OH MY! THE PIE.......

OH MY!  THE PIE……    

Before the bake......"break"!

(June 2018)

Deerpark, Washington (a small town outside Spokane) was our next destination before heading to Idaho.   The RV  park was a delightful stay with an abundant vegetable garden and plenty of rhubarb for the guests to pick. 

RV park in Deerpark, Wa. 

We happily took them up on their offer as we had guests visiting (friends from Perry's hometown) and I wanted to attempt to make a rhubarb pie.  I've never been a huge fan but I did find a rhubarb/strawberry pie recipe that looked intriguing. Nita, although her occupation is a Nurse,  is very domestic (jams, crochet….you name it, she can do it).  Yes, I have to admit this "city" girl was trying to impress the "country" friends and I was proud of my efforts!  The nicely latticed pie (delicately placed in my Pyrex pie plate) carefully was placed in the RV oven,  leaving it to cook for 40 minutes.  Bubbling with strawberry goodness and smelling its' success, I removed it from the oven on top of the stove. Suddenly, I heard the pie plate shatter.  There went my pie! With everyone's urging I did salvage the top of it (avoiding any glass) and the four of us finished what was left that night with vanilla ice cream. For the next few days time was spent with Tom, Nita and Perry's other childhood friends.  We said our goodbyes (knowing we'd be seeing them at the end of June) but we were off to Hope, Idaho!

Early in 2016 while still in California, a restaurant server was interested in our travels and suggested we visit her birthplace of Hope, Idaho.  The lake, trees and small town environment was intriguing so we put it on the list of places to visit.  Hope was now on the "Edna n' Papi" agenda of the Pacific Northwest!

Facebook, Friends and First Boyfriend?!

It was an easy two and a half hour drive from Washington into Idaho.  As we approached the small town of Sandpoint,  I told Perry the name "Sandpoint" sounded familiar.  Scrolling through Facebook during our travels, I saw a childhood friend recently lost his wife to cancer.  He posted date, time and location of the services with the location being Sandpoint, Idaho!  We arrived a couple days after the service but I decided to reach out to "Scott" sending my condolences mentioning we were nearby  in the town of Hope.  It turned out where we were staying was a short twenty minute drive to Sandpoint.  Scott immediately responded saying he would love to get together with us and that "Dave" his lifetime friend (my first boyfriend) was staying with him.  This was going to be an interesting, fun visit seeing friends I had not seen in over thirty years.

HOPE, IDAHO 

Once again we were in another remote location but only a few steps from the most beautiful lake I've seen, Lake Pend Oreille (pronounced Pend or'ay).   Lake Pend Oreille is our nation's 38th largest lake and is 148 square miles.  

Lake Pend Oreille-The most beautiful lake

Our RV spot was surrounded by tall pine trees with only a few neighbors nearby.  Deer wandered through often as we were on a Deer Sanctuary. 

One of our neighbors

The replica of Statue of Liberty on the lake

Perry and I like to "hang" with the locals to learn about fun things to do in the area and granted there is NOT a lot to do in Hope with a population stretching to reach 100.   Needing to explore, we drove to Sandpoint to check out the cute town located on the other side of the lake.  We stopped at a small replica of the Statue of Liberty but the strong winds that day kept us from staying out too long. 

Tall wavy flags invited us to  "Amber Bear Inn" for a country meal and glass of wine.  We followed more flags showing the way but we were getting further away from any civilization. The deserted bumpy road was once again part of the "adventure" and that it was, because grazing on berries just off the road, was a black bear that scurried as we passed by.  After traveling along a dusty five mile bumpy road we came across the five-star Inn (more flags assuring we were at the right place) greeted by dogs, cats and peacocks. Bears are seen daily and thankfully the only bear we saw was from the truck.  The owners were transplants wanting to escape the city and decided to open the "Inn" which hosts retreats and campers, offering country style cooking.  Deciding to stop for a nice meal, we didn't realize it was close to closing only to learn we were actually in Montana….a different time zone!  It's fun to explore and this was a great stop!

Out in the country-at the Inn

Roaming in his own territory-at the Inn

The Amber Bear Inn

Childhood Friends and…..

"You Can Tell When There's Love in a Home"!

I was taken back in time in seeing childhood friends Scott and Dave.  Was it fate or chance that Perry and I happened to be within twenty minutes of Scott's home in Sandpoint, Idaho?  This dear friend sadly recently lost his wife to cancer.  Services had wrapped up and friends had gone back to their respectful homes except for Dave….my first boyfriend.  We reminisced and caught up on our lives from the past several decades while Scott gave us a tour of his lovely home on several acres of beautiful Idaho property.  Room to room he shared happy stories and pictures of the life he shared with his college sweetheart and their son.  They shared the love of theater and music with love of their relationship felt in every room.  The musical "Li'l Abner" has a sweet song titled "Love in a Home" the final line…"you can tell when there's love in a home".  No doubt it was felt here and the few hours spent with Scott and Dave will never be forgotten. 

Childhood friends reunited! Silly as always!

We were enjoying our week in Hope and the last couple of days were visiting Schweitzer mountain, a popular ski area outside Sandpoint.  We hiked parts of Kootenai Falls Park which lead to a  swinging suspension bridge over the Kootenai River.  It was windy that day so we opted out of crossing the bridge not only for our sake, but for Gracie's.  She doesn't like any bridges let alone one that swings!  The falls were stunning and we were glad to have made the extra day trip to Libby, Montana. Other interesting facts were the movie "The River Wild" was filmed here and the Kootenai Indians at one time populated the area considering it sacred ground. 

A view from popular Schweitzer Mountain

The swinging bridge over Kootenai Falls

Kootenai Falls

In all our travels, the week spent in Hope has to be one of the more beautiful and memorable weeks.  Trees, mountains, Lake Pend Oreille, hikes, friends…….the epitome of what this trip is about!

Next-

More friends and fun in the Pacific Northwest. One tire down, seven to go……..three hours stranded on the freeway!

BEAUTIFUL OUTDOORS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST and....Brandon!

I hate good-bye's especially when it's my family.  David and Kaylyn returned to southern California following Brandon's graduation and it would be months before we'd all be together again. 

I DO marvel at the beauty of our country and as we approached the snow capped Mount Shasta, I was looking forward to spending time in the Pacific Northwest.  Little did I know just how much time we would spend here. 

Beautiful Mount Shasta

Our first stop for a week was a VERY small town called Chiloquin and our RV spot was on the Chiloquin river.  We watched the excited men (and some women) fly fishing in one of Oregon's prime fly fishing spots while anticipating our newly graduated sons arrival from Northern California.  The weather was perfect in May and the twilight hours opened up its' heavenly skies to BATS!  I was NOT prepared to see these creatures swooping through our nice spot diving close to our heads.   The pre-Halloween show lasted minutes as the full moon rose and the sky slowly grew dark.  The campfires were glowing around us. 

Our spot on the Chiloquin River

Beautiful Oregon!

Brandon arrived and the next morning the three of us traveled further north for a week in La Pine State Park.  Our objective to being here was for Brandon to apply for finance jobs and to see if we enjoyed the growing area of Bend, hearing from several sources that it's a great place to live. 

Still in the College mode

BEND /LA PINE STATE PARK (Play before Work)!

Visiting this beautiful state should not be spent indoors (if the weather cooperates).  The first day we toured the countryside stopping first at Mount Bachelor.  Being June, the ski season was over with only a small amount of snow remaining.  That didn't stop some die-hard skiers from hiking to the top and skiing down and us delighting in a snowball fight.  It was the two skiers and the three of us on this side of Mount Bachelor and we watched the guys descend down the mountain.

Colorful "Devil's Lake"

Mount Bachelor-June 1st

Continuing our drive along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway,  we took in the beauty of the Three Sisters (volcano peaks) later stopping at some silt blue lakes (Lava Lake and Devil's Lake), enjoying a picnic lunch at Lava Lake.   The color of the lakes and rivers were every shade of beautiful blue changed by silt and depth. 

"Lava Lake" It's easy to love this place!

Perry and Brandon spent another day with a guide who taught them to fly fish.  They both caught fish but released them due to their size .  Nonetheless, a great memory for Dad and his son!  

Add caption

Another nature-filled day enjoying the Wizard Fish Hatchery with hiking along the Metolius River.  It was a spring like June Day with perfect temperatures, flowers in full bloom and butterflies along the river.  I was in a good place, with all the right external conditions and having our youngest son with us on our adventures.   Returning to the State Park, we stopped at a burnt area of Idanha (a part of the Pacific Crest Trail) with amazing views of the volcanos.  Many trails were destroyed by a fire from years ago but in a few years this area will be beautiful once again from regrowth.  After a long day of driving and hiking, a cold beer was enjoyed at one of many breweries in Bend.

BEND

With Brandon's resumes in hand and dressed professionally,  the three of us headed towards Bend, Oregon. 

The Business Man

  I got my hair done while Brandon visited various financial offices dropping off resumes.  We enjoyed lunch at the Café Yumm and drove around the fast growing area.  Albeit  surrounded by volcanoes, there were still awe-inspiring views of beautiful trees, mountains and rivers.  Could I find myself settling down here?  There are a lot of factors to consider in my life, and Bend offers a few of the many on my list. 

While in Bend, we met with my best friend's son who was visiting in the area.

Our last day was spent exploring the surrounding area of La Pine State Park.   Newberry volcano, the "Big Obsidian Overflow" and the magnificent Paulina Falls, all in the Deschutes National Forest.  The obsidian lava overflow is over 1300 years old.  We climbed to the top of the volcano over the pumice and obsidian (black glass) that offered a breathtaking view. 

The days of exploring central Oregon with our wonderful son was coming to an end. As much as we hated to part ways, he was about to go into the "adult" world of apartment and job hunting.  I will miss his exuberant, energetic and youthful zest for wanting to explore the lakes, rivers and waterfalls (I wouldn't let him climb the protective barrier fence to take pictures of Paulina Falls)!  

Paulina Falls

Next we were heading to Washington States' North Cascade Mountain Range before meeting friends in Deerpark, Washington. 

NACHES, YAKIMA and MOUNT RANIER

A near five hour drive to our next destination went from tall pine trees in Oregon to dry but mountainous areas of Washington.  Heading west towards Naches, WA (a short distance from Yakima), we continued to climb in elevation along the Naches River losing all phone service.  I never like being at an RV park where there is no service, however the tall trees and rushing river made it forgivable.  The nearest service was up the road at a local bar and we could only communicate via wi-fi.  Calls were made to our kids letting them know we arrived followed by planning for the upcoming week.  

A remote spot along the NachesRiver

We heard the Chinook Pass (the closest and easiest route) to Mount Ranier was recently opened knowing the hour and a half drive would be worth it. 

Years ago (In our much younger years) , Perry had a strong desire to climb Mount Ranier.  As a family (along with my Mom and Dad) we made the trip to  Ranier staying at the Paradise Inn.  Perry would make it to the summit! He trained for this moment for several months and this monumental feat made us all proud knowing he successfully climbed the 14,400 ft. mountain with no injuries!

The drive along the Chinook Pass was almost ghost-like as we were the only ones on the road for miles.  The roads were good but as we continued to climb the snow along the side of the road was well over 10 feet high.   We continued along the Chinook Pass still not seeing other cars, but the scenery (once we were through the dense clouds) was stunning.  Waterfalls, (post spring) were full, abundant and flowing furiously.   Driving alone on the highway through dense fog, we nervously continued our drive in the Mount Ranier National Forest stopping at the base of Mount Ranier called Mirror Lake.  Snow and ice surrounded the lake but when the sun broke  through the clouds, the reflection of the mountains made you understand how it got its' name.  It was a cold cloudy day and the visibility of the entire mountain was non-existent.  We reminisced at the Timberline Lodge and if you looked closely enough, climbers were spotted on the mountain.  Stopping at viewpoints on our way back gave us a much better view of the spectacular mountain. 

June 7th, roads clear, 10ft of snow

Stunning Mount Ranier

Mirror Lake

Exploring the area the next day (not far from where we stayed) took us to Yakima for fresh fruit, wine/beer tasting and grocery shopping.  Yakima is a large agricultural area with one of the largest hop growing areas in the nation.   From where we were parked for the week, we could drive thirty minutes into thick trees, waterfalls and yes….bears,  and another thirty minutes east taking us to a much drier climate in Yakima.  The change in scenery within a short distance amazed me.

A short drive west took us to Little Naches (a densely forested area) to do some hiking.  Not long into our hike we noticed fresh bear droppings on the trail.  Needless to say, it was a very short hike!  NO THANKS!      

Hike in Little Naches (one BIG tree!) 

Hops for beer in Yakima

Despite not having service of any kind and getting in touch with nature, it was time to move on from this beautiful spot towards Deerpark, Washington, a small town outside Spokane.  We were to be here for a week stay visiting friends before heading to Idaho.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES….The West Coast Loop!

I haven't written in awhile of our country-wide journey but I will do my best to quickly catch up!

OUR ADVENTURES CONTINUING MAY 2018!

My wish was to be back in Southern California for birthdays and holidays before heading to Chico for Brandon's college graduation in May.  Birthdays are important in our family celebrating mine in March, Kaylyn's in April and David's 30th birthday in May.   

Cabo San Jose

My sister and brother-in-law (Jean and Jeff),  invited us to join them in Cabo San Jose for four days.   Having never been to Cabo, we got to experience a more resort type vacation and spending time with my sister, made it perfect. I have to admit being able to spread out in a comfortable condo was a nice break from our little home on wheels. We enjoyed relaxing by the pool with a view of the Pacific ocean,  made new friends from New Zealand, and got to experience the local culture. 

Perry and Jeff  got in a game of golf while Jean and I indulged in massages……I could get used to this!  After a few afternoon cocktails, we convinced our husbands to get fish pedicures.   Jeannie and I were entertained watching our husbands get their toes nibbled on by hundreds of small fish. 

Hmmm. looks of enjoyment, confusion?

That evening we enjoyed dinner celebrating Jeff's birthday at a restaurant that was an incredible dining experience.  The cab driver knew the back roads to "Flora's Field Kitchen"  quite well and I have to admit I was a bit nervous riding in the cab.  We sped up a dirt, bumpy road for a half mile taking us to the resort type restaurant.  Walking past many boutique shops, Jeannie and I knew we had to stop and window shop after dinner.  The restaurant was lit up by hundreds of outdoor lights and our table for six awaited us.  The gourmet meals were farm to table that not only tasted fresh but were well presented.  It was a great overall dining experience for all of us including our new friends from New Zealand.      

Birthday Dinner at Flora's Kitchen

Enjoying our New Zealand Friends

DAISY!

In 2012 with my Mom passing away in San Diego, Kaylyn sadly returned to college in Oregon. Leaving family and missing her Nana, I encouraged her to find an animal to love.  She did just that in finding a Walker Coonhound named Daisy.  She adopted Daisy from a young family that could no longer care for her and Kaylyn provided her with love and attention that she deserved.  As Kaylyn moved forward with college and travel plans,  Daisy would remain with Perry and I.  Not one day did we look back and think this sweet natured dog would ever leave us.  She had personality galore and was quite the "snuggler".  She loved all of us and had an abundant amount of energy until being diagnosed with lymphoma in early 2018.  We hoped her swollen lymph nodes were an infection but sadly the Veterinarian gave her two months.  As she slowed down during this time, Perry and I continued to make her as comfortable and happy as possible with daily doses of medicine and as many hikes as she would handle.   The quick, daily downhill spiral of sweet Daisy was difficult and the final day of her life was thankfully spent back home with Kaylyn and David where they could say their good-byes. We had many good years together especially the year and a half of traveling around the U.S.   Everywhere we went, she sparked conversation and getting plenty of attention. Throughout our journey people instantly took to Daisy by her sweet disposition,  entertaining them with her "bay"  (a type of howl) and happy "thwapping" tail. 

 

Our travels are different now with just the three of us (Perry, myself and Gracie) but sweet Daisy will remain forever in our hearts.

Chico

Leaving our beach spot at NAS Point Mugu, we headed to Chico for Brandon's graduation.  Anxious and excited for our youngest to graduate, there was a certain amount of relief knowing all three kids were done with college.  Throwing a party for Brandon and his (also graduating) roomie Tim,  there was a non-stop busy pace with party preparations.  There is no proper description (e.g. adjectives) for your typical college boys house with Brandon and his roommates falling into this category.  I would have said it should have been condemned by the Health Department,  but that would have been unfair to Brandon since he refused to cook in the food/scum caked stove, refrigerator and microwave (yes, this meant many meals out $).  This is (as I've been told) part of the whole college experience! 

Needless to say, we were very proud of Brandon for graduating within four years with a degree in Finance. We were also excited to spend time with him outside Bend, Oregon for a whole week!  Graduation festivities were wrapped up at lunch as David and Kaylyn prepared to drive back to Southern California, Perry and  I continuing our adventures north to Oregon.

"Welcome Back", "Over The River and through the Woods", The Bear Scare Spare and....Brandon!

"Welcome Back"!

October 20-30, 2017

We took in as much as we could of beautiful Oregon during our last week here,  but I couldn't be more excited to arrive in my home state of California.  It was raining the day we left and traveling on a two lane highway proved a little challenging with the rain but the scenery was breathtaking!  I knew I had to take in as much as I could of the beautiful contrast of colors.  Taking a picture of the "Welcome to California" sign came out blurry as the rain continued to pound.   I loved the irony after being away for over a year!

Our drive towards California

            

Lovin' the trees!

Our "welcome to California" sign
obscured by rain

The rain was subsiding and before long,  we were driving through the Redwoods with an opening revealing the Pacific Ocean.  Listening to Sirius radio of the 70's, not long after crossing the California border did it play "Welcome Back" from the TV show "Welcome Back Kotter"....I felt at home!

Arriving at Azalea Glen RV park (in the Redwoods) was an easy pull through site where we were given maps, a list of "things to do" and the name of someone to watch the dogs!  We're going to like this place!

Trinity was the closest town with a population of just over 300 and with not much to choose from for our travel dinner, we opted to eat in and rest up for the next adventures of the Redwoods National Forest.  The next day driving into town we spotted wild elk on one side and the spectacular ocean on the other.    

The RV park is close to the Redwood National Forest so our first stop was the  Lady Bird Johnson Memorial.  Unfortunately dogs weren't allowed on trails so our short tour of the Redwoods was by car only.  Not being able to take the dogs on hikes we found all the beaches to be dog friendly.   From the recent storm the waves were a little rough but Gracie and Daisy chased after balls with an occasional dip in the ocean.  We drove to the town of Trinity and let them play at Trinity Bay, enjoying a short hike after (dogs were welcome).

Trinity Bay

Katy's Smokehouse

In town, we stopped at Katy's Smokehouse hoping to buy fresh seafood.   We purchased smoked salmon and scallops while getting an education from the owner on canned tuna. " Most store bought tuna has soy and phosphates", he said. We found this to be true back on the back of a label from a can on hand.  I'm glad we purchased the three, $7/can pure albacore!

"Fred" was the name given to us to watch the dogs.  The older gentleman stopped by to meet Gracie and Daisy.  Once again, our dogs could stay in the comfort of their "own home" while Perry and I enjoyed a dog free day of exploring the Redwoods.

Our first stop was back to the Lady Byrd Johnson Memorial, with a hike that was scenic and an easy mile and half stroll through the amazing ancient tall trees.  I have to say a time or two I worried about bears as their weren't many people on the trail, but at the halfway point was the beautiful memorial, a place Lady Byrd visited in the 1960's.   I thought to myself "if Lady Byrd Johnson can do this, so can I!" 

Hiking through Lady Byrd Memorial Redwoods

We continued to hike the thick forest while marveling at the size of the Redwoods.  Wanting to stop for lunch, their weren't many options but to drive north towards the town of Klamath.  There was a "shack" of a restaurant (no thanks) so we opted to eat at the Indian Casino.  The food was basic but good as we re-energized for the next hike. 

Our next hike was stopping at the "Big Tree" and according to a map this should be an easy three miles.  Not too strenuous, we took our time looking up at the 200' (plus), ancient trees.  They had burls on the trunks that would create a new redwood with some looking like an arm erupting from the massive trunk.  This beautiful forest is constantly regenerating itself, full of ferns and wildlife!  Near the end of our three mile hike, the trail marker pointed to the ranger station one way or the nature trail the other way.  With no information given on distance of the nature trail, we opted to head in that direction thinking it was a short loop.  Boy were we wrong!  The hike took us uphill and down and soon my knees were feeling it!  We continued with no one in sight except a deer peeking around a tree to check us out.  By this time, it's getting late in the afternoon and in a large forest it gets dark quickly.   The trail ran out and we found ourselves at a creek with no bridge.  Great, a running creek, dark forest and sore knees…..I was ready to get back.  Perry suggested we cross the rocky creek which I wasn't about to do, not trusting my ability to be sure footed in the water.  We made the decision to hike back with  occasional rests along the way.  I later read of the common knee malady while hiking recommending walking sticks and knee braces.   If we continue to hike (most likely we will),  I'll be investing in a hiking stick!

A panoramic picture of the 286' Redwood

Someone has a very good sense of humor!

Checking us out on the nature trail

We made it back to the truck and driving out of the Redwoods to the RV park, several cars were stopped along the road.  There were at least 6-8 bulls (elk) grazing and we joined the others in taking pictures while ignoring "warning" signs of wild elk.  The elk started moving towards us crossing over the fence and we knew it was time to quickly get back to the truck and move on.  It was worth the stop to see the beautiful creatures up close. 

Nature at its' best!

There were "warning" signs but we had to get our pictures.
Time to  hurry and move on......

The warm days, chilly sea breeze nights made me feel happy to be back in California but even happier to work our way down to Chico to spend time with Brandon. 

While driving towards Chico, Perry said he had a confession to make. (I was curious because he never says anything like that!)  He informed me while checking into the RV park, the woman at the desk said a bear was spotted in the park!  Really?  He spared me of my "bear phobia" worries for a week.  What a guy!

Chico……here we come!!!

This marks a full circle for Perry and I on our year long trip around the U.S.

Chico and Brandon!

We arrived at the same RV park as one year ago and with Brandon now a senior,  our next trip to Chico will be in May 2018 for his graduation. 

One half hour after unhitching, there was a knock on the door and there was our wonderful son to greet us before work.  He works at a Tap Room one block from the RV park and a visit was in order for that evening.  We enjoyed seeing him in action interacting with customers and coworkers while enjoying appetizers and cold beer.  It was Halloween weekend and Brandon told us of a party he and his "roomies" were having at their house,  though he was working that night.   It was gratifying making meals for Brandon's freezer and cookies for the roomies!  We were curious to see where Brandon lived with his three roommates and offered to help with his laundry and cleaning his room (okay…we wanted to help our busy college son).  What were we thinking? We should have waited to go to the house (not the day after a party), but we dug in with mops, rags and gloves! Wow…….what a mess!!  Laundry done, food made, room clean…..doing what any visiting college parent would (or wouldn't?) do! 

Tap service with a smile!

Lunch with good friends

Brandon's good friend Jack now attends Chico State and his parents 
were visiting as well.  We couldn't have enjoyed our visit more with our Oak Park friends. 

Enjoying our visit with our son...not quite long enough!

Before leaving Chico,  we took Brandon to church at a Monastery/winery that we enjoyed a year ago!  Perry and I reminisced how one year ago we sat at the Monastery grounds admiring the beautiful walnut trees and here we were again with our son!   Life is good!!  Brandon met us early the next morning for a bite of breakfast before we parted ways.  It's never easy saying goodbye to our kids, but in three weeks we would see all of them for Thanksgiving.  Really? Already?  Where has 2017 gone?

This has been the most  amazing adventure and my next blog will be observations and thoughts to a trip of a lifetime!