere your ability to pay the thing off is a must.  Much of the more strident rules are a result of the banking mess a few years ago - and rightfully so.  So while we are talking to two different institutions, time is slipping by, and in the meantime, our coach is finished and we head back to IN to get papers needed that we left in storage.   From IN we headed straight to south TX where we have a spot reserved for a few months.  By the time we got here and had more talks with the bank, we ran out of time.  We are due in CA to take grandsons camping the second week in April.  There's no time to put that deal together before that date.

All things happen for a reason.  We may not be aware of the reason at the time.  In this case, we will take the next year to regroup, think this through and target next fall if we decide to move forward to order a new Whale.

In the meantime we are set up at Sea Winds RV Resort outside of Riviera, TX just south of Kingsville.  The park is on Baffin Bay - great fishing for Black Drum.  With the exception of the last couple days, the weather is mild and breezy.  We've gathered back together with friends we met last year, and look forward to spending time with them over the next few months.  This is the first time we have returned to an RV park, and we did that primarily because of the great people who come here.

Shortly after arriving at Sea Winds, we took a nature tour of the back country on the King Ranch.  Every tour covers a different part of the ranch and it's any body's guess what wild life might be spotted.  On this afternoon, there was a multitude of birds, javelina's, deer and wild boars.  Of course we forgot the camera so no pictures of this entry.

We hope to check out other historical sites in this area while we are here again this year.  Stay tuned...

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Slow Travels

 Brown County State Park at the peak of color in October.  It's hard to lodge a complaint that if I had to break an ankle, recuperation started here in this setting.  We use to travel to Brown County each fall to enjoy the color and uniqueness of the artists' village known as Nashville, but we never were able to quite stay a four day week-end at the peak of color.  This year, due to the break, we were able to stay a total of three weeks in three different camping spots, and we were able to witness the beauty that is Brown County in the peak of Fall color.Hiking was not an option, but driving tours were.  We spent time roaming the park with both dogs.  The only difference between original plans was we were now riding, not hiking.

One of the many vistas in Brown County State Park
From Brown County we traveled to The Land Between the Lakes / Kentucky.  Canal Campground is at the northern tip of the area known as the land Between the Lakes between Canal Lake and Kentucky Lake.  It is an Army Corps of Engineers park and is as beautiful as others we have stayed in.  While there we explored areas along the Trace - the road that runs the full length of the Land Between the Lakes.  After a week, we traveled to Joe Wheeler State Park in northern AL.  The weather was still warm and breezy, and the campground is heavily wooded with pines.  The breeze carried the pine scent through the motor home along with the smell of cedar wood fires - my kind of camping!  

Alabama Bambi / Joe Wheeler State Park


We then moved on the Huntsville, AL to the Air and Space Center where there is a small RV campground.  While here, we toured the Space Center and made it to the IMAX theater to watch the 45 minute film about the invasion of Normandy narrated by Tom Brokaw.  We were the only two in the entire theater.  The effects were pretty amazing.  Using the ap I have on my iPhone to find dog parks, we discovered a fenced  park in Huntsville to take the dogs.  Both days found other large dogs and the pups had a blast.  That kind of exercise is a must, particularly for Bella / high energy beastey.

Air and Space Center Huntsville, AL



An example of original flight aptly hanging in the huge building that holds a Saturn V rocket.


Off to Red Bay, AL this Sunday morning to get in line, wait for service and head further south. 
This coming Friday will mark six weeks after the ankle break.  I'm blessed we've been able to alter our schedule to accommodate healing and to do all that in such beautiful settings.  Yet to be honest, having a broken ankle in particularly is extremely confining and a big pain in the rear!  I'll be glad to lose the walking cast and be more mobile soon.


Friday, October 3, 2014

Brown County, IN

First, if you are ever in IN in the fall, Brown County State Park near Nashville, IN is a MUST visit.  The state park has several hiking trails, a couple of lakes, and view after view of fall color that are all stunning.  The area has been protected since 1941, but prior to that, like so many other wooded areas, was abused without consideration.  Now it's become an internationally known area for fall color.  The small town of Nashville historically has been an area where artisans of all kinds gather to practice their crafts.  Shop owners have tried to hold to that tradition although some measure of commercialism has seeped into the area.

In addition, Brown County has sentimental meaning to Jerry and me.  This is where he proposed to me 34 years ago.  This is where we returned every year to honor that time.  Our plans were to be here a week, walk and enjoy returning to our roots and move on to another stint in Red Bay, AL.  Wellllll....

Remember what I said about life's twists and turns?  Revise the last statement from my previous post...  Cool mornings, coffee and NO walks with the dogs.  We were only in Brown County State Park a few days before we attempted a moderate hike with the dogs.  Halfway to Ogle Lake, I slipped on gravel, fell - breaking my left ankle.  No it wasn't the puppy's fault.  Fortunately, a friend from Elkhart was also here for a few days.  While I started to hobble my way back to the trail head, Jerry took both dogs to get help.  Before Jerry got back with help, I had several offers of assistance from other hikers. I wasn't about to let someone carry me out.  I was hobbling and at that point hoping I had only sprained my ankle.  I know not every single person is good hearted, but thankfully we've only met the ones who are.  A young couple with a two year old came by on the path and were clearly very bothered that I insisted I was just fine.  They finally walked ahead only for the young man to return a bit later with a sizable tree branch he had cut for me to use as a walking stick.  Somehow my ankle didn't hurt that much after that.

Jerry came with assistance, and we found our way to an emergency clinic and an orthopedic doctor only to find out no sprain, spiral break.  Six weeks in a removable walking cast.  We figured it was best to try to stay put and found one open spot for an additional 8 days in the state park.  The spot just happened to be in the handicapped area, and the park management approved our stay in that spot.  We are now comfortably set up in a handicapped spot - all concrete, a fire pit and picnic table - for the next 8 days.  I'll see the orthopedic doctor again before we move on to a couple of weeks at Mammoth Cave National Park.  After that we may check out a state park in Alabama before settling in at Red Bay, AL.  We need the ankle to be usable before we hit Red Bay.

Here's the thing about our travels.  Everything is negotiable, adjustable - the art of making in-flight corrections.  We don't have to be anywhere at any specific time.  In fact, we are starting to find it quite constraining when we do.  So for now we will alter our journey to accommodate the healing process, and we will enjoy watching the colors of Brown County change literally before our eyes.

One of many vistas in Brown County State Park.
Taken at the beginning of our stay.  Touch of color barely visible.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Resuming the Journey

After a two month stop in Elkhart, we have resumed our travels.  It's always bittersweet to leave family and friends.  It's still exciting to continue to travel.  We're once again reminded not to get too locked in to a particular destination because life's little twists and turns may change the plan...

Our departure preparations included a Whale wash and wax.  As Jerry was walking around the Whale to  check out progress, he discovered a split in the side wall of the back driver's side slide - about two inches long.  Eventually, enough water could seep in to rot the side of the Whale.  Our trip to the east coast of Florida via Charleston and Savannah have been scrapped for a return trip to Red Bay, AL.  This will be warranty work.  While in Red Bay, we will also get the engine serviced.

We will spend a week in Brown County, IN before heading to Red Bay.  Those reservations have been made for months, and it's on the way...  sort of.  We use to take a long week-end to Brown County every year.  It's one of our favorite places although the quaint town town area of Nashville has gotten way too commercial in recent years.  The Brown County State Park is gorgeous, especially in the fall with trees turning every shade of yellow, red and orange.  Crisp mornings, wood fires and long walks with the dogs will be the going fare for this next week.


Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Running the Gauntlet

While home our days are full of family, friends... and doctors' appointments.   Given our track record in the last 5+ years, it feels much like running the gauntlet.  When we talk to others who are thinking about living full time in their RV, health concerns are a very real stumbling block.  One conversation we just had recently went this way....  We don't think we can full time because we would have to go back home four or five time a year for medical care.  Of course all situations are different.  We can only speak from our personal experience.  Thus far what we have to deal with is manageable from other locations with doctors here calling the shots.

This trip home has given us the opportunity to spend time with new and old friends.  Time on the river, both the upper and lower St. Joe, with friends has been peaceful.  We have also been blessed to spend some time with friends we met in TX who are currently in MI.

The bulk of our time at home has been spent with puppy, Bella and our dog Maci.  I'd forgotten how time consuming puppies can be.

Next week is our last week here.  Next week we get a new windshield in the Jeep, a repair of the Whale windshield, wash and wax of the Whale and carpets cleaned.  In between all that the boat will be stored, the inside of the Whale gets totally wiped down, all pillows, covers and clothes are laundered, items get stowed, and all will be ready to pull out on Monday, Sept. 22.

We head to Muncie, IN for a couple of days for me to spend time on Ball State's campus.  Then we will spend a week in Brown County, IN.  We will head from there to the Smokies.  Then down the east coast to Charleston, Savannah, east coast of Florida before we head to TX for a month or two.

Unless, of course, doctors tell us otherwise...

Friday, August 29, 2014

So what do you do when you are home sweet home?

Where to begin?  Of course we are spending much needed time with friends and family.  We are also taking advantage of the down time to clean, reorganize and make updates.

No matter how organized the "basement" is, it always needs reorganizing.  We say we are constantly trying to see how we can downsize.  This is a testament to having too much stuff.  After almost three years, we are still trying to weed out things we don't need.  But what if... ?  That's always part of the debate when we start cleaning out.  Now that we have two dogs /  twice the dog food, we had to make room for storage.  It's a process.

One of our favorite jokes is that when we sit too long, we spend too much money.  During our time in Elkhart Jerry has installed a macerator, a new water pump and tire pressure monitors on all tires including the Jeep.  For those not familiar with an RV sewer system, the macerator eliminates the large tube from the RV to the sewer whether that be a full hook up or a dump station.  The macerator pulverizes the sewage making it necessary for only a small hose - like a water hose.  It's all around a cleaner way to go, less smelly.  It also take longer to dump the tank.  As with everything there are pros and cons, but so far we are happy with it.

The tire pressure monitors are a safety item.  The equipment is wireless, and it monitors both tire pressure and temperature of all tires on the RV and the tow vehicle.  Levels are set to activate a warning if temps get too high or pressure gets too low.  The hopes are if we start to blow a tire, we will have warning and get slowed down fast enough to avoid a serious accident.  We've been talking about installing these for two years.

The water pump was an equipment malfunction.  Fortunately there is a SurFlow location in Elkhart.  When they examined the pump, they determined the manufacturer put adhesive in a place that caused it to go into the pump.  SurFlow replaced the pump for free.  That's the kind of business you want to return to.

We are also spending an inordinate time with our two dogs - Maci and Bella Rose.  Both are high energy and require consistent exercise.  We're located in the far south east corner of the campground where we can run the dogs by playing ball and walk them.  It's a great spot to be in!

We did take a break to go to a Taste of Elkhart at the new botanical gardens - The Wellfield.  What an incredible community effort that has been.  Scores of volunteers have planted the gardens designed by a landscape architect.  Over the course of the last few years, more garden areas have been added.  Currently the pathway around the outside perimeter of the park is about a mile.  During the "Taste" event, several restaurants in Elkhart set up booths and offer limited items from their menus.  What a treat!

The Wellfield in Elkhart, IN
The day was overcast so pictures were not clear.  This one area showing the stone walkway, a pond and a pavilion.  Such a peaceful setting.

Our time in Elkhart continues with friends and family, dinners, cookouts and mobilizing to get on the road again.

We find we get restless after about a month.  We won't be giving up this lifestyle any time soon.



Maci and Bella loving the motorhome life

Friday, August 8, 2014

Home

My goal this time home is to not neglect the blog like I have in the past.  I've realized coming home is as much about traveling as the other places we've visited.  It's exciting in different ways.  Even the most familiar aspects change over the course of a year.

Our first week at home, Elkhart, IN, was spent spent with family and getting prepared for our new puppy that would arrive the following Tuesday.  I won't bore you with talk of the dogs, but if you are a dog person, and want to hear about our adventures with Maci and Bella please feel free to check out my new blog, For The Love of The Dog.

Gradually, we have been able to see or plan to see several friends from this area, and we've already visited our favorite restaurant a couple of times.  Driving around the area reminds us you can go home again...  just don't expect it to stay the same.  People and places move on, grow, change, disappear.

We have grown and changed.  Thankfully, we haven't disappeared just yet.  One of the most poignant example of our growth and change is when we recently went to our storage garage to organize and make decisions about items that we don't really need to keep anymore.  A year ago, I looked at the stacks of stuff and could not imagine getting rid of any of it.  What if someone in our very small family wanted those pictures of relatives generations back.  You know...  the ones no one can remember their names.  What if one of the kids wanted that Mother's Day card made for me when he / she was in first grade.  All those mementos that were so dear when they were given, but what about now.  Still dear but the perspective is so different.  Many other thoughtful, loving cards and gifts have been given, and at the end of the day, the thoughts that went along with those cards and gifts are really what is meaningful.
How about the good china and other assorted glassware that is of little interest to my daughter or daughter-in-law?  Not their tastes.  Gone are the days when children gladly inherit dated items just because they belonged to an older family member.  That's OK, but now what?  Several boxes of fine china and everyday dishes that I'm not even interested in anymore.  I have changed, and my tastes have changed.

Most importantly, what I have learned after two years of traveling in the Whale full time is we need far less than ever to enjoy far more than ever.  We'll see how this part of the journey goes as we complete our stay in Elkhart and continue on.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Jim's Collection

During our stay in Eagle Mountain, UT with Jim and Sandy, we spent time roaming their house experiencing his "collection."  Jim collects antiques.   He had particular ones he is most interested in like cigar store Indians, rotary dial phones, scales, mixers, lamps, and player pianos.  He often restores the items, but more times than not he finds an item in pristine condition.  The items are tastefully displayed throughout the main floor and lower level of the house.  I was most interested in the player piano on the main floor.  The lower section of the piano included a tambourine, a drum and other instruments that actually played along with the piano.  Lights and colored glass made this antique amazingly unique.

I think one of the greatest part of Jim's collection is that all of his 11 grandchildren have access to most of the items.  He often talks to them about the item and where it came from - its history.  These rare antiques are part of his legacy to his family.

This post is a picture show.  Here are some of our favorites.
Lit player piano with multiple instruments.

Jim the collector and one of his favorites.

The downstairs juke box that was actually used in the movie Top Gun

Antique fire hose on front porch

This guy guards Jim's office.  One like it guards the front door.

Two of many antique lamps

Old scales

Rotary dial phones throughout the house in every color imaginable

Wooden plane prop

Yet another player piano in the downstairs rec room



Thursday, July 24, 2014

A Week In Utah

Typically, this time of year we start our journey back home.  I guess we will always call Elkhart, IN home.  Friends and family are waiting to see us, and doctor's appointments must be kept.  Since our northwest trip was shortened, we decided to take Interstate 80 east rather than the far north route on Route 2.  We knew if we took the northern route, we would never back it back in time since we would want to stay in new places and explore.  So 80 it was with one stop to visit friends, Jim and Sandy Paas, in Salt Lake City, UT.  They live in Eagle Mountain, UT just out of Salt Lake City.  When we first drove to their house, my initial reaction was "Wow!"  Their house was tucked in a valley surrounded by mountain ranges.  We spent the afternoon and evening getting settled and enjoyed the back deck overlooking the valley, lights of houses twinkling and almost a full moon.

No wonder Sandy and Jim love Utah!

During the time we were at Jim and Sandy's we were able to spend time touring and hiding in one of the many parks in the area.  We drove through one mountainous area on a Saturday and saw that many others in the area take full advantage of the hiking and camping available.  We also spent some time hiking.  We also experienced a lack of acclimation to the higher altitude.  We were at a little over 6,000 feet with 90+ temperatures.  It was slow going as breathing was difficult even at that altitude.



We were also able to spend some time in Salt Lake City at the new Mormon Conference Center.  To say the least, the building is an architectural masterpiece.  The center takes up four city blocks and was built to house 21,000 people at one time.  The amphitheater is constructed with three levels of seating and no pillars.  The upper levels are cantilevered.  All of this is so no person has a blocked view.  At the time of our visit, many were preparing for a concert of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

We were able to visit the second and third floors of the building before heading to the roof which is the real masterpiece.  The original designers knew this structure would be much shorter than others in Salt Lake, and they didn't want people to look down at an ugly roof.  The idea was developed to design the roof to represent the bounty of Utah...  mountains, streams, water falls, meadows.  Four acres of roof represent all of that.  We wandered paths of granite with meadow areas sectioned with granite and pools of water.  In the center of the roof, are several skylights shaped like prisms.  The skylights are over the ceiling of the amphitheater.  This day they were covered with large canvas covers so the theater could be readied for  the conference.  I would have loved to have seen those crystal skylights!  The ultimate waterfall was the one toward the front of the building.  The waterfall originates from the roof and falls to a large pool by the street level entrance to the building.  On the second floor of the conference center, a large window provides a view of the back of the waterfall from that level.

View of the Tabernacle from the roof of the conference center

The roof top waterfall

One example of the use of prisms of light - from roof to first floor



Massive pipes that power the conference center organ

Roof top skylights - covered

Etched mural depicting peoples of the world


One of many pools and fountains on the conference center roof top
There were many parts of this visit that were cause for reflection.  One in particular was the mural shown above.  The mural is etched on a stone surface.  If you move close to the mural and look at the length of the surface, the images appear to be negatives on film.  The stone surface is shiny so another key feature of the structure is that you see your own reflection as part of the diverse group of people. 

We completed our visit to Salt Lake City with a visit to the Mormon visitor center, also a multi-level center depicting the history of the Mormon faith.


Friday, July 18, 2014

Those who wander are not always lost... Tolkein

Ever since I can remember, Jerry and I have loved to just wander around - on foot or in the car.  We like to look at everything.  As we travel, we've maintained the love to wander.  Sometimes we wander in the Whale which often gets into places we shouldn't be with a 40 foot vehicle.  Sometimes we get on skinny mountain roads, or tight turns or both.  Mostly we wander in the Jeep which means if we want to go off road, we are relatively sure we won't get stuck.  Usually, the excursion starts with, "I wonder what's down this road?"  Before we left the Port Townsend area, we took a side road to the bay and discovered The Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building.  Who knew?


It was a beautiful morning, and all the double doors to the shops were open.  As we slowly drove by to see as much as we could, one of the instructors came out and invited us to come in.  We jumped at that opportunity.  There were two large buildings with double doors where students and instructors were working.  One group was working on a smaller rowing boat.  The other group was working on a very large prototype.  As we walked into the first building, the smell of spruce and cedar was strong.

Our self-appointed guide told us the school has been in existence since the 80's.  There are 50 students enrolled at all times.  The students graduate when they reach a certain level of expertise.  I had to ask, "How many females are enrolled?"  Our guide told us the graduating class has 5 women.  The newly enrolled class has 17 women.  He told us they are excellent woodworkers, and they were tough.  It seems some of the men in the program think boat building is just for men.  We were able to talk to the head of the program, and he told us if he had his way the male / female split would be 25/25.  He was pleased with the increase for the fall.

Across the dirt road from the school buildings were several small cottages.  Many of the students live in those cottages or in a small apartment complex just up the hill.  Also part of the complex was a small shop with hand made harps made by other wood workers in the area.  Unfortunately, we were unable to go in since the shop was closed.  This school on the bay and cottages offered a peaceful and somewhat idyllic setting.

After looking at several of the completed boats and talking about those in production,  we thanked our guide and said good-by.  I'm grateful for this urge to wander.  "I wonder what's down this road?" I'm grateful that more times than not we act on our curiosity.  The major stops we plan along the way are fabulous, but the results of wandering are equally awesome adding to our experiences as we journey.

Finished fishing boat to be delivered to a customer in Canada.


Students and an instructor problem solving a design issue

Sail boat ready for the water

One of two shops / instructional areas

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Mt. Ranier National Park

Before we officially turned the 'corner' to head back east, we spent just a half a day in Mt. Ranier National Park.  The park was established in 1899 by an act of Congress due to extreme amounts of pressure from public groups across the nation.  Interestingly some international groups were also involved.  At lower altitudes, the forests in Washington are lush dense combinations of Douglas fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, ferns and other varities of vegetation.  This is referred to as "old growth."  The mountain is capped by 25 glaciers and is an active volcanoe.

On this day we were blessed with clear blue skies and brilliant sun filtering through the pines as we drove through the Nisqually entrance in the lower southwest corner of the park. Our time in the park was limited due to our shortened time frame.  In addition, camping in the park was not an option for us due to the length of our rig.  So this trip was somewhat of a drive-by.  Road 706 snakes through the lower portion of the park, and as we rose in altitude the vegetation changed.  The pines grow in 'islands' rather than dense coverage due the harsh weather each year.  The amount of snow Ranier gets each year is phenomenal...  87-127 inches depending on different areas of the park.  The Paradise area where there is a lodge and large parking lot for many of the hikers / climbers receives the most at 127 inches.  Areas of the park are closed from early October to May, and other areas require chains on all vehicles.  We've been on twistier roads, but I sure would not want to try to navigate Road 706 through Mt. Ranier with snow and slippery roads.  I've posted the pictures of our brief trip through the park below.  There are some experiences that defy words, and this is one of them.  As has been true of so many places we've visited throughout the United States, we stand silent, breath deep, and enjoy the moment. Mt Ranier was no exception!







Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Olympic National Park Loop

Our travel of the Olympic National Park loop included stops in Forks, Sequim, Port Townsend and Chimicum before heading toward Mt. Rainier.  The western portion of the 101 loop is adjacent to the rain forest.  The Forks area receives 12-14 feet of rain per year.  It's just plain wet all the time.  Driving into the national forest gave us a sense of that environment.  Slickers and rain boots are the fashion of choice.  The forest is a deep luscious green with the ground cover of ferns and other vegetation dripping water crystals.  From Cape Disappointment to Sequim, we never saw the sun for at least five days.

We spent two days in Sequim at the Elks.  As always, the Elks members were welcoming and informative about area highlights.  The camp sites were spacious, and the property was fenced on three sides.  We took advantage of some down time to play ball with Maci off leash.  Another couple near us had a female Doberman named Bella.  She and Maci got in a good run while there were few campers there.

Sequim is a unique area touched by seaside and lavender fields.  We were two weeks early for the lavender festival, but we were able to see a couple of the larger farms as we drove around investigating.  As always when we are close to the ocean, we spent much time driving around by the docks - always in search of fresh sea food.  We've been blessed to eat several meals of Dungeness crab - always with the thought that is might be our last meal of fresh crab.

The next stop was at the Fort Wordon State Park.  Of course our timing and lack of advanced planning landed us in the state park on July 4th week-end.  We were able to secure two nights in two different sites before moving on to our next stop.  In this area of Washington, old forts commissioned during the time between WWI and WWII have been turned into state parks.  Many sites are full hook ups with 50 amp service.  The 50 amp service is a big deal to a big rig like ours, especially if it's hot and air conditioning is needed.   I've been known to blow a circuit with one air, the microwave and the dryer running.

Fort Wordon Light

Black tailed deer visiting the camp site across from us


We traveled on to Chimacum with the intention of camping 3-5 days at the Escapees park there.  This would allow our mail to catch up with us.  With full hook up, we could catch up on laundry and take care of other business that often does not get done due to being on the road and sightseeing.  The time in Chimacum would also give us time to explore Port Townsend and the surrounding areas.

In addition to scouting out sea food when we are close to the ocean, we also love to wander through the boat yards.  Long ago we use to sail, and there's still a part of us that would like to wander on the water.  It amazes me how many different vessels we find in boatyards.  Large, small, sail boats, motor boats, new, old and some like the one below that look beyond repair.  We saw some as in disrepair as this being restored.  I wouldn't be surprised if that's why this barnacled boat was on the blocks, ready.

This motor sailor spent a bit too long in Davy Jones' Locker...


We also took some time to stop of a picnic lunch with some of the best scenery every.

This was our picnic site
If you ever get the chance to visit the Port Townsend area and you like to drink coffee, look up the Sunrise Coffee Company.  Beans from all over the world are roasted on site in one of the biggest coffee bean roaster I've ever seen.  The owner is highly knowledgeable and extremely helpful.

Soon after our mail caught up with us, propane tank filled, laundry done and gear stowed, we left Chimacum for Shelton, WA thinking this might be one more crab meal.  No such luck. We did find Bob's Tavern at the recommendation of a guy at the gas station.  That would be the best fried chicken ever and Jo Jo's (fried potato wedges).  Early the next morning we headed to Mt. Rainier National Park.


Saturday, July 5, 2014

Cape Desperation

While still in San Jose, we were sure the trip to Washington and Olympic National Park would have to be postponed 'til next year.  We decided with some alterations we could still make the trip.  We crossed into Washington and made our first stop at the Cape of Disappointment.  The Northpoint Light House was the first point of interest.  We set up at the state park and headed out to the light house.

View on the path from the keepers' residences to the Northpoint Light
It was easy for me to imagine how difficult it must have been for the keepers of the light live day in and day out caring for the light in a harsh environment with few others in the near vicinity.  We walked the path from the light keepers' residences to the light house.  Visitors to the Northpoint Light are able to walk the circular stairs to the top of the light.  The view is astounding.  The volunteer who spoke with us talked about how the light use to take up the entire area we were in leaving very little room to "feed the fire."  This light required about five gallons a day or about 150 gallons a month.  Day in and day out, no matter how calm or unsettling the weather, the lighthouse keepers were on duty.  Being extremely fearful of heights, this was a tough tour for me.  It was difficult to listen, and I had a death grip on the railing around the stair area.  I could swear I could feel the structure moving - totally my imagination.  This is a light house over 100 years old and one that has sustained fierce storms on the edge of the pacific.  
The light was built to last and withstand any storm the Pacific could conjure

The Pacific coast is raw and rugged


We left this area feeling we had stepped back in time once more to imagine the life of those who kept this light - not unlike all the other light houses on both west and east coasts.  The life was lonely and  harsh fueled by the keeper's love of the sea and deep sense of responsibility for those lives on ships just off the rocks trying to enter the mouth of the Columbia River.