Monday, September 30
The cautious, patient RVSue says, “Wait another day. Let the storm pass completely. Then you can pull out of Kalaloch and drive with clear skies above.”
The take-charge, can-do RVSue says, “What the heck! Go for it! Why sit around looking out the window at the rain all day?”
A little after nine o’clock I fire up the PTV.
It’s raining. Bridget and Spike are happy for us to be on our way. I turn on the heater full-blast and they both leave the back to climb into the passenger seat. They want to lie directly in front of the heat vents to take the chill out of their bones.
“Okay, crew, let’s hit the road!”
I ease us around the campground loop. Oh, no! Gee, I hope this isn’t a bad sign. Right before the juncture of the campground loop road and the short spur to Highway 101 lies a downed tree across the road. I back up to a place where I can turn us around and we leave via the “Do Not Enter” road.
The PTV is low on gas so I stop at Kalaloch Lodge.
The sign on the pump says, “No gas.” We continue southward along the coast and through the forest, stopping at the tiny community of Queets. I buy enough gas at $3.99 a gallon to get us to Hoaquim.
Soon we meet a snow plow driving in the opposite direction. That’s reassuring . . . to have the plow come from where I’m going. The road should be clear ahead.
The weather shifts back and forth between rain with wind and clear with calm.
Mostly the road passes through forest. Occasionally a sign points to beach access. Ah, maybe some other time.
At the twin cities of Hoaquim and Aberdeen I get mixed up trying to find Route 12 going east. I gas up the PTV at $3.69 a gallon, ask for directions, take the crew on a walk-around, and soon we’re back on track, heading eastward across Washington state toward Interstate 5. I have no idea where we will spend the night.
Blue skies up ahead!
Not so fast! As we approach Centralia the sky turns an evil-looking dark grey with rain coming down in sheets. Where the hell did that come from? The wipers jump frantically while I peer through the windshield. We pass a neat little RV park with wall-to-wall RVs. I hesitate for a split-second, but I push on.
Interstate 5 is . . . well . . . Interstate 5.
The great race is on! Who can drive the fastest in the worst conditions! Trucks splash more water on the windshield. SUVs and little cars change lanes as if this is an amusement park on a clear summer’s day. Hoo-boy. I can’t take much more of this. Neon signs of outlet stores beckon through the dark. What the heck is the big hurry? Is there a sale at Dress Barn?
A billboard gives me hope.
“Love’s Travel Stop — Exit 72.” Aha! That’s where we’ll go. If we can make it to Exit 72, we’ll be all set. Let’s see . . . There goes Exit 83 . . . Keep going . . . Keep going. . .
By the time we slide down Exit 72’s ramp toward the waiting parking lot of Love’s, the rain is so heavy I have trouble finding the entrance. Follow that truck! I squeeze us between two of the big boys and turn off the PTV. Whew! We made it!
Bridget and Spike commence yapping.
“Okay! Okay! You can get out! We’re home!”
rvsue
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Great going!
I like getting my atlas out and travel the highways
with you and the crew. It’s as though I’m with you.
Thank you for your blog.
Hi, Dedra!
You’re welcome!
Did you find Napavine? I like to click on the google map in the sidebar, change it to “terrain” and then drag backwards along our route to see what ground we covered.
I remember one time going to work on I-65 South, approaching downtown Nashville, driving through rush-hour traffic and suddenly seeing 5 lanes of cars/trucks/buses/whatevers swapping lanes at the same time all in the same 1/8 mile stretch of road. Thought sure I was going to see a wreck(s), but all made it unscathed.
And what did Spike and Bridget think about jumping out into pouring down rain? LOL
Hi, Ladyscape,
Spike and Bridget are more accepting of the rain on their backs than at first. After a few hours sleeping in the PTV, they HAVE to go outside. Funny thing… It was miserable, heavy rain when we arrived at Love’s. I put them inside the BLT while I fuss around straightening it up. Then I take them outside for exercise… and wow! beautiful sunshine! After I drove through hell, suddenly . . . all gone!
Whew! I was hanging on, traveling along with you, I’m happy you are safe and snug and the crew can relax a little. Just found your site recently, I’ll be journeying along with you.
Hi, Willow…
Happy you found us! I’m glad you’re sharing the road with us. Tomorrow we will go to Oregon!
Will you be going through Portland or will you cut over to 101?
I’ll be going through Portland to follow the Columbia River eastward on the Oregon side.
“What the heck is the big hurry? Is there a sale at Dress Barn?” – Best line and so true. . . . . where are these people going that is so dad-gum important?
They hurry and then I see a long line of cars waiting off of I-5 to merge onto a street.
So glad you are safe and out of harms way. Your decision to leave is fully understandable. It would have been nice to see some photos of the aftermath. But it isn’t worth getting hurt or having the rig get damaged. Safety above all else. I hope you have better fortune in Oregon. If you keep on going down 101 into CA. I hope you get to the area south of Humboldt. Lots of redwood forest and state parks, Humboldt and Grizzly Creek are 2. Would make for some amazing photos. Route 36 cuts across the state from the area and goes through redwood forests and beyond connecting with 395 at, get this, Susanville Ca. Destiny calling.
Hi, Alan,
I’m not going to take 101 through California. Last year I went south along the coast on 101 as far as Crescent City. I didn’t want to deal with the high gas prices and all so I cut back to Grants Pass and enjoyed Oregon. We returned to California on the east side of the mountains.
We camped at beautiful Eagle Lake, right on the shoreline. I really liked Susanville.
“Susanville to Reno to Washoe Lake State Park.”
Yup, I would have liked to have seen the aftermath too. Hopefully, next Sept. we will get out there and see for ourselves.
Hi, Sally,
If there’d been anything to photograph to show the “aftermath,” I would have done so. Just rain, wet pavement, wet trees, scattered limbs… The sea was too dark and foggy to make a decent photo. Plus I don’t like taking my new camera out of the case when it is so incredibly damp. My gosh, I walk in my bathroom this morning and there’s mold on the wall!
So RV sue,
Now you know why…. I get in my van and head south for the winter.
I live here in Tacoma Wa., and I have been where you have just been.
To bad you didn’t get a chance to go up the Queets river. That’s my get away place,
Where Big Foot lives, and there is the best free camping place at about 4 miles up the Queets river road where the river takes a sharp turn.
But there is always next year.
Cross over at Portland and head out to 101 down the coast, it’s a great drive and the camp grounds are still open for another month or so. But if your in a hurry, take I-5 down to Cal. You can stay at the rest stops at night, that’s what I do.
Love reading and seeing the pic’s, my cats say hi to the crew
Scott
Hi, Scott,
Great to hear from you! I did have the Queets River in mind but I ran out of time.
This rainy weather pattern looks like it’s going to hang around for a while. For that reason I choose not to go down the coast on 101. I have seen some of the Oregon coast (southern portion). I would rather do 101 in good weather. Plus it means crossing mountains later in the season, unless I get myself entangled in city areas of southern Cal.
I’ll pick up Route 97 in northern Oregon and eventually get on Route 395. That’s the plan. But then, my plans often change, so who knows? Right now I want to be warm and dry!
It’s a pleasure to read that you love my blog and photos. Thanks for letting me know. Hi to your feline crew from the canine crew!
Your day sounds like mine Sue. I drove from Pacific City on the Oregon coast to Eugene. Just after turning on to highway 18 off 101, everyone stopped and we waited til they finished clearing a small landslide off the road. I was hoping this was not an indication of how my trip would go today. Fortunately, that was the last problem. I went south on 99 so I did not have to deal with I5. My biggest problem was dealing with bright sunshine reflecting off the wet road and 5 miles later trying to see through heavy rain and 5 miles later dealing with bright sunshine…….and on and on. Now I am waiting in Eugene to get my solar installed tomorrow. Then I head south to find some sun! Hope we get through the passes before the snow hits.
Hi, Dorothy,
Your day sounds like mine only a lot worse! It’s so tiring driving in those conditions. One reason I’m getting us over to the east side of the mountains is to avoid snowy mountain passes. I, too, hope you get through before the snow hits.
On a “sunnier’ note, you’re getting solar! Yay for you! You’re going to love it!
RVSue, how were you able to keep enough power to run your laptop? I think I can speak for your other followers who were glad you could keep giving us updates. On Friday, you thought you might have to shut down for lack of power.
Eileen in Phoenix
Hi, Eileen,
On Saturday there were intermittent breaks in the clouds when sun hit the panel. I also charged the laptop with the PTV running while the laptop cord was in the 12v dash outlet.
I think the biggest reason I was able to post was because I left out photos. It takes a lot of time to load, edit, and insert photos in a blog entry. Cutting that out gave me “charge time” to blog and respond to comments.
Glad you made it out OK. I- 5 can be wicked to drive on, especially when it is pouring rain. We are taking the same route as you, but we are leaving next week. So pick out some good campsites.
Hi, Jean and Skip,
My research shows that some of the NF campgrounds close on October 1st. That’s why I want to find some good boondocking country (like Borrego Springs where I met you!)…. some boondocks at low elevation with lots of sunshine!
I’ll try to find something better than Love’s . . . although it was a welcome sight coming off I-5 today.
Couldn’t wait to get home tonight and see how you are getting along apres la deluge! As you head into So Cal, pay close attention on the road if it’s raining. We are known for not being able to drive well in the rain. It’s not our fault, really, we just haven’t experienced much of the stuff. A typical L.A. TV newscast goes: Raindrops spotted landing on windshields!! Film at 11!
Ha! I’ll try to remember that. That brings to mind a comedian who said being a weatherman in San Diego had to be the easiest job on earth.
“And now we go to Lou for tonight’s weather report. Lou?”
“Thanks, Carl. The weather in San Diego will be . . . nice. Back to you, Carl.”
Glad you’re “hanging” a left in Portland and heading East. There are flood warnings out for Centralia/Chehalis area. I’m sorry you had to endure all the rain and wind. I hope you will come back and visit Oregon when the weather is nicer. Happy and safe travels to you and Bridget and Spike.
Hi, Betty,
I think you meant come back to Washington? We’re not done with Oregon yet!
My memories of Washington are aglow! The weeks there were far better than anything I imagined. The storm added to it.
Thanks for the good wishes to me and the crew.
Glad you made it to your destination safely. When we drove across the USofA we weren’t in a hurry. If it was raining or too windy we waited. Of course we didn’t know Wyoming was always gusting and spent four days stuck between rain, wind, hail and frozen h20/pooper hose! Gotta love Wyoming!
Have you ever tried rain x on your windshield? It can be pouring down sheets of rain and if it is correctly applied (keyword) you won’t need to use your wipers! I personally find wipers annoying. Use the 100 % one. ..not the one that has the cleaner in it!
Right now gas is $4.25 in the SF Bay Area. Caleefornia is so overrated! Interstate 5 can take you back toward AZ. Thru the Grapevine….cow country nothing very scenic.
Thought of you and the crew as mom was cravin rotisserie chicken from Costco! Hey Spike….did you forget we had a deal? I have the chicken and you’re supposed to provide an address. Sheesh!
Have a wonderful night!
Hi, Cinandjules,
Thanks — We did have a “wonderful” night. In other words, we slept well. Between dinner and bedtime Spike had to go outside a gazillion times to look at the trucks. And it was damp and cold out! I was this close to giving him a major spanking!
Hwy 101 is scenic but, gee whiz, it can be a lot of work. I’d rather travel it when the summer lies before us, not when trying to get away from winter.
I have to disagree on “cow country nothing very scenic.” I love cow country! Bovine is beautiful!
I’m glad you are able to spend time with your family. Time goes by so quickly and you live so far apart. Make special memories!
Tell mom I understand the craving… When you want rotisserie chicken, you WANT rotisserie chicken! Just ask Spike . . .
Hi cinandjules,
Yeah, Wyoming is the pits, all flat and nothing but wind. Sounds like Sue is heading south As fast as possible. So you like Borrego huh, I used to go thru there when I lived in Phoenix on my way to visit my brother who was in Dana Point at the time. I would think you would try something a little different. I did like Julian though.
By the way, gas here in Va. Beach is $3.06 a gallon.
Enjoy your trip and get dried out. Looking forward to your next campground.
Um, what “different” did you have in mind? Gee, Alan, don’t I offer enough variety? 🙂
Remember, I don’t camp in OHV areas if I can help it and there are a lot of those down that way.
Have to agree 100% on rain-x. We were having problems with the electrical on the car whenever it rained. Lost the wipers
Oh my, what a wild ride. So glad you and the crew made it thru that torrential storm putting a lot of distance between you and the outer banks of far N. W. Washington!
Y’all must be so exhausted!!!
Sweet dreams…
T~
Thanks, Tawanda.
I don’t remember any sweet dreams, but I woke rested. I don’t know why, but a generator will drive me bonkers while truck engines and brakes don’t bother me at all.
Some tired-looking truckers around here. I guess we all hate driving in the rain.
Yesterday we left Seattle area to Portland to stop for late lunch with friends…then onto Sutherlin for the night…my it was nasty weather…today all the way to Sacramento area…but at least good weather!! Hope your trip is easier here on out!!
Good golly, Elizabeth! That’s a lot of driving! I wish you safety on the roads . . .
Oh RVSue and Crew… your day, is the EXACT reason I made the choice about 37 years ago to move EAST… way East… being allergic to mold, Portland/Vancouver was not the place for me.
When I left there a couple of weeks ago, I drive the 84 east and cut down into IDAHO. Stopped for the night in Pendleton. The Wal-Mart was JAMPED PACKED first time in my life seen TENTS on the pavement… turned out to be the last night of Roundup. I was so tired, I could not muster another mile and pulled all 60 feet in and my eyelids fell over eyeballs rather quickly.
I hear the rain is coming to Colorado by Thursday… I hope it decides to detour north into Montana / Wyoming. We’re still trying to clean up from the flooding that happened here.
By the way, the hubby picked up a bottle of Mold Treatment spray. Gosh that stuff works fantastic and puts a shield to block out such stuff too. Home Depot sells it.
Be sure to fill up the propane tanks, we notice the prices are higher east of Oregon, as was fuel. Plus, in Oregon they pump the fuel for you!
Glad you and the crew are out of the horrible rains, but I think it may be sneaking up behind your guys. It rained so hard the night we headed into Lincoln City from Portland, that I was sorry I headed to the Ocean… but in the morning the SUN was shining bright…
Good luck with your travels, and keep safe. We’re using the furnace to take off the chill here already, then again, I am WHIMP when my body aches.
Kay
Hi, Kay,
Nice to hear from you again! Not nice to hear that you were flooded. What a royal pain. . .
I don’t know how the PNW people deal with the dampness. My clothes are damp coming out of the closet! It feels like I’m putting on wet socks! Yuck! I guess it’s not as bad when you’re in a house with the heat on all the time.
Everywhere else the crew and I have visited, their little black suits (which are mesh) dry out quickly. In the PNW they stay damp all the time. I’m going to hang them (the suits, not the crew!) in front of the heater vents when we travel today.
The only thing that takes the chill out of my bones is lying in the sun. Which reminds me… first chance I get I need to get a lounger to replace the one I broke. I have my eye on a blue one from Amazon. . . (I didn’t mean to plug Amazon, really, I didn’t!).
Hope Colorado is spared more rain…
Ahhh the rain storms of the PNW. I took my DL test in a driving rain storm, down here in GA they cancel them…LOL. In OR if they did that no one would get their DL.
A small hint, the Columbia River Gorge can get mighty windy – big cult of windsurfers there due to the steady winds.
I’m glad all is OK for you, if your heading for central and eastern OR, there’s lots to see and do. Fossil beds, the Wallowa Valley, Painted Hills, Malheur Wildlife Sanctuary, Hart Mt. National Antelope Sanctuary, the Strawberry Mts, Opal mining, the Steens and the Kiger Mustangs, Eagle watching…OK so the list can go on and on…LOL. Oh and one more thing, there’s lots of public land and dispersed camping!
Stay safe and enjoy my beloved home state of Oregon!
Hi, Mindy,
Ya know? I hadn’t given any thought to the wind along the Gorge. Thanks for the reminder. I may have to rethink today’s travel plans.
I don’t know how much sight-seeing I’ll do in Oregon. I know I want to stay away from the higher elevations.
I do love Oregon, too!
That was quite the drive err..escape!
Loved the slideshow from last year!
Keep making those wonderful memories…..for all of us readers!
Hi, shutterbugshea,
I wondered if anyone clicked on that link. I appreciate the feedback. Maybe I’ll add links to past posts more often.
I enjoyed watching the slideshow again, too. That was a wonderful day with friends.
I clicked on the link too, thought the crew was particularly cute in the boat! 🙂
They were soooo tired by the time we were back on land again. Floating on water made them sleepy.
Safe travels today, hope you ck’d the weather forecast radar etc, the gorge is looking like it may be a rough one on either side.
T~
Good to know, Tawanda! As soon as I finish responding to comments, I’m going to see about an alternate plan. Sweet of you to give me a warning . . . 🙂
Ah yes, the rains of Western Washington. Been reading the blog for a few days without a chance to leave a note. I grew up in Olympia so I completely understand the rain! You will soon learn to ‘read’ the rain – is it just a mist? a sprinkle? a downpour? a storm? All that rain is what makes that part of the state so, so green. And mossy.
I thought of you, Spike and Bridget when I heard on the radio that Septemeber was the wettest on record for Seattle. Way to pick ’em, Sue! 🙂
:)K
Yeah, I know how to pick ’em! Haha!
Hey, I wanted to experience the Olympic Peninsula. Well, I certainly did!
I know what you mean about reading the rain. I learned how to read the snow when living in upstate New York. Mostly it read “go somewhere else.” 🙂
Hi Sue, Thank you so much for the hours and hours of enjoyment I have had reading
about you and the crew. You may already know this but if not please go to Tripcheck.com where you can click on Road & Weather then click on cameras
and be able to see current pics from web cams along highways to view current road conditions and also view rest areas. Hope this site will be of great value to you in your travels. Best wishes from Kaye in Oregon
Thanks, Kaye. I didn’t know about this site but I’ll be checking it out. There’s some sun this morning in Winchester Bay after an hour of torrential rain.
Hi, Marilu… I don’t recall where Winchester Bay is but I’m glad you’re getting some sun there!
Winchester Bay is near Reedsport and a little north of Coos Bay.
You’re welcome, Kaye. It delights me to hear I’ve given someone “hours and hours of enjoyment.” What a privilege . . .
Thanks for the tip on Tripcheck.com. I’ll take a look and bookmark it.
Best wishes to you . . .
I hate Interstate Highways! We never take them unless there is no choice. Interstate in the RAIN……. hate it hate it hate it! We are so glad you arrived safely at a Luv’s! I hope your weather clears up and you have blue skies and clear highways ahead! Emily and family arrived yesterday and are all moved in today! Chuck and I will be headed to Florida soon! Travel Safely Sue and crew!
Congratulations to Emily on her “new” home! I wish her many years of comfort and enjoyment. I can picture her enjoying the view of that mountain (forgot the name of it, darn!) from the bench in the sunny yard. I remember drinking raspberry zinger tea there. 🙂
And congratulations to you and Chuck for completing this part of the transition to full-timing! It’s been a lot of work, I know, downsizing. And a lot of heart pangs giving up treasures . . . but you did it and now you’re on your way!
Turtleback Mountain!
Oh, right! How could I forget . . .
Well, you made an interesting choice …. wait VS leave now to race down I-5 in the rain and wind. You’re retired; you have time. What’s the rush … do you have an appt in AZ to keep?
Selfishly I was looking forward to your drive down 101 along the OR coast. Granted autumn is not the best time to visit the PNW but there would have been pockets of good weather to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
If you choose to come back to the PNW, I’d suggest summer, preferably July/August. There are more people to deal with, but the tradeoff is better weather to enjoy the scenery along the WA and OR coasts.
Safe travels and I hope you have better weather today wherever the road takes you!
Hi, Caroline,
What’s the rush? I’ll tell you . . . I don’t want “pockets” of good weather. I’m tired of rain and grey skies.
There are places where the weather is good most of the time at this time of year. Obviously summer weather in the PNW is better, but then you have to deal with crowded campgrounds. In other words, no matter what I do, it’s not going to be perfect. That’s what’s known as life, right?
Hi Sue! Glad you slept. Sorry you didn’t find me in Hoquiam! Next Time!!! The HWY 99 is a really pretty pathway, and you can make it through most areas… It is worth the slower going. I HATE pulling my rig through Chehalis to Vancouver (WA) the winds whip you around (and the 18 wheelers too) on I-5. 99 through OR is WONDERFUL. I used to long distance bike via 99 all the time (Cottage Grove to Corvallis). Very easy (maybe a bit bumpy at times–but still easier than 5). You aren’t out of glorious country yet!!! 🙂
Not sure where you are going, but remember THEY pump the gas in OR and your tires will be cheaper there cuz no TAX!
Well, made my cookies for Habitat for Humanity (husband is volunteering there, we are big H4H people in this house) and am ready to tackle the housework. Sun is out today so maybe some yard cleanup too!
Hugs from Hoquiam,
Barb
Hi, Barb,
Route 99 sounds nice (wherever it is!) but right now I’m not interested in scenic. Nothing is scenic in pouring down rain! I just want to to get away from it. I’ll suffer for a few days on interstates and then maybe things will get back to normal for RVSue and crew!
The sun comes out and you do housework… I’m the same way. Can’t get motivated when it’s dark and dreary. Nice of you to make cookies . . .
Talk to ya’ later… I’m typing this at an interstate rest stop.
Howdy rvsue & crew,
THATZ NOT REAL COPACETIC THINKING, rv sue !!! Even cramped-up in the BLT with the crew you’re ‘safer’ than out there on the SUPER-IDIOT-SLAB in the rain !!!
Sure glad you made it to Love’s 9/10 of a gallon parking lot.. I measured their gallon !
Read TERLINGUA DREAMS blog and weep, about gas prices… In Ft Worth it’s $2.96.
Please, STAY SAFE and have a HAPPY DAY !!!
Hi, butterbean! Long time, no see . . .
Well, it’s damned if you do and damned if you don’t… Rain is hanging in here so I have to motor on down the interstate to get the heck outta here!!!! It could (and I hear it often does) rain for months!
$2.96 a gallon… definitely “read ’em and weep” . . .
You have a safe and happy day, too!
Hi RV Sue,
Hope you have sunshine today. Love your blog and really enjoyed the link to the past post. Yes, please incorporate them into your blogs. I think we might have to try out a inflatable canoe, looks like fun!
Hi, Colleen,
Thank you and yes, I will put links to former posts in my new entries. Gee, I’m thinking of getting rid of my Sevylor inflatable… wish you were here! 🙂
I appreciate the positive feedback. You have a great day!
Whew!….it has been an exciting couple of days with you….I have been holding my breath from my nice dry office…I await anxiously every morning for the latest post and pictures from your adventures….Mold in the bathroom, who knew! Have you not only been in Washington a couple of weeks? Maybe it just seems like it to me…I spent some more of my hard earned money on Amazon using your website, it makes me feel good to do that, I get something and you get a little also and I love the box with the smile that comes to my door…now you can get enough gas to scoot right down the coast into Sunny Cali…the weather here this weekend was glorious, I felt a little guilty knowing you and the crew were growing webbed feet…Happy and safe travels…looking forward to tomorrow.
Hi, Shirlene,
Thank you for being an RVSue Shopper! I can’t tell you how encouraging it is when people place orders through my blog. Being a lifelong tightwad, the Amazon income is “found” money in my mind which makes it easier for me to let it go and enjoy it. I’m grateful for the financial buffer,too.
Don’t feel guilty about your sunny weather! The crew and I have had it pretty good weather-wise up until the storm.
Safe travels to you. Whichever way you go to get warm and dry! 🙂
Thanks, Dawn! You mean you aren’t going to tell me where I should go? 🙂
Sue, I don’t know why you want to take I-5 when you can take 30 out to the coast to 101 and then all the way to CA if that’s where you’re headed. Just take the Longview-Rainier bridge over to Oregon. I’ve taken that route many times. Alternatively, from Longview you can take 4 to 101 in WA. Sure, I-5 in southern OR is very pleasant but, then what?
Hi, mockturtle,
The crew and I have been sightseeing and traveling quite a lot for the past five months… AZ, UT, MT, ID, WA. I’m not up to doing 101 right now. 101 is gorgeous, the weather is wonderful in California, but it’s expensive camping, the driving can be tiring… I’m getting “scenic overload.”
Interstates are not fun, but they do get you somewhere quickly so you can sit and relax.
Someday I will drive 101, Lord willing, when I’m refreshed and ready for adventure. I need some “ordinary”in my life right now in order to reflect and regroup. It’s hard to explain. For instance, I want to buy tires for the PTV. My head is not in tourist-mode.
I totally understand Sue! I hope you can find a fun but easy access space to regroup.
‘Housekeeping’ such as tires can be a poopoo mindset, but WOWOWOW it sure is nice to have them all shiny and NEW. Like New Shoes!
I hope you went 205. I-5 is a mess at nearly any time… 205 is perty… well, sometimes. Eagerly waiting to find out where you landed. 🙂
Living vicariously
Hugs from Hoquiam!
Barb
And going through Portland [even on the ‘bypass’ 205] is a real PITA.
The next post will explain a lot . . .
Hi Sue and Crew!
Good grief, but you’ve been having a time of it. I’ve been following along and I’ve had enough of this wet weather–and I have stayed dry, unlike you and the crew. I’ve enjoyed the PNW with you, but gimme the sun and warmth.
Here on the southwest desert, the scorching heat has finally left and days are gloriously sunny and warm, filled with azure blue skies. Wonderful, warm, winter weather (note the fine alliteration) is what it’s all about the next few months, so ‘Come On Down’! Gee, where have I heard that before?
I’m curious….Have you used your heater to take off any chill or dampness in the BLT?
Safe travels and know that there’s a boondocking spot next to a paloverde tree on some fine BLM land whenever you make it to AZ. No reservations necessary.
Audrey
Audrey… AZ sounds wonderful!
I am looking forward to the desert again. And there’s something to be said for returning to a familiar place after so many new camps. “Sun and warmth” . . . “paloverde” . . . “BLM land” . . . “no reservations .. . You know the right words to touch my heart!
Phew glad you made it………….I had my heart in my mouth for a while. Why can’t people drive to the weather conditions………scares me too driving on highways with everyone going hell for leather in such terrible weather. Always relieved to get home too! Hoping for sunshine and lots of it for you soon! We may be well into Spring here, but winter is trying to hang on with storms like you wouldn’t believe ….tree down in our street, our tulips, so pretty but blown to bits………..enough I say!!
Hi, Glenda…
I love tulips. I had some at my house in Georgia. Trouble is, it always seemed like the wind would come through right at their peak and blow them apart. So it’s not much different in the other hemisphere!
Thanks for the sunshine wish. . .
You are welcome……….bring on the sun!
if you don’t
Ike rush hour traffic, whatever you do,don’t come over the Grapevime into LA at rush hour!!!!!
I won’t be coming into LA from any direction.
Geri told me tonight at dinner that I need to catch up to you as you have been weathering some pretty good PNW storms. Weather is beautiful here in TorC – perfect for moving in and unpacking. Hey, if you happen to get down this way this winter . . . you know where I am at NOW! I’ll catch up with you later.
Thanks, Emily… I know where you live now! 🙂
I am always amazed at the speed of travelers in bad weather. We were getting some nasty storms this past week also. Snow on the mtn. tops. I’m south of Pendleton, OR on I-84 in the Blue Mtns. Last two days beautiful sunshine, but cold at night. Heard it’s going to warm up over the next few days. Wishing you good travels.
Thanks, Cherylyn! Wishing you warm days . . .
Woot woot…you should be in Oregon…unless you stayed put. I was looking out my office window today in downtown Portland and have NEVER seen rain like that in Oregon. In Tennessee, yes, Portland, NO.
Curious as to where you will be. Forecast indicates decent weather for the next few plus days.
East Portland is where we were hit with torrential rain. Glad that’s behind us . . .
You fight that traffic every workday? Yuk.
Actually with my new job, I work downtown and drive 8 miles on the side streets…BUT..it can take 45 minutes to get home on a Friday….puts me in a grumpy mood! :o)
This is one part of traveling that I think is the most challenging – should I stay or should I go?? Today with internet access & alerts, website info and such, I imagine it’s much easier to find out the predictions than when I traveled years ago with my husband. But weather forecasters aren’t always correct. Stay safe, Sue & crew as we continue to ride along with you. Jeaniesrvtravels.blogspot.com