OK...I didn't write anything these past couple days. So I'm doing the "ol' catch-up" game.
First, let me say the traffic from Bellingham south on I-5 through Tacoma WAS HELL-ish!...We do know now that the brake assist we installed in the pick-up works. At one point the warning lights in the RV flashed, as I screamed STOP four times and Norman slammed on the brakes...We stopped in the first rest area after that and had a well-deserved rest, potty break and lunch. Whew....
We spent a couple days in Kalama Washington visiting friends from Norman's school days and another pair from Yuma. That was wonderful fun! Had great meals, thank goodness some like to cook more than me. hee-hee...But we were parked next to a herd of goats, they are stinky. We didn't open the window next to them on the second night.
It felt good to be home. We do live in "God's Country". Wherever we travel, home always looks beautiful when we return.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Wednesday, JULY 12
Up somewhat early and on the road. Canada 3 is one mountain to climb after another, slow going, although the scenery is spectacular. Approaching Osooyous are large bronze statues of animals (mostly birds) that are very expensive-looking. We never did figure out what they were for, but enjoyed seeing them. Osooyous has really changed since we visited this sleepy little farming community along side a lake. It's a huge resort area now full of tourists.
Norman found us a FREE really pretty place along side the Simulkameen River to spend the night. It turns out to be where a gas station has been torn down. I did a campspot garbage clean-up, and we have a beautiful view of the river from our front window. Which, it turns out, is a "good thing", because before long we have rain all evening and all night.
NO TV, again...So we pull out "Gone With the Wind", which we've carried with us for years and not watched. Tonight it's popcorn, snacks and a three + hour movie. Lovely evening...
Oh yes, I thought I might see some critters finally, you know...large ones. But all we've seen so far are prairie dogs and chipmunks. And it doesn't change here...lol
Norman found us a FREE really pretty place along side the Simulkameen River to spend the night. It turns out to be where a gas station has been torn down. I did a campspot garbage clean-up, and we have a beautiful view of the river from our front window. Which, it turns out, is a "good thing", because before long we have rain all evening and all night.
NO TV, again...So we pull out "Gone With the Wind", which we've carried with us for years and not watched. Tonight it's popcorn, snacks and a three + hour movie. Lovely evening...
Oh yes, I thought I might see some critters finally, you know...large ones. But all we've seen so far are prairie dogs and chipmunks. And it doesn't change here...lol
Tuesday, JULY 11, the "pretzel" road
On the road, again...heading towards home. We're going to go home along Hwy 3 and see what it is like. It's an uneventful day except for this highway. OMIGOSH...It has more twists n turns and ups n downs than a pretzel. Tonight we're spending in a little campground just west of Castlegar and the Columbia River. This campgrounds only claim to fame is an actor in the movie "RV" stayed here last year. We had to disconnect and jockey the coach around every which way to get it into a spot. Then there's no tv, but I guess that's alright. Dad did some reading, and I got our journal caught-up.
Monday, JULY 10
By the time we rose about 9am, several of the RV's in our group had left, but we feel rested. We have decided to stay one more night. Lsundry needs doing, I need to stay off my foot (the plantar fasciitis is really bad now) and the weather to the west of us looks really nasty. Several we've visited with today feel the weather is a concern also. They're opting to stay one more night too...After noon Norman says, "Let's go to the Olympic Park!" We are so happy we did. The bad weather was all south of the city; we had sunshine at the Park. With only two hours until closing, we managed to do everything except see the video in the museum.
The museum was great. It had all the outfits the Canadians have worn since 1988 in the Olympics. They were really nice (and expensive). And there were interactive displays to try. We don't know ZIP about hockey and couldn't figure out how to hit the puck. Lost those games "big time". Tried to get into the position for ski-jumping. I couldn't come close and Norman only managed it by putting his hands on the skiis. We sure laughed hard here.
I was really disappointed in the Ice House. I was under the impression we could do a "controlled" luge run. The Ice House is set-up with runs for bobsled, luge and skeleton, but they are only long enough for the athletes to practice their starts. It was going to cost us $6 Canadian to go less than 100 feet. (The sleds down Mt. Hood Meadows or Park City were much better even though they were on cement.)
We got into a bobsled. Let me tell you...that is really difficult. The passenger area is so narrow, I thought we were going to have to have help getting out. We twisted, we turned, we crawled, we fell out "best way"...lol.
The photos today aren't very good. Two cameras in the RV, and we forgot them both. We bought a disposable in the Park giftshop. Shucks, not the best photos, but they do provide memories.
The museum was great. It had all the outfits the Canadians have worn since 1988 in the Olympics. They were really nice (and expensive). And there were interactive displays to try. We don't know ZIP about hockey and couldn't figure out how to hit the puck. Lost those games "big time". Tried to get into the position for ski-jumping. I couldn't come close and Norman only managed it by putting his hands on the skiis. We sure laughed hard here.
I was really disappointed in the Ice House. I was under the impression we could do a "controlled" luge run. The Ice House is set-up with runs for bobsled, luge and skeleton, but they are only long enough for the athletes to practice their starts. It was going to cost us $6 Canadian to go less than 100 feet. (The sleds down Mt. Hood Meadows or Park City were much better even though they were on cement.)
We got into a bobsled. Let me tell you...that is really difficult. The passenger area is so narrow, I thought we were going to have to have help getting out. We twisted, we turned, we crawled, we fell out "best way"...lol.
The photos today aren't very good. Two cameras in the RV, and we forgot them both. We bought a disposable in the Park giftshop. Shucks, not the best photos, but they do provide memories.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Saturday, JULY 8
FREE pancake breakfasts all over town, and we get a catered one here in camp. We find out later, Canadians LOVE their pancakes and maple syrup, but don't eat biscuits and gravy. Hmmm, guess I'll have to wait to enjoy them back in the States.
Our first stop this morning is Heritage Park Village. We had a nice time touring the village. Norman really enjoyed Gasoline Alley, which is an old barn full of old style gas pumps and a few old cars. I especially liked the gas pumps topped with glass eagles.
A story I have to share: Norman met the retired engineer from the Canadian National Railroad, who was running the local steam train. They had fun exchanging old railroad stories as old "rails" like to do. Later in the day Norman had to go to the bathroom. He decided the closest one was in the depot. As he approached the tracks the engineer began blowing the whistle, then the wig-wag lights began flashing and the bells started ringing. Norman kept going; he had a mission! As he crossed the tracks the gates came down, whacking him on the head and knocking his hat off.
Later in the day we went to the Royal Canadian Mounties musical revue. There were about 100 matching thoroughbred horses in the show. They did a performance similar to a marching band to live music. It was really great! And, we forgot our camera tonight. This is a photo of the RCMP in the parade. The horses were magnificent.
Next, off to the Stampede Grounds for the chuckwagon races and the "Light Up the Night" show...The races were great fun. Four horses pulling a chuckwagon, four outriders with each wagon, three outriders had to load a barrel and tent poles into the wagon, then the fourth made sure the wagon went around a barrel before entering the race track. The chuckwagon AND the four outriders had to all cross the finish line within about 150 feet of each other to place. They were pretty wild races...The show was stupendous!!! Singing and dancing by the Calgary Stampede singers and dancers, music by the Calgary Stampede Show Band, drummers and dancers from the Seven Indian Nations in the area, a hilarious bagpiper/comedian (first time I heard AC/DC played on bagpipes) and many more acts all acccompanied by fireworks...Then the big show ended with more fireworks than Norman and I have ever seen "for real". The ending was so loud we couldn't hear the singing. I LOVED IT! Made up for missing our Fourth of July.
A long day...the show didn't end until around midnight, and it was about 1am by the time we got back to the campground.
Our first stop this morning is Heritage Park Village. We had a nice time touring the village. Norman really enjoyed Gasoline Alley, which is an old barn full of old style gas pumps and a few old cars. I especially liked the gas pumps topped with glass eagles.
A story I have to share: Norman met the retired engineer from the Canadian National Railroad, who was running the local steam train. They had fun exchanging old railroad stories as old "rails" like to do. Later in the day Norman had to go to the bathroom. He decided the closest one was in the depot. As he approached the tracks the engineer began blowing the whistle, then the wig-wag lights began flashing and the bells started ringing. Norman kept going; he had a mission! As he crossed the tracks the gates came down, whacking him on the head and knocking his hat off.
Later in the day we went to the Royal Canadian Mounties musical revue. There were about 100 matching thoroughbred horses in the show. They did a performance similar to a marching band to live music. It was really great! And, we forgot our camera tonight. This is a photo of the RCMP in the parade. The horses were magnificent.
Next, off to the Stampede Grounds for the chuckwagon races and the "Light Up the Night" show...The races were great fun. Four horses pulling a chuckwagon, four outriders with each wagon, three outriders had to load a barrel and tent poles into the wagon, then the fourth made sure the wagon went around a barrel before entering the race track. The chuckwagon AND the four outriders had to all cross the finish line within about 150 feet of each other to place. They were pretty wild races...The show was stupendous!!! Singing and dancing by the Calgary Stampede singers and dancers, music by the Calgary Stampede Show Band, drummers and dancers from the Seven Indian Nations in the area, a hilarious bagpiper/comedian (first time I heard AC/DC played on bagpipes) and many more acts all acccompanied by fireworks...Then the big show ended with more fireworks than Norman and I have ever seen "for real". The ending was so loud we couldn't hear the singing. I LOVED IT! Made up for missing our Fourth of July.
A long day...the show didn't end until around midnight, and it was about 1am by the time we got back to the campground.
Rodeo pictures
The first day two of the flag girls fell off their horses, because the horses shied from the flaming "CS" brand in the middle of the arena.
I like this picture of the barrel racer, because it really shows the muscles of the horse. They lose points for knocking over a barrel, so sometimes they put their hand on it to keep it steady. Seems to me, that's cheating, but I guess not.
First day of the Stampede
Friday, JULY 7: Oh YAWN! Up by 5am and on the bus by 6am. Our first stop is the big parade downtown. We had reserved bleacher seats in the shade...The parade was great! Nearly our whole group, all 90+, had on our matching denim Good Sam shirts. We got a lot of teasing over them..."r u all together?"..."did you all hit the same sale?"...We had lots of laughs!
I've never seen so many horses in every size, shape and color in all my life! And everyone either rode, led or was pulled by a horse. Well...there were some people in "horsepower".
Our side of the street won every contest against the north side of the street at yelling "YA-HOO" and "YEE-HAW".
Then it was off to the Stampede Grounds and my very first rodeo. It was a lot of fun. I was very impressed with the training not only the cowboys and cowgirls have, but all the animals involved are well trained. Even the little calves know just what is expected of them and which gate they need to leave the arena grounds from.
Here is a picture of the Grand Champion Hoop dancer. I can't figure out how he managed to do some of the figures we saw.
I've never seen so many horses in every size, shape and color in all my life! And everyone either rode, led or was pulled by a horse. Well...there were some people in "horsepower".
Our side of the street won every contest against the north side of the street at yelling "YA-HOO" and "YEE-HAW".
Then it was off to the Stampede Grounds and my very first rodeo. It was a lot of fun. I was very impressed with the training not only the cowboys and cowgirls have, but all the animals involved are well trained. Even the little calves know just what is expected of them and which gate they need to leave the arena grounds from.
Here is a picture of the Grand Champion Hoop dancer. I can't figure out how he managed to do some of the figures we saw.
The TRIALS of traveling in a RV
Thursday, JULY 6: We registered early for the Samboree and met a lot of wonderful people from all across the US. There are 45 RV's from as far away as Florida, Maryland, Kentucky, Michigan, California, Alaska and more, over 90 people of all ages...At the orientation and BBQ in the evening we discovered we'll be very busy. All of our meals will be catered (YUMMY!) and two buses will be taking us to all the events. Bonus...we don't have to drive!
Now the "TRIALS"...After registering this morning, Norman set-out to dump the holding tanks. When he pulled the gray water valve, it broke off. He had to finally use a hacksaw to get it out and the tanks were dumped without too big a stinky mess. Then we took our handy-dandy local map and headed out on the freeways to find an RV store to buy new valves. By the time we got back the temperature was really hot in the direct sun. Of course, the valves were located on the hot side. Norman spent the entire afternoon replacing the broken valve. And being the perfectionist, detailed sortof person he is...he replaced the black water valve also. I spent the afternoon sitting in a not-so-comfortable position holding two umbrellas to shade the two of us. Gees, we must have been a site!! lol
Another day passes, and we don't get to the Olympic Park.
Now the "TRIALS"...After registering this morning, Norman set-out to dump the holding tanks. When he pulled the gray water valve, it broke off. He had to finally use a hacksaw to get it out and the tanks were dumped without too big a stinky mess. Then we took our handy-dandy local map and headed out on the freeways to find an RV store to buy new valves. By the time we got back the temperature was really hot in the direct sun. Of course, the valves were located on the hot side. Norman spent the entire afternoon replacing the broken valve. And being the perfectionist, detailed sortof person he is...he replaced the black water valve also. I spent the afternoon sitting in a not-so-comfortable position holding two umbrellas to shade the two of us. Gees, we must have been a site!! lol
Another day passes, and we don't get to the Olympic Park.
Traveling in Canada
Wednesday, JULY 5: We wanted to look around Calgary today, especially the 1988 Oympic Park area. But were reminded by one of the brochures picked up at an info center, we had FORGOTTEN to get the "Canada Non-Resident Inter-Province Motor Liability Insurance" card before leaving home. This is new to us, maybe that's why we forgot it. At any rate, we spent all day in the campground trying to get the info faxed to us from our agent. We needed it for both the motorhome and the pick-up we are towing. Finally towards the end of the day, our agent e-mailed copies of the cards. Boy, they are difficult to read, but will work.
Meanwhile, we drove nowhere. We both felt it was a risk we were not willing to take in such a large city. Calgary in the past five years has grown to over a million people.
In conversation with some of the other Good Sam people, we discovered most had not picked up this liability insurance card. It didn't make us feel any better, but made us realize...this must be a pretty new requirement.
Meanwhile, we drove nowhere. We both felt it was a risk we were not willing to take in such a large city. Calgary in the past five years has grown to over a million people.
In conversation with some of the other Good Sam people, we discovered most had not picked up this liability insurance card. It didn't make us feel any better, but made us realize...this must be a pretty new requirement.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
We're in Calgary!
We’re in Calgary, Alberta now for the Stampede. It’s gonna be FUN, according to everyone who has been here in the past…Getting here we stopped at the Deschutes River State Park where the river dumps into the Columbia on Sunday. Omigosh, it was super hot!! At 9 that evening we were still standing in the ice-cold Deschutes, drink in hand, cooling off…Oh I didn’t mention, Norman made a phone call to Tina, because he thought he had left his fanny pack at home. Thank goodness she was in Myrtle Creek. When Tina stopped by the house, she discovered the pack wasn’t there. Sure enough Norman had put it in the pickup and hadn’t transferred it to the RV. The first laugh of the trip…On the 3rd we spent the night just 4 miles short of the Canadian Border along Hwy 95 at Idyl Acres. It has only ten spots, but is truly a beautiful outdoor setting. And we enjoyed wonderful refreshing showers before bed. Oh yes, we polished off both the excellent pre-mixed booze I had bought at the Liquor Barn in Redding. I shoulda bought more; they were really good…The Fourth of July we drove on into Calgary to our designated campground, where we’ll join the Good Sam’s on the 6th. We loved driving through Crowsnest Pass. It’s a spectacular glacial valley through the Rockies with several small communities. We stopped for a long lunch at Crowsnest Lake, and Norman tried out taking his first panoramic pictures. 
Before reaching Calgary we passed several humongous ranches. One had miles of fencepost all topped with baseball hats, shoulda taken a picture. Our fireworks event was the Boston Pops on TV…TODAY we’re hanging out in the campground waiting for our “proof of car insurance” to arrive by fax or e-mail. Hmmm, something we should have picked up before we left home. We decided better to hang-out here than drive anymore without it, pretty heavy fine if we get into an accident. Many, many people are arriving for the Stampede!! And we have a great view of the office and the holding tank dump. Hee-hee We’ve met a few people with the Samboree, and it’s time to go out and meet some more. So I’ll mix a sipper and be on my way…adios, amigos…until the next time.
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Before reaching Calgary we passed several humongous ranches. One had miles of fencepost all topped with baseball hats, shoulda taken a picture. Our fireworks event was the Boston Pops on TV…TODAY we’re hanging out in the campground waiting for our “proof of car insurance” to arrive by fax or e-mail. Hmmm, something we should have picked up before we left home. We decided better to hang-out here than drive anymore without it, pretty heavy fine if we get into an accident. Many, many people are arriving for the Stampede!! And we have a great view of the office and the holding tank dump. Hee-hee We’ve met a few people with the Samboree, and it’s time to go out and meet some more. So I’ll mix a sipper and be on my way…adios, amigos…until the next time.
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