Sonoma to Home
Day 14 - (Saturday, June 21, 2008) After a leisurely morning, we hitched up and
started out. In an effort to avoid the tree that damaged the
awning, I stayed far to the side, and crushed the camper steps on a low
rock wall! We spent a couple of hours removing, banging on it
with hammers, and reinstalling it. It actually works, although is
looks a little beaten up. We drove up the California coast, had
lunch at a Jack In The Box at Heather's insistence. It brought
back memories of her time living in California. We continued up
the coast, through the Redwoods, and settled into the Riverwalk RV Park
& Campground in Fortuna, CA. (N40.57557, W 124.15052)
Day 15 - (Sunday, June 22, 2008) Started early and drove to
Eureka, CA for breakfast. After having to back up a dead end
street, we finally found a great place to eat (Village Pantry) with on
street parking. Stopped at Redwood National and State Park
visitor center on the beach. Rainy took off her shoes and got her
feet wet in the Pacific Ocean. We took lots of photos (and some
driftwood) and continued on. Electing to take the scenic route,
we got a chance to see some wild elk. We stopped at "Big Tree"
and took a short walk through the woods to, guess what, a big tree.
Got some more good pictures, including one of Koti standing
inside a giant tree. (Photos) Continued up the coast into Oregon. Settled into a campsite directly on Hunter
Creek, just a few hundred yards from the ocean, at Turtle Rock RV
Resort, Gold Beach, OR (N 42.38847, W 124.41926)
Day 16 - (Monday, June 23, 2008) Heather and I had planned to
unload our motorcycles and ride the coast highway, but it was too cold.
We hadn't packed to ride in such cold weather. Instead we
loaded everyone into Heather's jeep and drove north to the West Coast
Game Park in Bandon, OR. It is "The World's Largest Wild Animal
Petting Adventure". It was great fun, very entertaining and
educational. Sandy even commented on how well run it was.
We petted some black panther cubs, a wallaby, and several other
small animals. The large or dangerous animals were in cages, but
there were goats, sheeps, deer, peacocks, etc. running around with the
visitors. The kids got to feed, pet, and play with them. On
the way back we stopped at a Myrtlewood shop. It was like a
museum with wooden carvings and old tools and stuff. We bought
some stuff there. After passing through Denmark (the town) we had
lunch was at the Crazy Norwegian in Orford Beach. Afterward to
went to the port and walked the beach. Returning to Gold Beach,
we took a gocery stop then back to the camper. Everyone,
including Daisy, (our cocker spaniel) walked to the beach. Rainy
and Koti swam in Hunter Creek where it flows into the Pacific, while
the adults and Daisy stood by and shivered in the cold wind. This
is our second night at Turtle Rock RV Resort.
Photos from Oregon
Day 17 - (Tuesday, June 24, 2008) Got slow start, drove north on
US 101 up the Oregon coast. Stopped for lunch at Harbor Light
Restaurant in Reedsport, OR. Continued north to the Sea Lion
Caves, just north of Florence. Parked on a high bluff overlooking
the ocean. After buying our tickets, we rode an elevator 200 feet
down inside the cliff to a cave. From an opening in the cave we
can look down into a cave opening to the sea where the sea lions come
in to rest on the rocks. It is really thrilling. From the
top of the cliff there is a walkway leading to an overlook where the
sea lions basking on the rocky shoreline can be seen. There is
also a lookout to the Hecita Point Light House. We returned south
on US-101 to Florence and turned east, marking the beginning of our
return toward the East Coast. The route took us through Eugene
and along a winding road on the bank of the McKenzie river. It is
gorgeous! After a stop at Dairy Queen (they have added some
really cool treats since the last time we had been at one), we found a
nice, new, wooded campground for the night. It is the Holiday
Farm Resort, McKenzie Bridge, OR. (N 44.18010, W 122.23629)
Day 18 - (Wednesday, June 25, 2008) On our way in the morning.
Stopped along the gorgeous McKenzie River to get photos of the
rapids. Pulled into the Sahalie Falls overlook (N 44.34837, W
121.99599) and hiked the trails above and below the spectacular
waterfall. Stopper for lunch and the Coyote Creek Cafe in
Sisters, OR. Went on to the Hoodoo Ski Area
in the Willamette National Forest in the Cascade mountains to play in
the snow (N 44.40670, W 121.87167). There was plenty of snow left
and the sledding was exciting. Also had a great view of Mount
Washington. Stopped a Wal-Mart in Redmond for groceries.
Found a neat little county park campground, Ochoco Lake County
Park, on Ochoco Lake (imagine that!) near Prineville, OR. (N
44.30527, W 12070114) It is a dry camp (no hook-ups) our
camper works fine under those conditions, especially with the cool
nights not requiring the air conditioning.
Day 19 - (Thursday, June 26, 2008) Headed out for a long driving
day. Did stop at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
It turned out to be larger and more interesting than we had
expected. Ate a camper lunch in the parking lot and continued on.
Made it into Washington and had dinner at Lorenzo's in Walla
Walla. After some discussion we decided to continue on for a late
evening. We made good time and found a nice RV park, Granite Lake
RV Resort, in Clarkston, WA (N 46.42434, W 117.04199) We
arrived after dark but the late check-in was simple and we immediately
found a good site. It was a pull-through, so we had no trouble getting set up.
Day 20 - (Friday, June 27, 2008) At some point during the night
or morning each of the adults got up and checked for propane or sewage
leaks. It turns out that there is a strong paper mill odor coming
from Lewiston, Idaho across the Snake River. We had continental
breakfast at the campground and headed out for a long, high mileage
travel day. We crossed the Snake River into Lewiston, ID and
entered the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. We followed US-12, the
Nez Perce Trail and the Lewis and Clark Trail. The road is narrow
and winding, running along the banks of the Clearwater, Selway,
and Lochsa Rivers. It was an incredibly beautiful drive. We
crossed into Montana and went North to Glacier National Park.
Since we had reservations, we drove very late, including a
stretch up a very narrow winding forest road (it had a sign indicating
a 21 foot vehicle length limit, but we were already committed) after
dark. We took our time. In places the pavement disappeared
and we had stretches of gravel. Arriving late at the St. Mary
Glacier Park KOA Kampground , Kabins, and Resort in St. Mary, Montana.
(N 48.75766, W 113.43459). The office was closed and I
couldn't find anything about our reservation. There was someone
still in the office, so they opened up and got us checked in. We
again had a pull through, so setting up in the dark was easy.
Standing out in the dark for a few minutes so my eyes could
adjust, the night sky was filled with stars. How come they got to
have more stars out here than we have at home?
Day 21 - (Saturday, June 28, 2008) Woke up and stepped out into a
majestic panorama of rocky, snow-capped mountains. It is awesome.
We loaded everyone into the Jeep and drove into St. Mary.
After trying several restaurants that were either closed or full,
we found the Anderson's.
It is at the Good Sam campground across the road. The
restaurant is an old log cabin, and is run by a multi-generational
family. We had a huge breakfast served family style. We
went away stuffed. We then drove up to Canada. The border
guard was very professional and courteous. He asked Koti if she
where her parents were and if she wanted to be traveling with us.
We entered Alberta and the Waterton Lakes National Park.
This is the Canadian side of the Waterton - Glacier International
Peace Park. We turned at an intersection which is our Northern
most point at N 49.11205, W 113.83923. The Canadian border
is the 49th parallel throughout the west. Drove into the
little tourist village. We
bought some t-shirts, Sandy rented a four wheeled pedal surrey and rode
around with the kids. We had some ice cream, Huge servings.
Koti had a wild deer walk right up to her. Got pictures of
a moose, some bears, deer, sheep, small rodents, etc. Drove back
to the US. This border guard was very casual and engaged us in a
long conversation. (She had visited Cornell). Drove to Many
Glaciers, in Glacier National Park,
on the US side. Saw a neat waterfall, an old tourist lodge, and a
wild sheep walking right down the road. Back to the campsite.
The girls swam in the heated pool and spa.
Day 22 - (Sunday, June 29, 2008) Got a very leisurely start.
Stopped at campground store and bought a Glacier National Park
t-shirt. Today is just a travel day. Headed South into
Conrad, MT for lunch. After finding several closed restaurants,
we discovered a combination KFC/A&W inside a local grocery store.
After lunch, Sandy did a little grocery shopping but only the
essentials since the prices were very high. Continued on, again
on the Lewis and Clark Trail. Crossed a wide plain and entered
some more mountains. We crossed the Missouri River several times.
Stopped at Wal-Mart in Helena, MT, the state capitol.
Finished the grocery list and picked up some other things,
including a portable hard disk drive since our photo collection has
maxed out the storage we have. Continued on to Three Forks Camp,
ourside Three Forks, MT. (N 45.90275, W 1.60124) A former
KOA, it has new stickers covering all the old KOA logos. The road
it is on is named "KOA Road", so I guess they are stuck with that
association for ever. Sandy and the kids went swimming, but the
mosquitos are fierce. We huddle inside the camper, turned on the
air conditioning, and had dinner inside. The WiFi doesn't work at
our site and I am not about to sit outside the office tonight, so it
looks like I might get to sleep on time for once.
Photos from Montana and Canada
Day 23 - (Monday, June 30, 2008) Short travel day planned.
Pulled out about 10:00 am and got onto I-90. Stopped at
Billings for lunch at Fuddruckers. Mom had bought a CD of the
travels of Lewis & Clark, and we listened to it on the road.
Very interesting, she followed their journey on the map and
pointed out landmarks that we passed. Stopped in Sheridan, WY at
Wal-Mart. Bought another dc fan. The one we have died and
we might be dry camping tonight, in which case it will be valuable.
Stopped early at Deer Park Campground in Buffalo, WY. (N
44.35654, W 106.67120).
The girls swam in the pool and enjoyed the hot tub. There
was also an ice cream social, bring your own bowl and spoon, 2 scoops
for $1. Very tiny showers!
Day 24 - (Tuesday, July 1, 2008) Another travel day.
Stopped at Polly's Pub & Grub in Upton, WY. Very small
town and the restaurant reflected the atmosphere. Everyone knew
everyone. The kids got to play a game of pool in the pub.
Great steaks and service. They are closing early on July
4th because there are no celebrations in town so everyone leaves.
Stopped at Wal-Mart in Gillette, WY. Koti got a hair cut,
we picked up some groceries. On to Rafter J Bar Resort (N
83.89219, W 103.59369) in Hill City, SD. This is the same
campground that Sandy and I had stayed in three years ago.
Checked in and set up quickly. Heather, Koti, and I drove
into Sturgis to look around and shop. On the way we passed
through Deadwood, which looks pretty neat. On the way back we
drove through Rapid City and Keystone. We stopped just outside of
Keystone for sandwiches (actually prime rib sandwiches at a very nice
restaurant). We drove past Mt. Rushmore after dark but didn't see
anything. Rainy had been scheduled to go horseback riding, but
got frightened at the last moment. She took a nap, watched a
movie, and had Sandy read to her.
Photos from Sturgis
Day 25 - (Wednesday, July 2, 2008) Got up a little earlier today.
We had hoped to ride motorcycles today, but it is cold and
raining. Heather and Koti took off to Keystone to shop and visited a gold mine (Photos).
Sandy, Rainy, and I drove to Mt. Rushmore. There is a lot
more there than when I was last there, about 50 years ago. The
sculpture is the same, but there is now a large memorial pavilion, gift
shops, theaters, museums, etc. Rainy enjoyed it. We did
have some excitement when we discovered that we wouldn't fit into the
parking garage with Heather's motorcycle in the back of the truck.
We had to stop traffic and back out of the parking lot, then go
on to the roof to park. We then went into Keystone for lunch.
We met Heather and Koti there, but went our separate ways.
We met back at the camper for a scheduled horseback ride for Koti
and Sandy, but it was cancelled due to the weather. Sandy stayed
with Rainy while Heather, Koti, and I went back to Mt. Rushmore.
We watched the movie and bought souvenirs. Got some good
photos but just in time. The fog decended onto the mountain and
the sculpture disappeared. There is a lot of preparation going on
for an Independence Day celebration, including a lot of traffic control
and additional security being set up. We then drove the winding
mountain road that passes through three rock tunnels, turned around and
returned along the same route. We had hoped to ride our bikes on
this route, but with this weather it isn't worth the labor of unloading
them. Back to the camper, supper, and the girls went swimming.
One tire on the camper has worn completely smooth. Replaced
it with the spare, in the rain naturally. The campground has
WiFi, and connecting is easy, but there isn't
a reliable an internet connection.
Photos from Mt. Rushmore
Day 26 - (Thursday, July 3, 2008) Got up a little early to try to
get a good start. Had a terrible time with the waste water dump,
it backed up and made a mess. Drove south through Custer into Custer State Park. (Photos)
Saw antelope, bison, and prairie dogs. Daisy finally caught
on to the world outside when she first noticed the wildlife. For
the rest of the trip she either sat on the front seat center
console looking out, or had her nose (and tongue) glued to the side
window. She loved the prarie dogs. Entered Wind Cave National Park.
Stopped at the visitor center but didn't take the cave tour.
Stopped for lunch in the camper at a pull off area. Drove
to Hot Springs and visited the Mammoth Site.
(Photos)
It is a fascinating place. A building has been built over
the site of an old sink hole that is filled with the remains of ancient
mammoths. We had seen lots of models, casts, replicas, etc. of
mammoth bones, but these were the real thing lying before us in an
active paleontological dig. Drove on to Lusk, WY for the night.
Found a simple, urban, campground, called BJ's, (N 42.75387, W
104.44776) with no amenities but a laundry, which seemed to be locked
most of the time.
While Sandy did laundry and the kids played in the park across
the street, Heather & I went out and got dinner to bring back.
The evening was shattered by a loud explosion. Apparently
the locals were using a cannon to celebrate Independence Day.
There were also fireworks, which seemed to be personal rather
than organized. The ruckus ended promptly at 10:00 pm, which is
apparently according to a local ordinance.
Day 27 - (Friday, July 4, 2008) The morning arrived early.
The local ordinance allows noise after 8:00 am, so the cannon
began again exactly at that time. Drove west to Casper, WY along
a highway with signs indicating that the road is closed in the winter
snows. We passed a town whose sign showed a population of one.
It must get lonely there in the winter. There were also
many bluffs with silhoutte sculptures on them, including jackalopes.
In Casper we visited the National Historic Trails Interpretive
Center. It has interactive exhibits showing life on the early
prairie. The center is on the spot where the Oregon Trail, the
Mormon Trail, the California Trail (the gold rush), and the Pony
Express Train converged to cross the North Platte River. (Photos)
We backtracked east and turned south into Colorado. Settled
into a KOA (N 40.75340, W 104.98585) just outside of Fort Collins. Daisy immediately
noticed the rabbits hopping around the campground, but she behaved very
well. The mosquitos came out at sunset. We could barely see
some distant fireworks. When the wind shifted we realized that we
were right next to, and now downwind from, a cattle feedlot. We
were thankful for the air conditioned camper.
Day 28 - (Saturday, July 5, 2008) Drove through Denver, missing
rush hour, and settled into Diamond Campground in Woodland, CO. (N 39.00165, W 105.06364) We were
early enough that we piled into the Jeep and drove to Cripple Creek.
Took the narrow gauge steam train to Anaconda and back. (Photos) We
then visited the Molly Kathleen Gold Mine, which Heather had remembered from her trip here in 1982. We rode the cage 1,000
feet into the ground and had a very interesting tour from a young
miner, who really knew his subject and was very good with people.
(Photos) Getting late, and cold, we drove back to Woodland Park for dinner
at the Hungry Bear Restaurant, then to camp.
Day 29 - (Sunday, July 6, 2008) Well we finished the list of
things to do, places to go, and sights to see, so it is now time to
start the long trek home. Drove all day, landing in a rather
stark campground in Platt, KS. It was Evergreen Motel &
RV Park. The pool was broken, the laundry
inadequate, and the campsites had no grass or tables. It is
little more than a gravel parking lot with hook-ups behind the motel.
(N 37.64046, W 098.77400) They were
just barely wide enough for the camper, which fortunately does not have
slide outs. They did have one interesting feature, the attached
motel had an old railroad caboose outside, which was being converted
into a novelty motel room.
Day 30 - (Monday, July 7, 2008) Heather decided that she and
Koti could make better time without being held back by the camper, so
they took off early in the morning to try to make it home in two days.
Sandy, Rainy, and I plan to make it back in three days.
Drove through to Tyler, TX. Tried to stay at a campground
where we had stayed two years earlier with Morgan, but the office was
closed, the late check in box was out of forms, and the gate had a code
on it that we didn't have. We moved on to Tyler State Park and
spent a pleasant night. (N 32.48093, W 095.29922) Daisy must have been tired, she didn't
notice the three raccoons that tiptoed right past her in the dark.
Day 31 - (Tuesday, July 8, 2008) Got on the road early.
Made a stop at a rest area in Louisiana that had a very
interesting display and video about the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest
swamp in the US. Stayed at a marvelous RV park in Alabama, called Wales West.
( N 30.50237, W 087.78809) It is modeled after a Welsh village,
complete with two narrow gauge railroads. Unfortunately, we
didn't arrive early enough to get our free train ride, but we did
have time to enjoy the huge indoor heated pool and spa. (Photos)
Day 32 - (Wednesday, July 9, 2008) At last our dash home.
The first real rain we got on the entire trip greeted us just
inside the Florida line. It rained on and off the rest of the
day, but we made it home in good time.
And so it ends. For the five of us to live for a month in a
19 foot camper says a lot for our cohesiveness as a family. We
have now shown the Western US to three of our four grandchildren.
Mason has expressed a desire to see the northeast part of
the country, so our next trip will probably be to the New England area,
possibly into the Maritime Provinces of Canada.
9/1//08