Preparations

INTRODUCTION:

Two years had passed since completion of our three-month hot, humid, stormy tour of the "Middle States".  We didn't want to repeat that adventure.  But, by mid-summer, we were refreshed and ready to hit the road again . . . maybe in a different direction this time.

So, let the planning begin!  We made lists and plotted alternative routes before deciding to simply head east.  Glacier National Park became our primary destination and would take our time getting there.  Beyond Glacier, weather forecasts would play a large part in deciding whether to continue into the Great Plains or stay within the relative comfort of our western mountain ranges.  If it's too hot, the Oregon Coast and northern California might also look pretty good.  This year, comfort will be more important than experiencing the corn fields of Iowa in August.

Many of our friends like to winter in Arizona or Southern California, so we thought we might drop in on them and spend at least part of the winter down there among the sage and cacti.  That will be months and many miles from today, so we'll see how the trip evolves.


TREADING WATER:

Our Escapees RV Club held a rally at the fairgrounds in Lynden, Washington, in mid-June. That was the kick-off to our camping season.  It was a good time to chat with a terrific group of friendly RV campers and hear their stories and experiences. 


Following the rally, we camped in the forest (and rain) near Mt. Vernon for two weeks.  Three granddaughters joined us for a few days of swimming, crafts and card games.




A campground carnival was fun for the kids.  The clown (he's smiling) made balloon hats for Sidney, Alaina and Carina.




We had a little work done on the motor home and had a new shower door installed.  Then we moved to Thunderbird RV Park  near Monroe.  It was only 21 miles from home, so we were able to make several trips back and forth to take care of last minute business.  It seemed there was no end to "last minute business."

We had lots of visitors to the campground, including Bud and Lori (our great neighbors) who brought steaks for the grill and other dinner fixin's.  Thunderbird RV Park is located along the beautiful Skykomish River.  Very pretty and peaceful.

On July 16 we moved over the Cascades to another Escapees rally and, three days later, moved again to the Wenatchee Nat'l. Forest north of Leavenworth.  After camping for five weeks and still only 100 miles from home, we felt like we were treading water and going nowhere.  We had to find someone to keep an eye on our house, mow the lawns, pick up the mail, etc.  That process took longer than we had anticipated.

Finally we're almost ready to move ahead.  On Sunday, July 29, we hope to unhook the RV, get back onto Highway 2 to Wenatchee and move eastward toward Spokane.