Brrraaaccckkk and an RV problem

What started out as an early get go from Pendleton was not to be.  When I started to pull in our biggest slide ( table chairs and couch ) only one side of the slide would pull in and it seemed the motor would not engage the other side. Donald managed to push as hard as he could on the outside and since it was the rear and not the front, we limped out of Wildhorse RV Park to the nearest RV dealer, Thompson RV in Pendleton.  They, of course, could not fit us in for DAYS, but phoned and recommended the nearest RV repair shop, Drake RV.  Up the road we went, as the slide inched it's way further out.....

Drake RV is located at the airport in Pendleton, which was an old WW2  military base.  Their location is inside one of the original old aircraft hangers. Totally cool. They got us looked at right away, and it turned out the little sheer bolt that is a safety, broke away. To fix this, the underbelly had to be removed, but luckily that's all that it was and we were on our way in one hour, minus the one hour shop rate of $85 cash. Lucky Lucky. HIGHLY recommend these guys, they really know their stuff. Even if you need parts, give them a call.

The day's drive turned out to be later than anticipated, but what can you do. Stuff happens. What was the theme as we drove up from Pendleton, through the Tri-Cities, Moses Lake and onto Riverside, WA? Yes, it is farm country and all the way we saw" The Chicks are in ", " Baby chicks here "....
I do remember when we took delivery of our baby chicks many years ago, delivered by Greyhound Bus to the Feed Store.

Speaking of chickens, we are parked for two nights at Margie's RV Park in Riverside, Washington ( not recommended ). There is a rooster who seems to be quiet in the day, but crows all, yes all, night long. zzzzzz.  Border crossing tomorrow morning.

This rooster is not the culprit - image from Wikipedia

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

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.

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!!

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.