Wednesday, 9 November 2011

Grandsons and travel through Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Nevada

Noa and Sawyer - We had a great time with you two this past month.  We enjoyed our time with you, everything from geocaching to looking for shells and beach glass to pajama walks!  Thanks for walking Saba and Pogo - you both did a good job.  We are going to miss you both and Matthew and Amy as well.

We left Sidney, BC on the Washington Ferry and enjoyed the three hour sail through the San Juan Islands with a stop at Friday Harbor and then on to Anacortes.  Stayed at the Washington Municipal Campground overnight in among the huge trees.  Walked part of the 2 mile beach walk with the dogs then back into our RV for a full day of travel. 

The second camp night we spent at a trucker's rest stop parked beside a dozen or so big rigs, the reefers ran their engines all night long, but we slept right through.  Felt very safe and the price was right, free!  We were near Stanfield, Oregon, but had seen no campsites and it was almost dark so we made the decision to stay.  Put on 550 miles that day.  Cold overnight, but we were up early and on the road by 8:30 am.  Next stop Pendleton, OR where we visited Walmart and bought a cellphone and cheap minute cards.  Oregon scenery was very interesting and varied.  Lots of huge vineyards and orchards - some over 10,000 acres (met a fellow at the truckers stop who used to work on one).  They take huge amounts of water out of the Columbia River through 5 foot pipes.

Idaho was not terribly interesting - at least not this route!  Lots of flat areas with a few colorless weeds growing, no water here so nothing grows.  No potatoes or cows seen.  Drove 513 miles today and stayed in the small town of Glenns Ferry, Idaho.  Small campground of 15 sites and with our Passport America membership the fee was only $13.00.  Very cold overnight  with the temp down to -7.  Gord liked the owner of this resort as he wore coveralls and smelled as though he'd been working somewhere on equipment! 

Until we hit Twin Falls, Idaho the scenery was still blah.  Then we crossed over the Snake River on an amazing bridge and pulled over to take some pics.  Amazing!  While we were there some crazy guy with a parachute jumped off the bridge and in about 3 seconds landed down beside the river.  He lost a shoe while jumping.  Apparently, this happens quite regularly and we met another guy who was waiting for the wind to die down a little before he jumped.  There are ribbons on the bridge to show wind direction and speed.  Just as we were leaving the parking lot a couple pulled in waved at us so we chatted.  They were from Kelowna. 
We were curious about Hwy 318 to Vegas and they said we'd have no problem.  So will take that route tomorrow.

We are now at the Angel Falls RV Campground at Wells, Nevada.  Cut our day a little shorter as we spotted a much needed carwash for RV and our Honda Fit.  Went for a walk near the campground and think we'll grab the shuttle over to the the Casino here for dinner.  Good night all.

Cheers from Colleen and Gord

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