A quick trip to the Joseph, OR area~~

Our very first stop in Eastern Oregon was at Pendleton, not on the itinerary and completely unscheduled. We had noticed our voltage gauge fluctuating while driving; sometimes down to almost zero, then back to the normal 13 volt range.  We looked up and found Cummins Northwest and they were able to get us in Monday morning, the day we had planned to leave Charbonneau.  Howard figured the voltage regulator or alternator may be failing, considering our MH is 14 years old with 157,000 miles.  When hooked up to the computer voltage was steady, no fluctuation even with a load.  All the wiring checked out so the only thing they could think of was that our gauge is faulty.  So we were sent on our way...

Lake Wallowa:

Bloggers are the best and we are continually learning and adding places to our "to go" list. We really focused on the Joseph area after reading Roads Less Traveled great write-up with their always beautiful photography.  We were a little skeptical when we got to La Grande on I-84. There was a lot of smoke and the air quality was poor, but we were too close to pass it by. 

Wallowa Lake State Park seemed to be our best choice as a base camp, located just 6 miles out of Joseph, and framed by jagged 9000 ft. peaks and a clear glacial lake.  The park was quite full but we were able to get 2 nights.  Smoke filled the air and the ranger mentioned a wildfire was close by.  Helicopters were flying back and forth to retrieve buckets of water from the lake.  Our photos are hazy at best.

Fire on the ridge line

Lake Wallowa geology

From the other side of the lake

Trail from our site to the lake

Imnaha:

We had one full day to see as much as possible, only covering a very small portion of all the many suggestions we received and places we had read about.  The decision was made to drive out to Imnaha, 30 miles east of Joseph, then decide if we had time to drive the 24 miles south to the Hat Point Lookout or the rough 27 miles north to Dug Bar, for the views into Hell's Canyon on the Snake River.

By the time we got to Imnaha it was close to noon. After a visit to the country store for a drink and some info we decided against driving out to the overlook.  We have driven to Heaven's Gate out of Riggins, ID, taken a wild jet boat trip into Hell's Canyon from the north end at Clarkston, WA, and lastly driven into the canyon from the south end on Highway 71 out of Cambridge, ID a couple of years ago when we visited friends in Caldwell.

Joseph:

So we headed back to spend the rest of our afternoon exploring the lovely town of Joseph. The smoke had receded leaving puffy clouds against a clear blue sky and we had a great walk-about, followed by a super good dinner at the Outlaw Restaurant:

On almost every street corner sits one of the famous bronze statues created at Valley Bronze at its foundry in Joseph; each paying tribute to a segment of the town's history.  Chief Joseph, the town's namesake, proudly overlooks all!

Please take the time to click on the various web links highlighted for more information on this area, one we plan to get back to for a longer stay.  But now, we have to move on.....

Returning to Caldwell....

Last year we were introduced to Caldwell when friends, Beth and Chris, purchased a summer home here.  We stayed for a month and fully immersed ourselves in sightseeing, day trips, and the local "small town" scene.  We were impressed, we had fun!  We shared special times with friends in transition from full-time RVing.  And when finally we pulled out it was with the decision to return in a year...And here we are!

Downtown Caldwell & Indian Creek

On a beautiful, non-hazy morning

We will stay for a week and do no sightseeing.  It is warmish and a bit hazy, but we are staying in a proper park, Ambassador RV Resort, with hookups, and pool, and rec room; all the bells and whistles, not usually in our repertoire.  And there are always a few/many projects in need of attention.

Mostly we will visit and oooooh and aaaaah over the Panys' lovely home.  Beth is a master gourd carver and their home is a gallery of gorgeous creations.  And, of course, we will eat!  We offer to fix Howard's signature rack of lamb, and one could not ask  for a more beautiful kitchen!

Howard decided to decommission our Fantastic fans.  Why, you ask?  Because they have a life of their own with all the circuit boards and sensors that make them go "up and down" in the night.  The company is Fantastic, and will replace at no cost any and all parts that fail or break....repeatedly.  The vents and fans will now function only manually; no more electronics, making our simple lifestyle a little easier.

And I have this urge to paint something...a little scary in a motorhome!  The ultra-(faux) leather which covers our dashboard and two forward chairs is in pretty good condition for being 12 years old, but beginning to show some wear and tear.  I found this great local business, Superior Paint and Glass, brought in a tiny sample of the material snipped from beneath one chair, and they were able to perfectly match the color with a vinyl paint suitable for touch-ups.  I now have my eye on tackling all the overhead vents, then, possibly one day, the dark oak paneling in the head.  (Photos may be added...)

Then there is my favorite,  Cliff's Country Market.  I am so impressed with his store here in Caldwell, now 19 years in business, that I actually contacted Cliff to get his "story". 

Cliff focuses on local and organic foods and produce, but also on low carb, gluten-free, and non-GMO products.  I know we all have our own preferences of diet and opinions on additives and alterations, but it's nice to have a choice.

We personally prefer to eat less sugar, and low-carb just works better for us.  Bread is one of the hardest products to go without, but Cliff, a baker and a diabetic...not a good combination, has concocted a delicious Healthy Harvest low-carb bread.  We love his strawberry-rhubarb pie and shared one with Chris and Beth last night.  So while we're here, we load up and enjoy.  I just wish we had more freezer space! 



As we prepare to leave Caldwell for perhaps another year, a plan and proposed route for our journey to St. George, UT, and the Huntsman Senior Games (Oct. 7th arrival), is taking shape.  Let us know what you think.  Suggestions appreciated.

View Utah Canyons in a larger map

Driving Down the Highway...

Unpleasant procedure over and we're out of here.  They'll just have to track me down and drag me back if necessary!  Seriously though, throughout our Kaiser network,  doctors have test results fast and phone calls and emails are forthcoming.  Thinking positive thoughts!


Plus I said, hey we're heading out for 3 months. thinking a long circle trip.  First stop today will be Sacramento for the weekend with daughter Stephanie and hubby Gary, then to Medford, OR. for my nephew's wedding.  Southwest of Salem is that terrific winery, Emerson Vineyards, which not only has a super pinot noir, but Friday night music during the summer, and allows free overnight RV parking as members of Harvest Hosts.  I say "free" but we more than cover the price of an upscale RV park in purchases!

Most of August we hope to hang around Puget Sound and Port Townsend, WA, a yearly repeat.  The Point Hudson Marina & RV Park has two boondocking sites right at water's edge and allows us to stay 2 weeks for a very reasonable rate with the best views of some impressive marine traffic; think cruise ships, nuclear subs, aircraft carriers, and a continuous parade of sail and power boats.  Ferries provide scenic travel to and from Whidbey Island and many of the San Juans.  Access to the old Victorian town of PT and all its delights is just a few short blocks away.

Views (above and below) from our site in Port Townsend!

At this point a lot will depend on the price of fuel but thinking September is a nice time for Idaho and a visit with friends in Caldwell.  The Snake River and Hell's Canyon are easy day drives, as is the old Silver City mining town.

Rubber Duck races (yellow dots) in Caldwell Days celebration

The Snake River runs free thru Hell's Canyon to Lewiston, ID

Now the possibilities are many and varied.  We really enjoyed the Star Valley area of Wyoming  a few years ago, and Utah for those amazing National Parks and possibly the Senior Games in St. George the first of October.  The Santa Fe area has so much to offer; the amazing sights of the old city, nearby Bandalier National Monument and the Los Alamos National Laboratory.  We stay at the Cochiti Lake Corps of Engineers park located within the boundaries of the Pueblo de Cochiti.  And if you're into slot canyons and great hikes, the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks is a must!

The slot canyon hike...spectacular!

On our return through northern AZ we will re-visit The Petrified Forest, Flagstaff, and Sedona, and check out some of those great boondocking sites we've been reading about.  A plan is percolating!  So, once again, we welcome your suggestions and recommendations.

Our Year 2011

We have been blessed with another year of travels.  We are truly grateful for this lifestyle we so enjoy which allows us to visit beautiful places, meet up with dear friends, and make many new ones along the way. 

This year started out in the Anza Borrego Desert in southern California, where we retreat after the holidays, following the sun and meeting up with fellow snowbirds around the southwest; Sharon and Rodger in Tucson, the Panys in Yuma.

By the time April rolls around it's time for us to head for the coast and turn north toward Pismo Beach and some quality time with best friends, Edna and Allen (please hold thoughts and prayers for Allen).  We were delighted when 8 mo. pregnant daughter Terri, Clint, and Liliana decide to drive down from Half Moon Bay.  More Family Time in Petaluma as we all gather for Easter at Norm and Wendy's. In May, the 16th to be precise, we welcomed our newest grandbaby Damien.

June is anniversary month and we celebrated our 17th in Calistoga, the heart of the Napa Valley wine country.  We also enjoyed time with new friends Bruce and Phyllis, whom we in Petaluma, and "old" friends from Half Moon Bay days, Don and Joan, at their beautiful property in the Gold Country.  Our world-traveling grandson Rob just happened to be in Sacramento for a visit with his mom/our daugher Stephanie, with now wife Helga from Romania, where they are currently residing.

After the 4th of July we start out on our summer migration to the northwest.  The motorhome always needs maintenance or repairs so a stop in Eugene, one of our favorite towns, is in order.  The Willamette Valley is home to some choice wineries so we have our first introduction to Harvest Hosts at Emerson Vineyards.

August is our month in and around the Port Townsend, WA area, probably our favorite summer location, with its beautiful views of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  The Evergreen Coho Park, provides a perfect location for sightseeing the Olympic Peninsula, especially Hurricane Ridge, and meet new friends, John and Bonnie.  But the Main Attraction was our two weeks parked right on the water at the Pt. Hudson Marina in downtown Port Townsend with a bonus visit from Steph, Gary and friends, Laura and Jim!  A ferry ride and drive to nearby Bellingham and we enjoy a wonderful day with long-time friends from Mexico days, Hazel and Dick.

The month of September brought us to a new destination, Caldwell, ID, near Boise, and soon to be new "summer home" for our good friends Beth and Chris.  Of course, they couldn't have endured without our help and support!  We enjoyed so many good meals and great sight-seeing trips; some that were really, really long days, but provided beautiful scenery.  Check out Weeks 2 through 4 as well.  Perhaps we've found another "favorite" late summer location.

The absolute best and highlight of October was our time in Medford, OR where we celebrated my sister-in-law Gay's Surprise 80th Birthday party, hosted and perfectly planned by my nephews and nieces.  All my family came from Half Moon Bay and Petaluma for the first family re-union in way too many years.  I am honored to share the same birth day with Gay!  Also, while in Medford we met up, but had precious little time with dear friends John and Babs, who had just relocated from Clarkston, WA.

So now it's time to return to Petaluma where we gladly accepted an opportunity to babysit our 5-year old granddaughter, Christina aka The Bean, have special bonding time with Annie, our grandlab, and enjoy cooking and hanging out with son, Norm, while d-i-l Wendy was on vacation a business trip.  Petaluma is a great town, centrally located, with so many fantastic Day Trip opportunities. The Marin County coast is not to be missed, and of course, a Dog Day with Annie in San Francisco...priceless!

By now you surely know we have a Really Big Trip coming up so must get our motorhome in storage mode with the help of our family and friends near Sacramento!  We fly from Sacramento, via Chicago, via Toronto, to..ta-da...Barbados, on November 3rd.  After two wonderful days seeing Barbados with friends Paul and Dalya, we boarded The Star Flyer for 22 days of sailing to beautiful islands, like the ABC Islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.

After 2 days at sea we arrived in the beautiful, old colonial city of Cartagena, Colombia, a truly magnificent experience; then another day at sea before anchoring off the San Blas Islands, home of the indigenous Kuna People.  Our trip to one of their villages, seeing their beautiful crafts and molas, was special indeed.  The piece de resistance, the grand culmination, the top of our bucket list, our Panama Canal Transit was more than our combined imaginations could conjure, even after reading  McCullough's The Path Between the Seas.

The Third Week takes us into the Pacific as we sail from Panama to Costa Rica, anchoring off beautiful, uninhabited islands with stops in Golfito and Quepos, before disembarking in Puerta Caldera.  We end our month-long journey in Jaco, Costa Rica for a much-needed 4 days of quiet decompression, before returning home to the Bay Area on December 1st.

Now and through Christmas once again is family time as we make our circle tour; Petaluma, Half Moon Bay, Citrus Heights, counting our blessings and counting the days until we once again start the New Year 2012 in our beautiful Anza Borrego Desert....and so it goes!  What will this New Year bring?  We so look forward to meeting up with you along the way, on Facebook, or in this wonderful blogging community.

May you and your families be blessed with an abundance of peace, prosperity, health, and happiness in this New Year 2012! 


Lynda & Howard

                              

Destination Caldwell...Week 1

We left Eugene with the intention of taking Highway 20 over the Cascades, through Sisters, into Bend for the night...a new route for us.  That was not to be.  Thanks to the powers of instant communication, we were alerted to wildfires burning along that route.  We made a U-turn of sorts, from I-5 heading north to south, and picked up Highway 58 south of Eugene going over the Willamette Pass.  This proved to be a bit longer drive but no smoke or fires to worry about.

The glacial Cascades from the Willamette Pass

The Columbia Sportswear Factory Outlet caught our eye first.  We pulled right into the parking lot, MH and all, and went in for some major shopping at very discounted prices.  Items normally selling for $50-75 were marked down to $12-15.  I was able to get a couple of pairs of shorts, capris, and shirts...though finding ones that weren't too long was an issue.  I plan to be taller in my next life!

So we found the Bend Elk's Lodge and despite the fact this is Sunday of Labor Day 2011, the lodge was closed.  The RV parking area has 8 sites with water and electric for $15 per night.  OK for us...We've had a long day and are ready to just have a drink and a bit of dinner.

Our Labor Day was mostly spent driving 300 miles east of Bend on Highway 20 through lots of small towns and often 2-lanes.  We finally arrived in Caldwell about 5 p.m. and pulled into the Ambassador RV Park, our home for the next month. 

Us and the Panys...way over there!

Beth and Chris greeted our arrival with both food and drink..and the most beautiful, thoughtful present imaginable.  Beth, gourd carver extraordinaire, just finished our very own gourd, a replica down to the most intricate details, of the tall ship Star Flyer, in honor of our upcoming cruise in November.  I don't know how she could part with such a work of art but we are very grateful and happy recipients.

Beth's beautiful tall ship gourd

The signal flags spell S-T-I-L-L-E-Y!

Staying in one area for a month affords us many opportunities.  The office has a list of "day drives" from the Boise area.  There is much to be said for small towns and a wealth of local activities.  For instance, Crookham Seed Company, a major employer in the area and a multi-generational family owned business,  hosted a 100th anniversary party here at their Caldwell plant.  They not only provided an "up close and personal" tour of their seed production facilities, mostly corn and onions at this time of the year, but also a fabulous buffet-style dinner, free of charge.

Bins & bins of onions

Our tour guide shows how the corn is processed

We are fed a great dinner...Lynda, Howard, Chris 

Howard and the cornstalker

Many exhibits tell the impressive company story

Our social calendar also included a night of culture.  The College of Idaho, a nationally acclaimed liberal arts college, presented a Faculty Showcase of art and music.  The Jewett Auditorium's superb acoustics heightened the musical scores ranging from classical to blues, and instrumentals featuring brass, piano, cello, banjo/guitar and organ.  The variety and degree of excellence provided a wonderful evening. 

But now it's time for us to do what we do best.  Load up our jeep for an outing.  Today's drive features the Leslie Gulch/Succor Creek Scenic Byway, which actually takes place just across the border in Eastern Oregon.  We traveled 65 (the brochure says 52) miles of washboard dirt and gravel roads, through rugged canyons with awesome rock formations.  At Lake Owyhee we stopped for a picnic, and at Succor Creek Campground we got out to admire the scenery and snap some shots.  We had a rare sighting of a California bighorn sheep, certainly a cousin of the ones we often see in our beautiful Anza Borrego Desert, and a late season rattlesnake.  Here is a slideshow presentation as the photos were too numerous to display.

Until next week.....