26 July ‘07

Thursday

Juzzz it’s nice to get up to sunshine !!!  I must admit I love to grab my coffee and head out the door.  We have our awning out, patio chairs and table in place, and now me and my cup of coffee…I love it.  Yesterday started out the same way.  We will be here until Saturday morning so Louise wanted to finish the laundry that she started last Monday and I wanted to wipe some of the dust that has found home on the vehicles prior to leaving.  Unfortunately a couple of the dryers at the campground were out of order so we decided to take the wet clothes into Ocean Shores and find a dryer there.  Across the street from the Laundromat was a Quickie Lube so I took this advantage and took the Tracker over for an oil and filter change.  It is amazing how fast the miles pile up from one oil change to the next.  Everything done for another couple of weeks and with our tummies growling we went looking for a new lunch experience.  It’s been a while since we’ve had pizza so finding Dugan’s Pizzeria fit the spot.  Walking through the door told us this was the right spot…it smelled like “real pizza” and lots of wonderful garlic…  There were 2 sizes to chose from and I wanted the larger 18 inch while Louise thought the smaller 12 would work out fine.  I, unfortunately, was wrong…  we had enough pizza for 10 of us.  I know, we could and did take the rest home, but that was really too much…So sorry Lou, you know best (I’ve just got to remember that).  A little later in the afternoon Jim Manolides called and wanted to come out, so about 4:30 he pulled up for a visit before we left the area.  Again, it was really good to see him and hear all about his travels and other adventures he has had since we last saw each other.  We’ll have to do it again. 

26 July ‘07

Thursday

It’s not often that we are out of bed and on the road before 8am, but today we were.  The forecast was a mix of sun and high clouds so to make this a sightseeing day just made sense.  First we had to get a full tank of gas in the toad and then it was off to Micky D’s for a quick Sausage Egg Mc Muffin…good travelin food.  Our goal today was to travel as far north up the Olympic Peninsula as possible, see as many sights as we can, and get back before dark.  We had wanted to get as far as Lake Ozette but soon found out it just wasn’t in the cards this time around (it’s always good to leave something behind so that you have something to come back for )                                                                              

We traveled about 60 miles up the coast and made our first stop at South Beach.  We drove the coast line for the first half hour before it turned inland.  About three quarter’s hour later we were traveling the tree lined coast road to South Beach.  Walking down the trail to the beach, through the tall fir and cedar trees, heavy ground cover of huge ferns, ended at the Quinault River as it flow into the Pacific Ocean.  Fortunately this time of year the river isn’t flowing at capacity so we were able to carefully cross it and find our way down to the log strewn and rocky beach.  The sand here is almost black, as are the small flat stones and the high rock pinnacles that dot the surf line.  Some of these pinnacles are as high as 30 feet that dot the surf and then there are those that are off shore that must be 3 to 4 times that.  We made 3 more stops further north until we ended up at La Push.  La Push is an Indian fishing village on a beautiful point that also enjoys having more of those off shore pinnacles to draw the photographers and tourists besides the sport fisherman.  Now it was time to head back, but not without a couple more incredible stops.  Just south of Forks we make a left turn and head into the deep woods of the Hoh Rain Forest.  We were lucky to be here on a sunny day, as they experience over 140 inches of rain a year, no wonder they call this a “rain forest”.  We seem to be a little lucky in visiting areas like this by coming “off or in-between seasons”.  Today wasn’t one of those days in the rain forest.  The parking lot was filled to the brim.  Fortunately we have a small toad so we found a “slot” to jockey into and we were set for our exploration.  They have a number of walking and hiking trails ranging from ¾ mile to 18 miles, so we decided after a short deliberation that we were going to take the 1 ½ mile Spruce Nature Trail.  After all, we had already hiked some of the Kalaloch and La Push trails and beaches all ready today, and we still had one more site to go to.  We really enjoyed the Spruce trail, but for me it came in second compared to the Quinault Rain Forest trails we had taken earlier this week.  Just 2 hours later we were looking for the worlds largest Red Cedar Tree.      

This ride took us south down 101 again and then it was a left turn, up a hill, going right and left, onto a dirt road for a 5 miles and then finding this HUGE Red Cedar all by its self.  The bark and most of the tree looked like it was dead, but at the top and some large branches near the top, there was enough green cedar foliage that you knew that this tree was indeed still doing very well. 

24 July ‘07

Tuesday

With the rain letting up a little, we braved it and ran for the toad…we’re getting out of here.  We didn’t have a destination but we were out and looking for just anything but staying home, looking out of the window and watching more of the rain.  I guess we were fed up with eating at home as well, as the first thing we did was look for a sea food restaurant.  I don’t know what took us into Mikes Sea-food and Market, but that’s were we stopped.  You know how you determine how good a restaurant is by the amount of people eating…well we couldn’t see inside to tell so we decided to “chance it”.  Rap one up for the “chancers”…it was really good, fact is we decided to return today as well.  Getting back to yesterday, after finishing lunch we drove the beaches all along the ocean side of the peninsula until we found just the right one to explore.  The sun was nicely warming while we walked the beach watching the surf crashing onto the sand.  The surf was so strong, because of the weather pattern we had just gone through, it sounded like the constant roll of thunder during one heck of a storm.  We really did enjoy the walk but all good things have to come to an end.  This end took us down the street to the movie theater.  We quickly looked over the marquee and made our choice…”HAIRSPRAY”.  Everything we had heard about Hairspray was true…it was really enjoyable and made you want to sing and dance through the isles of the theater.  After dancing out to the car I got to thinking about someone that I had heard was living here in Ocean Shores and as it would have it, was the bass player in the “Frantics” (the band that I was a part of while in high school).  Sitting there in the parking lot I picked up my cell phone and dialed Jim’s number.  The phone rang and rang before Jim Manolides picked it up and said “Hi Joel”…those damn phone ID’s…  Jim was just heading out to the casino to buy some of those ---- cigs so we decided to meet each other there in 20 minutes.  It had been 47 years (the best I can recollect) since I last saw him.  We were going to meet in the bar and I happened to get there first.  All the tables were filled when Jim walked in.  This guy with a full gray beard, wearing a wide brimmed hat, glasses, and looking a little older than the last time we saw each other walked right on by me.  When I called out to him as he walked by the second time all he could say was “where’s all your hair?”.              BALD !!!

21 July ‘07

Saturday

All right, we’ve just about had enough of this rain !!! 

You might say that it has kept us captive today.  We are in the middle of a down pour with the wind blowing it horizontal at times and we just don’t want to tough it out anymore.  It’s amazing just how high the humidity rises in the coach on a day like this.  If it keeps up we just might have to look at a dehumidifier to keep the coach from molding.  A couple of pluses that has made this palpable are the satellite TV and satellite Internet.  One thing I wasn’t aware of, is when the rain and wind hit the TV satellite dish it makes a mess of the signal and of course the TV itself…picky, picky, picky.   Bonnie and Doug Rohrer called yesterday and thought that they might want to come up and see us, but when I mentioned our weather…Doug tried to be diplomatic about it, but all of a sudden there were a lot of things that they had to do around their place…  Well, we’re here until the 30^th so lets hope we have a couple of days left of good weather so that we can dry-out a little before heading off to our next camping experience.    Well, anyone ready for some Top Ramen ????

20 July ‘07

Friday

Gawd, 5 days of rain already and the weather report is saying another 3 or 4 more to come…  I know, just get the heck out of the coach and the rest will take care of its self.  Sometimes its easier said than done.  After lunch yesterday we put our raingear on and headed out to see some more of the northern coastline.  Its been ages since we made a drive up to Taholah, on the Quinault Indian Reservation.  Not much has changed.  The buildings are mostly the same as they were then, but the Quinault River running out into the ocean, the same but yet quite different.  It is a beautiful site watching the river rush out to the sea and then when the tides change come running back in.  When it comes back, the sea gulls are there to find their fill of small fry. From there we headed further north but still staying within the Quinault area.  Our destination was the Quinault Rain Forest in the Olympic National Forest which is on the south side of Lake Quinault.  The Rain Forest was absolutely amazing.

Our first stop was to see the largest and oldest Spruce tree in the WORLD.  I’d like to say that the sun had come out and the rain had left us, but that’s not quite the way it was.  It didn’t rain hard but when it did rain it was like walking through a fine shower mist that left you thankful that you had your gear on.  Our hike through the Rain Forest was cut short because of the wetness, but what we did hike and what we saw was great.  We are looking forward to a much milder and dryer climate when we get to the Hoh Rain Forest further north on our next outing.    

18 July ‘07

Wednesday

We left our campground at Hoodsport and arrived here at Ocean Shores Monday night.  The first night we parked at the Quinault Beach club Casino.  The first thing was to get the OK to camp on their parking lot and the second was to sign up for their “Club Card” and get all their free or discounted goodies.  We had a real good club sandwich in their restaurant and then back to the coach to set up.  We were about 200 yards off the shoreline so we decided to take a long walk up the beach and take in some of the clean air that can be found at seaside.  After dinner Louise took one of her coupons into the casino with $20 and they gave her another $10 to either gamble with or just take home as a winner.  She had another idea…$20 plus $10 is a perfect amount to compound into a fortune…ya, you bet…

Tuesday we moved down the street towards Ocean City and our new campground at Western Horizons “Ocean Shores RV Resort”.  We will be here for 2 weeks and hopefully be able to take in more of the Olympic National Park from this side. 

Yesterday it sprinkled off and on, but today…it was constant. 

    The weather report isn’t looking too good for the rest of the week so we’ll just have to take it is and get out and enjoy it anyway.   

14 July ‘07

Saturday

The annual Wiener Family Picnic was today and we all had a great time.  Susan and Mark have their summer home just up the hill from this waterfront park and through their neighborhood association have full access to this wonderful private beach.  I didn’t keep tab on how many family members were able to make it, but we had a full beach.  Lots of conversation, food and drink kept all of us enjoying the day.  Louise and I took the kayak to the picnic and I would say that throughout the day it must have been under paddle by everyone there twice or more.  Great location and a great time for everyone…now what about next year ???

13 July ‘07

Friday

Friday Louise and I drove up to the Hamma Hamma recreation area looking for the hiking trail to upper and lower Lena Lake.  We found it after turning off of 101 at mile post 318 and following it 9 miles on a roadway that was wide enough for a one lane road.  Fortunately we only met 2 cars coming towards us over those 9 miles.  Another one of those absolutely beautiful areas of the Olympic National Park.  The morning started out overcast and stayed that way for most of our hike.  The trail to the upper Lena Lake area was closed for hiking so we stopped after 1 ½ hours of climbing a great trail to return to camp and await our family.  We did make an addition to our exploration… when we got back to the car we decided to take and follow the dirt road that extended further up from the trail head because we had heard that there was one heck of a great waterfall up there somewhere.  Well we found it and it did live up to its reputation…it was beautiful and it was at the end of the road.  What was funny about this whole thing was, not only was it at the end of a dirt road 14 miles off of Hwy 101, but we found a bridge that spanned the river and the falls below...  On the far side of the bridge…a turn around area with a outhouse, yep, an outhouse 14 miles up a dirt road from 101... 

About 6:30, the Chouinard family arrived to stay in the camping bungalow next door.  Louise and I had stopped by the fish market and picked up some Lingcod for dinner.  I was trusted to barbecue it and I must say it turned out fantastic.  Tomorrow…the family picnic…

12 July ‘07

Thursday

What a change in the weather.  This morning was 20 degrees less than yesterday and with an off-shore flow of clouds.  Quite honestly I really prefer this over the 90 to 100 degree days.  We have a visitor coming about 2 this afternoon so we are going to stay pretty close by.  Our visitor is an insurance adjuster from GMAC.  She is coming to take a look at our fire damage and get us all set up to get it repaired.  We drove the 2 ½ miles down to Hoodsport, just to look around.  Totally there were 4 shops that sold just about the same “stuff” as the other one.  That’s OK because we were “just looking”…  2 o’clock arrived and left and so did Brandy…everything is going forward.  Now it’s time to head out and do some hiking.  About 6 or 7 miles from our campground and at the end of Lake Cushman, is the hiking trails going up “The Staircase”.  The road followed Lake Cushman for about 6 miles and then eased away on a dirt road for another 3 miles before coming into Olympic National Park and the start of the Staircase trail.  Our trail followed a beautiful river and some “old growth” fir and cedar trees for about 1 ½ miles before it came to an abrupt stop…the bridge was washed out.  The huge ferns, tiny flowers, mushroom, the hanging moss, and then of course the “Giants” of the forest that I mentioned earlier.  It was common to see trees that were 6 to 8 feet across and, gawd how tall is it ???  OK, now let’s get home and get ready for that CRAB…  Our Patio Dinner was just as I had pictured and the meal, one that we will remember for a long time. 

11 July ‘07

Wednesday

Early this morning it was already showing that today was going to be hotter than “heck”.  First thing first…grocery shopping.  We drove down Hwy 101 to Shelton to fill the gas tank on our toad and then across the street to Wal-Mart.  We were trying to get all this accomplished before the temperature drove us inside for the rest of the day.  With the back seat filled with our new “goodies”, we headed back to the air conditioned coach.  Hell it wasn’t but 15 minutes after we had lunch that we both thought it nuts to sit inside all day when the weather and the area around here were too good to pass just because it was “HOT”.  Now I don’t know if you remember it or not, but our air-conditioning in the toad quit working last summer and we still haven’t had it taken care of, now we’ll suffer a little.  With the windows down and the wind blowing through the windows we traveled north on 101 following the shores of Hood Canal.  When it came time to turn around and head back we found a sea food stand that was advertising “Huge Dungeness Crab”.  Now that was a sign that was made just for me…  Yep, we stopped and bought a 3 ½ pound fresh Dungeness that I can’t wait to dig into.  I must say that I love those little “Fresh Fish” street markets…everything they have I want to go home with.  Tomorrow is supposed to be much cooler so I will start preparing for our “Patio Dinner” of Dungeness and beer…a lot of both…man that’s living…

10 July ‘07

Tuesday

The heat of the day was starting out early and it was also time for us to head toward Hoodsport and Hood Canal.  With the temperature rising to 90+ for the next couple of days in Seattle area, we decided to head closer to the Olympic Mountains and Hood Canal.  Besides, this is where the Wiener Family Picnic is being held this year and we wanted to arrive a little early.  Our campground is about 3 miles out of Hoodsport on the road to Cushman Lake, about 15 miles from the park at Hood Canal were Mark and Susan (Louise’s brother and sister-in-law) live and the location of the picnic.  In the next 6 days we hope to take a few long drives and take the kayak out to explore some new areas before heading out to the coast (Ocean Shores on the Pacific).

07 07 ‘07

Sunday

“777”   7^th day, 7^th month, 2007…”Anyone buy a Lotto Ticket ? “

Well yesterday was “the” day for Lil Louise and her Bellevue softball team.  They took both games and now are heading to “THE WORLD SERIES OF GIRLS SOFTBALL”.  The series will take place in Kirkland WA on the 14^th of August and will be a once in a life time experience for all the girls stepping onto the field.  Today we are just going to hang close to the coach and enjoy the sun.  We have moved to a new pitch here at Tall Chief.  This one sits high on the hill over looking the club house, pool, mini golf course, and the Cascade Mountains.  It is a very nice spot.  The kids are all coming over for a barbecue dinner, swim and most of all…smores tonight.  It should be fun.     

5 July ‘07

Thursday

Our granddaughter Louise is playing shortstop on a All Star baseball team this year and we had the opportunity to see her play Wednesday evening.  Unfortunately her team lost to their close neighbor Bellevue.  If they had won this game, they would have moved directly into the “Host Team” for the Girls Softball World Series coming up this August.  Now they have to beat their next opponent and then move up to play Bellevue again.  If they get to that point they must take three straight games to finally become the Host Team…let’s root them on !!!  On the 4^th we joined the family at Louise’s next game after we took the kayak out for a couple of hours of paddling.  This is number one of the “must win” games.  The opponents weren’t quite up to the challenge and the game was one by Redmond, now on to winning two more games from Bellevue tomorrow.  Enough of baseball…IT’S THE 4^TH OF JULY.  Louise and I have decided to stay “home” (we’re parked at Tall Chief RV Park in Fall City, WA.) and watch the Seattle fireworks on TV…gawd, we must be getting old !!!  Mario and Carl were over the other night and invited us to their condo in Seattle to watch the fireworks but we decided that it would be better for us to stay home…Thanks guys.  Wamu sponsored the fireworks at Seattle’s Gas Works Park and boy that was some display.  I don’t think we have ever seen a better fireworks display.   

30 June ‘07

Saturday

Today was “Farmers Market Day”.  At least in Issaquah and Redmond.  We took both of them in this morning.  Our goal was to pick up a fresh whole salmon and re-supply my need for Bing and Rainier Cherry’s.  The cherry’s we found but the salmon is still on our shopping list for tomorrow.  A funny thing happened when we pulled into a parking garage in Redmond.  We tried to park in the lot next to the market but we were turned away and told we could park for free in the parking garage across the street.  As we pulled into the first entrance we were abruptly stopped.  Our car-top carrier hit the overhead beam with an unbelievable crunch and stopped us just as we passed through.  Well what goes through has to come back out…it sounded bad but fortunately it was flexible enough that no damage was done either coming or going.  I’ve just got to remember its up there and needs at least 8 feet of clearance to pass through.  We also setup both of our satellite dishes today.  The dish for internet and the new one for DirecTV.  Just what we need…more things to carry with us.

29 June ‘07

Friday

It’s been 10 days that we’ve been here in the Seattle area.  On our way here from Coeur d’Alene we encountered a very strong head wind after climbing out of the Vantage Gorge.  It was so strong that it dislodged the driver’s side windshield.  Fortunately I was able to find a place to get off the road before it completely blew out.  I pulled off and found a place behind a large truck so that it could block the wind.  After securing the window with duct tape we thought it better to head towards Yakima and get the heck out of this wind.  We had the window reset in Yakima, visited with Leslee, Lena, and Vinny for a couple of days and then continued to the Seattle area.  We have had a continuing problem with the dining room slide leaking every time it rains.  Our dealer/shop has had the opportunity to fix it 3 times but so far without any luck.  Now they want another shot at it.  We took it in last Tuesday and they jumped right on it.  Two days later we got the call that they thought that this time they had finally discovered the leak and we could come and pick it up.  Having gotten this call before, we picked it up with a little bit of doubt.  Well that night we got ourselves into one heck of a rain storm.  It rained so hard that neither Louise nor I got much sleep.  I was out of bed at least 3 times checking the floor to see if it was wet yet.  Finally 7am arrived and again I was out of bed to check the floor area…it was totally dry….for the first time since we’ve had the coach and it’s rained, we are DRY !!!  I know it has been a challenge for the shop, but for us it was really getting old and we are really glad to have this over.