Monday, August 12, 2013

105

Aug. 12-18, 2013 Coeur d'Alene RV Park, Post Falls, ID
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RV LIFE:
I'm finally feeling better. Only took Aleve in the morning and around 3pm.
We have internet! And it's fast! Our famine is over. We are back in civilization, well we're back in a more populated area. Which means we can grocery shop at a large SUPERmarket, we can get gas at a Flying J/Pilot instead of a little Mom & Pop gas/grocery stop.

A silly little thing that is a part of retirement life is, I so look forward to going to bed. When we lived in a house in NJ and were still working, I stayed up quite late even though I had to get up early in the morning. I didn't want to go to sleep. Why? Because once I fell asleep, the next thing would be having to go to my full time job. It's so much nicer waking up living our full time RV life! We have so little responsibility now.

We had an absolutely beautiful drive on Rt. 12 from Silverlake, WA to Yakima, WA. Scott was going to go the "safe" (to him) route North through Seattle which was on Interstate 5. This would have added almost an hour to our drive. Scott is the driver, so whatever he feels better about, I'll agree to...well, maybe I'll just suggest he try an alternate route. Why not? Our Rand McNally RV GPS shows to drive on Rt. 12. We have a POI program that lets us know of overpasses lower than our rig. Our RV GPS should not take us on roads that our RV can't travel. So Scott gave in (as usual) to my suggestion and trusted the GPS. I'm so glad we drove Rt. 12. Beautiful, beautiful drive. It is only a 2 lane road (1 lane each way), but traffic was fine, plenty of pull offs so we didn't hold up traffic. We went from green, beautiful, lush pines to rolling desert like to tall mountain views in the distance. There truly is a vast difference from the West side of the Cascades to the East side of the Cascades. I'll take the West coast, thank you very much! Remember Rt. 12 in Washington State.  If/when we return, I hope to camp along this road. The area around Rimrock Lake (Reservoir) is really beautiful. Quite a few campgrounds in the area. They looked nice from the road. In looking at RV Park Reviews, maybe not so nice. Silver Beach RV Resort looks like it might be a nice stop. Also in the general area is Yakima Sportsman State Park and BLM area Big Pines Recreational Area.

Be careful what you wish for! For about 3 weeks we have been in less populated areas. What beautiful surroundings. I was having a bit of a grocery shopping withdrawal. Our shopping list has been growing and growing. The grocery stores in the area we've been are small and a little higher priced. We really don't mind for the most part. We've been getting some beautiful local fish and produce. But for staples, we've been holding off for cheaper prices. Well, we've made it to the populated area again. After 3 weeks of little traffic and no strips malls, I'm experiencing a rude awakening. Get me outta here!!!! I'll pay the higher prices for the peaceful location.

We're now staying at Coeur d'Alene RV Resort. Nice enough resort, or it would have been in our opinion early on in our RV life, but now, it's way too crowded. A review will follow in a few days. After we registered, Scott showed me our site #....105. Uh oh! Is that a bad omen? Why you ask? Our house address in NJ was 105. I hated that house 18 our of the 22 years we lived there. So 105 is not a good number. And so the bad vibes of 105 continue. Our site is fine. No green area, but a decent patio space and a very important shade tree. But, and the big butt, I mean but, is their confining dog area rules (Pet Peeve). There are plenty of large and small dogs in this large park. We are only allowed to let them relieve themselves in 3 specific areas. This is a LARGE park and walking to these 3 areas we pass plenty of green areas. But NO, you're dog can't go there. How are we to prevent them from stopping to do their business? I basically have to hold them on a short lead and make them heal while walking briskly to the designated area. Sometimes when you gotta go, you gotta go. Lyla has been known to just stop in the middle of the street to poop. I've had to stop traffic so she could finish. And then I had to pick it up of course. Well, this time, Devin started circling and squatting to poop. A lady comes running out yelling, this is not a dog area!, you can't do that here! I can't let my dog there, so you can't either. The inside Debbie is saying FU bitch, but the outside Debbie just looked at her and said I thought this was a dog area. This area was along a fence, lined with pine trees and not mowed under the trees. I'm sure no one is walking in that area. When Devin started squatting, my first thought was, Ugh, how far into those weeds am I going to have to go to pick it up. So, I'm pretty disappointed in this park. Our overnight park yesterday, also only allowed dogs in certain parts.

Speaking of last night's overnight at Yakima River RV Park,
Sunday, 8/12/13, 9:30pm...Scott just came back from taking the dogs to do their final business of the night. Knock, knock knock. Two guys wanted to see our rig. Huh? Well, ok, I guess. One guy was parked next to us in a Silverback also, but his only had one slide, we have 3 slides. We invite them in and they ooh and ahh and say how great our rig is with all the room. They both have cowboy boot, beer mugs and yes they've been drinking. As they talk, we watch them gesture with their hands and the beer mugs are swaying with the movement. That's ok. We took out our carpet, so if they spill anything, it's easy to clean. They stayed for about 15 minutes. They said their wives were too embarrassed to come with them. They were funny guys and it was nice to get compliments on our simple rig compared to many other full time newer rigs.
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RV PARK REVIEW:
Yakima River RV Park - Ellensburg, WA
My rating 2 out of 5
This was just an overnight stop.
The bad rating is heavily weighed upon their restrictive dog walk policy.
$35. for Water & Electric $42. for FHU This is way too much money for this bare bones park.
Accepts Good Sam and Passport America, so we only paid $17.50 which is all it was worth.
A friendly atmosphere, but sites are close together and piggy back, although they did try to put rigs in every other site.
This is our site, which doesn't look too bad. But see our picnic table and the little low log post fence next to it? That is the boundary line for the next site. Very tight. But like I said. They do try to assign to every other site.
Only a port-a-potty.
Free WiFi which worked well.
Lots of rafting on the nearby Yakima River.
Dogs allowed, but only allowed to do their business in the enclosed 75' x 35' dog area. There are signs all over this small park stating this is not a dog area.

It's a nice area with fields surrounding the park with cattle and very friendly horses.
But noooo, your dog can't poop anywhere but the designated area. Ridiculous. That is the reason for the only 2 star rating. Would be a nice cozy social park to stay at if they would lighten up about the dogs.
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PRODUCT REVIEW:
McCormick Perfect Pinch® Salad Supreme Seasoning

I have finally gotten into the habit of making a salad almost every night. I'm actually enjoying the salad more than my meals.



My salad consists of chopped romaine lettuce, coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage), cucumbers, grape tomatoes, broccoli, feta cheese, dried cranberries, unsalted sunflower seeds and Pinch Salad Supreme seasoning. Dressing is a good flavored balsamic vinegar with a touch of olive oil or fresh lime juice and a good flavored olive oil.
The salad seasoning makes up for not using regular seasoned salad dressing. It has a nice combo of spices and a touch of romano cheese. Yum.
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PETS:
Devin decides the contents of the dumpster smell so good, he's going to drag it home!
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CRAFTS:
 I hope I don't get to the point in life where I need to knit something like this. Although, if this was knit in a solid yarn, it might be a cool piece of furniture. Maybe I could knit something to cover my foot rest that has a hole in it. Hey Merikay, maybe cover it with some great plastic canvas artwork?




Scott said he can fix that. Cover it with duct tape. Ah yes, the man's solution to everything. Of course, duct tape has come a long way. It is now available from Duck Tape in many colors and designs.




There are many crafts that can be done with duct tape. You can make tote bags, wallets, dress forms. etc.

While "googling" for duct tape projects, I even found
A duct tape prom dress.
No way. I'll take soft silk and pretty lace any day.
I think I'll add this to Scott's "honey do list".
 I hope I put a smile on your face today. I sure needed it. Thanks for stopping by!
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WHERE WE'RE GOING:
Aug. 19-28, 2013 Jim & Mary's RV Park, Missoula, MT
Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2013 Jennifer's Driveway Boondock, Bozeman, MT
Sept. 2-5, 2013 Mammoth Campground, Yellowstone, WY (Tentative)
Sept. 6-15, 2013 Horseshoe Bend Campground NFS, Lovell, WY (Tentative)
Sept. 16-30, 2013 Wheels West RV Park, Custer, SD

south for the Winter of 2013/214

Sunday, August 11, 2013

RV Park Review: Silver Cove RV Resort - Silverlake, WA

RV PARK REVIEW:
Aug. 4-10, 2013 (1 week)
Silver Cove RV Resort, Silver Lake, WA
Site #100 Price $25./night (Passport America & Good Sam discounts)
Our rating 4 out of 5
Our rig on left
 

We would have given this a 4.5 rating if they didn't keep filling up the site next to us when there was plenty of room to fill every other site. What could have been a pleasant stay was frustrating with various rigs moving in and out next door.
Sites: Decent distance between sites. Gravel, fairly level. Most sites have a grassy area behind the site.
Site #109 on water side is nice and Site #110 is really nice across from the water with a large grassy area and next to shade trees.
Hook ups: FHU
Bathrooms: Didn't look
Laundry: Decent laundry. 4 washers/dryers set up in a trailer. The trailer shakes when the washers are spinning.
Pets: Pets allowed. Two pets per site. Over 50 pounds need permission, BUT that is not stated on the website, nor the subject brought up when I made reservations. There were plenty of large dogs in the park, so I don't think it is really an issue.
WiFi: Free wifi was TERRIBLE! When it worked, it was decent, but lost service as much as we had service.
Verizon Internet: Very, very slow. Same problem as campground WiFi. We kept losing connection.
Sprint Internet: No service
Verizon cell: 3 bars
AT&T cell: No service
Book Exchange: Yes, in office.
Activities: Horseshoes, volley ball. Also fishing & boating. We are right on the canals that lead into Silver Lake.
Mail delivery accepted: I don't know.
Area/Town/Sights: Not too much around. We drove about 45 minutes to see Mt. St. Helen's volcano. There was an interesting Ranger talk. No dogs allowed.
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WHERE WE'RE GOING:
Aug. 12-18, 2013 Coeur d'Alene RV Park, Post Falls, ID
Aug. 19-28, 2013 Jim & Mary's RV Park, Missoula, MT
Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2013 Jennifer's Driveway Boondock, Bozeman, MT
Sept. 2-5, 2013 Mammoth Campground, Yellowstone, WY (Tentative)
Sept. 6-15, 2013 Horseshoe Bend Campground NFS, Lovell, WY (Tentative)
Sept. 16-30, 2013 Wheels West RV Park, Custer, SD

south for the Winter of 2013/214

Friday, August 9, 2013

Those itty bitty dogs!

Aug. 4-10, 2013 Silver Cove RV Resort, Silver Lake, WA
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Tuesday, August 6, 2013

RV LIFE:
Ugh! It's hot! This is only the 2nd time we've used the AC this summer. I have a feeling we'll be using it every day this week.
Wish I was back on the Peninsula. 64° in Forks, 77° here at Silverlake.
My patience is being tested! The RV Park internet is slow and sometimes non existent. Our Verizon internet is barely usable.

My neck and shoulder are still killing me. Scott believes it is a pinched nerve in my neck. When does it get to the point of going to a Dr.? Wish I had some stronger pain meds.
The pain is so bad that when we visited Mt. St. Helen's, I just stayed in the car. If there's a good side to this, dogs weren't allowed on the trails or even the sidewalks, except in the designated pet area. I felt like we had some contagious disease and needed to be segregated! So I stayed in the truck with the AC running off and on and the pups in the back.
I finally broke down and searched through our box of prescriptions to hopefully find some pain meds. Aha! Our previous Irish Setter had bone cancer and was given Tramadol to ease his pain.  We put him to sleep before the meds ran out. So yes, I'm taking my dog's prescription drugs. Of course I looked up side effects and mixing with other drugs and food, etc. The Tramadol takes a long time to take effect, but the longer you take it, it seems to work better.
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PET PEEVE:
Prejudice against large dogs. Upon arriving here at Silver Cove RV Resort, I was reading their brochure to find out about recycling, pet rules, wifi code, etc. I came upon a "rule" that bothered me. Permission needs to be given for dogs over 50 pounds. Grrrrr! That is not stated on the website, nor did they mention anything when I called to make reservations. Luckily upon registering, we had no trouble. Also, only 2 pets per site.
What poop do you usually see not picked up? The itty bitty poops. It may be small, but should still be picked up.
What dogs do you usually hear barking as you pass by. The itty bitty dogs.
What dogs are the ones growling and showing their teeth? The itty bitty ones.
Yes, I guess I'm generalizing, just like the RV Park is generalizing about large dogs.
Most large dogs we find in RV Parks are quiet and well behaved. They have to be or they would be considered a nuisance, or dangerous. But those itty bitty dogs can pull on the leash, go after my large dogs, bark, growl & show their teeth and that is tolerated.
Itty bitty dogs need obedience training also. It takes training to keep a dog from barking at a passerby. It takes training to keep them from jumping on people. It takes training to desensitize them to strange dogs & walk calmly by. Big dog or little dog, they both should be well behaved.
Every morning I passed an RV site that had three yappy itty bitty dogs. My dogs calmly walked past while these itty bitty dogs ran to the end of their tethers, barking and growling at our dogs. This is times three!
I admit, I purposely walk by their site, just to cause the commotion. Maybe it will make the owners a little more aware of the disturbance their itty bitty dogs cause. Oh, and another thing. There is a 2 pet limit. They have THREE yappers!
I suppose we are disregarding the park rules about pets also. But nobody needs to know except you and me.
2 dogs (over 50 pounds)
2 pet rats (temporary)
1 African grey parrot (Not a noisy bird)
___________
5 total pets  Tsk, tsk!
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SIGHTS:
Mount Saint Helen volcano - WA

Dogs not allowed.
There are quite a few pull offs on the road to view Mt. Saint Helen. Also there are about 4 visitor's centers. They each cover a different aspect of the area.

The cost is $8.00 to go up the trail to the lake formed after Mt. Saint Helen blew. We again used our Nat'l Park Svc. Annual pass, so more money saved.







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RECIPES:
Back when we were in Port Townsend, WA, I had a great smoked salmon sandwich. I asked what the dressing on the bread was. I was told it was Pesto mayo. I love pesto, but never buy it. I decided to make some.
                    PESTO       

1 cup firmly packed basil leaves
1/4 grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1/4 Olive oil
1/4 cup ground hazelnuts or pine nuts or walnuts
1 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 Tablespoon lemon juice

Place all ingredients in food processor.
Cover and blend for 3 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape sides.
Makes about 3/4 Cup.
Toss with pasta or spread on a sandwich.

I felt good being able to use basil that I grew in my own mini garden
Red Petunia, Thyme, Rosemary, Basil and Cilantro

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Wednesday, August 7, 2013
RV LIFE:
Via facebook, Scott found out he has a relative here in WA. John & Ella Mae drove about an hour to come visit us at the RV. We don't entertain much, so I was a little nervous, plus didn't know how much neck & shoulder pain I'd still be in. All worked out fine. The pain was tolerable (still on Tramadol). I made deviled eggs and put out cheese, sopressata and crackers. I liked that we had cheeses from Port Townsend and Sopressata from Astoria. John Buskirk is very interested in genealogy (I have no interest), but Scott is interested. John had a 3" binder full of letters written by Buskirk's and history of past Buskirk's. I was really impressed by the quality work that he put into this. All pages neatly typed with photos interspersed and sheets all in page protectors.
When they first arrived, Lyla greeted them at the door and came out to get a better sniff. Ella Mae says, "Oh you have a dog and it's a big dog!", I said "We have two, and a Parrot and we're pet sitting". I didn't mention what kind of pet (rats) since some people freak out about rats. When we headed indoors Scott mentioned the pet rats. Ella Mae wanted to take a look, so I took Patches out and she thought he was cute. Ella Mae is ok in my book!
For 35 years, they made their living being puppeteers traveling through out the country. Ella Mae made all the puppets (similar to muppets). Check out their website.
John & Ella Mae were quite easy to talk to and Scott really enjoyed talking about family from Minnesota that he met during his childhood.
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Friday, August 9, 2013
RV LIFE:
These are the days I love. We finally had a break in the temperature. It was overcast today which kept the sun from heating everything up. I was able to have my breakfast, coffee and toast outside. I then read a bit, and brought my laptop out to catch up on emails. Then I did some crafting that I've been putting off.
Scott smoked ribs in our Cobb grill. Yum. The dogs stayed outside with me. I was in one chair and Devin was next to me in a similar chair.  He's my buddy.
I really love this life!
My pain has either subsided or the Tramadol is working better. I will try to take Aleve tomorrow and see how the pain is.

Yesterday Scott took our Sea Eagle 330 canoe/kayak out in the canal. This was it's maiden voyage. I wanted to go out too, but again, my shoulder pain was just too intense.


Scott is very happy with this product. He said it seems very stable, meaning it does NOT easily flip. He also said the separate inflatable seats and backrest were very comfortable. I look forward to trying it out.
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CRAFTS:
Finally, I used up all that acrylic red yarn!!!! Hallelujah!
That's one way to use up a lot of yarn! And no, that is not me.
Here are my final projects I crocheted with this seemingly never ending yarn.

A little 2" heart that I made into a pin for Valentine's Day.
Headband made in Tunisian crochet stitch


 Puffy heart garland for Valentine's Day decoration


Phew, enough of that yarn!
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WHERE WE'RE GOING:
Aug. 12-18, 2013 Coeur d'Alene RV Park, Post Falls, ID
Aug. 19-28, 2013 Jim & Mary's RV Park, Missoula, MT
Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2013 Jennifer's Driveway Boondock, Bozeman, MT
Sept. 2-5, 2013 Mammoth Campground, Yellowstone, WY (Tentative)
Sept. 6-15, 2013 Horseshoe Bend Campground NFS, Lovell, WY (Tentative)
Sept. 16-30, 2013 Wheels West RV Park, Custer, SD

south for the Winter of 2013/214

Monday, August 5, 2013

Life alert

Aug. 4-10, 2013 Silver Cove RV Resort, Silver Lake, WA
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RV LIFE:
Ow! My neck and shoulder are "killing" me. I think I twisted my neck which must have pinched a nerve. Pain from my neck to my shoulder blade, down my arm to my elbow and then to the front of my wrist. But if I sit just so, it's tolerable. And how did I twist my neck? Did I sleep wrong? Nope. Love my pillow and our 3" memory foam mattress.
I think it may be time for one of those life alert necklaces. Help! I've fallen and can't get up!
Yep, I fell off the bed. Scott was out and about in town. I decided to groom Devin a little. I hate doing that on the bed, but Devin is more relaxed there. I found a mat, so had to reach for the scissors. Next thing I know, I've slipped off the end of the bed and bounced on my butt onto the floor. Ow! This is when it's good to have a bubble butt. I just sit, assess how I'm feeling. Butt's a little sore, but otherwise I feel fine. But oh, waking up the next day. Where's the pain meds! I took Ibuprofen every two hours 3x's. Enough of that, pull out the better stuff, Naproxen which should last 12 hours, but really needs a refresh after 6-8 hrs. 2 days later, I'm still in pain but not as much. This too shall pass.
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RESTAURANT REVIEW:
Sully's  - Forks, WA
Our rating 3 out of 5
Just an average fast food joint. Although the hamburgers I saw being served were on huge rolls. I think they advertise 4.5" round. I had the Salmon burger (regular sized bun). Being in a popular Salmon fishing area, I thought it was a good choice. Nope. Just an over fried patty of salmon, I think. It didn't taste like salmon.They have a large variety of milkshakes, but we didn't return to try them.
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SIGHTS:
Forks Timber Museum - Forks, WA
My rating 3.5 out of 5
Small museum. But for only $3.00 it's worth looking through. There was the history of logging and how the men cut down these huge trees way back when. The double handed saws were on display. There was a wood canoe partly dug out from a tree.
To fill up the museum a bit they also had some antiques, like old typewriters, telephones and this...
Old Hot Curlers
Rialto Beach - Forks, WA
My rating 5 out of 5
Rialto Beach is a nice beach to visit. Dogs are allowed on a good portion of the beach, but not on trails in the woods. There are a couple of picnic tables right next to the beach. There are flush toilets available, plenty of parking, and a faucet to rinse your sandy feet off.
Lyla looking over the Pacific
I'm still fascinated by the huge driftwood,
that are actually whole huge tree trunks, all bleached and smooth.


Deb & Devin

Scott (barely visible) & Lyla
We had another "first". We saw our first bald eagle!  We saw it perched so regally at the top of a tree. We were able to see it take flight over the Ocean going out about 300', then circle back. Absolutely beautiful.


Hoh Rain Forest - Olympic National Park, Forks, WA
$15.00 per car entrance fee. (We got in "free" with our Nat'l Parks Annual Pass)
Scott took a couple of short hikes through this forest. It was quite crowded, which is good for the Nat'l Park's finances I guess.  I enjoyed a relaxing time out in the grassy area under a large shade tree and sitting on a cushy dog bed. Why didn't I go with him? Because here's another place that dogs are not allowed. At Nat'l Forests, dogs are allowed. At Nat'l Parks, it depends. I figured Hoh Rain Forest was a forest, so we much be entering a Nat'l Forest. Nope, it is considered a Nat'l Park and no dogs allowed on any trails. I always bring a book wherever I go. I hate to be bored and I know I'll get aggravated if there are lines, or if the truck breaks down and we're stuck somewhere, etc. I always have a book to pass the time.
Scott took quite a few photos, but you can't really feel the splendor of the huge moss covered trees and ferns all over.
We took turns going into the information center.
 These slices of Douglas Firs & Spruce were on display showing 28 years of growth. One grew in a "normal" forest and one grew in the rainforest. The rainforest tree grows at least twice as fast. The rings of the tree are so much wider.




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WHERE WE'RE GOING:
Aug. 12-18, 2013 Coeur d'Alene RV Park, Post Falls, ID
Aug. 19-28, 2013 Jim & Mary's RV Park, Missoula, MT
Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2013 Jennifer's Driveway Boondock, Bozeman, MT
Sept. 2-5, 2013 Mammoth Campground, Yellowstone, WY (Tentative)
Sept. 6-15, 2013 Horseshoe Bend Campground NFS, Lovell, WY (Tentative)
Sept. 16-30, 2013 Wheels West RV Park, Custer, SD

south for the Winter of 2013/214

Sunday, August 4, 2013

I admit it!



Aug. 4-10, 2013 Silver Cove RV Resort, Silver Lake, WA
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"My Memory is Shot; All I Retain Now is Water" 
Lori Borgman
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Hi, my name is Debbie and I'm a...Twilight Fan & so is Scott.

We didn't specifically go to Forks, WA to see where the Twilight books story took place, but, since we were on the peninsula, we might as well.
Yes, I listened to Twilight on audibook (before it was popular).
Yes, we watched the all the Twilight movies, watching the final Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn right before arriving in Forks, WA
Yes, we are now reading (Scott re-reading) the Twilight books.






Yes, I had to get my photo taken with the lifesize wooden Jacob.  Of course, I'm for Team Jacob. I'd much rather have a warm body and oh what a body he has, next to me than a cold vampire.








And we were camped right near the Treaty Line. Of course we were on the Werewolf side of the line.
So yes, I took the cheesy Twilight Tour which is reviewed below.
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BUSINESS REVIEW:
Twilight tour - Forks, WA
My rating 3.5 out of 5
If you're into Twilight, it's worth it.
$30. for 2.5 hour tour through Forks, WA
$40. for 4 hour tour through Forks and La Push, WA.
Friendly staff trying to make the most of Twilight Fever. The tour is a mixture of Twilight sites from the BOOK version, inside info, and also a tour of the town of Forks.
This was a relaxing tour and plenty of time to take photos and no embarassment to show your glee upon seeing where "Bella lived", etc.

Included, Cullen house, Bella's house, treaty line, Chief Charlie's police car, Bella's red truck, La Push beach & so on.
Keep in mind, the only thing actually filmed in Forks was the "Welcome to Forks" sign.
When we stopped to see Charlie's police car at the police station, the water dept. was right across the hall. We stopped in there and were given a water bill! Paid in full thank goodness. Kind of silly, but then on the other hand, it is a memento of visiting Forks, WA.

A tid bit I learned on the tour was that the plan was to film in Forks, but the State of Washington was charging so much tax and permit fees, etc. They  priced the film out to move to the Portland area. This was a low budget film.
It was fun to watch the elation and the deflation of emotions as a couple of tourist really thought a member of the cast would show up for photo ops. But what we actually got were lifesize figures being lugged in and out of the van at the different points of Twilight interest.
Edward has seen better days

One of my favorite sights on the tour was a visit by the tour bus driver's yellow lab.
Sweet lady that I thought was old, but ends up she's only four years old, but fat.  She is free to roam but usually sleeps in his truck while he is doing the tour. He leaves his truck door open for her to go in and out.


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FOOD/RECIPE:
While staying on the Olympic Peninsula there was an abundance of Smoked Salmon for sale. OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH, so delicious! We picked up a couple of packs. Tonight, I made fish tacos, with tortillas I made myself & pico de gallo I made. Yep, I cook once in a while.
Pico de Gallo
Tomato, chopped
Onion, chopped
Cilantro, chopped
Jalapeno, chopped (just a small amount)
Lime juice
Salt to taste

Tortillas
Flour, 2 cups
Salt, 1//2 teaspoon
Water, 3/4 cup hot
Olive Oil, 3 tablespoons

Combine flour and salt in bowl.
Heat water to almost boiling.
Add water & oil to flour.
Mix with fork until cool enough to handle.
Finish mixing with hands.
Knead (fold over) about 15 times.
Let stand for 30 minutes with damp towel over bowl.

Roll in hands to form a log. Break in 1/2
Roll that in half. Break in 1/2.
Continue until 8 pieces.
Roll in hands to form a ball.
Place ball on floured surface and roll out to 8" round.

In medium high temp. frying pan, spray with oil.
Put tortilla in pan. Wait until it bubbles. Turn.
That's it. Pretty easy.





Need some practice making them round!

Fish Taco
Any cooked fish or shrimp
Pico de Gallo
Black Beans (optional)
Slaw mix
Tortilla

Put fish on tortilla.
Slaw mix on top of fish.
A touch of black beans.
then pico de gallo.
Roll up. Done & Yum!.
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RESTAURANT REVIEW:
Three Rivers Resort - Forks, WA
Our rating 3 out of 5
Hmm, World Famous? That's what the sign says.
What can you expect from a little place where the teenage employees are cooking your meal. Just take that frozen, premade item and stick it in the deep fryer, or grill the burger.
The food actually wasn't bad, but can't say it was good either. Simple fast food.
Scallop basket: Ok, but would not order again. Small bay scallops deep fried.  Very little taste.
Cole Slaw: way too much mayo or miracle whip.
French Fries: Average. Not great, not bad.
Burger: Actually pretty good, when you compare it to fast food joints. I wouldn't compare it with "gourmet" quality burgers.
Blackberry Shake: Very good.
This was right across the street from our RV Park, so it was very convenient. The best thing to go there for is the milkshakes.
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CRAFTS:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~PETS:
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I want to introduce you to Sir Ruckus…..

Ruckus is a orange and white male English Setter and he is approximately 2 years old. Ruckus has had a real rough start to say the least. He was chained up and living outside at a rural residence, his coat was matted and he was covered in fleas and ticks. The human that owned Ruckus obviously didn’t think very highly of him and he was lucky to get scraps to eat. Luck was on Ruckus’ side however when this poor excuse of a human decided to dump Ruckus at a neighbor's house. “Dumping” Ruckus was probably the most humane thing that this guy had ever done for him as he ended up with a animal lover named Steve. Steve recognized Ruckus and he confronted the neighbor who abandoned him in the middle of the night. To make a long story short… the sorry excuse for a human told Steve that if he brought Ruckus back he would load him up in his truck and dump him somewhere else. Steve didn’t want anything to happen to poor Ruckus so he agreed to not to return him. Steve has a very small little “rescue” that he runs and funds out of his own pocket and he currently has several dogs at his house that he is rehabbing and re-homing (mostly rehabbing) and unfortunately he can not afford to take on Ruckus.
This is what Steve has reported…. Ruckus has a very gentle temperament and loves kids. Ruckus especially likes Steve's 3 yr old granddaughter. He said that Ruckus listens well and loves attention. He gets along fine with female dogs and neutered male dogs however, he doesn’t do well with un-altered male dogs. Ruckus was severely covered with ticks and fleas. Steve has given him baths with dawn and groomed the ticks out of his fur. His fur started to fall out and he was scratching so bad from the flea bites that he scrounged up enough money to buy him a Comfortis flea pill from his vet. He said that the Comfortis has helped take out the fleas, but his skin is still bothering him. Which really isn’t surprising…..
Steve contacted Above & Beyond English Setter Rescue to see if we would be willing to take in Ruckus. We explained to him that our funds are very tight right now and are not sure if we could find a foster home for him. After speaking with A&B’s Pres. we decided … If we can raise enough funds through donations we can bring the “soon to be gorgeous” Ruckus into our program… get him healthy and of course find him a forever home… SO what do you think? Do you think we can raise enough coin to get Ruckus vetted and relieve him of his horribly itchy skin so his beautiful spots can come back… I think we can!…
If you would like to help Sir Ruckus please.. Pretty please consider making a donation… If you would like to foster this sweet boy please fill out a foster home application. Thank you in advance!
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WHERE WE'RE GOING:
Aug. 12-18, 2013 Coeur d'Alene RV Park, Post Falls, ID
Aug. 19-28, 2013 Jim & Mary's RV Park, Missoula, MT
Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2013 Jennifer's Driveway Boondock, Bozeman, MT
Sept. 2-5, 2013 Mammoth Campground, Yellowstone, WY (Tentative)
Sept. 6-15, 2013 Horseshoe Bend Campground NFS, Lovell, WY (Tentative)
Sept. 16-30, 2013 Wheels West RV Park, Custer, SD

south for the Winter of 2013/214

See ya next week

Aug. 4-10, 2013 Silver Cove RV Resort, Silver Lake, WA
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RV LIFE:
I may not be posting at all this week. I was hoping to post about our Forks, WA visit last week, but here at Silver Lake, WA, we have TERRIBLE internet. I will only be on line for what I HAVE to do for the dog rescue I volunteer for.
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WHERE WE'RE GOING:
Aug. 12-18, 2013 Coeur d'Alene RV Park, Post Falls, ID
Aug. 19-28, 2013 Jim & Mary's RV Park, Missoula, MT
Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2013 Jennifer's Driveway Boondock, Bozeman, MT
Sept. 2-5, 2013 Mammoth Campground, Yellowstone, WY (Tentative)
Sept. 6-15, 2013 Horseshoe Bend Campground NFS, Lovell, WY (Tentative)
Sept. 16-30, 2013 Wheels West RV Park, Custer, SD

south for the Winter of 2013/214

RV Park Review: Riverview RV Park - Forks, WA


RV PARK REVIEW:
July 28-Aug. 3, 2013 (1 week)
Riverview RV Park, Forks, WA
$33./night
Our rating 3 out of 5
This is an RV park still in the making. Most sites seem to be seasonals.
Sites: Decent spacing between sites. Some have grass and some are just gravel.
Our site on right

Hook ups: Usually FHU, but we were a brand new site, not finished so we only had 110 Electric and water. No sewer, no dump station.












Lots of room behind site
Bathrooms: Port-a-potty. Did not use.
Laundry: No
Pets: Very pet friendly with lots of places to walk them. If you go to the back acreage, which has primitive sites, it's a nice place for off leash.
WiFi: No
Verizon Internet: Worked well
Sprint Internet: No signal
Verizon cell: Worked fine
AT&T cell: No Service
Book Exchange No
Activities: Fishing, and smoking fish.
Fish smoker












That's a lot of Salmon!
A nice covered fish cleaning station provided with overhead hanging hoses, table, etc.

Mail delivery accepted: ?
Area/Town/Sights: Of course there's the Twilight Tour if you are a Twilight fan.

Hoh rain forest. 
Timber museum
This park has the potential to have a better rating, but for now it still needs work. I was quite upset that they still charged us $30./night, no weekly discount for a partially completed site. I thought we would have gotten a break, since we had to be careful with the electric and no sewer or dump station.
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WHERE WE'RE GOING:
Aug. 4-10, 2013 Silver Cove RV Resort, Silver Lake, WA
Aug. 12-18, 2013 Coeur d'Alene RV Park, Post Falls, ID
Aug. 19-28, 2013 Jim & Mary's RV Park, Missoula, MT
Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2013 Jennifer's Driveway Boondock, Bozeman, MT
Sept. 2-5, 2013 Mammoth Campground, Yellowstone, WY (Tentative)
Sept. 6-15, 2013 Horseshoe Bend Campground NFS, Lovell, WY (Tentative)
Sept. 16-30, 2013 Wheels West RV Park, Custer, SD

south for the Winter of 2013/214

Our Travels