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From-the-road updates
Forks, Washington
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Sunday night – May 25, 2025
We are rolling as I type. This will be my last update. Our journey had come to an end.
After having mixed the dates up on last night the dinner cruise was scheduled for tonight Sherrie got a call from the River Boat cruise telling her, “The boat would not start” there for your plan is canceled for a full refund.
We spent the extra night to attend the dinner remembering my last blog on this. Now this came up. I could not help wondering of this was not meant to not do dinner in the river. Now having to shrug this off, that ended our early evening.
We are east of Chicago a little over a thousand mile by three hundred from home.
We looked at one another staring to each other’s eyes while contemplating our next move. I know after the incredible time we have spent together but doing new founded experiences making our lifetime memories. I am truly thankful for my beautiful caring and unconditional wife, Sherrie. She has provided me with her company as well as a vacation of a lifetime.
Almost Six weeks of daily discoveries. Seeing sights, I never thought I would see.
I must highlight one key fact of this wild vacation across the USA. The entire trip was planned from the whale watching to every KOA’s night stay. Sherrie made it happen. Had it been me I would have spent nights in truck stops and fished in mud holes.
Having Sherrie with me completed this wonderful experience.
Thanking all my family.
Olivia and Hannah for caring for ours pets during our stay away, Palmer for watching over the property and loving my daughter the way he does.
Having Brandon in our lives has made a blending of family experience truly rewarding. Having him love my other daughter as he does is such a blessing.
Thanks guys for all you do. Being away traveling has giving us a lot of mental refreshment that we can now apply to our daily lives before we plan another get away, (not any time soon). This trip may last me for a while.
So, to the cut of this post,
Mom and I have decided we have had enough. We are done like that Forest Gump guy, he just stopped running in the road, “I’m done” and home he went.
That pretty much is the identical model for how we just up and decided to ‘dead head’ home, taking a red eye run tonight. It has been the best decision of the day.
Heads up home, keeping our current bearing, we should arrive HOME by noon tomorrow. Give or take a few hours that we may need to refuel.
Thanks for keeping up with us on the trip. It has been fun. I’ll add things to the site and continue to post stories from our trip. Check back occasionally.
Thanks again,
Tim & Sherrie
Sunday, May 25, 2025
Last night Sherrie was looking at the schedule for the bands the kids saw recently. Stained and Breaking Benjamin. It turns out the concert tour brings them right up here about two hours from us.
No plans yet have been set for attending this concert however this could change today.
Where our camp currently sits across the road from a rather large amusement and water park. There are huge roller coasters that span across the property. After our dinner last night, we decided to walk back to camp rather than uber, 1.7 miles.
The sidewalk from outside the fence let us walk by a section of the coaster track, suddenly the coaster packed with guests appeared made a hump and dove into the earth again. What? It just vanished. This was really puzzling to see. Now it was twilight and the shadows loomed. I can only think my eyes did not deceive my perception. Now today I am going to go over there to that park and walk around looking at things. Especially the coasters.
We are ending this run and having fun just kicking back letting the journey ‘coast’. We have done more than I can remember without looking at date photos. Traveling over 9.5 k miles a lot has happened.
Last night I was returning from the shower house it was around 1 am the camp yards are very dark. Tents are pitched throughout. I was careful to walk back to our RV without walking into Somone’s tent camp. In the dark I had my super light. Honestly it was too bright to use so I felt my way back to camp.
Wham!! I buckled with pain in my right leg and knee. Down to the cold wet ground I fell. On my back I rolled to comfort the landing. What the heck just happened? I looked over and saw shadows I had walked right into a wooden picnic table I did not know was there or did I see it in the dark. This told me to use a flashlight next time. I got up and staggered to my feet and limped back to the RV. Just as I was walking up to the rig, holding my towel and super light I eased along the clearing between the RV and the woods line. It was so dark back in the woods no visible light for my eyes could see. Just as I got to about the passenger door I heard something in the dark. About two feet from me. Out of instinct I flipped the superlight on a pointed it right into a large buck’s face standing still looking at me. Yes, two feet and it scared the living be-Jesus out of me. Could he get any closer?
I caught my senses and chuckled as well as greeted the buck with a good old boy howdie!
Off he wondered back into the dark.
So many things along this had really spiced our lives up. Traveling and vacations are very healthy for keeping a balance in life.
Yesterday we went on the Wisconsin Army Ducks. It is an unusual method of transporting.
Going on the roads with cars then cutting off the road to a thicket posting signage saying -Ducks only trail-. In the duck went we vanished from the hi way. For a long way the winding path of a road led us to the Wisconsin river. This is the point where the duck stopped as the driver warned us of the splash when we entered the water. Not a slow enter. This guy zoomed up the engine and plowed the ramp straight down giving us light feeling in out tummies, then he hit the water at 30 mph? it felt like it.
Yep, he was right on a little title wave. It crested over the back of the duck under our feet and down our backs soaking us with the Wisconsin river.
On we floated to see some of the most beautiful sights of the Dells. We later went to the upper dells.
Tonight is a scheduled dinner on the river. Our dates and times were mixed last night we though dinner was on the 24th it was scheduled for today.
This caused us to camp here one more night so we can make that dinner.
It also is serving us as a day to rest up some. I got up thinking the RV is filthy with road dirt.
About 1 hour of soap, water, brush using the water hose. Bessie is looking like new again.
We had dinner on the river. A local pub establishment looking over the Wisconsin dell passages with boats, ducks and other watercraft passing by.
The last thing we will do before we roll to Racine or to the concert is stockpile some cheeses.
Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma are missing our babies like crazy. When we return being reunited with our family brings closure to our trip and warmth to our hearts.
We can’t wait to see you all.
Love
Mom and Dad
May 24 Saturday
Camped out in The Wisconsin Dells located in east Wisconsin. While driving to the camp we passed the area of guest attraction.
Whatever started this little I-drive, those from home know what I mean, created a rather large area for rides water fun, the park of amusement is inside the water park. Across the road is the Duck rides.
These boats used in the war efforts are now part of history and we can relive the machines’ ability to conquer landscapes and float right over the water. Very impressive, we kept going down or up the Wisconsin river. Sights from within the canyon are not normally visible to most visitors. This made an extra bonus while riding the Ducks.
The duck tour ended, and the driver stopped the machine shutting it off. He stood and asked if there were any ‘kids’ that wanted to drive the duck. We got a volunteer and off he took us up the river. As he was driving us my camera was out taking videos of him. When his dad saw he ask me for those videos. So, we exchanged numbers, and I sent them. I’m sure no one has ever had that happen to them. (right)
It is midafternoon as I sit out back of the RV in the woods thinking of the phone call I had with a friend from home this morning. He told me the heat at home has been searing. The current temperature here is 67. Going back to Florida will require some adjustment back to the climate there.
Later today we have reservations on a Delta Dinner Cruise up the Wisconsin river. We are both looking forward to having attend this engagement.
We will be staying here one more night. By noon tomorrow we will roll out again heading due east around Chicago.
I have added photos to the Gallery page, keep checking back, I update these page daily.
Keep checking back… more to come.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Day break at Rapid City camp. The sun and blue sky are dominating the sky from east to west. The weather pattern has moved on. With all the rain and snow the light of the day is very refreshing.
Before making camp last evening we did some scouting of the area. One of the best finds last evening was finding an Outback steak house. Ever since we have had challenges finding food services our freezer is now full of foods and pantry too.
On this trip there have been more than once we have landed in areas that have no food service.
We are camped out in a heavy drizzle as it turns to snow the temps are dropping. Dark is now falling.
I realize my tummy is growling for food. Now this is camping! Our RV has a fully furnished functioning kitchen/gally.
Some of the best eating has been the food we prepare in the wild. When we sit down to partake in our nourishment, the thought of being very thankful for the ability to make food is foremost thoughts on my mind.
Washington State area was the worse to find food. At one point Sherrie and I thought maybe they don’t eat up here? Most of the little dives are their main source of ‘eating out’. The trick is finding these little holes in the walls. The lay of land differs from what we are used to.
Today is a wonderful weather start to the day and perhaps the end of our vacation. The temperature outside 50 with sun and wind. I am hoping it stays this way all the way to Florida. We are wanting to stop one more time in Laural, Mississippi.
As for today and tomorrow a visit to the Black Hills are on tap. Close to Mt. Rushmore is a few miles from here.
Sher and I have been tempered after seeing the Devil tower. Since I have never seen the tower until now. This is a great reason to explain, seeing America for oneself is not the same as the pictures we see on social media.
Something ‘real’ happens seeing these sights with your own eyes. There are so many places in America that it seems that one would never run out of options of places to visit.
Spending so much time on the road has a way of readjusting one’s values. I keep telling Sherrie when a hack is needed, I say, “it’s the RV life”.
I have used our Blog to keep our family informed where and what were up to. I know my family has GPS tracking us, however reporting of our plight is paramount for the family.
The system of tracking cannot tell all the story, so I have relied on these posts for sending information back home.
Update on Bessie, our RV,
Bessie has taken a beating over the last 7 thousand miles, rough paved roads pounding the RV against the potholes and unpatched pavements, to the dirt, gravel and muddy roads we have ventured.
At elevation 8 k taking the RV up to the Ghost town was a nail-biting challenge. The road up there was as bad as the Mt. Hood run. The ghost town road was very muddy too. (melting snow). The drive up there was so worth it. Both of us were glad we stuck with it.
More stories on this adventure coming soon.
The Rig has, bottom line, performed well. It is just filthy from the top to bottom. With missing wheel simulators and torn off solar panel our quest is yet full filled.
With lots of dirt as well bugs from the roads in our cargo bays, a good cleaning is on the schedule.
I noticed there were so many RVs on the roads, people sight-seeing America. Counting RVs there are two to one of the class C rigs over the class A’s or pull trailers. I can only bet this place is jammed packed during full swing of the season. Hence glad we came early.
Lots of news and photos of Mt. Rushmore coming…
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Mom and Dad
Sher and Tim – ‘camping partners for life’
Latest travel posts updates:
It is Friday the 23 from-the-road. Live we are rolling with Nav in Seat one.
Thursday, we made it from Mt. Rushmore east rolling out over the Badlands National Park, lots to tell of these hidden gems later.
Woke up today in, the RV at Rapid City’s KOA. Back in 2016 while working for Disney a co-worker left the team to join another company away from Florida. He relocated in Sioux falls SD. The best part of working with others is getting to know them. I was able to call my former collogue. We arranged to meet at la Luna’s calf.
At 11:15 my friend from Disney, Jeff Wolbrink, walked in. After greeting him with hugs I introduced my wife to him. Then we joined company for a wonderful exchange of conversation and food.
Leaving la Luna’s, we pointed Bessie east and say, ‘gitty up.’ Just like that off we go.
News flash update.
A new course plan, Nav scrubbed our last few ways stops. We have decided to head due east for Wisconsin. Abandon the rest of the scheduled stops. We are heading for Racine Wisconsin.
There are a few things we are going to do before rolling in to Racine. I will update as we drift.
I’m looking forward to our revisit to laurel Mississippi, perhaps next week sometime. Changing up our schedule to -fly by the seat of your pants-.
More to come so please keep with us. We are winding down these 9-k mile trip NW and back.
Tim and Sherrie
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
From Devils Tower, Wyoming
We rolled in to the devil tower view RV camp just before dark. The front that chased us out of Sheriden moved with us yesterday. Cutting thu and across the pass leading to Devils tower was not what I expected.
Elevation leaving camp was 5k as Bessie moved towards the Black Hills naturally elevation begun, we use the altimeter app on our phones keeping track of the elevation. Next thing I know my ears started popping and cracking making me shake my head and hold my ears.
The pass road ended up at 8,400 feet. Rain had turned into large snowflakes as we moved slowly and cautiously towards Devils Tower View RV camp.
All the way no relief in sight. The clouds loomed over the sky obscuring the sun and mountain tops. Still overcast and drizzling rain a sign with Devils tower peaked through the fog. When we arrived at the camp, we noticed we were very close to the tower. The tower seemed smaller than I expected. However, we did visit the North West and its majestic beautiful sights. The gloomy and low hanging clouds and fog made it even less impressive. Being tired from the entire road tour I think this visit needed abut 8 hours of sleep before venturing up to it.
During the night by midnight temps dropped a couple degrees while it continued to drizzle. Sherrie and I were watching tv. I said to her, “I bet it snowing.” She looked at me and reached for the door as she opened it huge flakes of snow flew in the door. Laughing together we bundled up and went outside to enjoy some snow.
At midnight in the Devil tower area, I was using the spotlight, when the reflection from the falling flakes fell it made incredible lines in the pictures. I will post a few pictures in the photo gallery.
I had a cool experience there in the snow at midnight. Under the RV I have rock lights, (4 lights under the RV), when I turned them off the night went pitch black. I have not experienced total darkness like that since being in a cave and having them turn off the lights.
Pitch black, the longer I stood there I expected my eyes to adjust, and I would see something. That didn’t happen.
If there would have been stars that would have helped but the lo thick snow / rain clouds made it perfect conditions for ‘pitch black.’
The snow continued through the night while Sherrie and I went to bed. I was hoping by watching the local radar the rain would move out by morning.
Morning breaks another day. The first thing I did when waking was look out the back bedroom window. Seeing little sun lots of grey again but the low hanging clouds were gone. That was a good sign for our day to take shape. The first line of business was to get the Rig rolling. Sherrie has it all down, we work together like clock gears. After traveling now, we know exactly what it takes to make the machine produce.
By nine thirty AM we were broken loose from the camp and moving up the road to Devils Tower. This is where it got interesting. To my surprise our walk to the monument and led the way for something new today.
RV’s have a reserved parking spot and that is so wonderful. Anywhere one goes her there are abundance of RVs on the road. So having a place made for your Rig is a welcome invitation to return one day.
A little over two hours at the Tower and we saddled up and pointed Bessie for Rapid City, SD after passing through the sights and sounds of Sturges, SD. The bike gathering capital of the world. Nice drive since it was my first time being in South Dakota.
Tonight, I report to you we are in Camp Holiday. A KOA located in Rapid City, SD. Beautiful camp with lots of RVs thought out the park. It is nice to finally have company in the camp. The best part of this update The RAIN Stopped. Tonight after checking in to camp we did some laundry. Sherrie and I were walking to the laundry I could not help but notice the bright yellow sun on spreading warm welcome light on us. It always makes me feel so good when the sun breaks through. It lasted until sundown. Looking at the forecast the system that had us pinned down the past few days has slowly lifted to the north sending sun right our way with clear blue sky.
We are back on the road tomorrow. Our bearing heading, Mount Rushmore National Park. Sherrie or I have not experienced this monument yet. Tomorrow will tell another story.
Some Real Facts:
Sherrie and I both are so road weary we are at times having to take extra measures to ensure we both are ‘ok’. Some of the strange things we have experienced living in such close environment has been very enlightening. It has built strength in our bond as husband and wife. Learning things still about one another. The power of love and understanding is unmeasurable in commitment when it is about who I find first in my toughs and dreams. The well is bottomless with passion to please making the road of life so smooth. Little will get in our way to find pure joy in our lives.
Ok saying that lets me tell you there are some things learned very quickly. One word. Patience. With this tool we find our days go much smoother.
Such as NAV telling me go right, the Garmin is squawking turn left. I am in seat one with traffic, not wanting to miss any turns sometimes that can really cause a delay or extra miles. This instant can lead to one of those calm down take it easy moments.
There are other times the words ‘slow down’ by seat two can feel like fingernails on a chalkboard… Patience, I tell myself.
I cannot say I am ready to end the tour. I love the-road life as weary as it can get at times, I still find it is the best!
We are wrapping up our vacation very slowly. Drifting to the S.E. each day by hundreds of miles. We roll to the next camp sight-seeing along the way. This is the scheduled patten until we reach home.
As of tonight, we are just under 2k miles from home.
Tim / Sherrie
From-the-road
Good Monday Morning from the Big horn Forest.
Rain Rain Rain wind and rain. The past 24 hours the rain has been relentless. Yesterday leaving the hot springs the road to Sheridan KOA the road taking us across the mountain ranges cutting through the pass.
At elevation 6k the weather begins to rain. Clouds form then the snow starts about 7k. Most of the time the little amount of traffic on the roads can push the snow back to a slushy mess.
The pass on route 14 cut across the big horn National Forest. The road narrows in places that make it difficult to negotiate the turns while looking out for Bison, Gray Wolf, Grizzley Bears, Black Bears. The Elk are everywhere. While crossing the pass our time was a race against darkening gray sky. Ol Bessie was the only rig or car on the road last night. That gave us time to slow down or stop to look at the feeding moose along the roads.
Onward to the Big Sky land. We have been fortunate to get such pleasant weather. While in Washington state we got our first encounter of ice hail. Unexpected with no damage to the rig. The storm lasted 10 minutes before the rain followed.
Next comes the landing at the east slopes of the National Big Horn Forest.
Just on the other side of the Bighorn range a front laying just east when crossing has caused a wicked weather phenomena to occur.
We are in the result of this big Lo pressure cranking up the storms laying them up against the mountain range forcing the winds south, seems it is just sitting out there over Rapid City.
During our sleep last night, the weather has not been kind to us. We rolled in here just after dark in the driving hard freezing cold rain. (no fun) the wind was howling over the camp.
Getting the shore utilities connected before running inside to get warm seemed normal since I am Floridian. It was this morning I looked at the local weather radar to discover there is a monster weather front directly in our travel plan path.
What and how will this change our plans? Not sure yet. Will Sherrie adjust our travel, or will she leave it?
More to come as we trek to the East.
Check back lots updates to follow.
SATURDAY 17 May
Travel day today onward to The Grand Tetons
After spending two nights at Yellowstone Hot Springs Camp enjoying the extremely hot tubs and pools our morning greeted us today with a beautiful bright yellow sun day with blue sky.
Sitting up I leaned over and gave my bride a morning kiss. She saw the outdoors as I raised the rear window shade in the bedroom and said, “let’s pack and go asap”. Man do I love that kind of morning start to any or every day.
Sherrie and I sat having a coffee finishing up the trajectory of this trip. There have been many little course corrections this is just another one. This one was critical to readjust the schedule.
We busted out of ‘camp hot springs’ by ten am and rolled straight for Mammoth Hot Spring.
There you can see acres of the earths thin crust having the result it does on the environment.
Down deep in the earth there is a layer of rock called Rhyolite. This seems to be the magic spot where the magma meets the layers of the crust. It appears the Granite rock is altered by the forces of the heat deep in the core of earth and turns granite in to rhyolite. For some reason this was very interesting fact for me the caught my attention.
While waiting for the water to boil and pressurize we stood in the rain and snow guarding away from the three bison standing next to our viewing platform.
There were many things about this visit to a new land for me. The most fascination is the hot surface of the ground. For miles the landscape is changed the natural land. Nothing like I have every seen. (score)
While looking across the landscapes, steam lifting from the trees and bare looking rocks as though there some kind of cooking surface.
When driving to visit the Ol Faithful two days ago the weather was rainy and cool. Any difference in temperature was evident on the road surface.
For miles the road was producing heavy steam. I could only assume the roads were hot from the thin ground the park sits on. With the outdoor temperature just right, the conditions produce fogs of steam.
This phenomenon occurring reminded me of the Florida roads after a hard summer rain on the blistering hot asphalt.
Everything about visiting here led new surprised daily, after our first encounter with ol faithful the drive home was all about that bison we encounter on the road.
Saturday the journey has brought us to Jackson hole. Arriving in the area in early afternoon it has been a sight-seeing delight.
The elevation here is 8 k. Snow is present with about a foot or more of accumulation in everywhere.
When driving south across the mountains to Jackson and the Tetons the road took us right up against Yellowstone Lake. More picture book stuff.
There were many places the lake was not thawed. One of the lakes appeared frozen solid all the way across.
Our road trip has brought us through many environments. The elements in the Wyoming Mountains differ from every range we have visited. I have wondered if the states weren’t divided up because of their looks.
Yellowstone has plussed my experience in the mountains. Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons through Jackson Hole. This place is bristling with sights that never get old.
When I get back to my office next month, I have so many stories and memories to recant with the family. Sherrie and I have had hundreds of hours of fun with exploration seeing new sights. So far, the rig has clocked up over 7 thousand miles as it drifts to the southeast.
There are many pros to visiting in late April. There are many cons to visiting in late April.
Both have their advantages it depends on how you want to roll. Both will not disappoint you.
In the higher elevations it is always an atmosphere of its own. It rains and snows every day. The warmer air seems to prevail and melts the snow before it sticks to the roads.
This year Sherrie and I have been delighted with the ‘tour 25’ we planned. We have done everything that was set in to the CPU. Seventy-five-way points by the time we get back.
One of the corner stone visits we will make is seeing Laural, Mississippi again. Sherrie and I wanted to end our run across the USA by finishing up in Laural. After that, Bessie will carry us home.
Tomorrow, we break this camp and roll out to Sheraton, Wyoming. When we were driving up here along the canyon creek pass side of Yellowstone, we encounter three traffic jams on the two-lane road 89. Everyone was looking at the bears, (Grizzley bears). I was able to get a front seat view with photos.
The next set of bears were black traveling in 3’s. I was not able to get photos of that sighting.
On the third set I saw were out the passenger window. 50 feet from edge of the road. Again, massive black bears forging around the forest floor.
On we traveled seeing untold plentiful elks.
The bison seem to have a monopoly on sights up here. Those things are huge and rough looking. Every time one appears along the road it stops traffic. It is best to stay in your car! Bison are not in any way friendly.
Hunkered down in the Colter Bay Camp for this rainy and snowy night we send our love to everyone who partakes through viewing us on this very long extended vacation.
The days are getting close to RTH. (return to home)
I am not looking forward to returning to Florida’s heat. Reports from home tell us the average hi is on the mid 95’s daily. Yep, that sounds like Florida.
Keep up with us we are wrapping up the tour,
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Snoqualmie Falls Seattle, Washington
It’s not a good trip up to Yellowstone with out the Bison blessing. A ancient story passes good fortune for those who make it ahead of a Crossing.
Just as Sherrie drove past the bison decided to cross the road. That was it. All traffic stopped to gaze at their wonder as they lumbered crossing the hi way 89. As well as blocking the road.
When I was out of the RV taking photos of the bison babies I saw what was happening and began to run back to the RV, exclaiming “Sherrie let’s go before that traffic starts up.” She saw the entire event unfold in her left mirror .
Zoom, off we went with no traffic behind us to make an easy ride out of the park.
Lots of Bear sightings. There were people with telescopes spotting Bear. We saw many as we passed the crowded roadsides. On our decent down the mountain.
The elk are plentiful up there. They populate the hillsides and in meadows. Making the back drop full of life.
Returning today I had to give right of way to a wondering bison. It was taking up the entire left lane on a winding narrow road as it turned sharply to the left.
That bison was not going to yield to traffic, honestly my biggest concern was that when I passed next to it, he would head butt my door, I was that close. A typical bison game. I was really concerned if passing him was a good idea being he was sandwiched between my rig and the rock wall.
I glanced in my right mirror the car behind me was pushing me to get around but I refused. The bison finally stepped a couple steps to the left giving me just enough to squeeze by him. As I did Sherrie ask me if when I passed did I see him eyeing me up? We gave each other a stink eye and I passed an went on. These kind of things have gone on the entire trip… I’ve been contemplating a new page called ‘what’s surprises are next’. It would be appropriate.
Tomorrow’s plans are back to the hot springs for more soaking.
Updates to follow
Thursday May 15
Up to Yellowstone we go and into the hot springs we plunge.
Our encounters with the snow taught us much about risk taking. Especially with an RV.
We learned that getting stuck in sudden a snowstorm that is being made on the 10-thousand-foot mountains. Weather like this can change our direction in a moment’s notice.
Today we cautiously start up the pass roads leading up the mountain. Having reached an elevation up at 8000 feet that’s 2000 above what is typical snowfall this time of year.
If snow is present at 6 k what will 8 k reveal. I cannot help to say, this is why we came to visit.
Today will prove if we passed the earlier events we experienced with snow.
Route 89 breaking off the 90 south is on the Gallatin Range.
Yellow stone is massive. Seeing this place and touring the views in a few days may not be attainable with a short time frame.
The best part of this story happened last night on rolling in to this place. After the last RV hot springs disaster, our aim was to find useable hot springs.
Then we came to -Yellowstone National Park. This area has many hot springs for bathing. One is here.
This is the Yellowstone RV hot springs camp. Including functioning hot tubs. When we got here we could not find a landing point. Ground control was missing. It took a while to locate the office. While I was looking I walked in to the hot springs building. To the right is the men’s changing room to the left are the women. This must have been the entrance to the tubs I supposed looking around.
I ask her, “where the office is”, she answered, “across the street in that metal container.” I was a bit puzzled and went looking for the cargo boxed container office.
After some hunting I found it. They put us next to the office I just mentioned.
Does it get better? I went to look over the hot tubs and discovered a huge pool to bath an relax, jets and the works.
A hot tub for ones who like it hot. All these waters temperatures are powered by the geothermal layers below the earths crust.
Crazy huh? That is until you slide into that steaming hot mineral water one cannot help but realize the beauty surrounding you. The scape is outdoors, in a drizzle. Clouds hanging low over mountains the temperature outside is 40 degrees as you sit soak and serene. The backdrop is something from a fairy tale story.
We hit the tubs just after tossing out the RV anchor and powering up.
Make sure to look at the photo gallery to see some picture of this awesome Hot Springs. It will make one want to visit.
Today is a day of exploration of the park itself. Sherrie and I both could easily stay here for our duration. The only problem with that is there are tens of thousands of acres to look and explore.
Weather permitting, we will be off collecting memories and taking in the day’s sights of the mighty Yellowstone.
Check back, were not nearly done! So much more to come.
Have RV, Will Travel
Our long and winding journey across America
The month of May is passing very quickly as we are getting close to wrapping up ‘the tour of the Northwest.’
Since our departure from home last month, the total miles we have traveled are over 6 thousand. Were working on seven thousand only to rack up over 9 K by the time we reach home in the end of June.
If you want to see America, you have to go see it. Americas best things will not come to you.
There is a rental motor home out there that uses the name, ‘Cruise America’. after using a class C RV we’ve found it is our perfect fit for our configuration in travel. I only wish i’d though of that name first.
Currently our camp is in a place called Hot Springs RV Park, this is not a park to write a lot about.
I wish I could say more however let me paint a picture. There are no facilities for the RV guests to use, such as comfort house. Very primitive and rustic theme for Glamping.
I won’t mention we will miss using the ‘hot springs’ their facilities for that weren’t ready for season open yet. Sometimes things aren’t the same in person as it may have appeared online.
While I was leveling out the rig. I noticed a port a potty truck with a portable ready to deploy. Not certain what I was looking at I watched them replace the existing one over by the canal. An outhouse?
We are rolling out in the morning to Yellowstone National Park.
Today the mountains are so full of clouds hanging low only half of the mountain is visible. All the views are ending in a mountain view with snow caps. The current elevation is 4000 feet here. The land is in a confluence of geography making the days of passing fronts unpredictable.
During last evenings down time, we landed in Butte Montana for a few hours (night) of rest and knock the dust off our clothes.
About 11 pm I was sitting comfortable reading a book while hearing the soft rain drizzling on our RV roof, that sound is something I half to deal with every time I hear it. I get drowsy and it makes me so relaxed. I find reading and that sound of rain makes it difficult to concentrate on the read.
Last night I sat and heard the rain drizzling slack up to a very light patter on the roof. It got quiet. I kept reading while Sherrie was in the back bedroom watching some TV.
In the middle of a chapter, I stopped and looked away from the books page. All the RV windows had the shades pulled. I sat there thinking, maybe it did not stop raining. Maybe it turned to snow. Naw I thought as I sat up reaching for the curtain dividing the cab.
I pulled a little and investigated the streetlamp view. Bingo, I nailed it.
The rain. It was now snow; temperature outside was still mid 30’s but up there. The upper cool air in turned the rain to a snow blizzard.
I stirred Sherrie thinking; snow… we can’t do snow. Thinking of Mt. Hood again and the Mt. Ranier episodes. Thinking to myself again, I did not sign up for this snow. However, coming to elevations over 6 k this time of year, what can one expect.
We woke when the sunlight broke. Sometime in the early morning hours I finally Sur come to sleep at 3 am. On waking we both realized we not stuck from the nights snow, lots of wet roads extremely gloomy and cold, we rolled. After pulling out and getting on the road, Sherrie pulled some breakfast from the fridge. We had morning coffee on the road this day. We usually don’t do that.
So many occurrences of happenstances have been blended throughout every day we tour. Many of these I will write about this fall when I can recap this incredible vacation of 2025.
One of my most enjoyable moments is talking to unique and interesting travelers. It is part of my daily fun. Meeting new people from all over America. Asking them the same questions I ask everyone I meet. Trust me it never gets old. We are so blessed to be part of this ‘on the road gig.’
A new update is coming in I can feel it.
We are camped today at a really depressing campground, I never though I could say that about beautiful America.
It is so bitter cold outside. We are tucked in a valley as the rain and gray gloomy looking clouds cover everything. This kind of weather is very difficult to operate and enjoy the outdoors, for it is wet cold and uninhabitable. Floridians do not thrive well in the cold. There is a chance the cold can change our Nav.
Yellowstone National Park is in our cross hairs and the Grand Tetons as well as Mt. Rushmore.
Last evening Sherrie and I were having dinner and discussing plans beyond. Wisconsin has appeared on our grids Nav map. Our question now is what we will do with it.
Keep up with us during these next couple months. We will venture across and through South Dakota.
Lots of exciting days ahead. With unusual and surprising finds of life in the days to come.
One never knows what is around that next corner.
Butte, Montana
from-the-road
Mondays trail blazing with camp broken. Glacier is in our rear-view mirrors. We are prowling the scenic sights America offers.
We are tripping on 35 today. That will bring Bessie through Garden of a Thousand Buddhas one of our way-stops.
Later we are headed to an abandoned silver mine. It’s now a ‘ghost town’.
—A long treacherous road led the way up to 7000 feet, yes snow starts at 6000. As the RV showed her ‘stuff’ up the Mountian on the dirt packed road. The road got Narrower we climbed in elevation with very wheel roll. A sign said when we started up, Vehicles going up have tight of way.
Yea ok …
Let me back this story up a bit. Earlier in the drive to the abandoned ghost town Sherrie had the command.
Driving conditions were windy as she pushed to Ghost town. The winds were tossing Bessie left and right. Keeping her in the lane took an expert. Keeping her stabilized was not easy driving. So glad I have Sherrie as my traveling mate.
Sherrie is a companion one dreams to have and keep. She is smart an needs little to NO guidance making executive decisions. During her challenging in seat 1’s operation during today’s drive she requested I take a nap. Perhaps rest my eyes a little while she closes the gap to ghost town. “Sure,” I replied.
A few minutes later I laid back and obliged her request.
When I woke just a brief time later, we were turning into ghost town road.
As I was coming out of my sleeping /nap fog Sherrie turned on the left turn signal and guided Bessie right up the Mountian as we started to the abandoned Ghost town.
I watched the road she kept asking me…” yep, its hard pack and dry, keep going, stay in the middle”, I wearily replied.
Bessie gave a chug an up she climbed over 3000 feet of rocky dirt on an off the grid land. I though Mt. Hood gave us a lesson.
Nope, Sherrie again was in the command seat. She has with me taken an oath to protect our RV with responsibility and accountability as the tires dig in to keep traction. I was not sure again but was thinking, turn around! Snow melt caused runoff the water softens the clay //dirt roads. Following is mud.
At 7200 feet the snow is everywhere. Up ahead is a turn around about 400 feet and finally the Ghost town on our left.
This visit was an interesting and unusual story. I think I will save it for my —Fall Blogs.
Update;
Tuesday morning, May 13
We did not make hot springs last night. The days drive was full interesting way-stops that slowed us down a bit.
We will pick up the trail and carry our crusade onward later today.
As I have been typing the rain has turned to snow.
We’re at 5500 ft this morning and snow pac starts at 6000 everywhere.
The ground outside is about 36 degrees.
This shows how the weather, especially here can adversely spin a plan.
Have RV, will travel
Tim an Sher
May 11, Sunday
Camping ONE MORE DAY in Glacier National Park.
Camp day 3, our longest stay since our departure.
Yesterday was a day to discover the park. Our trip to journey across to-the-sun road was cut short in Avalanche. This altitude lots of snow covers the roads.
Visitors are now beginning to show up and populate higher traffic areas of the park. Car traffic told us there are a lot of things going on up there. We eventually were forced to make a turnaround due to lack of RV parking and the road to-the-sun was closed congesting traffic in a turnaround procedure.
The road-to-the sun is one of the staple sights to see here in Glacier.
Lake McDonald in the early morning drive when the winds were calm Sherrie said to me while driving and looking at the reflection of the mountains in the sky-blue water, “I can see the mountains better in the water than looking at it.” The reflection was a glass mirror.
By the time we made the drive back, the lake was covered with wind waves making the surface obscure looking for the reflections.
At the McDonald Falls a trail to the water became visible when we got out of the RV to snoop around. The trail led down to the roaring water overlooking the rocks and trees that formed the shape of the river.
Sherrie donned the ‘red bag’. A backpack with hiking gear and medical kits.
We gathered our hiking sticks and hit the trail. Officially our hikes are 2 an 0. Looking back the Arches hike was brutal!
The McDonalds Falls hike was not nearly as long as our first hiking that we experienced while visiting Arches National Park last month.
However, the hike yesterday was a lot more sight revealing than the Arches hike. As the decent to the trail led us down the water was roaring. Down the steep precipice Sherrie ventured, “Hay” I yelled, “be careful, bae please. I don’t want to have to use that red bag on you”. The rocks formed steps, and she gently judged and calculated each move before she made it or course using the stick for balance.
Finally, she was standing on the water edge against the bank in a perfect view to see the rapids. Perched there she was standing on a huge bolder so large that formed the curved shape of the falls.
She looked over her shoulder at me and motioned me with a hand wave, come on.
Down the steps I went following her just as she did. Finally arriving on that rock next to where she was standing.
White water torrents ripping over the rocks spraying a cold mist at our feet, following bursts of cold air from water pushing the cool misty air right in to the curve where we were standing.
Aww… a fresh cool blast of Glacier air. How romantic can it get. I was sure I was going to run into God somewhere on this hike.
All alone with the love of my life enjoying the days of retirement.
A dream that came true.
Hiking in Glacier is one of the most beautiful ways to ‘feel’ the land.
The lands lay is not as lush as the Washington State parks. The sights and views are to behold. Having seen the sights of this park not venturing the to-the-sun road makes me think how much more did I miss this early season.
Wrapping up here will send us East to Wyoming. There we have schedule a visit to Mt. Rushmore following later in the week a visit to the Grand Tetons.
The Rocky Mountains span such a vast part of America there are so many of the sights are displayed in ways our imaginations could not visualize until seeing them with one’s own eyes.
What is a wonderful feeling while camping? It is the calm of life. It is so quiet, peaceful, serine. Sometimes I ask myself the question, how can I enjoy the profound moment of ‘now’ any more than I am.
I have a few photos of yesterdays drive. I will share in the gallery later today. Check back often and subscribe to get updates and notifications.
Saturday morning, Dawn in the Glacier National Park, Montana
This is day two waking in the park, our camp is on the rim of the Parks west entrance. We are hoping today will bring us some joy on sights.
Glacier Park is the biggest park, yet we have visited. Not only are the sights mind numbing the park is a mecca of life here for recreation visitors.
The discovery of ‘to the sun’ road was something to see of course coming here. I was listening to comments on a video of Glacier National. I was watching and it is said. This Park does not operate on our schedules. So, prepare and plan far ahead for a visit here.
Glacier National Park is Huge, just a vast picturesque of unfounded wonder.
It seems every trip we take holds a little surprise somewhere in the journey. I was wondering if this was going to hold true again this year. On our last wondering, we discovered the Jacobs Tree desert last year.
This visit is the surprise of our trip so far. I am quite sure we could have spent most of all our vacation here in this park. Most of the planned activities require some form of reservation. The to-the-sun road is closed! Too much snow covers the roads pass across the continents divide linking the East side of the Mountain range.
With all the reservations and notices of closures it is easy to see this is early May. The park is just yawning from the winter. It will be another month for the pass to reopen.
At this point of the season, the overall visitation of the park seems quite than the mid-season.
Last night while we were finishing a movie. Sherrie was telling me she kept hearing loud gun pops. The time was around midnight.
Looking out the back bedroom window of the RV the mountain stood tall against the black stary sky.
“What are they shooting at in the dark?” Sherrie asks me. Hmmm, who knows I thought to myself.
I did reply with a comment about night shooting, I said “you know at home we hear pops a lot at night”, with the sound of a roaring air boat prop.
that tells us that there are our local ‘Billy-bobs’, out on the dry marsh areas skimming the water gigging for gators.
“Here, who knows” I finally said.
Here late-night curiosity got the better of her and the next thing I know she an Mr. Google are looking for the solution.
She searched, gunshots in the Glacier Park a typical key word search.
She slowly began to read back to me, “gunshots that were heard the in the mountains. Turns out to. Be sound of multi-murders of campers and it happened more than once.” Sher softly said,
For some reason I’m sure this is not what she was looking to read.
I said “ok, go get the 9 and bring it closer to us.”
Finally, I said, “Stop the research it is not helping go to sleep.”
Some time passed and it got quite again except for the echoing drone of the train horns filling the valleys with a nostalgic reminiscent sound. Somehow this sound along with light drizzle rain can put me out faster than surgical pre op.
New surprises.
This time we are stuck at West Glacier, last year we were stuck at Yosemite National Park entrance due to climate conditions, mainly snow and rockslides. Looking at the mountain ranges at about elevation 8000 feet the winter season has not quite arrived up there, yet.
From here on our journey might reflect some ‘in course changes’ to our schedule. Not having any pre knowledge of Glacier was an error on my part. Nav set this up. Putting the, connect the dots, via Roadtrippers together. I thought this was going smoothly and usually does. I was reminded of the video I saw and the comments.
With new planning over the next few days there are so many things and places to do and see. Only one thing to say, ‘never a dull moment’.
Check back and stay tuned for more of our journeys through-out Glacier National and beyond.
Too my family,
We’re missing you all so very much, including the pets. It was fun to get the call last night from our living room chatting to our beautiful children.
Honestly, we are not ready to head to ‘Starbase’ yet. Theres just a little too much to see yet to call it.
So, Play Ball!!
Love you all,
from-the-road
Mom and Dad
Updates – Friday 10 – Lay over 3 days Glacier National Park
We have been vacationing for about 3 weeks, May 15 marks a month.
Rolled on to the Glacier National Park land yesterday, when coming east from Idaho crossing in to Montana the sight of Glacier is visible, two power towering mountain manifest there altitude visually. Driving in to Montana on route 2, Mt. Clevland tower to over 10 k feet on the left of the Lewis Range.
Stunning to look at, at elevation of 6 k snow hasn’t melted leaving lots of snow in shadows. It is cold up there in them hills.
Mt Blaikiston is visible just looking left of Mt. Cleveland. Mt. Blaikiston is the second highest in Glacier at over 9k almost as tall as Mt. Cleveland.
Our layover here is mainly for rest and to take the time to enjoy Glacier National Park. I have had little knowledge of how or the presence of this National Park. It seems Utah is packed with sights of canyons and badlands. Transversing up the Cascades over the following out across the Snake River Plains to cross another embedded range of mountains called Bitterroot Range.
The sub mountains as I refer to them. All these convoluted passages of piled rock are part of the Lewis Range it is sheer, cold, and very serious mountains.
Our camp today is located just north of the Swan Range. Sitting on the 7 o’clock position facing Glacier Mountain Park.
Mt Edwards 9,072 in elevation sits in the parks Range. On the same range as Glacier Gunsight Mountian towers at 9,259 about sea level.
Today’s activities were nixed very early this morning. The set plight was to rest and regain our focus. This was unintended down day.
I woke today and I was not up to leaving the RV or camp today. I did not feel at capacity for much activity.
A very interesting event occurred yesterday while Sher was driving. Over the Cascaded Ranges to here. In the early part of our day, I was in seat 2 looking at America. I spun my head around to the road and saw two huge bucks standing on the opposite side of the road.
Sher was cruising around 60 mph clear roads clear sky sunny dry just prime conditions for driving. I see two bucks looking at us intently from the other side of the meadow. As the RV rolled up closer to them, they were hi tailing it to the opposite direction of our approach.
Usually when approaching deer, they don’t run like they did. I noticed all the deer we were seeing suddenly had other ideas about what they were doing as we drove up on them.
It finally occurred to me before we left home, I had ordered passive deer whistles.
So, If my daughter Melissa has any reservations on the function or those that I got her some too, do not, they work!
I got them for her because she was clobbered by a deer on a drive out to Brooksville on HI WAY 50. (totaled her car)
I’ll be posting more photos soon in the gallery.
Check back as we travel the scenic American land.
Now if ever do I understand the meaning of the phrase,
America the Beautiful.
Travel report;
After breaking camp at Eagle Landing.
We spent the day seeing America.
Travel to live, live to travel.
Tonight out roll in at West Glacier camp. A sight to behold as they all have been. Each of the camps owns exquisite flavors of beauty.
Sharing our camp tonight just an hour after anchoring.
Camp Glacier. From-the-road.blogs
Thursday Morning Greeting from The Eagles Landing Camp located in Cusick, Washington.
The eye-opening drive Sherrie and I made through the Cascade Mountains could not have been predicted. The west end of Washington can only be described as, you got to see this yourself.
After rolling in to the Eagle Landing camp last night I finally had a little time to slow down and wash the RV.
This camp is empty; we’re the only ones here like most of the camps we have stayed. I am sending a couple photos to the Gallery before we roll today.
The lay of the land is a lot more calm than far west Washington State. As we migrate east the time to slow is soon. We need to keep adjusted to the clocks moving east.
We are taking bites of the journey just as Sherrie set it up. Each day we are not exceeding 300 miles to make the next camp.
A true event that occurred, this is what happens to tired weary travelers. It was two nights ago in the first cascade camp; I had one night that I could not sleep. I wondered around the camp for a few hours enjoying. I noticed at five am I was returning to the rig the sky was not black; the sun was working up a sunrise.
Off to the sofa I went to get a little shuteye. The morning came I got up and began morning chars.
Soon we rolling I was in seat one.
I had driven a range of about 100 mile I began to feel the effects the coffee wearing off.
I did not tell Sherrie at that time I had a complete loss of sleep that night. She woke thinking we were good to go, and we were until that coffee cup was empty.
Starting out the day with little to no rest, I took up the drive.
It did not take long to start to feel the lack of rest my body needed badly.
Sheepish I ask seat 2 for some relief. She looked as though there was something wrong. There was, no sleep and I still haven’t told her why I needed that extra help driving.
Somewhere in the Cascade run to Eagle Pass I relinquished the command seat to her.
Off we rolled, in about ten minutes I found the sofa was a heck of a lot more comfortable than the Nav chair.
I laid my head to the arm rest of the sofa. Ten minutes I was zonked.
A Thirty-minute cats nap changed the way I was feeling but still was not right. (leading up to something here)
When we touch down at Eagles Pass Sherrie could not locate the reservation info on her computer. So, we sat in an empty camp. Idling out to hunt the confirmation Linda sent us a few days before.
Ten minutes passed and a man, Chris, came to our rescue helping us get in touch with Linda.
She assured us we did have reservations, and she had text them to us via SMS. That was all we needed to hear, looking at texts there it was and here we are.
After ‘dropping anchor’ in Eagle Landing I had time to finally do a big solid. I could get an early start of the evening in this empty camp to clean the road dust off Betsie. She is filthy dirty.
This I set out to do. Before we left, I found a 50-foot hose that is covers in a metal jacket. Much like the showers used in our home. Using this metal covered hose has ended any if not all reservations I’ve had about, breaking out the water hose.
Wrapping up a 100-foot plastic hose is NOT FOR CAMPERS. I gave up plastic hoses after our first try using the RV. Only one word can summarize using cheap hoses after trying to curl it up and stow it in cold weather.
Do oneself a big favor and leave the cheap hoses at home.
Ok done washing the RV dark is setting in now the wind is picked up off the water across from us. Cold and tired from the LOS (lack of sleep).
This is the where the story gets interesting.
For not good reason, other than pure exhaustion I returned to the RV and went to the bedroom where Sher was watching some news on tv.
I could not believe I was going to say this to her. But it came out after tormenting my better judgment.
I told Sherrie as I sat on the edge of the bed.
Honey, I have something to tell you, please do not repeat this ok. She took up a sober face looking at me like what the hell happened.
Staring… well what? I choaked out this, “Sherrie I want to Tap”. It is hard to do this with a traveling mate. The air fell silent her eyes cut to the side looking and thinking what I just said.
She said, “are you saying you want to go home?”, I said yes.
The air broke with wild laughter from her. Aww is my baby tired? Laughing more.
“Ok ok ok ok, Stop!” I ask her.
That ended that! Sometimes a little encouragement from one another to keep us uplifted.
So, family we are NOT coming home early. We are on schedule.
The lack of schedule can really distort reality.
This morning, I slept like a newborn and recharge my spirits. Today we are rolling in to the Glacier National Park.
This is going to be an adventure of a lifetime visit to this national park. The Glacier Park is huge in size spanning hundreds of miles over Washington and Western Montana.
Later today by tonight we will discover and unfold the hidden sights.
With a tank full of gas, a clean RV, 8 hours of solid sleep. I feel today is on the precipice as we venture into the mountains for a great day on the tap.
Sitting in the RV this morning as opposed to the picnic table outside. The wind from the lake is biting.
I hear Sherrie stirring in the bed asking emptied the holding tanks.
This is the call of our day.
More from-the-road as we trek east. I am looking so forward to the camp in Glacier. Better known and refers to as The Big Sky State it is even displayed on the license plates. More updates to come.
Check back often and subscribe.
Have RV, Will Travel,
Tim and Sherrie
Tuesday May 6, Looking behind and ahead
There are many incidences in our lives that occur we just can’t predict. Yesterday our journey took us to Sidney Island, Washington. The ferry lands in the Friday Harbor.
“This way”, waved a crew member, I eased the RV up on the loading ramp. He waved me forward and to the right, I rolled. When the RV was on the deck of the ship, the crew member parked me. “Turn it off,” he said.
With in 10 minutes the ship locked it cargo doors and tooted the horn with the engine grinding out a forward gear. The ship lunged a bit as it shook, and off we went.
Floating across the Bay and lagoons. Each harbor displays a unique picture of God’s build.
Rolling in to Deception Pass last night we discovered the sight that we secured for our night had no AC power. This caused us to return to the check in and get another site this time, powered. When we return from the Whale Watch today the plan is to spend the night again in Deception Pass.
Our departure on the ferry is set for 10 pm tonight. We had lots of time to enjoy the San Juan Island and amenities.
Part of our day was driving the island. When we returned from the Whale watch boat the RV was a very welcome sight. We were glad we ferried it across to the island.
The whale watch lasted over 4 hours, including the underway time. The day was something I never thought I would see. Marking again and having to say, this vacation has exceeded my thoughts and expectations. A Vacation Plussed +.
We broke camp at 7 am heading for the Marina to the launch from Friday Harbor. The early morning Monday drive here went smoothly. As we rolled in to the terminal, the crew member sent us to lane 3 for boarding. We queued up and waited.
It took about 15 minutes and the trucks ahead started up their engines. They were nudging forward beginning to load. It was our turn to roll on to the ferry. On we went and secured our place in the back of the ship. The crew member put a couple wheel chucks under my rear tire and gave me a thumbs up as he went on the next car. I have to say, it was a little odd having look out the window seeing the water / island sights. We were the last ones on at Sidney and last to get off after landing at San Juan Island.
The noisy grinding noises of the engine began to grunt and off we sailed to Friday harbor with our RV on board and us inside. It took almost an hour to cross over to the Friday launch. So, we kick back on the sofa while watching tv. I tried to nap however the ships noisy engines made it impossible.
Crossing the bay was beautiful, the scene from the RV was unlike any we would have seen from the rig on land. We made some beautiful photos.
This was our first time taking the RV across water and landing on an island. When we got off the ship the road took us right into the town.
Passing through it was time to explore the island.
We took a nice drive looking over the lay of the land.
Walking looking smelling the foods it was time to engage lunch. Sherrie and I both enjoyed looking over the town an enjoying an excellent lunch at the Rocky Bay Café. It is located down in the center of the town.
Whale watch day is our day to remember. The very special Orca Whales we saw left tail fin prints on my heart. When I saw the first one up close what a sight to behold. I was watching with my field glasses, and my mouth was hanging open. The whaled surfaced with a kind of swim dance only a Wild Orca can do.
Their babies followed and worked there best to keep up with the parents, brothers’ sisters and possibly grandma and grandpa whales. These mammals’ travel in packs, with family. Very much like humans do. It is a fish that will blow your mind when it comes up and you see and hear their air exhausting before another dive under the surface again. This is especially emphasized when the captain of the charter ship shut off the ship’s engines.
Suddenly you could hear every sound those whales made. At one point as I was using field glasses and accurately counted 7 whales on the surface.
With out warning an exploding sound behind all of us, a huge Orca whale surfaced and released its air making a wild hissing sound, only to resubmerge repeating this every ten second or so. Everyone on the boat gasp and turned with there phones and cameras scrambling to get a sight on the starboard rail.
(Check out photo Gallery and click the video)
Next the crew member who was narration some of the whale viewing stopped and said at this moment with a laugh. “Were surrounded by killer whales” we all laughed and watched in awe.
It all happened just that way. Only I can’t tell you how or what it looks like to see one or two dorsal fins that tower six feet in height breaking water. I saw 7 all at once as they swam in the water like a choregraphed dancers. Up and down, they went.
All the watch boats were in the harbor. As I looked through the binoculars, I could see the other boats was packed full of viewing spectators. Hundreds of people who wanted to do the same as we did, go see Orca Whales in their natural environment. The afternoon was pressing onward. We had been following the whales out of the harbor for some time, they seem to be leading us. All the surrounding whale ships followed them to give their passengers a thrilling experience of seeing these natural wonders of the oceans.
After some time of sitting quietly observing the captain broke silence announcing over the P.A. system,” the last looks are here, the ship will be heading to Friday Harbor. Prepare to sail”.
The ship returned to Friday harbor. We got our RV and headed to the Countryside for some hiking.
Exploring and looking at the lands we discovered a place called Lime Kiln State Park. The state park is located on the west end of the San Juan Island.
If visiting the San Juan Island, make sure to take your car over and drive to see this state park. It has a lighthouse that serves the Horo Sound Straits with light guiding ships away from the rocky cliffs.
Hiking trails that one can just wear themselves out on. The hiking is endless up here in the NW.
We got off the island by ten pm. Before we left our wondering led us to a place called Downriggers. It is on the water next to the launch.
About nine pm we queued up the RV in lane 3 for a departure sail at ten pm.
On this sail Sherrie was tired. She tried to rest while on the underway back to the mainland.
Arriving by 11 pm it was about an hours’ drive back to Deception Pass. The road on San Juan is not as smooth as some roads causing the return to delay due to constraint speed about 25 mph.
We made it back to camp and safely with security spent our night here again.
Deception Pass, are you kidding me? I have not ever been to a place like this. Deception pass is in a state’s park north Washingtons State. Sherrie found this one. What a GEM of a camp.
This camp is so far out in the forest it was a RV drivers challenge getting the rig in here in the night. Darkness all around not to mention the monster tree friends hugging the edges of the roads. However, we have made it here.
The photo of my mobile office shows how it is today. This is the first place I think I could stay for a few days.
Keep them Doggies Rolling, we are off again to more thrilling and unseen Suprises that wait at every turn of our days. Such as this,
Junita the park hostess informed me this morning of the sounds above our heads are the ‘sounds of freedom’. Suddenly the dead silence is broken open. A low roar starts to intensify to a ground shaking roar.
This sound hit me while in bed this morning. About 8 am they began. Whatever is over us the sound source is not visible, it may be the sound source is far ahead of the sound. A United States Navy base is nearby.
By the end of the day the adventuring should take us to the Cascade National state park. Our first attempt was to see Glacier National Park however this will follow the Cascade visit.
Looking ahead, the park of Yellowstone is not open until June 18, I told Nav I wanted to camp on their doorstep and be the first to open the park.
There is a likely chance we are going to see Yellowstone this year. I do not want to miss it. I have never seen this national park and it is time to do so.
The South Dakota trek is yet to hit our maps. It will be a few weeks before we start to think of the Mount Rushmore Faces.
Sometimes the camping is good, and this place is crazy good.
More to tell as the days pass, I have had more go on than I can tell, not short of fodder to make strawmen. Lots more to come…
Check back and keep informed.
May 4, Sunday Morning
A quite Sunday morning from the stengers mobile office, I’m sitting here at Black diamonds camp. Surrounded by huge cypress trees. The air this morning is cooler than we are used to. Our heater cycled all night keeping us cozy warm under the stars being hugged by these monster firs and cypress.
The run we are making to scouring the NW coastal sights haven’t been a disappointment yet. After yesterday’s climb to the Paradise camp left us with sudden occurrences of instant memories.
After being scared away by the snow we made our way last night to a little east of Seattle. Today we will be traveling East to Glacier National Park, to be doubled back later in the day. The explorations of the area have just begun.
How are we holding up?
Sherrie and I have been on the road for about three weeks. Living inside the RV sustaining with all the creature comforts. No complaints.
The sourced for nourishment has been easily met. We cook for ourselves occasionally and find little unusual places to dine. Yesterday we passed an entire town themed with train cars, making up a hotel a beautiful lounge car and dining. The facility also serves as a hub for the local sight seeing train ride. A very worthy place to dine and enjoy some down time. Mt.Rainier Railroad Dining Co.
We have been fortunate to be in our RV not having much contact others.
Our time we spend with each other can lead to a lot of quite times while driving, this gives me lots of chance to create thoughts and ideas.
Occasionally we can over correct one another when it comes to the others driving skills. Of course this can cause tension. When traffic is six lanes wide running at 70 mph a comment from Nav telling me I need to get in the left lane crossing six lanes can be extremely testing of patience and nerves. Driving the RV in a crowed city is not a good measure of our ability to have a lot of patience. As much as we are in this together it is easy to overlook sometimes. So we are doing just as we measure.
I have been gone long enough to feel a little of home tugging at me However, when I crank up Bessie and begin a roll out everything changes. I don’t have time, it is just go go go.
As we explore Washington State the sights are daily more impressive. Every day I leave and roll it is a sight pictures can only shadow.
Nothing here is bad. Even all the graffiti on the rock walls going up the the National Park make me wonder why.
The defacing of natural rock formations and fitly spray paint on the Rocks walls, Roadway, Guard Railings back of signs, any place to spray paint on nature. When I see this in A National Park, I can’t help but ask and wonder WHY?
Another small note of the parks and surrounding area canned be sum up with two words, litter bugs.
I joke occasionally jest with Sherrie and fake tossing a candy bar wrapper out my window to get rise from her. In this state I could just toss it out and fit right in with the others who trash the landscapes and forests.
So, Don’t BE A Litter bug when visiting the NW Pacific.
I do not quite understand why when we see a simple sight of nature and get awestruck by it.
Today I sit here typing and looking at a monster young cypress. In its youth it stands 100 feet minimum. The trunk is dwarfing the picnic table next to it. What I find most amazing here is the size of the tree’s bark, (a picture will be in the gallery) don’t forget to tag the gallery link for a few teaser photos.
For some reason today I have Blue Whales on my mind. When we were at the pacific camp, I was able use the field glasses and see the whales blowing a column of water that was visible with the unaided eyes view. This was something I have not witness before, feeding my curiosity for more.
While in the area we are going to explore everything, we can. No bars hold.
To sum up some of this trip, I can honestly say this is the most wonderful trip without stress no rush no limits or times. Just to slow down and saunter.
This trip has had a bonus to use the new iPhone photo identifier. I was astonished to read some of the plant types in the area. Here we are in a land of plants and flowers not knowing who or what they are. Our friends with no names. Not anymore. I call my friends by name. ‘Hello buttercup’, see.
Day is on, it is pushing check out time here at Black Diamond Camp.
We are off to Glacier in a few days and all that happens along the way.
Before Glacier a couple more days here in the Deception Pass Camp.
Happy trails till we meet again,
~RR
More to come, LOTS more to come. Check back often.
Mt. Rainier
A long day on the road, earning my passage.
We woke late and made the best of our start. Breaking camp and rolling to Portland by 11:45 am.
The arrival in Portland was the worse drive, saying the least. The Traffic in the Portland area is unmeasurable. Our goal after finding the Glass Art Museum, we set sail for Mount Ranier. Getting out of Dodge. There are too many places to go rather than hang around the city. Returning to the peace and quiet of the quiet of countryside was soon to follow.
Going up to Mount Ranier made up for all the traffic and aggravations. We sustained while traveling on their 12 lanes of HI way. It was so nice to have the stress level of driving eliminated.
Heading up to the mountain we were told there is only access up to Paradise Lot. The ranger advised us the roads are open but lots of snow in places. (NO, Thank you). We elevated to the Paradise lot at 6000 feet. The drive up there is like nothing we have seen. That drive is one only one can describe in a very personal way. The earth and the trees prevail life in those wooded mountains. Looking at the life force and feeling its presence is profound. There is a measure of feeling when seeing the monster aged trees laying on the forest floor slowly returning to earth food. It marks our time as well as humans.
After we made the Paradise summit and parked the rig. Our next line of business, we needed to layer up with clothes before leaving the RV. It was cold with wind.
As our afternoon was moving along in the freezing upper elevation of Mt. Ranier our cameras were slowly being obscured by thick storm clouds swiftly moving across the mountain tops.
I turned to Sherrie and said do you see those clouds bearing down? Yea, she replied. I said, if these are rain clouds that means it is going to snow. It was cold enough to snow.
As suddenly as rain clouds come so did the snow squalls, incredible intense, the wind was blowing so hard the snow was driving itself in to our faces stinging.
It got worse as we climbed in the RV to wait it out. There was no waiting it out. As I stood there, I could see that weather was being made up on the top of the 14.000-foot mountain as we watched.
Some time passed about 10 minutes. I began to see the snow accumulating on the roads. I spoke up telling Sherrie Ok. I reminded her to remember Mount Hood and what happed up there?
I was not going to get stuck up on Mt. Ranier. As I stood there looking at the winter wonderland developing all around me, just like that I wanted out!
I cranked up Bessie, the RV, I calmly said to Sherrie, I want down off this mountain before we get ourselves in a bad position up here. We began the decent there was no relief or break in the snowing. As we kept losing altitude descending, it snowed on us all the way down turning to rain as the air outside warmed with the altitude. The roads were still wet and slippery.
Something unexplainable happens when we are introduced to different climates. When it was snowing up there on the mountain it gave me a feeling of being in the winter ‘up north’. I felt a full range of emotions, such as a feeling of winters depression to a joy of what Christmas holiday feels like. At one point as I was driving in the darken snowstorm a whimsical feel of thanksgiving crossed my thoughts. The nostalgic notions of November whiffed across my heart strings.
We came back down. The sun warmed me. There is nothing more I love to do than take in an experience and reflect on it.
It seems this entire vacation has been that exactly. We began in Oklahoma and are just about ½ way across the Beautiful America excursion.
Exploring Olympus National Park yesterday and today we saw Mt. Rainer National Park. Our next national park will be in a day to Glacier National Park,
If one has not ever seen these lands before it is imperative to do so before life’s big curtain call. You’re not regret it.
Were camped tonight in the Black Diamond Campground. Just east of Seattle.
Coming… WHALE WATCH very soon.
Keep up with us please,
We still have a month to go yet, may be more.
America the BEATIFUL.
HAVE RV, WILL TRAVEL
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
May 2, PM late night road news updates
For today the trail across Mount Olympic National Park has been something of a fairy tale drive. Today after breaking the camp on the ocean a new course was introduced to the computer when I booted up for nav today. Last night Sherrie sat up a little watching tv and replotting some course correction.
I had first advised that we were going up to the Flannery Trail. A new direction and way stops are ahead.
When we left camp this morning a typical Northwest pacific storm drifted into shore. It was just enough to drizzle with dark misty fog laying over the ocean obscuring the rock formations. As the morning continued the beach parking was just getting muddy as the rain fell. With no relief of rain in sight and not a lot to do there we set a new course for the day.
Leaving camp by 12 our course was set east to Gig Harbor, WA. As the RV rolled it took about 30 miles for the coastal fog and rain to break to sunlight. Dry roads withs better spirits prevailed.
New trail blazing through the Olympia National Park followed throughout the afternoon. Some of the scenery can only be seen to be fully understood.
Blue water the color of the sky. Just a sight to behold. Looking up the mountain lend an eye full. Gigantic trees that fill the mountains rock tops and cliffs that are so dense the visibility is diminished to a few trees before it becomes a blur of forest.
Our camp tonight is in a Gig Harbor, Washington. Sun Outdoor campground.
There are many way stops left for us to see. It may seem odd to some that we have a RV and never camp. Camping to us is one night stay. Then move on, there is too much to see and do to sit in one place for any length of time, our thoughts are to enjoying the visit and move on.
Moving on will send us Tacoma Washington tomorrow. There we will visit as guests the Tacoma Glass Museum. Sherrie and I have been waiting to see this one.
Later in the day sets up a visit to Mount Ranier. Another bucket list item for both of our checkbox’s.
The following day well be and camping in Black Diamond, Washington. From there a long list of stops continue heading east.
Traveling is fun, we met a couple tonight at the laundrey mat, there we young and traveling in a converted school bus for there business.
Wearing all black with seemly hundreds of piercings we found out that is what they do. He (Mike) offed to pierce my nose however I told him if I were in high school or younger I would take his offer. Dana is a tat shop owner in Jacksonville Fl. She sported some beautiful ink work.
It is the way goes when you run the roads, sometimes meeting the most interesting people. It’s part of the journey.
Saturday we are likely to spend one more night here in Gig Harbor. We were supposed to spend tonight back at the oceans camp. So, it is here we hang our hats and gun belts, rest and take up the trail again tomorrow.
Details to follow soon.
May 2,
Waking at the Pacific NW Coast.
The ocean roared at us all night the sound of the surf caressed us to sleep.
Another Day Breaks on the Pacific Northwest. It is very cool today blanketed by the deep blue sky.
Sitting here at our camp this morning gives me a level of energy not ever felt before. Pure inspiration is how it can be felt best.
Washington, I never dreamed this was here. To be transparent with all the beautiful beach photos, I have left out something that is a bit of an inconvenience. When walking on the rocky beaches littered everywhere are dead trees that have fallen prey to the ocean. These huge logs wash up on the shore and lay there to decay. There texture having been in the surf for so long has smoothen the logs to a artistic design on every on. A little different but still full of creativity. Each their own beauty.
Getting past this will bring much joy to the visit.
I for some reason though last night in all the driving getting lost and found again, I failed to mention we are still heading NORTH, more.
The days venture or perhaps tomorrow is going to lead up to the Canadian border. The next trail is the Cape Flattery Trail.
While up there in the tundra, we are scheduled on a whale expedition vessel to hunt whales. We will be looking if we are fortunate to run across breeding whales.
The north trek is setting us up for a change of direction to the EAST to Seattle. This is the future, as for today, hanging here is the plan. I think we may spend another night here. I hope we do.
Since we have been traveling and camping there are no places, we have been to compare to this. Our location to the ocean is the key to making this a perfect experience.
Its Friday morning a big shout out to my family. WE LOVE YOU, miss you and thank you for putting up with us.
Phillip and Dani
Melissa and Ramie
Hannah and my new son in law, Palmer
Olivia and Brandon
Raymond
Lindi
Molly
Bradly
Mari Jane
Autry Lou
Amel
Izzy
Ahava
Aberham
Linsey
Benjamin
Uncle Marc
Toby (pet)
Whiskers (pet)
Just a few of our close family. You all are on our top ten of the ‘miss you’ list. Have I missed anyone?
I think this trip has put the RV to its measures for a durable rig. Sherrie and I have run the RV in total 9 thousand miles by return to home.
In Alabama I lost my rear newly installed wheel cover. Next the solar panel was torn off by the wind, gone. The inside has sustained pounding and hammering by the bad roads we have traveled. Screws loose panels falling off rattles and squeaks. The romantic nature of the RV life is somewhat a fantasy. The trick to it is keeping up with it as things happen.
The look of the RV today reminds me of the starships, they leave the launchpad so polished and clean. On return a filthy burnt looking char marks on the outside giving the capsule a good look of hard traveling.
Were on a Reservation here, we were advised of the policies and rules of the land before coming here. The lay of this land shows it has been well preserved. We are fortunate with a blessing to have been part of this experience.
Check out the photo gallery for more posts. Re-check back for more updates on today news from the Crazy Mom and Dad life.
HAVE RV, WILL TRAVEL
Evening updates from-the-road May 1, Thursday
Today this afternoon The Stenger’s Schooner has landed. We made it to Forks Washington. The drive here was as much as a stretch as a hard foot race in the last lap. I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it. But we did.
Tonight, we are camped on the Pacific Ocean. Right up close on the beach. A resting place that our fantastic Nav operator fixed up for us.
Our first attempt tonight was to go to the wrong campground, being in the coastal mountain there is no cell service. We were not able to get to the reservation office to clear this up.
I had to park, unpack my star link hook it up and start the power plant. As soon as it booted, we were back on course. At this point we were at their other campground. The river site we are at the ocean site.
Were here. I am sitting on the table outside the RV. The ocean is crashing into the rocks just offshore. The trees litter the caps of the rocks with high tall growth.
As the sun is slowly setting and the air is getting cooler with the light fade.
Being able to see hundreds of miles offshore through the sun, a haze fills the air around the rocks that tower 100 feet or more.
This afternoon on a walk to Ruby Beach I saw a whale spouting a water shaft. It was very far offshore. With field glassed it will help.
Looking offshore there is a little gray strip of water where it gets deep from there on one can see with out glasses. Tomorrow we will be on the lookout for all migrating whales.
Next to us in campsite 26 is a couple of fishermen. There are setting up for the night. Fire and securing up their shelter. The night is about 1 hour away.
Sitting on the west coast just north of Forks. The town where all the Vampires lived, and the story caused the town to thrive for quite a while. Still there are things that remind us of the story, such as the diner we ate at tonight called ‘twilight’, with a real watch meter on their wall telling us of the vampire risk today.
Night fall and the day is closing with the sundown.
Tired and weary Sherrie and I are off to rest this night. Only the sound of the crashing waves will serenade my weary body to rest. Beauty is in every breath I take with any glance in any direction. There seems beauty hasn’t an end in this place.
Just when I though Oregon was the bomb, I had to come further north to see this. The trees are monsters. The forests are so packed tight with trees the visual sight into the woods line is limited to just a few feet.
Tomorrow we are staying here another night. Our plans have not changed. Our schedule with Yellowstone is sketchy. We’re not sure if we must delay getting there by season open. This will be hopefully by mid-May.
Check out Photo Gallery for new posts.
More travel blogging as we go. Keep checking back…
May 1, 2025, were tucked away in the Northen most part of the United States. Our migration journey to the Northwest has been a successfully carried out. From here we are set to ascend one more time hopefully today to reach the ‘summit’ of our adventure.
Forks, Washington is in our crosshairs for today.
Yesterday our ventures led us to do some driving and local exploring of the Astoria/Warrington Seaside KOA area. After breakfast yesterday, the day’s drive took us through Warrington and upper Astoria.
Since the ocean and inlets make up the coastline one can does not drive far without returning to mainland. The Peninsula’s take over the inlets and coast the roads are not as easy to navigate as I first thought.
As of today, we have touch and looked over many of the sights of beauty here. Yesterday Fort Stevens State Park laying right on the Pacific Ocean. (beautiful)
We returned after having lunch. Speaking to the locals gave us a little taste of life here. Our day ended by returning to Astoria KOA and heading for the Sunset Trail for a first look at the setting sun from the NW coast of the US.
The Pacific Icey waters, COLD and the wind across the beach unmerciful for any trying to stay warm.
Sherrie began to gather up some driftwood project pieces she wanted. The beaches are not like our Florida beaches.
There was one or two maybe every time I do this it feels the same. As we were pulling up to the beach parking it required going up a little steep hill to the parking lot.
Just as the RV was topping the hill the odd view of the sky began to manifest. The ocean, the white hazy of clouds cumulated by the angle of the west sun, for a second as the view was coming in to focus, a moment of reality’s loss came to me. For a second I lost my knee strength my tummy went into a feel of weightlessness. I struggled with my eyes to readjust.
What I saw was something I have not witness before. It looked as though the ‘end of the world’ there was no more we had reached the end.
The parallax effect had tricked my eyes it was not as it appeared. Just an optical trick.
Ok maybe I’m enjoying the altitude a little too much. I guess I just freaked myself out. I just Love doing that on vacations…occasionally.
Today’s travel lays out for us to finish up the NW direction. We are really wanting to get on the whale boat and get some views.
We will be changing direction in a few days. Moving to the East from Forks west of Seattle. Once we clear the Oregon City’s we’ll start the trek to the Dakotas for another change of venue.
Check back for more as we venture the Scenic USA.
Thanks for keeping up and watching over us as we travel.
Were missing our family.
Tim and Sherrie
April 30, part 2 update
What a surprise it is to be here.
Coming to Oregon has brought me a lot of insight. More the time I spend the more insight; these feelings are so inspiring and refreshing.
I’m sitting at my campsites picnic table, the sun is just warm enough to keep my jacket inside on the hook, it is indeed cool the wind makes it cooler. I can only imagine walking over the hill and down the trail to the ocean. The wind is relentless and so cold. Nothing about the beach compares to the warmth of the Florida beaches but the beauty here is beyond breathtaking.
I cannot explain what mother earth looks like here. I heard most people in the USA have never seen this part of the country up here.
This is our first time on 70 years. My first impressing was simply awe. I could hardly believe this all existed. I have not even seen the rest of the coastline at all. Only glimpse as we drove in.
What new and unseen things are in store today. A land I have not been in before. Everything is a bit unique saying the least.
There is one more thing to mention that we have been looking forward to, I was reminded this morning by the desk clerk at the KOA were staying. She said the Whales are migrating so keep a sharp eye out.
Sherrie talked of planning a boat ride to see them once we get to Forks. We will see and possibly some Whales too.
More to come.
April 30, Wednesday
Oregon morning breaks, the day is wet overcast and cool. These are the precursor to the environments visual presentation.
In all our travels, this part of the United States has surprised me.
Green Green and Green. There is not a lot more to say about the six shades of green that are painting the landscapes and seaside’s cliffs.
When I first saw where we were going, I kept saying how lush and green the early spring has shown.
Flowers galore, it seems everywhere you look there are trees or bushes with every color and shape of foliage you could imagine. I do feel by looking at the land scape this is going to be a very interesting day.
Were we are camped is BEAUTIFUL. The campground is located about a ½ mile walk from the Pacific. The walk to the ocean from here is on a trail.
I can hardly wait to get out of the RV and start exploring.
We are here till tomorrow and believe it or not, were still rolling north. Forks Washington is just up the coastline.
So last year we were in Santa Cruz. The time spent in Cali had a plan in the itinerary to cruise the Pacific Coast HI way up to Oregon. The disappointment came when the Big Sur part of the HI way was closed due to rockslides and repairs. This year we have hit the northern further most part of the HI way and the rewards of this action are our photographic treasures.
I need to recap one more point I stress. The foliage here is mind blowing. I have never seen so my species of foliage. I though Florida had its share of diverse species of plants, including the earths ‘stock’ plants. Now I have. Good use for the plant and tree ID app.
We rolled in last night after hitting the Tillamook city by 5 pm.
The Japanese Gardens were not open. This left us some time to explore Tillamook, we went to a diner for some lunch, after we had eaten the host came back to ask if we would like some desert. I said oh yea… I’m going to order some Ice Cream; can you guess what flavor I’m going to order. We all laughed. (thanks, Ben and Jerry)
When Sherrie stirs awake, after breakfast I am going to suggest we take a little hike to the ocean on that sunset trail across from us. Sometime today I will post some awesome photos of the Pacific Northwest on my Photo Gallery page.
Lots more to come,
After carefully evaluating the options for us to get unstuck will require some digging tools. (for digging snow). For some reason the thoughts of needing shovels were not considered before leaving home.
I had a little garden shovel, and Sherrie had purchased a ‘red bag’ for emergencies. In that bag was a folding pick and shovel. Nice that is 1 digging device.
The next item used to dig was the floors dustpan. It worked well. I also used a little garden shovel I had tucked away in the Water hose bag.
So little garden shovel. A little pick / shovel. The floors plastic dustpan. These were the tools that was on board to dig us out.
Down in the snow I went to start to begin the dig. Sherrie attacked the other wheels to get the snow removed.
Our efforts we seemly useless. I did not try to get us out yet. We dug knowing we may only have one chance to get the wheels on the pavement again.
Digging continued for about an hour, at one point Sherrie got the side shower water hose out and cranked up the hot water. It melted a lot of the ice leaving just slushy snow.
We were tired of digging so with the hard earth and pavement showing under the right-side dual wheel our decision was to go for it.
Honestly, I was about 50 50 believing that this was going to work.
I got in, put it in reverse slowly creeping backwards. Sherrie was telling me go it is ok I was so worried the front right tire was about to drop off the road in the knee-deep snow in the ditch. Finally, I saw I was clear of the angle and the front tire was digging in enough to move the rigs rear to the left (back on the road in more snow.) moving the RV in reverse right into another snow spot I was in the middle of the road, so I give it some gas. The RV chugged. I could feel the back of the RV slid again. This time I was ready for that, holding the wheels tightly I continued the reverse action and down the hill the RV crept.
I had enough traction to give the rig an 8 point turn to get it pointed in the other direction.
After completing the turn, I was now heading out of the Mt. Hood back road.
Moral here is I am going to add a couple shovels to the cargo bay.
April 29’s travel plans
Up today at Portland Oregon. We basically made it. We are within strike distance to the Pacific Northwest Coast. By tonight we should have had taste of the Pacific Ocean. Destination Tillamook Oregan.
More to come.
April 28 update.
Today we started our journey for the day. After yesterday’s long travel day, we rested well in the KOA and set out for Mt. Hood.
It is said the, we know what is said about Best Laid Plans.
Nav set us up with a nice off the road drive to the Mt. Hood National Park center. So, off the RV and its contents went.
As Sherrie was in seat one today from the departure at the KOA. As she was driving, we were discussing that this road the nav programmed. Sherrie commented a few times, does not look like a road that leads to a national park entrance. Hmmm ok with NO signal only the Garmin was working. Looking at the map on the Garmin was showing us far off course but at the base of the mountain. Soon with gaining altitude we noticed snow patches covering the road.
Ahh, ok I thought heads up, SNOW BE CAREFUL. We continued and soon the situation got real when the snow was very thick on the road ice with slush. It was just a mess.
At this point we both agreed to turn around, we were just getting further into altitude and more snow. The map showed us a turn around a ¼ mile or less. However, there were thick patches of snow yet to conquer to get to get the RV turned around. The roads were on lane and narrow with no way to turn around. Sherrie asks me, should I go on to get pass this snowy spot in the road? The snow covered the road about fifty feet partially melted. I glance forward surveyed the situation and conditions with a split decision, I said GO! And she sped up to gain forward momentum, I told her to keep it in the middle of the road as best as could be. As she started through the snow-covered road, there was snow pack up to my knees in the right ditch.
GO I said, she did and just about halfway across the ice, the back of the RV took a slide to the right and angled putting the right rear dual tires in the soft snow near that ditch. The real dual tires were about ¼ of the wheel was buried spinning.
Oh, no, I told Sherrie, here were out in the OTG heaven and no cell service for calling for help. We are now, at one pm halfway up to mount hood on a back road that just opened less than a month ago due to the seasonal close.
Ok we were stranded in the Oregon back woods, and I mean back woods. It was a bit concerning. After carefully wading in the snowbanks looking at all options I realized if I did any jostling with the RV it could slide in the ditch with hardly any effort. The wheels were on the edge of the road.
Ok turn off the engine I shouted out to Sherrie from the rear side of the RV standing in snow up to my knees, parked sideways across a very thick snow patch. At this point I thought to myself and discovered after talking it all over with Sherrie. She was thinking the same thing. we have food shelter and gas. We could wait this out for spring to finish up the snow melt a couple months it should be melted. Or with no tools shovels we had to figure this out……
More to come on this plight. In my next blog, as you are thinking I’m here typing so we must have made it out. Or did we? Maybe we are still stuck up there.
Keep checking back.
April 28, Monday
From The Road reports,
After a very long drive yesterday or better known as, Travel days, we managed to get our self to the beautiful American state, Oregon.
Our RV rolled in to this place that our NAV team set in to guidance early yestermorning. I honestly think only a photo of where we are can tell more about where we landed last night.
We rolled in to Culver Oregon KOA campground by 8 pm.
I was having a restless morning when I woke in the RV bedroom and realized we are so close to the Pacific Ocean caused me to motivate and get busy prepping the rig for the days run to the edge of the continent.
Today is likely the day we transverse the last mountain ranges the Cascades and make our destination.
The weather here is amazing being located diagonal from Florida across the USA. Temps here today are high 50.
Since the Boon-docking is so hard on us for a night of rest, rest sometimes will not come easy when you parked in a place that is not designed for RV overnight parking it seems the night of rest is broken by noise. Very disturbing after a long day on the road.
Sherrie has made an executive decision to not Boondock anymore unless there is no other way to get through a night.
Sher has looked out ahead of our trail and seen where we can stay safely at a KOA. Now we are moving from one planned campsite to another. Honestly this is a much better way to travel. The notion of having an RV is so romantic and enchanting to just hit the road no worries… well sort of like that. There are some little details that get left out when using an RV. I will explain this later.
The day is broke and what a beautiful day, the sky is deep blue the air is cool everything is budding and green. Mother earth is starting to breath again after winter.
Sherrie realized this trip that the things she is seeing are sights she has not seen before. As the ol song says, ‘I may never see again.’
As for this day ahead,
Today is Mount Hood a considered active volcano by USGS.
more pictures and reports as we go.
next is. Bridge of the Gods then to Multnamah Falls.
after we’ll camp on the western slopes of the Cascades before the final push to Forks.
We are planning on West Coast Arrival by tomorrow.
As we push today to ascend north to Forks wish us the best luck and safe traveling.
More updates as we keep trucking. Our RVing.
Mom and Dad
Sunday April 27, 2025
From the road today can report to you we are within striking distance of the Pacific Coast line.
As of this upcoming Tuesday we have been on the NW coast trek counting a total of two weeks.
Today was planned as a hard travel day to gain some traction on the climb to Washington State.
Today, mom is in Seat 1 currently. this gives me a chance to sit here at the table and catch up on my writing. if I’m lucky I can shut my eyes for a few minutes to rest and then take the seat back.
I have a feeling the our trip is about to have the ‘after burners’ come on. we are in upper Oregon. and looking for, the Blue mountains Range. as soon as we ascend these next comes the Cascade Range. Portland seems to lay in the basin between the Coast Range an Cascade.
This is where trip gets exciting. the national parks are galore. Showing us hidden treasures of natures design.
So to summarize, the Pacific Coast line is very near. We are finally almost there.
One of the things Sherrie and I want to do there. That is look for Whales, it is suppose to be a thing. Our plates are full of things ahead to do. We are not 1/2 through this excursion.
Todays plan on wheels
On our way to a KOA up in Oregon. We likely will not reach the Pacific coast until tomorrow. One more day. (oh yea)
check back and suscribe.
Slicing through the state of Utah
Fun state and mostly beautiful. After the hike we made to the Arch my legs are still reeling from the walk.
I was about 1/4 way up the hiking trail when I stopped a young lady asking her a simple question, excuse me mam. could you tell me what is up there? what I meant to ask was how much further? it came out as odd as she looked at me saying softly ahhh ‘delicate arch’ as though I was going to grade her on the answer. my last question to her is was it worth it. she nodded yes!
Our visit lasted over six hours in the park. The hike was so much for that lots of photos and memories.
back to the KOA we rolled to get a solid night of sleep. we power up the rig and went to sleep.
Our check out was by 11am. The Interstate Hiway 70 called our name and north we rolled.
Onward to Idaho, we made a brief stop at the Salt Lake City Mormon Tabernacle to visit and take photos.
adding to our disappointment the drive through was bittersweet, SLC is a very clean and organized place except for the downtown where the construction crews were in charge of the city’s square. saying the ‘pardon my dust’ effect it was not enticing. snapped a few photos as well looked at the city’s archaeological design.
Blasting out of SLC our rig was rolling on 70 north again.
Where to,
Shoshine Falls
more to come.
This morning, I am writing from a place that we found using BLM software.
We rolled in here by five pm last night. It was just enough time to see where we were. After seeing were this location I was enlightened.
The bureau of land management has so many offerings here in the west I am certain we will consider first.
It is hard to see where we are, but this is one if not the most beautiful camping we have done ever.
The mountain dwarfs the size of our RV. We’re sitting in a bowl of mountains. it took some time to get out here and worth every moment of drive
During yesterday’s driving a problem to solve on the road arose this morning when I woke. Why do these things always manifest them self in the morning?
After waking lying in bed Sherrie was still snoozing, I slipped out of bed to the kitchen gally area. The heater was on, and the ‘house’ was warm. After pouring a coffee I looked up at the solar battery charger and the reading were not normal
The reading was so unusual I knew something was seriously not right.
Fuddling with the controller, no joy. I had to go up on the roof to inspect connections between panel and the RV.
I climbed the ladder and peaked over the roof. Being the roof is white my first look was frost was covering the panels. But on the second look I realized when I saw the dangling wires, we had lost a full 200-watt panel to the wind and now laying on the roadside.
Somehow but it did wind got under the panel and very slowly worked the glue loose and finally at some point of the day’s drive, it blew off.
The worst part of this mishap is my solar system is not charging the batteries. Not good at all!
I returned to the RV’s roof this morning and with the luck and good old American ingenuity, I was able to get the other 200-watt panel online again with jedi tricks I learned at Disney.
Today’s updates on travel.
We’re setting our sights on the North through Utah. Colorado is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Yes, onward to the uncharted lands of Utah. Cutting across the state is a perfect plan. Moms, NAV work has paid off again.
Our plan is to go to 3 national parks in Utah before we exit to the State line into Idaho.
By the end of the day, we should be somewhere near Arches National Park.
Friday 25
We’re rolling to Idaho. A campground in Utah is out next hopping point. Provo Utah.
Today mom and I went to the Arches. In the national park. Most of the day was split up into two parts, the first half or so was lots of driving over the park roads to see the monuments. At any point a hike to some remote location.
That’s what we did today a 3-mile hike at 6000 feet above sea level. Yea we live in Florida at 50 feet above sea level. By the time we returned from the hike i was never so glad to see my RV sitting in the parking lot across from the hike starting point.
The time spent is worth me keeping for a later story.
We are currently rolling mom is driving and I am laid back on the sofa writing.
That’s it for today, still so much has happened it is difficult to get them all in one blog.
That’s today until tomorrow.
From the road report April 22
We’re in Colorado. It is Sherries birthday so were pushing the night. Fun and tonight on the way out to the observatory at our campground. It is this year’s addition to help add to there activities.
I kinda figured out the BLM. This is our chance to spend a night under the stars. It looks like so much fun. Today after arriving at the Sand Dunes National Park. The first look at the dunes, I was not disappointed saying the minimum.
Impressive and something I have not seen before. The dunes score a perfect 10.
Tomorrow’s schedule
Sherrie and I are heading north again to Mesa Verde.
As a side note, The RV has done well serving us. This trip is going to set a benchmark for our travels so far.
Check back
More photos soon
Happy Easter, from the road
April 20
Today we’re headed to lower Colorado. We anchored Down Amarillo Tx. We Left by 10 am. The storms last night were ferocious again. And the RV took in a little rain by the slide out.
Heading West I had a driving error that cost us over an hour of driving today.
Not being aware of the conditions, I pull the RV a little to far off the shoulder and the thick mud, our front wheel dug in, and we lost all control. The RV slid itself and the next thing I knew we were stuck!
One hour later a massive tow truck came and rescued us.
We’re on the road again. Mom only said she was glad that I was in seat 1 and not her.
More to come.. check back often and subscribe.
road reports
April 21, 2025
Our tour west is on track, we have had a few glitches however that is why we do this. today we are in lower Colorado. we are camping at a real camp ground tonight and tomorrow night. it is located at the foot of the might Rockies and a view to wake up and have coffee while watching the sun crawl down the Mountian sides as day breaks.
We have been running very hard on the roads the past few days. three to be exact. camping at a Walmart and enduring the storm. we cruised west to the Amarillo town and camped there at a Cracker Barrel only to be slammed again with storms that night, missing our turn we ended up in Pueblo for another night of boon docking this time at a Walmart food store.
Now we are here. the Snow in the upper elevation is still pretty heavy. the melt is occurring daily. this campground opened up for the season this past Friday. life is moving here again after winter.
I have added a new page to our site. check it out soon. ‘more stories’
lots and lots more to come as the trip is now getting exciting the mountains are alway exhilarating.
Subscribe and check back often for more from-the-road
Saturday 19
Road reports
Periscope up
Here we are. Traveling to paradise. Our days are measured in miles. Night we measure in fun. Weather we are rolling or camped out under the stars we are taking one day at a time.
Last nights storm that at ripped through Oklahoma left us stunned. While the night was serving me up a peaceful night to rest at 2 AM we awakened by crashing thunder. The storm moved in and was on us. Sherrie was awake and worried unable to go back to sleep She watched the storm from inside our RV. I did not get up. Laying up in the sleeping berth above the cab I was just a bit to snuggled in my sleeping bag to worry. The Storm passed by morning.
We hit the Walmart for some supplies then rolled out by 11.
AMARILLO by morning. We’re rolling now as I post. We should touch down in our Texas town by midnight.
Tomorrow it is a turn to the northwest. The course all day has been due west.
We might make Trinidad by tomorrow night.
I will get some photos posted soon, so subscribe to get updated when we post.
Hot Springs was a place I would return, and my experience will make us an exceptional story later.
Unexpected chilly weather ahead. Upper elevations of lower Colorado is snowing tonight.
That’s it for tonight. Ill say for me, I am about to have a box checked by spending a night in Amarillo, Texas.
Updates an photo soon.
Fridays early am Road Report
April 18.2025
Sherries Road trip plotting and planning has been perfect so far. The way she designed the travel, our road days are spaced out as to not over tax our driving.
Last night, If I ever had a nights sleep inside of a MRI tube, was my bed last night. For some reason I left mom’s top mattress under my sleeping bag to stow it. I did not realize there was now only about 12 inches to the ceiling. I kept bumping the roof keeping me wide awake.
Next the Rig was not level. The front left had a pitch to it. Conveniently my beds head was in the dip. So at 4 am I just got up made coffee and watched tv, check my mail and wrote some. Mom is just stirring around back there in the bedroom.
We’re off to the Bath house for a well deserved soak!
Keep checking back often.
Today’s travel summery.
We left the house by 9 am. Our day has been longer than expected. Will reach Mobile by dark. I’m hoping to find a place to park safely over night before nightfalls.
A good skill to learn right off the bat with an RV is finding a place to settle down for a few hours. Giving us a chance to Catch a hot shower, brew up a coffee and lay back in bed watching the days events that I missed while driving.
It’s always a cool feeling the first night when sunsets and night comes out. Everything changes to an enchanting feel. Where the air is damp the night is cool, I look around and see I’m not in my comfort zone anymore. This all seems like a dream at times.
That’s pretty much today’s la tee dah, Check back often. I promise to keep updates coming in. (Saving all the good stuff for my blog stories)
A copy of Mom’s update text,
Hello Family
Made it to Spanish Fort for the night after 10 hours of driving today.
On our way to Laurel Mississippi tomorrow for lunch at Ms Pearls and a quick visit to Ben and Erin Nappier from Hometown at their wood shop and then to Graceland for a quick tour.
Love you all!
Sherrie and Tim
Wednesdays Travel
Another perfect travel day. Leaving Spanish fort, we broke out camp by 11 am. The night was so cool. We kept out window open and fan going. After showering we had a few night caps and off to bed.
We slept until 10 am. Hit the road. Now headed for Graceland. I called the Napers this morning and reschedule dinner. However, we are at the Elvis by Presley Graceland Mansion where we will eventually tour.
As far as our side quest to uncover any thing that has direct objections against scientific facts we’ll report.
We have seen nothing unusual except one cigar shaped cylinder moving at a high speed to the west. Further visual inspection with field glasses resulted in identification with something that looked like a commercial jet aircraft. Hmmm, I’ll keep watching I know there out there.
I’ll post moms update text post later.
Check back often.
Adventures from- the- road, lots more to come.
From-the-road Report
April 17, 2025 – Thursday
We finally landed and anchored at a Charles E Cheese’s parking area by the assigned Cracker Barrel’s.
It was dark so we took a chance and the night was perfect. We woke by 10 am. Made he beds right away. Made coffee had some breakfast with Sherrie watched the news headlines.
We finally broke the camp by 11 am.
We rolled in and upon the Grand Elvis Presley Blvd. Know by Tennessee as Hi way 51. After rolling by and surveying where the mansion is. It as very soon after seeng the mansion’s location it was a unanimous decision to have reset the computer and set us up for a night to service. The RV needs attention, and we can enjoy a day off the road.
This big house just did not give us a pull to it. Nor did the ghost of Elvis. If there is one.
It has been 3 days on road with a boon-docking configuration. We agree to get our selves rested up a bit. We are about to venture into the KOA for a hook up over night. Hopefully lots of rest too for the night.
As we were parking the RV in d-18 it is another weekend for the Jeepers to show off their road jeeps. As thought their beautiful class ‘A’ rigs all around us here is not enough.
We are on the road early AM west bound for a Hot springs soak and massage.
All hyped and amped up to get on the road the candle has began to flicker low. Just 3 days and reality, the adrenaline is worn off.
After this night tomorrow a mineral soaking day in the hot springs. Then we are heading west. To a place where when looking at a map, the right is green, and left is brown meaning (elevation) we will lose the greenery as we accustomed. Trading it for breathtaking views of nature.
It gonna be a long way to Forks.
We’re in no rush but to soak every minute of our days maximizing this adventure.
This is our days road notes for Friday.
Lots of fun days ahead. Stay tuned.
From-The-Road Adventures 