Ducks In Seattle

Debbie and I wanted to ride the Ducks here last year but never seemed to find time.  Earlier this year I went out on the San Francisco Duck. A lot of fun and found it a good way to get a quick overview of the city.

Ready to board the Seattle Duck.

Our tour guide.

Seattle cityscape from the Duck on Lake Union.

The Space Needle. Another spot on our list of things to see, do, or visit.

Comparing the two locations, I thought San Francisco was the winner. First, in SF  they GAVE everybody a Duck Whistle and the whistle was part of the tour. At the very start of the tour they played “Blue Danube” and we accompanied the song with the whistles. In Seattle they were for sale for $2.25, very off-putting.

The best part of the SF tour was the tour guide. He was great and he got everyone involved. Here the guide was a disappointing. Maybe another guide might improve my opinion. We did see a lot of the city.

Locks Again

The Ballard Locks allow boat traffic to travel between Lake Union and Puget Sound continue to fascinate.  The water level varies but 20’ plus or minus between the two bodies of water. The locks are operated by water pressure alone and do not use or need any other power.

We were here last year but decided to stop again after the Duck tour.  Traffic through the locks includes small and large boats.  Lake Union behind and above this boat.

This tour boat is on it’s way into Lake Union.

A tight fit. This is the small lock. Next to it is a larger lock. A canal allows access to Lake Washington from Union Lake.

New Grill

Ty loves it up here in Port Susan. His leash is attached to a 50 foot run line and he has a lot of mobility.  Here he’s sitting on the side of the driveway into the 5th wheel lot. Looks like a dirty look. I must have scared off a bird.

Last week in the June 21st blog I mentioned we had purchased a new grill. We have been trying it out and I am becoming pretty proficient. Here is a late evening BBQ.

I am cooking potatoes, asparagus, and steak. The potatoes are on the warming grate. They look burnt but actually they were perfect with a crispy skin. I now stick the asparagus spears together with toothpicks in rafts of four instead of dealing with them individually.

So far I really like the grill,

 

Still Working on the Floor

This week has gone by fast. Some rainy days and some sun. We joined the internet club and rented a post office box. I bought a crab license for the season. It cost $32. The past years I just bought a 2 day license for around $12. I hope to catch enough crab to pay for the license, just have to hitch a ride with somebody. 

I needed one more sheet of plywood to finish the floor of the 5th wheel, so Debbie and I went down to Lowe’s and picked up what I thought was the same size, 15/32. When we got back the plywood was thicker than what I had used. Of course the difference wasn’t noticed until after I cut off a big piece. Back at Lowe’s we found a thinner 15/32. Go figure. Now the shims I cut at one inch are too big. Last year we ripped 2x4’s into shims and I guess I forgot what size, so today I’ll be cutting all the short pieces down to size. We’re very close to finishing, just have to pay a little more attention I guess. I’ll try to post some pictures of the progress if there is any.

Today looks like it’s going to be sunny and the forecast is for three more days of sun. The cover is still on the 5th wheel because we’ve been waiting for it to dry out. About the time it getting there, it rains again. Looks likes Tuesday will be the day.

New Grill and a Coyote

Yesterday, Monday,  we got an early start looking for some inexpensive furniture for the 5th wheel. It has to go through a 28 inch door which limits the size considerably.  We also were checking out bbq grills. We found a couch and a couple of recliners at the first stop. At the high end of our budget. Also looked at Webber grills and they were way past the end of our budget. We looked at just about every store that carried furniture or grills. We are tentatively looking at two small upholstered chairs at WalMart and a patio set at Fred Meyers that included a sofa, two chairs and a coffee table that is on sale and the right size.

Monday evening we had Lloyd over for dinner. He just arrived Sunday. Also had Jim and Helene over. BBQ’d ball tips from Kinder’s meat and they were great and we enjoyed a nice visit everyone.

The grill was another story. It’s hard to get a good grill for under 600 or 700 dollars. The more I looked and researched the more expensive the grill I wanted.

Today we finally decided on a four burner Master Forge which is a cheap Lowes house brand. We picked it up along with some salmon to try out on it.  I started putting it together. The wheels, base, right side. It was going together well, all the holes lined up and blind nuts made it really easy. Told Debbie some of the other grill reviews I had read required re-drilling some holes which didn’t line up. I was feeling really happy with my purchase and started to put the left side of the base on. It was a little confusing and I couldn’t quite get it turned right so it fit as it was supposed to. Still confused I studied the assembly directions and drawing. I then discovered I had two right sides and no left side. The sides of the base are about a foot and a half wide and two feet tall made of stainless steal.  Had to make another trip back to Lowe’s. They wanted me to bring the grill back to exchange but convinced them just to exchange sides, I was at the point of assembly that the grill wouldn’t had fit back into the car.  Didn’t have any trouble, they opened up another unit and pulled out the left side for me.

I finally finished putting it together and started grilling around eight o’clock. Portabella mushrooms, salmon, and sweet onion slices. Really happy with the results.

Still waiting for the internet club to sent me a password for the wifi so no pictures again.

Oh, almost forgot tonight's excitement. Ty was outside on his leash connected to a run line while we grilled and ate. Then we were cleaning up and went inside when we remembered we had left Ty outside. When I stepped out of the Horizon I thought I saw “Sammy” a neighbor cat and Ty’s friend walking toward our lot and toward Ty. I quickly recognized “Sammy” wasn’t a cat but a coyote! He turned and left quickly and Ty, the dumb cat, was trying to follow him. Looked like I went out just in time. Whew!

At Port Susan

We arrived at our lots at Port Susan late Friday afternoon.  We arrived to beautiful weather. It was sunny with big fluffy clouds and around 67 degrees. Our good friends, Jim and Helene, invited us over for a steak dinner.  We really enjoyed the rib eye steaks, twice baked potatoes and asparagus.  Nice to be here.

Saturday we lounged around the morning watching it rain. After lunch we went across to the 5th wheel to check it out. It weathered the winter just fine. Got the Jeep partially unloaded.  Right now we only have the antenna up and we are receiving the main networks. At some point I’ll run a cable over to the satellite dish and see if will can ‘see’ the satellite. Each year the signal has gotten weaker due to the trees branching out.  I ‘m always worried that this will be the year we lose the signal completely. At that time it may not be possible to relocate the antenna and find the signal through the trees

Sunday morning we’re looking out at overcast skies and a light drizzle. We talked about running over to the Farmer’s market in Everett but the weather is making it unappealing. Its suppose to be clearing up later to day and sun is forecast for the next several days. 

Using our Verizon 3G card with limited bandwidth so I’ll leave out the pictures the pictures for now.  Next week I’ll join the internet club and use their high speed cable.

New Shoes for Horizon

Last week I called to order tires for the Horizon. Due to the size they have to be special ordered. At that time Allen gave me a price of $571 each. He said it was a show special for the FMCA rally which had just concluded. That sounded like a good price since discussions on the net were about how much tire prices had gone up due to the raise in oil costs and indicated a price of $600 to $650. Last year they were $540 so I was real happy at only a $30 dollar raise.

When we arrived at Les Schwab, Terry, who I dealt with last year, wrote up the work order with a price of $601 each. He didn’t know about a show price. Finally got a hold of Allen and he fixed the price to reflect the original quote. Whew!!

They said the job should be competed around 11am so we had a few hours to kill. I had the first time killer idea and we went across the street to the Sweetwater restaurant and had breakfast. Debbie had the next idea. I would sit in the car and read while she….

went into the Goodwill Store. I had read about three books when Les Schwab called and said Horizon was ready to go. I had to go in and pull Debbie out. She made a major find, a six place setting of dishes just right for the 5th wheel and only $14! Guess I should be more supportive. She probably saved us a hundred dollars or more. Photos pending.

We returned to Les Schwab and while I connected the Jeep up and replaced the pressure sensors on the new tires, Debbie went into the office to pay the bill. When she returned, she said they gave us $50 each for two of the old tires as a trade in. Wow am I happy!

We left the store and headed north. Destination Kelso, WA and the Brookhollow RV park, about three hours in the RV. We’ve stayed there several times before and I like the park, it has a nice layout and space between sites. Debbie is not so enamored but humors me.

More about the park next time.

Brookhollow RV in Kelso, WA

Thursday and we’ve made it to Kelso. Ty is always anxious to bail out of the Horizon when we arrive. Tthis time he found a large sand pile waiting for him.

But unlike a normal cat. Instead of using the sand for what god created it for, he decided to take dust bath!  He very seldom goes outside, a modesty thing I guess. He usually wants back in to use his box.

 

Ty and Debbie discuss which direction to head next.

This park is laid out in a oval shape. It has an outside road around it with pull through sites.  We were able to leave the Jeep connected. I am up on top a levee which contains a river and has a trail on top.

Bikes are off and loaded ready. Debbie and Ty not so much.

We have been to this park several times and each time I didn’t get a chance to jump on the bike and try it out.  Today I took a ride on the trail. It follows the river along the top of the levee. There are benches along the way. This one is at the four mile mark.  Turned around here and made it back ok. Haven’t riding for a few weeks and it felt good to get out, especially on such a beautiful trail and great weather. Partial clouds and about 67 degrees. 

Today we’ll be arriving at Port Susan, about a three hour drive.

 

Old KOA in Albany

Wednesday and we are settled in at the Blue Ox RV Park. This is an old re-branded KOA park. Tight spaces and interior roads. Checked and our tires are in and waiting for us. We have an appointment around 9am tomorrow morning and are only about a mile away.

The park has an indoor pool and spa so around eight Debbie and I walked down and enjoyed the spa.  Didn’t have anything to drink but when we got back from the spa, I still passed out.

Arriving and Leaving 7Feathers RV Resort

Tuesday afternoon and here we are at 7Feathers RV Resort, one of our favorite and also the prettiest.   Filled up at their truck stop. We were down to a quarter of a tank and it was a good price at $4.13 per gallon.  We are also just about half way between home in Concord and home in Port Susan.  In the morning we’ll take the casino shuttle over to the casino

and take advantage of their breakfast special.  On the way back to the Horizon, we’ll stop at the truck shop deli and pick up one of their po'boy sandwiches for lunch on the road later. They are the best ever. We eat half for lunch and then the other half for dinner.

In the morning we will be heading for Albany to pickup four new tires, we’ll spend the night at the Blue Ox RV park in Albany and about a mile from Les Schwab.

Headed Towards Alaska

Well, we’ll be stopping short however, Port Susan, WA to be exact.  Please excuse the previous Monday posts. Obviously they all didn’t happen on Monday but were just a quick and brief recap of our time at home. 

This is actually what happen Monday.  We planned to leave around 4pm. It looked like for the first time in years, not only were we going to be on time, but actually  early! We would have been a half hour or so early but when Debbie pushed the toggle switch to bring in the bedroom slide, the slide only moved in about a foot then died. Oh no! Remember we just had the hydraulic pump and motor replaced on our way back home from Port Susan last year. You can see the whole gory details of that adventure if you look back in the blog at the end of October 2010 beginning HERE. 

I tried the control just in case Debbie had a “senior moment” and wasn’t pressing the toggle switch correctly. Darn I couldn’t make it work either. I mean either in or back out. I tried the other two slides and there was no response. Well we were ready to leave but with three slides out we were about 15 feet wide and my gate is only 12 wide.  Well obliviously it had to be fixed onsite.  I thought I would take a look at it and see if maybe it was something I could see. I got the tools out of the motorhome and opened up the stairs where access to the hydraulic system is. The access is more for a very small, thin, double jointed person but I managed to peer in. I won’t bore you with a more prolonged account, but unexpectedly, I found one of the heavy power cables to the motor was loose and after it was tightened the slides worked fine.

Finally on our way and its 4pm, right on time!  Three hours on I5 and we arrived at the Elks club in Redding where we planned to spend the night. We found a site and walked up to the bar to check in.  We decided to have a drink. We had a second because it was free. I don’t remember too much after that until the next morning.

The next morning sun was out and it was already warm in the sun at 8am. Expected to reach the high 90s. Glad we’re traveling north to the cooler climes. The sites are close together here but they have 50amp and water.

A very nice trail runs behind the lodge and along the river. In spite of a slight headache I had to check it out.

The trail runs right along the river. As I walked along I came upon a couple of dogs playing in the river. Brrrr it looks cold. It actually was cold the stupid golden lab came running over to me and shook himself right up against me.

The is a view of the trail. If it wasn’t going to be so hot and my brain ache, I would have had to get out the bikes.  I don’t know if it is ever not hot in Redding but I am going to have to find out and try to make it back.

This is a gate to the real of the Elk’s property right off the trail.

Around 10:30 or so, we’ll move on, heading up to our favorite RV Resort, 7Feathers. Around a three hour drive. We’ll fill up with diesel and spend the night.

Ducks and Home

This is a reflection of the “duck”.

A few of the duck riders anxiously waiting to board. Blake sporting a stylish yellow “duck” whistle around his neck.

Riding the duck, a picture of Betty taking a picture. On land.

Little Cal is driving, I mean piloting, the duck on the bay near the Giant’s stadium. The camera’s level it the duck that’s listing to port.

Back home we enjoy some refreshments.

Ty and a cow grazing in the open space field around our house, size each other up.

Friends from Port Susan

Jim and Helene, friends from Port Susan, drove down to visit us and several other friends around the area.  I think they really came down to dry out after all the rain they are having.  They brought some custom cut steaks with them. They are preparing to BBQ them.

Lloyd and Rich get comfortable waiting for the steaks.

A great meal in our RV site at the side of the house.

It was great seeing Jim and Helene. The meal was great and we can hardly wait to follow them back to Washington.

Some of the Things We Did

We enjoyed our backyard, Ty too. We have a mini rv park next to our house, which Is leased right now.

Blake invited us over for Beef Wellington and it was sooo… good that Debbie had to try her skill in recreating it at home for us. She did an outstanding job using her limited facilities in the Horizon.

Looking at the picture makes me think she should try again!

For our anniversary we drove up the coast to Timber Cove Lodge. The weather was interesting (stormy) and as we approached the Russian River I grabbed this picture of a rainbow. I hoped it was a positive sign that the weather would improve for us. But hey, over looking the ocean from the balcony with a glass of wine, a fire in the fireplace , who cares.

The balconies were mostly empty as was the lodge.

The storms created beautiful sunsets.

Our room was rough sawn redwood. I guess I should had taken the pictures before we spread out and Debbie had her soak!

Hanging Out Around Home

We have been hanging out at home for several month now. Debbie and I both had scattered appointments and they didn’t leave enough time between them to get very far from home.

In mid January we did meet with the Concord Caravaner’s on their weekend outing at the Vineyard RV park near Vacaville, CA.

The fog came in on Saturday and gave the park a surreal look.

The office is dwarfed by large eucalyptus trees. The park had under gone considerably upgrading and had ambitious plans for the future.

The club house is behind a large wisteria arbor.

It was great to get together with good friends and of course great food.

The Horizon was park at the end of the row. Yes it did rain a little.

We are planning to leave soon for our summer lot in Port Susan and rear dual tires are due to be replaced. It’s hard to replace tires that have more than half an inch of tread left, but the prevailing knowledge is that they are done after 6 or 7 years and ours are pushing 8! We’ll stop at the Les Schwab tire store in Albany, OR where we replaced the two front tire last year. Better safe than sorry and it will be one less thing to worry about as we travel down the highway.