A 4 day trip to Sol Duc

A short trip to a favorite spot (Howie days 88-91)


September 10-13

Judy has been having back trouble the last month so when her sister suggested going to the Sol Duc hot springs we jumped at the chance. Harris had been having withdrawal spasms from not being in Howie for almost a couple of months so this was a good reason (probably any reason would have been a good reason) to get out on the road. We headed out around our usual time (10 AM) and instead of taking the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston, we drove around through Seattle, Tacoma, and up the other side of the peninsula. Traffic was light and it felt good to be in Howie again. Harris drove with a big smile, he just couldn’t help it, he was happy to be on the go again! We arrived in the afternoon just about “Happy Hour” time. Marilynn and Gene had already been in the hot springs so we arranged the chairs and caught up. Gene figured out the electrical problem with his trailer was a bad battery and we all shared what’s been going on with our kids’ lives. The ground was still very wet from the heavy rainfall the previous week. Lucky for us the weather was clear and warm (shorts weather for the most part) so we wouldn’t have a need for the raingear. Since Sol Duc is in a valley between two large mountains, we lose the sunlight early and have a later sunrise than in Lake Stevens. (It was hot in Lake Stevens when we left, and we didn’t pack all the warm clothes we should have….it’s easy to forget that in the rain forest, even the nicest days can be chilly.)

Our campsites in the trees

Harris did some hiking with Marilyn and Gene. Judy rested her back and took short walks around the campsites. We lazed around in the hot pools. We played cards. (Marilyn won.) We read our books and sat by the campfire. Because we camped with Marilyn, the dinners were sublime. Sunday and heading home came all too soon.

Catching up




Gene walking the dogs



On the way back, Harris did a little geocaching in Port Angeles. The first two were easily found, and the last two stumped us, so we have to go back and search some more. (any excuse, right?) Short trips are good…and probably all that are left to us this fall. Harris is already looking forward to March and spring training in Arizona!


Finding a geocache in Port Angeles

Escape from Seattle's Roast Days

Escape from Seattle (Howie days 85-87)
Wednesday July29th
First, a little background on the cause of our latest adventure. Last Sunday Judy was looking at the news reports predicting that Seattle was going to experience record breaking temperatures exceeding 100 degrees for several days and decided that it was time to take a road trip to the coast. She figured that the coast was the only place to escape the heat. We headed out on Tuesday around noon. As we traveled southwest toward Long Beach, the temps rising to the mid 90’s, Harris flashed on an episode of the Twilight Zone where the earth was forced out of its regular orbit around the sun and everyplace on earth was heating up to the boiling point ( the episode ends with a woman waking up from her feverish dream and figuring out the world is really freezing because of the meteor knocking the earth of its course). We took pity on our daughter having to stay in Seattle and on our way we dropped off an extra fan at Tasha’s place.
The temps were still rising, all the way to 100 degrees on our dashboard thermometer, until we got to Aberdeen. Then they slowly began to fall. By the time we reached Long Beach, the temp was a very comfortable 76.


First Day's sunny beach weather




Long Beach claims to have the longest beach anywhere…about 25 miles of sand and surf. There is a great state park at the south end of the peninsula, which was already full. We drove through the little tourist town of Long Beach to find our RV park….prettier than most we passed, but still an RV park.
Wednesday, the mist and clouds rolled in. Who ever thought we’d be grateful for falling temps? We drove to the north end of the peninsula, where there is another park, although this one is very small and basically a place for trails to start. Along the way, Harris decided to stop for “just one cache, it’s right here”. Before we made it back to our park, he’d found nine! Judy spent an hour cruising the shops, and Harris parked and listened to the Mariners game while sipping on a rum and coke (The M’s won 3-2). We did some easy walking on the boardwalk that parallels the beach, with informative placards every once in a while. We found a good bakery and bought our dessert to take back to camp with us.


Long Beach's claim to fame




Thursday we thought the clouds would be gone, but nope….the mist continues. Again, we’re not griping! We’re thankful for the cool weather, as we know Seattle is still baking. We did a quick survey of the Cranberry Museum, but since Judy’s back was hurting, we didn’t linger. Judy decided to just lay low for the afternoon inside Howie, and Harris went geocaching on his bike. He’s rigged up a holder for his GPS on the handlebars, and found a great bike path along the beach. He logged 4 more geocaches before zipping back to camp. We went into town for a Mexican dinner, and visited the bakery again for dessert. We saw that the forecast for Seattle is in the mid 80’s so Friday morning we’re heading back…
The Mariners were stomped by Texas 7-1.


One of the more complicated cache holders...all this goes in the grey pipe





Harris biking/geocaching at Clarke's memorial tree

Last Day at Yellowstone (Howie day 85)

Harris is sitting in his red chair having finished his second rum and coke. The Mariners vs Indians bb game is on (top of the second with no score as Guiteras leaps up at the wall to make a spectacular catch to end the inning) as he takes his turn at updating the blog. Marilyn (the birthday girl), Jean, Jeff, and Mary were up at 5 to have breakfast out before a 2 hour horseback ride near Canyon. Harris and Judy slept in until 8:30. Breakfast consisted of the remaining 2 eggs, half a package of bacon (2 slices for Judy and the rest for Harris), and three slices of toast (all that was left). We have become used to using the generator in the morning to spoil ourselves with toast.

Today we decided to take an easy 6 mile hike between West Thumb and Old Faithfull called De Lacey Creek Trail. It is best to describe the hike as a blood battle. A battle between the mosquitoes and us. They lulled us into their trap by hardly bothering us as we left the road and descended into the forest. About 2 miles into the walk they made their move. Judy who had sprayed liberally with bug spray merely had dive bombers who distracted her as she swatted her hands around her body. Harris who as usual rejected the proffered bug spray can regretted his decision as he became bug meat as he danced his way down the path. The mosquitoes won as we turned back just shy of seeing the lake at the end. We were content to see meadows, shaded woods, and a meandering creek which needless to say supplied a never ending air force of mosquitoes ready to give their lives to drain quarts of Thomas blood for some undisclosed purpose.
Btw, the Mariners won today!


Our hike to Mystic Falls



Marilyn and Jean on the hike to Mystic Falls



Jeff and Mary on the hike



All of us on the hike

Friday at Yellowstone

Yellowstone's Grand Canyon



The pelicans were huge!



Today we drove to the Canyon area and hiked along the South Rim trail to Artist’s Point and back. We were going to take the Uncle Tom hike down to the bottom of the canyon, but it was closed (perhaps a blessing since it’s a stairway down 400’). The area is called the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone for a reason. There are 2 beautiful falls, and high walls full of colorful minerals. It was another gorgeous day. Except for those first couple of thunder showers, we’ve had clear, sunny and downright hot weather. Temps have been in the 70-80 range during the day and 35-50 during the nights. We also stopped at the LeHardy Rapids, and saw several fish in the water trying to make their way up the rapids to spawn. Gene took some great pictures of the pelicans waiting to do their fishing. We played cards in the afternoon, and Marilyn cooked a roast in her oven for dinner. We enjoyed a hot fire until dark, and then retired. We were taking our showers inside Howie, when Harris discovered we were running out of water entirely. So, we drove down to the dump station to get more water at 10:30 PM. We didn’t want the pump to burn out and we wanted water for morning. Surprisingly, we had to wait in line! There were 3 other RV’s waiting to dump. But we got some water, returned to our site, finished our showers and hit the sack.
PS. The Mariners won

Yellowstone River waterfall



Us at Artist Point

Wednesday and Thursday at Yellowstone

Marilyn, Jean, Mary, and Jeff looking for wildlife in the truck



We split up today. Marilyn, Gene, Jeff and Mary hiked Elephant Back Mountain, which we declined to do again so soon. Judy and Harris hiked the Storm Point 2.3 mile trail that started at Indian Pond, not far from Fishing Bridge. It was an easy, scenic hike that started in the meadows, moved through forests and ended on the shore of Yellowstone Lake. There were areas of deep sand, like you’d find at an ocean beach. There were huge boulders to clamber on. There were areas that smelled like sulphur although we didn’t see any active hot springs. We saw marmots among the rocks and enjoyed their scurrying antics. We stopped at Fishing Bridge on the way back to claim another geocache and watch the pelicans swimming and fishing.
Marilyn cooked a wonderful salmon dinner for us this night, with blueberry cobbler for dessert…gourmet camping at its best.

One of several waterfalls we saw or hiked to




Neat bridge hugging the side of a mountain




Thursday
Another drive day. We explored the geyser basin areas between Old Faithful and Norris. Black Sand Basin, Biscuit Basin, Fountain Paint Pot, and the Firehole Lake Drive were on the agenda. Beautiful deep hot pools, full of blues and greens and browns. We hiked to Mystic Falls from Biscuit Basin, which was a great falls to visit. While on the Firehole Lake Drive, we sat at the Great Fountain Geyser for almost an hour, waiting for it to erupt. People all around us said it was due any minute. Alas, our patience this time ran out, and we left without seeing anything but bubbles and steam. The White Dome Geyser erupted twice during this time, and we got some pictures the second time because we just happened to be driving by it when it spouted. Marilyn and Gene were in Jeff and Mary’s car, and they went back to camp the long way around through Norris and Canyon Village, but we went back the way we came to get another geocache. Harris took some leftover pasta from last night, added Mary and Jeff’s packaged pasta,our Costco chicken and made a marvelous meal for us all which also included salad with all remaining fixin’s, left over artisan bread from last night, and Lemon custard ice cream and cookies!
Dang…The Mariners lost.

Part of the Grand Loop road in Yellowstone



Some roadside geysers

Tuesday at Yellowstone

Buffalo we saw on the way to a hike



Today we drove to Mammoth Hot Springs to explore that area and walk around it a bit. The drive to the area took us through the areas full of buffalo. Even when we’re seeing the hundredth one, it’s still a thrill to see them up close and personal. Some are so majestic and totally unconcerned with the hoards snapping the pictures. Some have this look in their eye…come any closer and we’ll see who really owns this park!

A close up of a hot spring



Another of the many hot springs we saw



Us at the bottom of the Mammouth Hot Springs



One of many erie looking views




Harris cooked marinated chicken thighs with a honey mustard glaze over the fire for dinner. He was happy since he was able to cook it over a wood fire and not burn the skin to crisp. It was too cold to sit around after dinner and play cards, although we did enjoy the fire for a while before turning in.

Monday at Yellowstone

Today we hiked to Lone Star Geyser, visited Old Faithful and did some virtual geocaches. Lone Star Geyser was an easy hike. The geyser is sitting all by itself at the end of the trail, smoking away. It spouts a geyser about 45 feet high approximately every 3 hours, give or take 15 minutes. We saw it a few years ago when we were here, and we were lucky again. We ate our lunch, trained our cameras, and waited. Our patience was rewarded with the whoosh of hot water shooting up into the blue sky. It’s not as high as Old Faithful, but far less crowded! There were perhaps 10 other people there when we arrived, and they didn’t all wait for the show.


Us and Jeff and Mary at Lonestar Geyser



The tallest geyser cone at the park is Lonestar



When we drove on to Old Faithful, we encountered the masses….and again, didn’t have to wait long for the spectacular show. Harris and Jeff hiked around the back of Old Faithful on trails that lead to other geysers and hot springs to do a couple of virtual geocaches. Then, back in the car for the long drive back to camp. This park is huge and it takes some traveling time to get from site to site!

Cool looking Treehouse decor inside Old Faithfull Inn



The tradional Yellowstone tourist pic!

Sunday at Yellowstone

Candy and Rick left Sunday morning, and Marilyn, Gene, Jeff and Mary arrived. Harris had been patiently asking at the check in place every day if something would open up for Marilyn and Gene, and his persistence paid off. They are in our loop, a few campsites away from us, but at least we’re all set for the week. Jeff and Mary parked next to us and set up their tent….which made us appreciate our Howie all the more. The weather has been gorgeous, sunny and downright hot until late Sunday afternoon. Marilyn, Gene, Harris and Judy went for a short hike to Natural Bridge, and the clouds rolled in just as we returned. Thunder cracked and the rain started coming down. We do have a netted shelter over the table, courtesy of Mary. We’ll see how long we can stand to be out there…we’ve become so spoiled!

Mary and Jeff trying to remember how it all goes together



Looks good!



The sun came out again in time for dinner. Mary and Jeff brought beef fondue for everyone…wow! What a meal for campers! We played hearts after dinner with a double deck, which makes it just about impossible to shoot the moon. Sometime in the middle of the night we were awakened with a booming thunder and lightning storm, and the rain poured down. We saw lots of people this morning packing up their wet tents. We don’t miss those days one little bit! We put in our time, paid our dues, and we deserve our comfort in our old age, right?

Us at the top of the Natural Arch



Us at the bottom of Natural Arch



The Marina just below our campground

At Yellowstone

July 12, 2009

Our lunch spot toward Candy and Rick's house...beats McDonald's!




We left Candy and Rick’s place in Hamilton, MT at 7 AM. Rick had told us it would be about 4 hours to Yellowstone. Ha! We now know that there is Pacific, Mountain, Central, Eastern and Rick Time. It took us all day…but what a beautiful day it was. We first drove down the Bitterroot Valley, then up over the mountains via Lost Trail Pass and Chief Joseph Pass. Incredible views. As we descended on Highway 43 into the Big Hole, we drove into a complete fog bank. We stopped for breakfast at a café, and Rick and Candy told us the fog was preventing us from seeing the Big Hole’s beauty. But as we left the café, the fog began to lift and we saw some of this huge valley surrounded on all sides by mountains. The landscape was dotted with ranches, cattle and houses that were few- and- far- between. We traveled on to I-15, then joined I-90 in Butte. At Livingston, we turned south on highway 89 to the north west entrance to Yellowstone. Some construction slowed us a bit (adding to the Rick time), but we finally entered the park about 4. Then the fun of finding a spot began. At the entrance, several campsites were listed as open, but as we got to each one, the signs said “full”.


A fisherman on Lolo Pass river



Finally Candy had the bright idea of calling the reservation number, instead of driving to each camping area. Her cell phone also got coverage here, ours didn’t. :< We were told the only places still available were at Bridges Bay, so off we went. We did get 2 sites there, but what sites. The A,B,and C loops are all in a meadow, wall to wall campers, tents, what have yous. There was a very narrow road between campers, and we felt like we were sleeping on the road. But, beggars can’t be choosers, so we set up and ate a quick dinner. Harris and Rick went off in Rick’s van to get propane, and Candy and Judy sat talking inside Howie. As the sun went down, a buffalo wandered through the very crowded campsites. He was supremely unconcerned with all the people, eating grass and getting his photo snapped every few minutes. He came back again the next morning.

Eating ice cream after arriving at Yellowstone



We did some exploring, and asked at the check in place if we could be moved to G or H loop, further off the road and in the trees. Luckily, we were able to be moved for the second night to a very nice, quiet spot. We set up our house in the new spot, then drove Candy and Rick’s van (Goldie) to go for a hike up Elephant Back Mountain. It’s a “moderately strenuous” hike according to the guide. 3.6 miles, 800 foot elevation gain, and the view at the top is stunning. “A sweeping panoramic view of Yellowstone Lake and the surrounding area.” Candy and Rick had no trouble with the steepest parts, and at first were polite enough to wait for us. We convinced them to just go at their own (fast) pace, and Judy huffed and puffed her slow way to the top, with Harris staying right behind her to encourage her at every turn. We ate our lunches at the top, then continued the loop down back to the car. After dinner we played cards, and again, Rick seems to have all the luck. (or strategy, or something?)


The only positive of where we camped on our first night at Yellowstone




Rick, Candy, and us at the top of Elephant Back mountain

Yellowstone Trip

July 8, 2009 day 75

Outta the gray and into the blue!

Gray skies over Seattle


We’re on the road again and Harris is oh so happy! We left the house around 11 which is pretty typical for us. As we headed out of Seattle over Snoqualmie Pass we kept telling ourselves that pretty soon we’ll be able to leave the cool gray weather behind us. You’d think that after a glorious 30+ days of no rain and 70+ degree days we wouldn’t mind a few cloudy days, but we’ve become spoiled. As we headed over the pass and saw our first light blue sky we chortled and pointed.

Judy at rest stop with less gray skies!



Western-like cliffs along hwy 261



Our spirits rose yet some more as we listened to the Mariners game as we cruised eastward toward the heat. The Mariners scored 2 runs in the first and despite many walks and Baltimore having the bases loaded with no outs twice during the next 8 innings the M’s had a lead of 3-0 going into the ninth. The closer, David Aardsma with only 1 blown save, entered… and then the baseball gods decided to have some fun. Three errors , 2 walks, and 1 unbelieving Dave Niehaus stamped the worst game of the year. Harris was glad that we at least had the sun radiating warmth and happy yellow rays to dispel the ickiness of the Mariner game. The Mariners ended up losing 5-2 in the ninth.

RR Trestle outside Washtucna w/very sunny skies




River along hwy 261



We stopped for the night outside Granger, Idaho in a RV park along highway 95 called Bear Den. Seems very nice.
Now, as you read this, do you think this is a travel blog or a Mariner game blog?


Sunset at Bear Den RV campground

Kamping in Kamiah, Id

Sunday, May 26, 2009
More of the same…great! Same weather, same breakfast, same great friends. We all went on the steep walk behind us, but went even further to the very top of the hill and around it to a different road down. Judy thought she had done her exercise for the day…wrong. This is Candy and Rick we’re camping with! We headed the other direction in the car to geocache, towards the even tinier town of Kooskia. The first one we stopped at on the side of the road warned us to look out for poison ivy. Rick showed us what it looked like, all over the path we would have to take, so we passed that cache up. On to the next….called Kooskia tram. We crossed the river and drove up and up and up a dirt road almost to the top of the hills…beautiful views of the valley. The road got too rough for our vehicles, so we had to stop and walk the rest of the way. Only 1.7 miles more….only. But it was constantly up a rough road with no shade and about 80 some degrees. Candy and Rick soon passed us up. We told them to go ahead and find the cache, come back down and we’d see how far along we were at that point. Harris kept encouraging Judy to keep going, drink some water, and not look up and whine about how far away it seemed. It worked, we did indeed make it all the way to the cache and back down again. Judy’s feet were sore! The guys bought some good beer in town to enjoy back at the camp with the ballgame…Michelob Amber Bock.


Candy and Rick finding the geocache (at the top of the world!)



Harris grilled great steaks again for dinner and paid off his debt to Rick. They had bet each other on the outcome of a Minnesota Twins/Seattle Mariners 3 game series and Seattle lost 2 of 3 so Harris had to butler a meal for Rick . Candy and Rick taught us the card game 500…Rick and Judy were partners and won 2 out of 3 games, so it was a good evening! We’re planning a leisurely breakfast tomorrow as Candy and Rick head back to Missoula and we head back into Washington.

Rick's post and pre Kamiah chairs...




The toaster that made us feel decadent



Saturday, May 25, 2009
Leisurely morning…lots of sun, birds, warmth. We had a great breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast. We bought a small toaster in Spokane and are enjoying using it when we’re plugged in. We didn’t know when Candy and Rick would get here, so we didn’t want to wander too far. We took a short walk up a steep hill behind the campground, then hung around reading our books until they showed up. After lunch, we all went into the small town of Kamiah, checking it out. Harris talked Rick into buying a new, bigger lounge chair at the hardware store. We found a geocache together at the local park on the Clearwater River. Rick showed Harris his latest great purchase. It’s a Coleman lantern that also has a radio in the base. He can receive his XM satellite through it. So the guys thought this was way cool, sitting outside listening to their baseball games through the lantern, enjoying the sunny weather. After dinner, we played cards (Candy and Rick won, again).

Using Howie's awning for shade