Friday 6/24 Washington

June 24th Washington or bust

I think this may be redundant.  I thought I lost a portion of a post.  

I have no idea what day this really is.  All I know is that we made it to a Rob and Desi's around 5:00 today.  Finally we have wifi!
I wrote quite a bit this morning about the state campground we found yesterday.  Our plan was to see the Coulee Dam.  I spent a great deal of time trying to contact the park.  No answer, will call back .  No same day reservations, first come first serve.  Check the main site for further  info.  Couldn't connect.  Tried the number to the main state campgrounds- no help, no info to provide. Need to just show up.  Oh and BTW if the budget isn't approved by 7/1, campgrounds will close , which didn't affect us, but angered me nonetheless.  So we backtracked after nixing the first on the list that looked like a homeless campsite and 20 miles later came upon the Ranger Station.  All closed down.  The R got out and read a bunch of stuff posted including a list of available sites (not sure when it was updated),  only one.  We found it and parked the HH, disconnected and then went back to register us.figuring possession was 9/10s of the law.  When he got to the Ranger Station, there was a huge line, which he hopped.  Very unlike the Rooster.  Somehow, it worked out, but I wondered just how.  What if a person had already claimed site 99?  Did we then have to go back and start all over again?  Didn't matter.  We had a beautiful,site in the Dune area.  Large site, lots of trees, near the water.  We set up, and took a walk around.  Down at the lake, Lucy did her usual sniffing and going in to her knees, but no amount of cajoling would she come in deeper.  I was up to my thighs, looking around at the mountains surrounding us and the lovely lake enjoying the cool water, hot sun and over all beauty of it all.
On our way in and back we were almost attacked by some birds jeering at us and swooping down close to our heads.  It was only when we left that we realized they were protecting a fledgling that fell out of its nest.  We saw it on the ground, I,took a pic but it didn't turn out.  I left it in the collection as a memory.  As we came out of that area we saw a doe and fawn literally skipping through the section of the park we were walking in.  Must be different deer around these parts. We settled in. The R  reading  his fifth book while I worked in my knitting .  All around us there were lovely families, big boats and more,rigs,to be envious of.  Next to us we laughed at a group of kids playing badminton and changing the rules to,suit themselves.  They played a long time.  Next to,us, a big RV. A boat and a Barcelona rocker next to the fire pit.  While I amused myself thinking that was pretty cool, a large elderly man came out, moved it into,the sun, proceeded to sit in it, broke it and arms and legs went flying.  Trying not to laugh because the whole thing was so silly, and ready to go over to se if he was ok, he got up, looked around, I bowed my head so it didn't look like I saw the whole,thing and he sauntered off, out off out of sight.
Later we took a long walk around 75% of,the campground.  The entire area exceeds 500 acres, is located in a peninsula and each camping area has its own character.  The sun started to set and cast wonderful,reflections of the orange mountains onto the lake.  Magical!
Over at the next area from us the campground was set up as a desert.  No trees, just sage brush, rocks surrounding each site that was circular.  Behind the sites was a large expanse of lawn, well tended and large enough to have families with space for dog crates, games, bikes etc.  we watched 2 guys and a little boy race a radio controlled keep in the sand, roaring around at the little boss's delight.  Then a orang up (which is what my dad called his accidents with his radio controlled planes). The little,boy gleefully ran to,revue it and off they went again.  Further out on the peninsular was a concession area, picnic areas and a boat launch.  Lots of shade trees and again lovely reflections on the water along with boats fishing and roaring around or puttering.  We noticed a trail sign that went up a mile into,the mountain area allowing a panorama view of the park as well as,the dam we came to see.

I won't be writing again for a bit, probably as the wedding approaches and we are in Tacoma (Thursday, sometime).  Susan et al will be flying in that day and joining us.  My sister is in Oregon right now.  On July 3rd we are headed to Oregon for 4-5 days.  We will head back from Oregon after seeing Crater something.

TTYL

Friday 6/24

So, the Coulee Dam... its big.  There is a visitor center that the R went inside to see. The dog (tick magnet) stayed outside cuz no dogs allowed.  It was too hot to leave her in the truck, and I know had I gone inside, the R would take way too long looking at everything.  As it was he announced that he could spend and entire day there.  I did offer to leave him there, so he could hitchhike back, but he declined my kind offer.  And that is all I need to say about that.

Back to the park:

The entire area exceeds 500 acres, is located in a peninsula and each camping area has its own character.  The sun started to set and cast wonderful,reflections of the orange mountains onto the lake.  Magical!

Over at the next area from us the campground was set up as a desert.  No trees, just sage brush, rocks surrounding each site that was circular.  Behind the sites was a large expanse of lawn, well tended and large enough to have families with space for dog crates, games, bikes etc.  we watched 2 guys and a little boy race a radio controlled keep in the sand, roaring around at the little boss's delight.  Then a orang up (which is what my dad called his accidents with his radio controlled planes). The little boy gleefully ran to rescue it and off they went again.  Further out on the peninsular was a concession area, picnic areas and a boat launch.  Lots of shade trees and again lovely reflections on the water along with boats fishing and roaring around or puttering.  We noticed a trail sign that went up a mile into,the mountain area allowing a panorama view of the park as well as the dam we came to see.

Washington June 23

Cont'dJune 24th Washington or bust

I have no idea what day this really is.  All I know is that we made it to a Rob and Desi's around 5:00 today.  Finally we have wifi!

I wrote quite a bit this morning about the state campground we found yesterday.  Our plan was to see the Coulee Dam.  I spent a great deal of time trying to contact the park.  No answer, will call back .  No same day reservations, first come first serve.  Check the main site for further  info.  Couldn't connect.  Tried the number to the main state campgrounds- no help, no info to provide. Need to just show up.  Oh and BTW if the budget isn't approved by 7/1, campgrounds will close , which didn't affect us, but angered me nonetheless.  So we backtracked after nixing the first on the list that looked like a homeless campsite and 20 miles later came upon the Ranger Station.  All closed down.  The R got out and read a bunch of stuff posted including a list of available sites (not sure when it was updated),  only one.  We found it and parked the HH, disconnected and then went back to register us.figuring possession was 9/10s of the law.  When he got to the Ranger Station, there was a huge line, which he hopped.  Very unlike the Rooster.  Somehow, it,all,worked out, but I wondered just how.  What if a person had already claimed site 99?  Did we then have to go back and start all over again?  Didn't matter.  We had a beautiful,site in the Dune area.  Large site, lots of trees, near the water.  We set up, and took a walk around.  Down at the lake, Lucy did her usual sniffing and going in to her knees, but no amount of cajoling would she come in deeper.  I was up to my thighs, looking around at the mountains surrounding us and the lovely lake enjoying the cool water, hot sun and over all beauty of it all.

On our way in and back we were almost attacked by some birds jeering at us and swooping down close to our heads.  It was only when we left that we realized they were protecting a fledgling that fell out of its nest.  We saw it on the ground, I,took a pic but it didn't turn out.  I left it in the collection as a memory.  As we came out of that area we saw a doe and fawn literally skipping through the section of the park we were walking in.  Must be different deer around these parts. We settled in. The R  reading  his fifth book while I worked in my knitting .  All around us there were lovely families, big boats and more,rigs,to be envious of.  Next to us we laughed at a group of kids playing badminton and changing the rules to,suit themselves.  They played a long time.  Next to,us, a big RV. A boat and a Barcelona rocker next to the fire pit.  While I amused myself thinking that was pretty cool, a large elderly man came out, moved it into,the sun, proceeded to sit in it, broke it and arms and legs went flying.  Trying not to laugh because the whole thing was so silly, and ready to go over to se if he was ok, he got up, looked around, I bowed my head so it didn't look like I saw the whole,thing and he sauntered off, out off out of sight.

Later we took a long walk around 75% of,the campground.  The entire area exceeds 500 acres, is located in a peninsula and each camping area has its own character.  The sun started to set and cast wonderful,reflections of the orange mountains onto the lake.  Magical!

Over at the next area from us the campground was set up as a desert.  No trees, just sage brush, rocks surrounding each site that was circular.  Behind the sites was a large expanse of lawn, well tended and large enough to have families with space for dog crates, games, bikes etc.  we watched 2 guys and a little boy race a radio controlled keep in the sand, roaring around at the little boss's delight.  Then a orang up (which is what my dad called his accidents with his radio controlled planes). The little,boy gleefully ran to,revue it and off they went again.  Further out on the peninsular was a concession area, picnic areas and a boat launch.  Lots of shade trees and again lovely reflections on the water along with boats fishing and roaring around or puttering.  We noticed a trail sign that went up a mile into,the mountain area allowing a panorama view of the park as well as,the dam we came to see.

So, the Coulee Dam... its big.  The is a visitor center than the R went inside to see. The dog 

Day 12, tick magnet, chick magnet, ---- magnet?

Day 13, Coulee Dam

We left early from Wallace.  Yesterday there was a mix up with our reservation.  While we were on the bike trail I got 5 voice messages that I didn't get u til after 2:30.  Apparently there was someone scheduled to come in to the site we were occupying.  To make a long story short, it was their mistake and when I finally got through to them, the owner said she would take care of it.  We stopped by the office and spoke with the woman there and tried to sort it out.  The family wars put in space 6.  We were in 4 and the brother and sister in law of 6 were in 5 camping together for a week.  They asked if we would consider moving.  I said 

no.  That would mean pulling down, setting up and pulling down the next day.  We knew we were leaving early, so did t see what the big deal was.  Well.......when we got back to our site., the driveway was blocked off but the R was able to get around the trailer with an ATV. Almost as soon as we landed a big burly man came out challenging us saying "The people in 6 expect you to move!".  Nothing like a polite introduction.  I responded in my usual tactless manner "well we aren't moving, the manager said she had worked it out". Blah blah blah and off he stomped to tell his SIL that we were not moving.  Then the bulldog appears, angry, hostile and rude.  I can't recall the nastiness that she spewed, but I knew enough this was going to deteriorate.  The owner showed up and asked for our receipt, which we gave her.  Here was the problem.  So as we were talking and trying to sort out why we were charged for someone else at Creekside 4 rather than roadside 4, the Bulldog came over and said "I don't appreciate not being included in conversations that involve me!"  Well, well well.....I informed her that this did not involve her, to which she began arguing (with me, no less).  Not a good scene. The owner was trying to get her under control.  She had been nasty with them earlier on and also after they had eaten at the restaurant.  I knew I needed to get away.  So I went to the restaurant patio to start my blog.  SHE Followed me.  Apparently she went back to Tony and demanded where the owner had gone.  He told her she would be back to,speak to her in a bit.  I was boiling.  In the end we didn't move and left very early this morning.  They had one of those massive RVs that you drive (aka a Class A RV) that requires very little to set up compared to what we do (albeit we have it down to 30").  And to think we would have to do it 3 times in less than 18 hours made no sense.  I expected them to pull a shot gun on us.  They looked the type.  From SD which we noted only after we pulled out.  After we got on the road we got a call from the office asking us to stop by to give us a credit for the second night,  we were already out of the town and on I-90.  We told them not to worry, blah,blah blah. Apologies from them etc, hope we would come back blah blah blah.  Very nice management.  

Getting back to our day.  We had to drive back to Montana to get tickets and get to the start of the trail.  It is located at a ski resort.  The helpers are very helpful despite off we went with our sag wagon tickets to get us back after the 15 mile ride.

Day 11 heading to Idaho

Not much new in the driving for the first two hours or so.  As we approached Idaho, the mountains surrounding us were filled with evergreens of all sizes.  We didn't have a reservation because this was a last minute diversion to do the Rails to Trails bike ride which goes for about 15 mikes along an old railway  in Montana and ending in Idaho.  Very few choices, but we did get a site in a funky town called Wallace.  Both of us were hungry so we stopped at a pizzeria that advertised calzones, subs additionally.  When we went in, we were met with "we don't have any meat today". Asking advice we stopped short of her recommendation which happened  to be the pub/brew house/restaurant right in the RV park and went to the closest place to plan our attack.  The RV park is weird, although there apparently is a cult following that come here hear after year.  Imagine going under an expressway, seeing a restaurant, brebub and RV park signs.  Beyond that is a tiny cottage and a narrow strip of spots for RVs.  No picnic tables.  No fire pits and just enough room to site outside your rig, but not with a sun shade thing cuz it would bang your neighbor.  One side is along a lovely creek and across the creek are little cottages you can rent.  On both sides are massive trees and in reality you are in a gulley.
On the creek side there is enough space to sit behind your stuff, but on the side we are on, there is only road.  We have a full hookup. Sitting outside facing the creek at this time of night the shadows on the trees are really pretty.  The noise from the traffic behind us. Not so much.
We took a walk through town which closes up tight at 4:00.  It is an old railroad town that survived the great fire of 1910 which spread over three states (Idaho, Montana and Washington),  ut after the railroads clapped out entirely in the 70s it became a bit of a ghost town.  Over time, the community leaders figured out "to do or die" so they set themselves up,as a tourist town that hustles and bustles for about 6 weeks in the summer.  There are constant events,  a national park  trail that runs  at least 20 miles.  The shops are funny with the old building labels.  Took a lot of shots, and will try to get them uploaded. Which to me is a challenge and hit or miss.  There is a lovely old train depot close by (actually the whole town is close by and in easy walking distance) that houses memorabilia from the olden days.  Several years ago the state wanted to close the town down and put I 90 in its place.  The townspeople got together and decided to make all the homes historic homes, leaving the state no choice but to build the expressway over the town.
After the walk about town and noting everything was closed, we headed back to our site and had a great dinner.  We needed a couple of things so with 20.00 cash, I set about spending much more than that, but picked up a couple  of steaks that were to die for.  We had huckleberry pie and cream for dessert and settled In to watch Breaksfast at Tiffany's
 So back to the bike trailplan. We booked in for a day, but once we found out that they did not allow dogs on the trail and getting there is dicey pulling a trailer.  So we decided to book another night, leave the Tick Magnet in the Henhouse with the a/c because it was supposed to get up to 85 degrees.  This gave us the day to do the trail at our leisure and come back here to relax.
The trail takes us back to Montana Exit 5 and it goes downhill at a very gentle slope (.7 degrees) for a 1000 feet of elevation and lasting over 15 miles.  It crosses into Idaho where a sag wagon picks you up and takes you back in a winding road to Montana.

Back east cont'd

The waterfall had steps down to a viewing platform and then another few steps to another platform. The R was above me and while I was admiring the water, I noticed a group of women doing yoga.  I thought I would join them, but that would have meant jumping over the no jumping over fence sign, so instead I took a picture of the R taking a picture.  We swapped places and when I looked down I noticed a group of yellow flowers all alone, ignoring the noisy water and once again that juxtaposition of still and noisy made me smile.
Not much else happened going home.
Will try to get photos over to catch up.
Not sure that they did post, but I forgot about my laundry experience.  A throw back to those days when ones washer crapped out and you had young children.  Lots of people coming and going flipping their stuff.  I laid in wait and pounced getting two washers pretty quickly, then the waiting began not only for the cycle to finish b it for a vacant dryer.  The Rooster felt sorry for me and provided me with an after 5:00 cocktail.  Then I commenced sampling the ice creams.  Ashamed.  Just thoroughly ashamed.  Yes, three different cones.  The laundry took a long time.  Bit we had clean sheets among other things so all was good.

Day 10 back east

Day 10 cont'd on the western side and back

They are a favorite food for bears and are found more so on the west side.  They hire about 300 people (I am sure with Visas) who go out daily and collect them. It is very hard to buy a pint.  They are considered near RO be gold used for jams, candies, pies, syrup and pancakes, which by the way is really jam lime stuff over pancakes, not in pancakes.  AND they use a lot of corn syrup.  Note to self :  why don't we like corn syrup now?  We missed getting any this time (but I got 4 pieces today, day 11) for 20.00.  Less than satisfying.  Now I need to find cream.  Oh!  But I have some.  I forgot.
So once back in the park, it,again seemed much more commercial.  We tried to get to one of the trails.  We were cut off road closed) and routed to a lovely area creeping around to find a pull over area to look around.  In what would appear to be regular camping areas, these were restricted to day camping because of the bears.  Great, once again we didn't have the bear spray.  Lots of warnings about leaving food out and they also had a building for food storage when the area was open.  I, of course was really fascinated with this minutiae.  So we geared up for the walk, saw a weird sign we followed to an amphitheater, although one of Susan's colleagues said it could have been a sign for wifi.  I liked that too.  That led us to a wonderful cedar with a huge nose thT I had the R and dog pose in front of.  Gotta love all those huuuuge cedars.  That lef us atop a wonderful river that Lucy had a brief dip in.  We paused and admired the quiet, the whoosh of the river. The birds, the clouds and big trees. One huge one was uprooted and it reminded me of the circle of life amongst all the green and life of the water.  It had a wonderful root system.  As we moseyed along, we caught the trail  labeled no dogs, so withso with our tails between our legs we went back to the car to find something else to amuse us. Wecame upon a really large area of a gift shop, motel, scattered log homes and a eatery staffed by international folks with their names and countries in their  name tags.  Our wait person was from TurkeyTurkey.  Over lunch we further planned our attaxk, drove around and eventually found our way back hitting other sites on our side of the road.  We stopped to admire a littlish waterfall

Day 10. Headed west to the Continental Divide and beyond

Fabulous day to wake up.  Sky is blue, pretty clouds, virtually no wind.  Breakfast ala Rooster far too early, but I managed my bacon sandwich.  We drive about 2 hours to get to the west side of Glacier to see what it was all about.  The roads are windy, some construction along the way and the commonly seen horses along the side of the road or in the road.  We saw a woman on a horse with about 7 horses leading them back somewhere.  One of the horses (an Appaloosa) had a mind of its own, but eventually fell into line and got out of the road.  No whistles, no guttural noises from the woman leader. Somehow they knew what to do. (How many kids do that?). The west side is so different than the east side.  The roads are not conducive to pulling anything behind. There are many areas of construction that create delays.  All in all it is a good two hour drive to get there. All the trails, both east and west for hiking do not allow dogs.
....late reentry. Because of the poor internet/wifi in this area, the writing I did last night was not saved.  It wasn't for lack of trying, it just kept churning and churning and churning, so I am going to try to rewrite my witty posts as day late and catch up with today a bit later on.
So the drive takes a while and there are parts of the drive where you aren't in the park.  In those areas it is quite commercial and there are a lot of homes along the sides of the road.  An I teresri g flower, I believe called a cows head is often seen, some scattered and other times in huge clusters.  You can also see the pretty pink, purple and blue lupine lining the sides of the road.  They make me smaller.
We crossed the Continental Divide.  I remember crossing the International Dateline and thinking that was pretty cool.  I sorta felt the same here.  We pulled off and gaped.  Lovely area.  The R took a pic of me at the marker, one leg in one side, the other I. The other, with Lucy stuck in the  middle.  On each side of the monument there are engraved things, the east is dedicated to Teddy Roosevelt, the other side has a different name I can't recall right now.  As I moseyed around I came across a small patch of Siberian Irises, only one looked healthy,  it was past its prime.  I don't recall Irises being indigenous to the area, but I didn't care.  Again, smiling.
We then went through an area that was selling everything huckleberry. This is what I know about them.  I ate some ice cream at the campsite and liked it.  It is a seasonal ice cream.  A half gallon of fresh berries sells for z80.00.  The season is short, (July-Sept). TBCOntd

Day 9 tramp in woodsth

Well the wifi is cut off so am back to my data usage, but at least I don't have to deal with the obgoung buffering!
Back to the tramp.  Lucy was not allowed on the trail so she stayed in the car, very sad.  She loves hiking.
Other flowers looked like potentilla and sedum. Queen Anne's lace, some sort of orchid, peaking out from the greenery.  Just lovely.  The first waterfall was fun for families with young kids cuz you could walk out a bit towards the water or sit and have a snack.  Quite a few people with tripods and one man with two hefty cameras and a tripod.  The second waterfall was spectacular as were the others.  It started to rain.  We did not have a windbreaker with us.  Note to self: use one of those 5 you bought along.  Most people did have them.  There were a few foolish ones in flip flops.  The temperature was in the 50s with pretty good wind.  I fortunately remembered a head band and gloves as well as my last bag of sour gummy bears.  The water is running briskly into the river.  I doubt anyone could survive if they fell in, since the water is the run off from the snow.  I would guess we were at about 8,000 ft. Actually drowning is the leading cause of death in the park.
I carefully selected laundry rocks and they are safe In the back seat of the truck ready to be inscribed. The last Park of the hike getting back to the car was brutal.  Whatever goes down, has to come up Jane!Then we took a long drive back down to the southern end of the park, the R got out and took a pic of another waterfall but I was done with that and quite sleepy in the warm car.  Lucy was restless moving back and forth between the front seat and my lap and the back seat.  We went back to Browning which is a sad town I talked about in the Blackfoot reservation and were instructed to go to the Casino coffee shop for a bottle of Vodka.  We are not close to being out of booze, but you never know when you might run into difficulty. I got a bad latte along with the Vodka. Heading back we were just in awe of the surroundings.  Can't say enough.  Tomorrow we will see what we can find on the western part of the park.

I have to add this for the benefit of others that when I write there is usually a malaprop and some factitious piece of information for you to decide on.  For instance, I know that SD is known for its badlands, so when I said ND flatlands, that was me.  When I say I saw a platypus or some other thing.  I really do know what I am talking about.  These "reads" are meant for p,easier not high literary consumption and editing.
Gotta go til the morrow.

Day 9 Father's Day

Happy day to all the fathers out there!
I am having problems with WiFi and have not been able to upload photos.  Tony took a bunch today and hasn't this morning as hi been able to send them to me, but I will try a different tactic.
So this morning our neighbors left (Higgins Lake and West Branch , not E. Jordan). Mr. Higgins was a chatty guy and I found out that they have been on the road since mid May.   They are headed back to Michigan and hope to be there by July 4th.  He has a fifth wheel and told me this RV is only a year old, but he has had 7!
The Rooster did the breakfast this morning which is a camping ritual.  I wasn't hungry but his efforts are always appreciated.  Today, he did it all, dishes as well as putting the bed up (we have a Murphy bed).  Happy Father's Day Rooster!
After breakfast and clean up, we headed to see if the Rising Sun drive was open.  The first 15 miles were and they do t know when the rest will open up (2 weeks to a month).  Roads are narrow, not as badly in need of repair as the Many Glacier drive we did last night.  We found the spot we wanted to hike and set off to see St. MAry waterfall.  Actually there are 4.  The initial path is downhill (hint hint) with about a 20 degree slope.  I had my walking sticks along and they helped prevent me from reinjuring my right ankle.  One little girl going by with her own walking stick wanted to know why I had 2.  Lots of young families on the trail along with Q-tips like us.  I had T take pics since I couldn't put my hands on my phone this morning.  He took pics of the wonderful flowers gracing us at the start of the hike as well as what he calls "Jane's fairy garden".  There is a large sign warning hikers of bears and mountain lions.  Just glad we did t have to use any of that cuz we didn't have any.  We just counted on hikers ahead of us ascreechi g to warn everybody.  We did see 2 doe, one that was still nursing and a buck with furry antlers.  Nine of them were especially afraid of us.  I guess they have become used to folks like us tramping over their land.  Flowers were lovely.  I am guessing but I think there were huckleberries (bears' faves) that hadn't developed into berries yet, strawberries, TBContd

Trying to add photos