Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Rocking and Rolling in Pendelton

Wildhorse RV sites
Russ and Donna at Main Street Cafe, April 2012
Now, previously we thought that the biggest winds we ever encountered were at Senator Wash outside Yuma, but nope, Pendelton, Oregon is presently enjoying 50 mph wind gusts. The good thing about Oregon wind, is that you do not get the joyful experience of sand and dirt coming in every nook and cranny of the rig, that you do get in Yuma.

The plans are to head off early in the morning with the destination of Riverside, Washington in mind. That will be a longer drive day, so we'll have to see how it goes.  Today I got our receipts for purchases organized for the border. One job done. Now if I could find my Verizon papers with my account number to put that on hold.....

This morning we went downtown to Main Street Cafe, the same place we had breakfast with Russ and Donna almost a year ago. It was just as good.

I think everyone who is travelling is encountering cooler temperatures,wind and rain.  How does it go? April showers bring May flowers? Hope so.
Tulip in our garden upon arrival April 2012



Monday, April 8, 2013

Where did I pack our long pants?

We left Wells, Nevada at 6:30 a.m., yesterday, which was almost a record for us to leave that early.  Donald didn't sleep well thinking about the weather that was coming to the area, and it turns out all across the west.  So, off we went as we had already fuelled up the night before.  Even though we were expecting a horrendous windy/sleety drive, the only wind of significance we encountered was just leaving Wells and just before we pulled into our RV spot in Caldwell, Idaho. Thank goodness.

A highlight of yesterday's drive was discovering a new ring road through Twin Falls, which our GPS did not know about and which we discovered only because we missed the turn onto SR 30 to go through Twin Falls.  If you keep on highway 93, even though there are no signs, it turns through farmland and past a new housing development/hospital straight to the bridge over the river. Awesome route, very very quick.

The weather today through the pass and down to Pendleton looks ugly, so we are waiting here in Caldwell, relaxing and maybe a trip into Boise to look around.  John and Aileen decided to take a different route home to the border but also encountered some wicked winds. So, we're not the only ones! Travel safe everyone.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Onwards to spring weather, goodbye warm weather.....

What a wonderful day yesterday.  We headed off to Henderson, and picked up some muffins and coffee on our way to our friends.  I am not much of a shopper, so the quilt shop tour of the day before was more than enough, except for checking out Henderson's Joanne's store. It's like Home Depot - don't you have to make sure they are all the same? Ha.

We met the guys for lunch at Panera Bread, as they had gone their own way on a quest for pool noodles and an outdoor clock with a second hand to put near the pool at B and J's. Those tasks were accomplished, but not before three pool stores were visited.

In the afternoon, we floated in the pool, enjoying probably our last day of " summer " weather before our trek northwards. We say thank you to our friends, it's been a great couple of days and onwards we go early this morning, with a leisurely drive along Lake Mead to Overton, rather than through the morning rush hour of Las Vegas. The view is so much better!!

Friday, April 5, 2013

friends, quilt stores and fishing?

We had a great time yesterday with friends in Henderson, NV, with the gals heading out to 4 quilt stores and the boys looking for Cabelas, and settling for Bass Pro Shop.  Afterwards, we all met together at their home for a wonderful chicken dinner.  Mmmm. so good. Joanne made chicken breasts with avocado and cheese broiled on top, cucumber salad, and roasted bbq'd vegetables. Outstanding.

Today's plans are to do a few more things in Vegas, get some fuel just prior to coming back to the campground, and then heading off early morning, along the lake, to Overton, because it is a beautiful drive and we have the time.  Our destination is Ely or Wells.  Looks like a bit of a weather window heading north, so off we go.


Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Wow, 2 posts in one day....

This is just a quickie to say we have arrived at Las Vegas Bay Campground, in Lake Mead National Park.  We usually stay at the Boulder Beach campground, on the west side, however, we pulled in and the host informed us that the last spot was just taken! What!!! We were early afternoon and everything. Turns out, a major renovation was taking place with over half the campground unavailable, as those sites were totally re-done, trees and brush cleaned up, and it looked like all the sites were made bigger. Well, we all know rigs are not getting any smaller, and very few people are tenting or tent-trailering, so perhaps this was the reason.  The attendant let us know that some sites were still open at Las Vegas Bay, 8 miles up the lake. Whew! Yep, there were a couple of sites only, and these are very small. Our new neighbour let us know that this campground is slated for renovations as soon as Boulder Beach is fully back open.  Bob, if you are reading this.... we know you like to stay here, so you are forewarned!

We booked for a couple of days, and will try to contact friends in Henderson for a visit. Then, maybe some quilt shops, antique shops.........

We had a great drive, from Desert Hot Springs, up into Yucca Valley, then to Amboy ( huge crater, National Natural Monument thing, amazing! ) then old route 66 to catch Highway 95 up into Nevada.
We could drive as fast as the interstates, without the hassle of the interstates. Gotta love it.