Saturday, June 30, 2018

Crossing into British Columbia, Canada, Part 1....They let us in.... with a stop overnight in Prince George

We crossed over the Canadian border at about 9 am on June 16 to start our trip to Terrace, BC to see Ron and Patsy. Not having been over the border only one other time last summer into New Brunswick with Steve and Debbie from Down The Road. We felt a little uneasy but the Canadian border guard was very polite and only asked us a few questions. We must have answered them correctly because they let us in. Wow. 


We crossed at the edge of Osoyoos , BC. and followed the GPS routing. The GPS routed us onto Route 3 to Princeton then 5A to Merritt and then Route 5 to Kamloops then Route 1 to Cache Creek and finally Route 97 which lead us to Prince George where we had a reservation at the Travel Lodge in town. Our friends, Ron and Patsy, later told us we should have just stayed on Route 97 through Kelowna to the 97 connector then Route 5 to Kamloops and then Route 1 to Cache Creek to Route 97. Probably would have saved about an hour drive.

We didn't know any better so what the harm. We did however begin to notice changing landscape with more fir trees, mountains and for some reason the clouds even looked better.




It was a long drive and took us all day to get to Prince George. Oroville, WA to Prince George is about 500 miles or 8 hours and 30 minutes drive. Of course this was all driving in the car, not the motorhome so we were able to move more quickly. If we had taken the motorhome it would have been a 2-3 day drive. We typically drive 200-250 miles with the motorhome. As you know with our delay  in travels due to the car accident and the delay in the motorhome warranty repairs we had to cancel several reservations and move our trip into Canada back a couple of weeks which then lead us to deciding to make the trip by car instead of motorhome. Good decision.

We found the gas prices much higher and those prices are based on liters not gallons. There are about 3,87 liters in one US gallon. Gas prices were anywhere from $1.32/liter to $1.49/liter. That's around $$4.00/gallon. The good part however is our US dollar is worth more compared to the Canadian dollar. We exchanged $300 US and got back $377 CA. Certainly helps.

Along with the changing landscape, the exchange rate and liters,  we  had to get used to kilometers per hour and kilometers for distance. We started seeing signs that read....100 km/hr. OK, quick conversion from my running days. 10K is 6.2 miles htne times 10 is 62 mph. I do have marking on the speedometer for Km but they're smaller and harder to read. I kept a close eye on my speed.

And I had to think in kilometer in distance too. I'd see signs that read maybe 100 km to a city and think, We'll never get there. Then do the conversion and it's 62 miles. That's better.

I must say it didn't take too long to start thinking in metric system terms. 

After a few short stops along the way we found our hotel in downtown Prince George. We got our room and started looking for a place to have dinner. It had been a long day and we were interested in checking out a small section of the town. Glenda found a nice BBQ place near the hotel named 
The Copper Pig BBQ House


I had the pulled Pork Sliders

Glenda had the Seafood Kabob

My sliders were on bread not buns. The bread had a slightly farm crust but a nice soft middle. They make their own potato chips and cole slaw. Very delicious and much like you would expect in any BBQ house in the states. Our waitress was very friendly and we had a good chat about our travels, her background and her future plans. After a satisfying dinner and beverages, we took a short walk downtown. As expected like in the states they have their share of homeless and panhandlers.

We got back to the hotel, tried to watch a little TV and get some sleep for another long drive the next day. We're on a mission to get to Terrace, BC to see Ron and Patsy. They told us they have a full schedule of places and things to show us. Whirlwind trip and can't wait to tell you more.

Next post, We make it to Terrace and the adventure begins. Part 2 still to come. I hope you'll follow along.


Thursday, June 28, 2018

More catching up but not all the way....Moved into Washington state(new state)

We followed our plan and made it to Fish Hook COE after our Winnebago Service work. We enjoy this type of park for the setting(usually next to a lake) and more nature. We reserved at nice pull through site with a lake view. Just what we like plus with the Senior National Pass we get 50% off the site fee. This worked out to about $10/night.



We only stayed a couple of nights but really enjoyed the views and relaxation after our hectic pace from CA to OR. Great way to continue our move northward. We took many walks and saw a familiar sight pass by the park. Growing up on the Mississippi River, I saw plenty of these. 

River barge

We took a couple of drives around the area and to get supplies at Walmart. Just taking it easy.

Then it was time to move further north to Beebe Bridge City Park near Chelan, WA. We again scored a pull through water front site. Luck because this park is strictly first come, first served. Some folks pulled out about an hour before we got there and their site was the last water front site available.

The Columbia River was right in front of us and it was flowing. We liked seeing the boats and skiers going up and down the river.



 The first thing we did is check out the Chelan Chamber of Commerce for literature and suggestions on things to do. Then we headed to the River walk area along Lake Chelan near downtown.





Lake Chelan(pronounced SHELL-ANN) is a 50.5 mile glacier-fed lake, surrounded by vineyards, mountains and small-town charm. The water is crystal clear and offers numerous activities. 

Glenda did some research and found a great trail in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. We drove on a paved road to a gravel road past the Echo Valley Ski Resort then up to Echo Ridge Trailhead. We found several short easy trails and a couple of more moderate hikes that day. 

We started on the Tootsy Roll, Lollipop and Whoop-di-do trails. Then I saw there was a geocache on a more moderate trail so we had to try it. I needed a Washington State cache.The Upsy-Daisy trail, as you can tell from the name is an up and up trail for about 2.5 miles. Glenda was getting a little irritated at the constant uphill but I had to get the cache. We finally got to the top of the ridge and I forged ahead the last 1/10 mile and got the cache. Well worth the effort and we needed the challenge. Such a fun day and such incredible landscape and views. We only touched the surface of the myriad of trails available. 







As we hiked we came across a yurt that is used as a warming hut during the winter as folks hike and cross country ski the trails. I think it's a great idea to get more folks out and enjoying the land.




At the Chamber of Commerce we found some literature about a boat ride to the other end of the lake to a little community that can only be reached by boat or plane. The community of Stehekin, WA. 

The boat that everyone rides is the Lady of the Lake. The each way is about 4 hours long. Stehekin is a destination that folks go to, to get away from just about everything. There are several small rustic inns and a couple of basic restaurants. Folks go to relax, hike and backpack on the trails around the lake. The views of the surrounding landscape from the water is amazing. 




 There are 5 stops along the way to and from Stehekin where folks can get off and backpack.


 There's also a Lutheran Retreat where they take you on a bus from the dock to the retreat center up on the mountain.



Docking at Stehekin



 One of the attractions is Rainbow Falls. IT's 312 feet high and there's a path that can get you very close to the lower part of the falls. I took that path and the mist really will get you wet.



The shuttle bus to the falls

The other attraction just out side of town is the bakery. Lots of great baked goods like Sticky Buns, Cinnamon Rolls and cookies. I got one each of the Sticky Buns and Cinnamon Rolls and we got a few cookies too. Worth the trip. Which reminds me....I still have my cinnamon roll in the freezer. Can you say...what's for breakfast tomorrow? 




We made this a day trip so we only had about 90 minutes to look around Stehekin, see the falls and drop in on the bakery before it was time to reboard the boat and head back to Chelan. Eight hours on a boat going about 10-15 mph even with the incredible views can be a little tiring. We were ready to get off when we got back. All in all it was a wonderful experience and a fun time. 

If you're interested in more information about Stehekin and the Chelan area in Washington, you can check out these links. 

Upper Lake Chelan, Stehekin and the North Cascade Recreation Area

We enjoyed 7 nights at Beebe Bridge Park, the City of Chelan, Lake Chelan and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This is a place we will be back to again.

After our stay in Chelan, we continued north to Oroville, WA about 4 miles from the Canadian border. We found a little park on the north end of town. Bain's RV Park has only about 20 sites. They don't really have any amenities but it was what we needed to keep the motorhome safe the next week while we drove the car into Canada to visit our friends, Ron and Patsy. The owners live on the property and were very accommodating. Actually there were only 4 other rigs in the park so we had our choice of sites. We felt very secure in leaving the rig there. We were ready for our Canadian adventure.

I never seem to get fully caught up but I hope to post more soon about our time in Canada. We really, really enjoyed our visit. Thanks for following along.

Also notice the map on the blog is continuing to fill up

Here are some photos to whet your appetite for Canada




Sunday, June 3, 2018

More catching up.....Moving up to Oregon(new state) and getting "some" repairs done.

We moved on without our friends to Klamath, CA for a couple days before crossing the border into Oregon. Klamath River RV Park was a nice stop and great view of the Klamath River from the front window. We took a couple walks on the road outside the park since we had no car. Typical Northern CA scenery which is quite beautiful.


Morning view

Afternoon view

We found a road that we thought would lead us to the ocean but unfortunately it did not. We still enjoyed the landscape.




After our stay there we moved into southern Oregon(check out the map...new state) and stopped at Bullard's Beach SP near Bandon, OR. Beautiful area and the town is very cute and quaint. Again we didn't have our car with us however I came across a shuttle service in Bandon. I called and they routinely take folks into Bandon from the park. $10 each way. The first time we got the shuttle the driver was one of the owners of the company. We struck up aa conversation and mentioned our car issues and he asked if this was our first time in the area. We said yes so he asked if we wanted to see a few sights. Of course we do.

He took us on a back road and around the town to see Elephant Rock and Face Rock. Then he showed us where his home was. He has a nice view from on the hill. Then he took us downtown to the marina area and recommended several places to eat and where the tourist area was. Gary from Fairway Shuttle was a life saver for us while in Bandon, OR. We used the service several more times over the 7 days we were at Bullard's Beach SP.

Captain Curt

Oregon coast


Tony's Crab Shack


Coquille Lighthouse

Face Rock....can you see her?

Elephant Rock....Trunk in the water

 

This is what we came to Oregon to see. Now we're getting somewhere. The temps were cool and it was a little windy but that's the coast.

Yes...I am now Captain Curt. A name given to me by our friends Steve and Debbie from Down the Road. Debbie suggested we call the new motorhome the ENTERPRISE. So that' what we did.

We may not be a starship but sometimes we do go where no man has gone before. HaHa. 

We loved our time in Bandon and Bullard's Beach SP. We took several walks around the park and found some interesting sights. Like turkeys and pigs. 

This guy had quite a harem


This woman was traveling with her son and took they pig with them. 

We enjoyed a couple afternoon campfires. 

We hadn't had a campfire in a while so we got some wood from the camp hosts and did our outdoor camping thing. 

We were expecting to spend some time there with Steve and Debbie but like more RV'ers they had some rig issues that needed repaired so they didn't make it. That doesn't mean we haven't seen they since though. 

A few more photos of the Oregon Coast near Bandon on one of our walks. 









Thinking of buying this as a summer vacation home overlooking the ocean

After our week at Bullard's Beach SP we moved on a little further north to Jessie Honeyman, SP near Florence, OR. Still without a car we didn't make it into town so we just made the best of our 3 days and walked a couple trails around Woahink Lake and the nearby dunes. 




Rhododendron are very plentiful in the area


Saw this guy in the park



As we walked on the trail we came across a couple painted rocks that some one had laid out. This is something we're seeing more of on trails. Very cool. Some have writing on the back and ask that you place them somewhere else in a different area. Some folks keep track of them. 

Nice park and we would come back there again in the future with a CAR. Now it was time to move inland some to the Winnebago Service Center in Junction City, OR near Eugene. 

A new motorhome and both AC don't work, town fantastic fans broke on the way and a slide wouldn't go out all the way. Yeah. 

We got parked in the parking lot campground a couple streets over from the service center and got checked in. Good part...it's free and full hook ups. Bad part, it's next to a fairly active train track. 

Travis, our tech, came to see us the next morning to get the scoop on what all needed to be done. 


After we explained all the issues he took the motorhome and started his work. Fortunately, arriving the day before allowed us to contact a car rental company so we would have transportation while the Enterprise was in for repairs. No way we were going to sit everyday , all day in a customer service lounge. 

We rented a nice new Toyota RAV 4. We had wheels and we took advantage of it too. Glenda found a beautiful waterfall near Oakridge, OR. on route 58. It was a drive of about 50 minutes on very curvy up and down roads however very scenic. What a great find. Salt Creek Falls is the second tallest waterfall in Oregon. We were not disappointed. 

We hiked around a paved trail to get better views and down a gravel trail to get a view from the bottom. Then we found a trail leading to another falls called Diamond Creek Falls. IT was a 1.5 mile trail in and out. Not as spectacular but worth the effort. 





Valley below the falls




Diamond Creek Falls


It was a great drive and spectacular day trip. On the way back we headed to the coast and enjoyed more Oregon coast scenery. 

Seal Rock

Devil's Hole


Visitor's Center at Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Yaquina Head Lighthouse


So funny how the weather changes on the coast....one moment it's sunny then the clouds roll in. 

Of course we stopped along the way to have a bite to eat. Good seafood along the coast. 

A few days later we found out Steve and Debbie would be near by so we invited them to join us at Mount Pisgah Arboretum near Eugene. Nice woodland area with trails and we found a couple geocaches. Steve even picked up a tick along the way but Debbie and her eagle eye spotted it before it could attach. 







After our exercise at the Arboretum we headed to Hop Valley Brewpub for a bite and to whet our whistle. The food and beverage were delicious. We had a great time catching up again. 

Glenda and I were making the most of our time while the motorhome was getting repaired and keeping an eye on the progress with the car repairs back in Placerville, CA at Stymeist Auto Body. 

We've had good communication with them and Progressive Insurance and finally after Memorial Day the car was done and we could make the trip back....only 580 miles and 8 hours of driving. 
WE decided to break up the trip and stopped at Red Bluff, CA overnight on Monday so we would only have  2-3 hours the next day to drive into Placerville. WE arrived at the auto body shop at about 11 am and our car was waiting out front for us. 

Before

After

Looks like a brand new car.....well actually it is new, like only 5 months old. Anyway, we're so happy and so thankful to Steve and Debbie for recommending them and very pleased with Stymeist for working so hard to get the car done ASAP. So much hidden damage that was found. the damage price tag increased as they worked from $9,000 to over $11,000. Fortunately and unfortunately we only had to pay $1000 deductible. Looks like the other driver did not have insurance so we won't be seeing that money back. There should be a law that if you don't have insurance and YOU cause an accident and can't pay for the damage of bodily injury, you should get some type of jail time. In this case the guy was running from the police so he's already in jail. Still no reassurance on that. 

On the way back to Junction City, OR after getting the car. we made a couple stops. We found the Sundial Bridge near Redding, CA and we got some incredible views of Mt. Shasta. 






 The arm that sticks up in the air casts a shadow on the ground where a ring is laid with medallions designating the times of the day as the shadow passes by.



Mount Shasta

It was a long day but very fulfilling. Covered a lot of territory and glad to be back in Oregon. 

Well, we thought we would be gone from the Winnebago Service Center by now however like always parts don't come in like expected. So were still here waiting. We've been assured the fantastic fans will be here tomorrow. If we would have known we would be here this long we would have had them order the Air Conditioners too. Now we'll be stopping in Forest City, IA at the main plant to see if we can get hem done there. Only positive is we may be there during the annual rally so we'll be signing up for that and share our wonderful experiences with other Winnebago owners. HaHa. Of course, they'll be extremely busy then so it's first come, first served. We'll see. We've cancelled so many reservations at some beautiful parks and we've changed our plans on seeing Canada this summer. 

In the mean time we made another trip over by the coast yesterday and enjoyed more Oregon coast beauty before we head further inland into Washington. 

Newport, OR



Devil's Churn


Heceta Lighthouse



We had a delicious lunch at the Chowder Bowl in Newport and relished in our last views of the Oregon coast for a while. Again we found ourselves not too far from Steve and Debbie so we contacted them at they're boondocking site in Winchester Bay at a marina. They were just hanging out so we made the side trip to say our goodbyes for a while. We certainly appreciate their friendship.

So now for the further plans this summer. If we get the work done tomorrow we'll spend one more night in the parking lot campground on Winnebago's dime. Then we'll head out on Tuesday to Fishhook Park COE near Prescott, WA for a few days then on north to Beebe Bridge SP and finally to Bain's RV park in Oroville, WA right near the Canadian border. 

Our plan then is to leave the motorhome there and drive the car into Canada and visit our friends Ron and Patsy at their home for a few days. Disappointed we won't be taking the motorhome but logistics didn't work out. We still plan to enjoy some Canadian hospitality and beauty. That just means we'll have to come back another time. Sounds like a plan. Of course all RV plans are in Jello.

P.S.....Travis has done a wonderful job on the other issues we had like getting the counter top squared up, the bedroom slide functioning and the front trim molding repainted. Thank you to Travis for the fine work there.