We are now in the Beachwood Resort in Birch Bay Washington. We plan to be here until Monday Morning when we either head towards Aldergrove BC or head Home- that's to be decided tomorrow (Sunday).
We had an uneventful trip from Salt Lake City which we left on Tuesday the 26th after a great visit with our friends Mel & Ina.
Tuesday we travelled all of 175 miles and stopped at a nice campsite called Village in The Trees. at I84 mile marker 216 in Idaho.
The next night we stopped at the Wildhorse Casino in Pendleton Oregon and visited the native Cultural center there. It is a very interesting and well laid out museum with lots of information and some very good exhibits. The campsite there is well laid out and provides full service for about $20.00.
Thursday evening we stopped at the Western Horizon Resorts Tall Chief resort in Falls City Washington, just outside of Seattle. this is a nice rustic resort with very private sites but no sewer hookups. The facilities are excellent and the pool/spa is wonderful. Here we ran into Will and Ella who we had met at the Winery resort in Pahrump. Talk about a small world.
Yesterday, after a short 2 hour drive we checked into Beachwood here in Birch Bay. After checking in we headed back to Burlington to do some shopping at Camping World and the Outlet Mall and then went for Supper. For Lora and Marv`s info we found the Mykanos restaurant you recommended in Bellingham and had a very nice calamari dinner there.
TTFN Gary & Judy
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Salt Lake City & an Old Friend
We arrived in Salt Lake City(SLC) (actually a suburb called Magna)on Friday evening and proceeded to Gary's old friend and Air Force training mate Mel Felt's house. Mel and his wife Ina have an empty lot beside their house where we set up camp.
Friday we went for dinner with Mel & Ina at a very good and authentic Mexican Restaurant and got to know each other better.
Saturday, Mel and Ina took us on a tour of SLC and Temple square. we saw the wonderful sights of the Mormon Tabernacle,the temple square gardens and visited the Temple square Visitors centre. We then went to an excellent Asian restaurant for a very good supper.
On Sunday the four of us went to see the taping of the Mormon Tabernacle Choirs Radio and TV Show. As it was the Memorial Day Weekend, the US Air Force reserve band were the guest performers and the show was dedicated to the Vets and Fallen members of the Military. It was and extremely moving performance which left us in tears and which we will remember for years.
After the show we had brunch and returned home for more talking, reminiscing and Cards.
Monday was a shopping(for Gary) and R&R day with more chatting and cards.
This morning (Tuesday) we left about 830am and travelled all of 180 miles to the Village of trees RV resort in Declo Idaho. this is a very nice, neat well laid out RV resort with a very friendly staff and lots of amenities including Large Pull Thru lots,free WiFi and Cable, a store and Pizza restaurant with delivery to your campsite.
Tomorrow we head towards Oregon and hope to stop off at a State park near Pendelton Oregon. Thursday we plan to be in Fall City WA and Friday through until Monday we are booked into the Beachwood resort near Blaine. Hopefully somewhere along the way we will be able to up load some pictures.
TTFn Gary & Judy
Friday we went for dinner with Mel & Ina at a very good and authentic Mexican Restaurant and got to know each other better.
Saturday, Mel and Ina took us on a tour of SLC and Temple square. we saw the wonderful sights of the Mormon Tabernacle,the temple square gardens and visited the Temple square Visitors centre. We then went to an excellent Asian restaurant for a very good supper.
On Sunday the four of us went to see the taping of the Mormon Tabernacle Choirs Radio and TV Show. As it was the Memorial Day Weekend, the US Air Force reserve band were the guest performers and the show was dedicated to the Vets and Fallen members of the Military. It was and extremely moving performance which left us in tears and which we will remember for years.
After the show we had brunch and returned home for more talking, reminiscing and Cards.
Monday was a shopping(for Gary) and R&R day with more chatting and cards.
This morning (Tuesday) we left about 830am and travelled all of 180 miles to the Village of trees RV resort in Declo Idaho. this is a very nice, neat well laid out RV resort with a very friendly staff and lots of amenities including Large Pull Thru lots,free WiFi and Cable, a store and Pizza restaurant with delivery to your campsite.
Tomorrow we head towards Oregon and hope to stop off at a State park near Pendelton Oregon. Thursday we plan to be in Fall City WA and Friday through until Monday we are booked into the Beachwood resort near Blaine. Hopefully somewhere along the way we will be able to up load some pictures.
TTFn Gary & Judy
Thursday, May 21, 2009
UTAH - WOW
Canyons, Canyons and more Canyons. During the past week we have seen some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable.
Unfortunately due to restrictions on file sizes at this campsite we cannot upload any pictures just yet but we will try to get them on the blog ASAP.
Since arriving at the St George RV Resort in southern Utah on the May 14, we have toured Zion Canyon National Park, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, Red Canyon National Recreation Area and Bryce Canyon National Park.
Zion is about 45 minutes from the resort and is by far Gary's favorite.
The North Rim is about 3 hours away while Bryce and Red Canyon are 2 1/2 hours away.
Judy found Red canyon Awesome and Bryce inspiring.
The 6 hours we spent at each of the National Parks was definitely not enough time and we are already planning a return trip.
On our way back from Bryce we did some exploring and followed a road less travelled - and found out why. Utah highway 14 joins US 89 with US 15 by going up about 9975 ft and over a Volcano. The road twist and turns through lush forests and steep Canyons and gives great views of the lake in the volcano's cauldron.
Tomorrow, Friday May 22 we leave St George and head north to Salt Lake City to visit an old friend and Navigator training course mate of Gary's, Mel Felts and his wife Ina. It has been almost 20 years since Mel and Gary saw each other last.
Well got to go now TTFN Gary & Judy
Unfortunately due to restrictions on file sizes at this campsite we cannot upload any pictures just yet but we will try to get them on the blog ASAP.
Since arriving at the St George RV Resort in southern Utah on the May 14, we have toured Zion Canyon National Park, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, Red Canyon National Recreation Area and Bryce Canyon National Park.
Zion is about 45 minutes from the resort and is by far Gary's favorite.
The North Rim is about 3 hours away while Bryce and Red Canyon are 2 1/2 hours away.
Judy found Red canyon Awesome and Bryce inspiring.
The 6 hours we spent at each of the National Parks was definitely not enough time and we are already planning a return trip.
On our way back from Bryce we did some exploring and followed a road less travelled - and found out why. Utah highway 14 joins US 89 with US 15 by going up about 9975 ft and over a Volcano. The road twist and turns through lush forests and steep Canyons and gives great views of the lake in the volcano's cauldron.
Tomorrow, Friday May 22 we leave St George and head north to Salt Lake City to visit an old friend and Navigator training course mate of Gary's, Mel Felts and his wife Ina. It has been almost 20 years since Mel and Gary saw each other last.
Well got to go now TTFN Gary & Judy
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Winding Down in Pahrump
Well it has been a busy and HOT few days since we last posted.Temperatures here in southern Nevada have continued to rise and yesterday (Tuesday May 12th) they got to 110F (about 44C) in some parts of Las Vegas (the parts we were in). These temperatures are causing us some problems and giving us some learning experiences.
The first thing we learned was that the Sat receiver does not like to get really hot and be in the confined space of our entertainment area. It overheated and shut down until I moved it to a cooler & better ventilated area.The same thing happened with our coffee maker But unfortunately the damage was permanent so we had to go into Las Vegas yesterday to get a new one.We are managing to keep the RV comfortable But only because we have both Air conditioners running.
We are enjoying the area and the Resort. The Preferred RV Resort here in Pahrump is well landscaped (for Nevada),
has a nice pool, friendly people (see first picture) and excellent facilities including very good WiFi.
Friday Night we returned to the Charleston peak resort for Happy Hour and almost controlled ourselves UNTIL we met Gene and has new (for us) Orange Tequila Shooters. You take an Orange and cut it into bite size pieces sprinkled liberally with cinnamon. Lick the cinnamon on a piece of orange, Down a shooter of tequila and bite into the orange. It is excellent but deadly.
Saturday we had our new friends Lora and Marv out for drinks, a swim and dinner.
On Sunday Judy and I toured the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area,
visited Hoover Dam and the Lake Mead National Recreation area
before heading into Las Vegas and visiting Fremont street and partaking in the Fremont Street Experience.
After a long but interesting day we decided to head back to our RV rather than spend the night in Las Vegas.
Monday was an R & R day and then on Tuesday it was into Las Vegas for Outlet Malls and Costco. We didn't get much for ourselves but we spent big time on our Granddaughter Jenna (at least $30 of clothes).
Today is another R & R day as we prepare to head out very early tomorrow to St George Utah for the next week.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Staying In Pahrump
Judy and I have modified our plans and are staying in the Pahrump area for another week. So as not to compromise our St George UT reservations we are having to move out of the Charleton peak resort today and are moving all of 3 miles down the road to the Preferred Resort beside Terribles In Town Casino, another ROD resort.
We made the decision to stay here because of the temperatures. Here it will stay in the mid to high 90's while towards Grand Canyon on the Arizona side it will be over 100F.
While here we plan to head into Las Vegas for a night and to visit Hoover Dam.
We will be going to St George UT on the 14th and then to go to Salt Lake City (SLC) on the 22nd to visit our friends Mel and Ina Felts. We plan to stay in SLC until around the 25th or 26th before heading home.
Temperature in Pahrump yesterday was above 96F (35C. It cools down at night to around 75F.
TTFN Gary
We made the decision to stay here because of the temperatures. Here it will stay in the mid to high 90's while towards Grand Canyon on the Arizona side it will be over 100F.
While here we plan to head into Las Vegas for a night and to visit Hoover Dam.
We will be going to St George UT on the 14th and then to go to Salt Lake City (SLC) on the 22nd to visit our friends Mel and Ina Felts. We plan to stay in SLC until around the 25th or 26th before heading home.
Temperature in Pahrump yesterday was above 96F (35C. It cools down at night to around 75F.
TTFN Gary
Monday, May 4, 2009
Death Valley
Well we have been in Pahrump for 4 days now and have done a lot.
the RV Site is quite good and the people here are great. we have met a nice couple Lora & Marv, full timers from the Bellingham area. We share a great many likes with them such as margaritas and Jimmy Buffett. They introduced us to a new margarita recipe made with beer - very interesting and very good.
It is 1 can beer, 1 cup tequila, 1/2 a can of frozen Limeade mix, Lots of Ice and Blend.
Yesterday we did a trip to Death Valley and although it was a long day we had a great time.
Today we checked out the various casinos in the area and baby backrib supper at Terribles In Town Casino. Tomorrow we head into Las Vegas for the day.
Here are some pictures of Death valley.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Las vegas & death valley area at last
Well we made it to the Las Vegas area. We are in Pahrump Nevada at the Charleston peak Winery & RV Resort about 60 miles from Las Vegas. The resort is nice even tho the pool is a little small. We arrived on schedule Thursday afternoon, got settled and immediately went for a free Pizza dinner and listened to a presentation on the Medical Air Services Association. Friday we stayed around the site in the morning to get one of our blinds fixed, went grocery shopping in the afternoon and then went to a TGIF function at the clubhouse at 4. This was supposed to last just until 6 BUT Judy discovered this Wine called Desert Blush and Well after 2 bottles and some Karaoke we finally cooked supper with some new friends at about 1030. Bed time ended up being around midnight.
The trip from the Valley of the Rogue State park in Oregon went well, We left there on Tuesday morning early and made it to the Lighthouse RV resort & Marina near San Francisco that evening bypassing Sacremento. The Resort has just come out of Foreclosure with new owners and they charged us $7 for the night even tho as ROD we were supposed to get in for free-We will follow up with ROD. the resort is a little down at the heels right now but the new owners are working to bring it back up.
The next day we headed towards Barstow and the Ghost town of Calico just east of Barstow, arriving at about 6 pm after a 700km drive through the desert aided by a good tail wind.
Thursday Am we took a leisurely departure from Calico and made it to Pahrump by 2 in the afternoon. It's good to be situated for 7 days and we unhooked the CRV for the first time since starting our trip. We have internet access while we are here and so can receive emails until we leave the area on May 14th. Once again, as we had heard was happening, the rates have gone up and we are paying $5.00 a night instead of last year's energy rate of $3.00.
Judy found the trip to Pahrump a bit hilly for her liking. Two high mountain passes and the RV was making some pretty loud noises close to each summit. We've since learned that Highways 127 and 178 would have been flatter and less travelled so not a problem even with them being just single lane. It's still new to us and so we continue to learn.
We are planning two trips to Death Valley and hopefully will be able to explore the Furnace Creek area as well as make it to Scotty's Castle. The latter is a full day but we're told worth it.
This afternoon we will work on finalizing the remainder of our trip and get our paperwork organized. Gary is hoping to get the satellite dish working.
Guess that's it for today. We're getting off to a slow start but the weather is warm and so it's nice just to relax and take our time.
The trip from the Valley of the Rogue State park in Oregon went well, We left there on Tuesday morning early and made it to the Lighthouse RV resort & Marina near San Francisco that evening bypassing Sacremento. The Resort has just come out of Foreclosure with new owners and they charged us $7 for the night even tho as ROD we were supposed to get in for free-We will follow up with ROD. the resort is a little down at the heels right now but the new owners are working to bring it back up.
The next day we headed towards Barstow and the Ghost town of Calico just east of Barstow, arriving at about 6 pm after a 700km drive through the desert aided by a good tail wind.
Thursday Am we took a leisurely departure from Calico and made it to Pahrump by 2 in the afternoon. It's good to be situated for 7 days and we unhooked the CRV for the first time since starting our trip. We have internet access while we are here and so can receive emails until we leave the area on May 14th. Once again, as we had heard was happening, the rates have gone up and we are paying $5.00 a night instead of last year's energy rate of $3.00.
Judy found the trip to Pahrump a bit hilly for her liking. Two high mountain passes and the RV was making some pretty loud noises close to each summit. We've since learned that Highways 127 and 178 would have been flatter and less travelled so not a problem even with them being just single lane. It's still new to us and so we continue to learn.
We are planning two trips to Death Valley and hopefully will be able to explore the Furnace Creek area as well as make it to Scotty's Castle. The latter is a full day but we're told worth it.
This afternoon we will work on finalizing the remainder of our trip and get our paperwork organized. Gary is hoping to get the satellite dish working.
Guess that's it for today. We're getting off to a slow start but the weather is warm and so it's nice just to relax and take our time.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Grand canyon Trip -Day 3 - Valley of the Rogue State park
Are trip is going well so far. we are on schedule (except we decided to stay in Valley of the Rogue State Park in Southern Oregon for 2 nights instead of one and will forgo the San Francisco area.
The trip on the MV Coho was excellent. Customs and immigration was fast and we were on the road in Washington by 1245 after leaving Victoria at 1030. US 101 is nice to drive with only about 30 miles of curves etc near the end. We shopped for food and gas at Safeway in Olympia and then headed to the Lucky Eagle Casino for the night. Arrived there at 5 pm. Gambled ( and lost $20) then had supper on board the RV.
We were up at 6 the next morning after a good nights rest and on the road before 8am.
After a comfortable drive down I5 we arrived at Valley of the Rogue State Park at 5pm and drove right into a nice full service pull thru site (D-11)at $16.00/night. Paid for first night and then found out that since I am receiving a disability pension from veterans Affairs, we can stay for free in Oregon State Parks - so 2nd night is free - Great Deal. We are using this down day to organize the RV and to explore this park.
Tomorrow we head south over the Passes and will stop just north of Sacramento. after that its onto Bakersfield and Pahrump Nevada.
We are keeping and eye and ear out on the Swine flu problem and if things look bad then we will head back north and do the Oregon Coast.
Next post in about 3 days. As always we are available at 250-704-8478.
TaTa for now (TTFN) Gary & Judy
The trip on the MV Coho was excellent. Customs and immigration was fast and we were on the road in Washington by 1245 after leaving Victoria at 1030. US 101 is nice to drive with only about 30 miles of curves etc near the end. We shopped for food and gas at Safeway in Olympia and then headed to the Lucky Eagle Casino for the night. Arrived there at 5 pm. Gambled ( and lost $20) then had supper on board the RV.
We were up at 6 the next morning after a good nights rest and on the road before 8am.
After a comfortable drive down I5 we arrived at Valley of the Rogue State Park at 5pm and drove right into a nice full service pull thru site (D-11)at $16.00/night. Paid for first night and then found out that since I am receiving a disability pension from veterans Affairs, we can stay for free in Oregon State Parks - so 2nd night is free - Great Deal. We are using this down day to organize the RV and to explore this park.
Tomorrow we head south over the Passes and will stop just north of Sacramento. after that its onto Bakersfield and Pahrump Nevada.
We are keeping and eye and ear out on the Swine flu problem and if things look bad then we will head back north and do the Oregon Coast.
Next post in about 3 days. As always we are available at 250-704-8478.
TaTa for now (TTFN) Gary & Judy
Friday, April 24, 2009
At Last We are soon On the Road again
Well it Looks Like we are finally going to head south to the Grand Canyon etc. This will be our 4th attempt to get there in a little over a year. Hopefully this time we will be successful,
Our Planned itinerary is
25 April - Victoria to Rochester Washington.
26 April to Valley of the Rogue State Park Oregon
27/28 April -Lighthouse Marina Resort near San Francisco Tele 916-777-5901
29 April - Wal Mart - Bakersfield California
30 April -7 May - Charleston Peak RV Resort, Pahrump, Nevada 702-430-7252
7 May-14 May - Various locations near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
14 May -21 May - St. George RV Resort, Hurricane Utah , 435-879-2212
21 May on ward travelling North Via Salt Lake City and then US 84 through Idaho to Seattle. from there we go north to Vancouver for Family visit before heading home on or about May 31.
We are booked on the 1030 am BlackBall ferry ( MV COHO) on 25 April and hope to make it south of Olympia by dark.
We may not have Internet access until San Fran on 27 April.
Our Planned itinerary is
25 April - Victoria to Rochester Washington.
26 April to Valley of the Rogue State Park Oregon
27/28 April -Lighthouse Marina Resort near San Francisco Tele 916-777-5901
29 April - Wal Mart - Bakersfield California
30 April -7 May - Charleston Peak RV Resort, Pahrump, Nevada 702-430-7252
7 May-14 May - Various locations near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
14 May -21 May - St. George RV Resort, Hurricane Utah , 435-879-2212
21 May on ward travelling North Via Salt Lake City and then US 84 through Idaho to Seattle. from there we go north to Vancouver for Family visit before heading home on or about May 31.
We are booked on the 1030 am BlackBall ferry ( MV COHO) on 25 April and hope to make it south of Olympia by dark.
We may not have Internet access until San Fran on 27 April.
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