Seeking relief

The forest fires in the Northwest are tragic. Hundreds of acres have burned and families are losing their property and businesses. Nature can be as cruel as it is beautiful. We stopped at Two Rivers for a few days and took a dip in Lake Roosevelt.

This is their marina and it is filled with houseboats.

We made another pass through Central WA wine country.

There was a pot shop next door. I went inside to looky-loo at their inventory, prices, and procedures.  I never thought I would see this happen in my lifetime. Leave it to the state to "sin" tax it into unaffordable.

On to Lincoln City, OR. I am soooooo happy to be among the green trees of the PNW. The smell of the ocean and cool breeze makes me giddy with happiness.

This is the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon coast

Octo-tree

And this is the tallest

Beautiful British Columbia

A huge part of our decision to sell the house and live full time in the motorhome was the people we met along the way during our Maiden Voyage. We were so motivated we came home early and within several weeks we sold everything and the house was on the market. We had an offer in 10 days and there was no turning back. So far, so good.

We've always loved British Columbia. Boating in the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, Chatterbox Falls and Desolation Sound were life changing moments for me. The landscape and the people are amazing.

While on our Arizona adventure, we met many many Canadian snowbirds. They really know how to have a good time. Our friend Dale invited us to park our motorhome in his driveway; so off to Grand Forks, BC we went. The city is located north of Spokane and just over the US/Canada border where the Kettle and Granby rivers meet. Craig, George, & Linda were there to greet us at Dale's house.

It is hot here. Today it's 35C, so we went tubing down the Kettle River.

Just two days prior a 50 year old man died jumping off the bridge. You can't fix stupid.

A few days later Merlyn and Lynn joined us in Dale's driveway with their 40 ft motorhome. It's like a mini Pirates Den reunion around here. 

Merlyn, Lynn, Tim, Craig, Dale, Yogi

Yesterday we were at Dale's other place on Christina Lake. We played on the tubes and had a few beers.

Linda and George dry camped on the Granby River with some friends of theirs. We drove up to meet with them one afternoon.

George is a great entertainer. 

It's time to move on. Our plan is to see Lake Louise and drive the Ice Field Parkway from Banff to Jasper. Tim suggested staying at a B&B so I quickly made a reservation for the first night.

>Insert missing picture here<

Then Dale called his nephew who lives in Jasper and he said Whoa! There is a huge forest fire going on and the highway is closed. We can't even see the mountains. So we waited a couple of days. Floated down the river again. The air temp was 41C (which converts to 102F). We return to our "toaster" home. It's a mild 94 inside so we cool it to 84 and I'm close to heaven. Ugh

>Insert another missing picture here<

Dale called his nephew again and the smoke and ash is worse now. We'll just have to wait for another time to visit the Canadian Rockies. It's all good. We said farewell to our Canadian friends and promise to meet up at Pirates Den in the winter.

>Insert more pictures for your viewing pleasure<

We drive a surprisingly short distance from Grand Forks to reach the border.We are the only ones crossing. Since the Patriot Act, it seems to be more of a hassle but ultimately only the peppers & tomatoes I declared are confiscated. Now to dodge the Washington wildfires.

(Yes, there are missing pictures - this is because unfortunately I didn't take any)

Independence Weekend

We spent the Independence Day weekend with Sharon and Burt in Sunnyside, WA. As usual, we had a great time with lots of food, fun, and even flowers for the Moho from the garden.

The boys went golfing in the heat. We we go-carting.

This is sweet Porche

Staying cool.on the Columbia River

We just backed it up into their front yard. Although hot during the day, it was cool at night so we could sleep in our own bed. It's nice not having to impose all the time. It will be a few years til we can repay your graciousness at a stick house of ours. In the meantime, let's meet up with our Moho's!

Burt is our chef. Tim supervises.

We had these wonderful breakfast cups. Plus lots of fresh picked cherries and raspberries.

Fresh oysters from the Fiesta Mexi-Market that we BBQ'd 

Always a yummy time with the Tylers. Thanks!

House-less, not home-less

House sold!

Our final night in University Place, WA we spent with Barb and Brian. They are such good friends and will be missed. Fortunately, as with all our friends and family, we can easily stay in contact.

Go Hawks! Love the Wii bowling too.

Our on the road set up with the tow dolly, vehicle, and bicycles

Our first day was pretty chill, driving over Snoqualmie Pass and settling in an RV park on a working ranch in Ellensburg, WA. It was quiet, on the Yakima River, and we had a lot of space.  I'm getting used to the heat.

Original Dial-a-Shot Photo

Cleaning out the house and de-crapping your life of stuff you just don't need is a double edged sword. It all needs to go and yet I am reminded of the reason why I kept it in the first place. Going through treasured Christmas decorations and old photos is the best.

This was a sisters trip to New Orleans 25 years ago. We wore different wigs daily and lived like rock stars - out all night, slept all day. Great music, food, drinks. This picture was taken at Pat O'Briens. It is the original dial-a-shot. We called our favorite bar back home and shared a shot together. Ahh the good old days.