2020/06/30 - Tuesday - Vacation - Day 19 - Hot Lake

We slept in a little bit today.

We went back onto the park and got lunch to go from the park store.  We then headed out and stopped in several places along the route through the park.

Going to a different section of the park, we stopped in Chester for necessary gas for the van.

We all started the walk toward Boiling Springs Lake, Mom M made it a little past the bridge, Cheryl made it to the lake and A and I did the loop around the Lake.  You could smell the sulfur in different parts walking around the lake.

It was a long day,  once back at the RV, Cheryl had dinner cooking in the slow cooker all day, we ate dinner and watched a video and went to bed.

2020/06/29 - Monday - Vacation - Day 18 - No data

We left camp spot at 9, but we stopped to dump the tanks.

We stopped for gas for the RV.

We made it to our destination, and they did have availability for us for the two nights.  I did unhook the tow-dolly so I could be closer to the utilities.

Before leaving we had lunch.  We went into Lassen National Park and look at the campground and went to the highest point along the route.  Almost near the top, we did see a bear and its cub down in a meadow.

Back at the RV Cheryl made dinner. 

We played two rounds of 5 Crowns.

2020/06/28 - Sunday - Vacation - Day 17 - Exploring

We left shortly after 9.

We got gas for the RV about an hour later.

Stopped in Eugene at one of the places that Cheryl like for tea stuff and got a few things.

We stopped at a rest area for lunch

We made it to KOA in Central Point for the day

We went for a drive to find out any information or a visitor center for the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.  At the top of the pass on SR66 we found a very small building that was open but nobody inside, but it did have information regarding the Monument.

We had dinner Ashland and then went back to the RV to relax.

2020/06/27 - Saturday - Vacation - Day 16 - Full and Exploring

We got moving at 9, so right on time.  For some reason Turquoise would not setting down, so the next town (Ilwaco) we stopped to let him out.

We head south over the Astoria - Megler Bridge and headed in land on US26.  I could not believe the amount of vehicles heading to the beach, almost a constant stream with very little breaks between the very large groups.

We stopped early so we could do some more water falls.  When we finally made it to the Silver Falls State Park, but when we tried the different parking lots, they were all full and we tried to circle some of them but nobody was leaving when we were passing through.  We were able to stop at an overlook and see one of the falls.

So we went exploring.  We headed to Detroit Lake.  We noticed that people were allowed to drive over the dam, so we drove about 7 miles up the road until it turned to gravel.  We found a couple of water falls.

We went back into town to have dinner and picked up our order of items from Walmart.

Back at the RV we put things away and I did laundry.

2020/06/26 - Friday - Vacation - Day 15 - Tire, Long Drive, and Family

We got moving about 8:50.  Our first stop was at Discount Tires to get the van tire replaced.  While we were there we also got all the tires air pressure checked.  The time at the place was only an hour so not bad.

Our next stop was for gas.

We went ahead and did drive to the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center.  The drive is very bouncy and one of the wheel straps on the van came off, so I had to redo that.  We ate lunch in the parking lot after we did our walk/hike.

Our next stop was for gas again.

The passenger front tire is very slowly loosing air and the Smarttire sensor is going off because of it.

We finally made a decision on where to stay for the night near Long Beach, WA.

We headed out for dinner and then finally went and visited family in the area.

2020/06/25 - Thursday - Vacation - Day 14 - Long Drive, Falls, Water, Beach, and T???

We got moving shortly after 9.

First stop was at Starbucks to get drinks and my food.

Next stop was gas for the Van

Now our long drive to the southwest corner of the park.  We stopped at Ruby Beach but it was overcast/foggy

We stopped at Quinault lodge for lunch. 

We backtracked a little bit and we walked a nature loop (the falls was not really viewable from the trail).  We drove all the way to the end of road stopping several times along the way to view water falls.

On the way back we crossed over and did the north side of the lake.

Now that we were heading back, the tire sensor light went off and I determined that it was the back driver tire was bad so I drove further to find a safer stop to change the tire.  Once changed, we drove to Ruby Beach and A and I went down to the beach and walked it.  The fog was still covering the area.

Next stop was dinner at a place in Forks.

We stopped again for gas.

Back at the RV, I loaded up the Van on the tow-dolly and took Turquoise for a long walk.

2020/06/24 - Wednesday - Vacation - Day 13 - Animals, Fort, & Fall

We finally got moving around 10.

Our first stop was at Starbucks to get our drinks and food items.

Next stop was at the Olympic Game Farm.  We got a loaf of bread and started the driving around the park.  I went through all the bread just with the yaks and bears, so we stopped at the entrance and got two more loafs. The Roosevelt elk, Sika deer and American bison got another loaf and then returned to the bears to feed them the last loaf of bread.

We got lunch in Sequim.

We explored Fort Flagler Historical State Park, brought back a lot of memories from about 40 years ago when I was there on a week long school trip.

Next stop was the Ludlow Falls.

Back at the RV to relax and have leftovers for dinner.

2020/06/23 - Tuesday - Vacation - Day 12 - Views, Drive, and Falls

I got up about 7:30, we finally got out of camp about 10.

1st stop was at Starbucks,  but the wrong one, so off to the one that we put our order to.

We stopped at the visitor center and was able to get our stamps for National Park Pass book and A was able to get her JR Range book and she also got the badge for it ahead of time. 

Next stop was at the very end of the road going to Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center.  We then stop at the center and did a little bit of shopping. 

I went ahead and drove the dirt road to Obstruction Point Trailhead.  That was an interesting road and views were cool!  Two different ranges were saying make sure we don't get a flat tire... we were good this time. 

On our way back down, we stopped at the park sign really quick and then headed to go get lunch.

Next stop was at Madison Falls, very short walk to it.

Next we drove to Sol Duc Trailhead, but we didn't do the walk/hike. We drove around the hot springs resort area and we stopped at Salmon Cascades area.

Heading back to the RV we determined we still had plenty of sun,  so we stopped and did the hike to Marymere Falls.  Most of the hike has a very slow rise, but the last section is interesting.   You have to cross a one log bridge,  then climb several steps to get to the first viewing area, then several more steps to the other viewing area and head back down to cross that one log bridge again.

On the way back to the RV the van needed more juice.

We ate leftover for dinner.  Turquoise is definitely feeling better, but not 100% yet.

I am doing laundry tonight and while I am waiting I decide I might as well do the blog....

2020/06/22 - Monday - Vacation - Day 11 - One the Move

We got moving a little later then normal.

We said our goodbyes and finally got on the road a little after 10. 

We took the Edmonds to Kingston ferry.

We made it to the KOA and they did have an open spot for us for the next 4 nights.  Unloaded the van and we headed out to do a little exploring for the day.

The tip of Washington is closed but we went about halfway to visit a co-op but it was disappointing, very small and it had a lot of commercial items we can find in other stores.

On the way back we stopped for dinner and a place that is far from any town.  It was very good and big portions.

Back at the RV we get things organized and ready for the next few days.

2020/06/21 - Sunday - Vacation - Day 10 - Family

We slept in today. L&G made breakfast, what a nice treat!

I kept L company for most of the day. While the ladies did relaxed and did a few things around the house. 

After dinner we played one round of 5 crowns. 

2020/06/20 - Saturday - Vacation - Day 09 - Dog - Family

The night was not good, Turquoise was having major issues during the night.

We went to Petco to get a few things to help with the issue.

After more concerns on what we were seeing, off to the vet.

After some test results,  it was determined that he has high white blood cell count.  We been given some antibiotics to give him....

Back at the house we enjoyed family time!  Dinner, talking, and a round of 5 Crowns with 11 of us playing - Fun times!

2020/06/19 - Friday - Vacation - Day 08 - Shopping

We slept in, nothing was really planned for today. 

We finally got moving,  headed towards L's business, but before getting there we stopped for lunch that Cheryl could get fried gluten free chicken. We had to order and eat in our car.

We did our shopping,  and stopped at a barbershop so I could get my hair cut.

We stopped at L's place and got the windshield wipers replaced on the van.

Back at the house, Cheryl started the laundry and than they started to work on dinner.

After dinner we played Five Crowns.

2020/06/18 - Thursday - Vacation - Day 07 - Falls

We went ahead and slept in.

Finally we got moving and our first stop was at a Starbucks to get our drinks.  Then we headed to Snoqualmie Falls.

We stopped for lunch in Fall City.

We then drove up US2 and stopped at several water features.

Back at the house enjoying talking.

2020/06/17 - Wednesday - Vacation - Day 06 - Drive and Family

We got going after A did her conference call.

Our next stop was for gas and lunch.  Trying to get in and out of the new station is not very easy.  And the truck parking is all back-in so I had to park in a location that really not a parking spot.

We pulled into the family location and got all setup for the next few days.

We stayed up to late playing the games...

2020/06/16 - Tuesday - Vacation - Day 05 - Wet and Water

We got moving a little head of time.  But as soon as we got moving the SmartTire system squawked at me saying a tire was low. So I finally found a spot to pull into and checked the tires.  What my gauge says and what the system says is off by 10 lbs.  So I guess I will have to deal with the alarm for now.  That only delayed us about 15 minutes.  So this does not count as a flat!!!

I missed a Pilot, so when we got to Redmond I pulled in to get gas.  And then pulled behind the location to have lunch.

We pulled into a very small campground in Grass Valley this was about halfway between last night stop and getting to L&G.

I did jump on to work and took care of a few things.

We did go for a drive and stopped at White River Falls State Park.  We continued on and headed toward the Columbia River.  We crossed it and headed east before crossing back over and stopping for dinner.

Back at the RV, I did more work and next thing it was time for bed.

2020/06/15 - Monday - Vacation - Day 04 - Snow

We left on our usual time of 9.  Our first stop was at a DMV, but they wanted me to wait in a long line just to use the kiosk, so I left and headed over to a different kiosk to get the necessary tags for the RV.

Next stop was at a Walmart at the next town up the road.  We then stopped at a Costco Gas to fill up the RV.

Once we reached I-5, the next rest area we stopped for lunch.

We stopped in Weed to get more gas for the RV.

Once we stopped for the night, we unload the van and headed further north to Crater Lake.  By the time we got to the top it was foggy and snow/ice was blowing around.  We could not see the lake and the East Rim Drive was also closed, so no going all the way around.  After taking several photo shots, we headed back to the south entrance area and had dinner.

Back to RV to relax and get ready for the next day of driving...

2020/06/14 - Sunday - Vaction - Day 03 - Steps Issue and Family

Got up shortly after 7 and we did the normal morning routine.  About the time to leave at 9 and the steps would not go back in.  I tried a few things but nothing was working to get the steps in.  So go find the owners manual in our big folder of RV stuff.  Found the manual and quickly looked at the instructions.  Instead of trying to go through each of the steps, I got some wire out and powered the motor to get it to move the steps up.  All of this took about 45 minutes.

Next stop was for gas and have lunch.  This flying J's did not like my card so I complained to the attendant that was out and about, but I will have to call the card company tomorrow (because they are closed on Sundays)

Next stop is for the night at E's place.  We had to trim some branches from the tree so they were not rubbing the RV.

Cheryl started a load of laundry.

I spent about an hour trying to find the problem with the steps. I finally found it, it was a wire that broke at a connector for the magnet that indicates when the door is shut or not.   And because I had thing out to help me find the issue, I went ahead an unloaded everything out of the front passenger storage area.  It needed some organization. By the time I finished putting things back, it was time to leave for dinner.

Dinner was at Cool Hand Luke's.

Back at E's place to relax.

2020/06/13 - Saturday - Vacation - Day 02 - Kings Canyon

We got up a little after 7.  We got things ready for the day and finally left shortly after 9.

First stop was to top of the tank for the van and then proceed over to Starbucks to get our breakfast and drinks.

About 5 minutes back on the road, I asked if we have the cameras, NOPE, so off at the next ramp and headed back to the RV to get them.  That only delayed us about a total of 25 minutes.

We finally made it to Kings Canyon National Park.

 - Big Stump - but we only pulled in to the parking lot and determine we did not want to walk to it.

 - General Grant Tree - we walked the loop and A took a lot of pictures

 - Panoramic Point - we walked out to the vista location and what a vista

 - McGee Overlook - seeing the old burn area down the valley

 - Junction View - looking down and seeing the Middle and South Forks of Kings River

 - (Before Kings Canyon Lodge) - stopped and take pictures of a water falls that some times the wind would not allow the water to reach the ground

 - Roaring River Falls - short hike to the falls and A took lots of photos

 - Drove around at Roads End Permit Station

 - On the way back, drove a dirt road

 - Grizzly Falls - very short hike to get close to the falls

 - Heading towards Sequoia, we drove as far as Kings Canyon Overlook before turning around.

 - Redwood Mountain Overlook

We made the decision not to do Sequoia National Park because it was already getting late, so we headed back to the RV.

After getting things taken care of at the RV (letting Turquoise out and feeding the animals) we headed out for dinner.

I loaded the van back onto the two dolly and we got a few things ready for tomorrow drive.

2020/06/12 - Friday - Vacation - Day 01 - Full, had to find a different location

We left the house shortly after 9 almost on time.  First stop was at a pet store to get some necessary can food for the dog and cats.

The next stop was at Camping World in Bakersfield to get Cheryl some new pots/pans that all stack neatly together and takes up less space and the cupboard will be neater.  While leaving the parking lot the new tow dolly made some clunking noises.

We stopped at the Flying J's outside of Bakersfield to get the necessary go go juice for the RV.  After filling up the RV, I pulled over in the parking area and had my fill for lunch.

The plan was to stop at the KOA in Visalia, but they could not accommodate use for two nights, so A.M. made several phone calls and finally found a place about an hour further up the 99.

We made it to the Arena RV Park and they only had accommodation in the overflow area (along side a building), but it does have full hoockups.

I have been noticing that the bathroom faucet would only trickle out the water, so I took the head off and cleaned the restricter and now it flow good.  While doing the cleaning, I did get A.M. good when the head was not on correctly and when I turned the water on it squirted hear.

I unloaded the van and we headed to a Black Bear Dinner that we have not eaten at before.  They had opened up inside seating and of course with social distancing.

Back at the RV, we organized the pot and pan cupboard and put the new set in and got ride of some of the old ones.

I did forget the power cord for my work computer, so A.M. is ordering it and it will be delivered to L.M. place so I can still do my necessary work.  So between now and getting to L.M., hopefully I can do what I need quickly without running out of power before getting there.

The train track are just across the street from the RV park and it sounds like they are going to go right trough us.

I noticed that there was water around the kitchen faucet, so I cleaned that up, but I wanted to make sure it was not a leak and sure enough it is, so now we have to stop and get a new RV faucet for the kitchen sink.

I was hoping that E.M. would join us for the weekend, but he decided not to drive down and join us.  We will see him on Sunday.