So with one last stop in Anchorage we puttered around a bit, did some last minute shopping, turned in the car, and boarded the plane home. As we were gaining altitude we saw it! We really did see all of Mt. Denali – from the air and in a plane – from way too far away. And just as quickly, it was out of sight, as the plane turned south bringing us back to the lower 48 and our little condo on wheels.
After getting through the Seattle airport and onto the shuttle to Bellingham, we picked up our truck and settled in at a nearby motel. Didn’t have much time to stagnate before we were off again to meet good friends, Duane and Debbie, at a nearby restaurant. After three hours of catching up (and eating), a few urgent looks from the waitress, it was time to go back to the motel and get ready to head toward the Tri- Cities, our sister and brother-in-law, nephews, and their church where we parked our 5ver while we were in Alaska. Had a good visit with the relatives, helped with a few projects, and then hit the road again after restocking the 5ver and checking it out.
First stop after the Tri-Cities was John Day, Oregon. We had never traveled down Highway 395 or stopped in John Day before and were pleasantly surprised with the scenery along the way and this little Oregon town. It was a bit of a relief after the larger cities and the intense tourist experience of Alaska – time to unwind.
John Day was a pleasant surprise as far as small towns go. Quiet, friendly, and easy to get around. That along with the mountain and canyon scenery made it a very nice stay.
We stayed at the fairground RV park and were treated to a small rodeo during our stay, but the main attraction we wanted to see was one recommended by our friends, Bill and Rena, which was the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. We were only able to get to and hike one of the units (there are three separate units). The unit we visited is referred to as the Painted Hills.
The museum and visitor center at the Painted Hills was quite impressive with all of its information on fossils. I’m not sure how long we spent in there but I’m sure it wasn’t enough given the information available. After walking through the museum, we took a ride down Hwy. 19 towards the Painted Hills and Cathedral Rock. It was a slow drive and well worth the time! The rock formations were incredibly interesting.
We took the time to wander the hills and trails while we were there – it was so scenic and quiet.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
The scenery is incredible and is well worth a visit if your in the area.
Our next stop was Lakeview, Oregon where we stayed at an RV park that was on a working ranch – complete with cattle and all the associated smells and sounds.
It was probably one of the most peaceful RV parks we have experienced in the ten years we have been on the road. Hiking one day in the nearby hills we happened upon some fresh mountain lion tracks with the accompanying feeling of being watched – it made the neck hairs stand up a bit. But we never did see or hear anything.
We wandered into the nearby town of Lakeview and ran into the above sign. It immediately reminded me of a blog written by Keith, my blogging mentor. If I remember correctly it was quite humorous with many tongue in cheek references about playing with the “Honkers”. The stigma these poor high school kids have to face has got to be interesting – let alone the jokes.
Then it was back on the road and down to the Reno, Nevada area. We stayed for a few days and were able to visit with longtime friends, Ron and Karen, (38 years long!!) -as well as good longtime RV friends, Dick and Annie, who live in the area. Thanks, guys!!
We took a drive to Virginia City – another famous mining town from the 1800s. It was well worth the drive with its twisty roads and excellent vistas of the surrounding countryside. Once again we “lucked” into a local festival/rodeo/parade that just happened to be in progress – it was quite fun. Virginia City itself is similar to Deadwood, Tombstone, parts of Alaska, and a few other western mining towns that we have visited. Always lots of fun with the activities, shops and eateries. But touristy!
We wandered the town peeking through the various shops and then noticed that a parade was starting. It was a rather short one put on by a Steam Punk group from San Diego – one of those groups similar to what we had happened onto in Bellingham, Washington. This one had the same Harry Potter/Johnny Depp/Alice in Wonderland/Bordello theme and when Linda talked to some of them, they were not even aware that other people in different parts of the country were doing similar things. It seems every time you try to be different there is someone else in some other location with the same idea.
The area around Virginia City is still loaded with old mines – a reminder of days gone by. It has evolved now, like most old western towns, to mining for American Express, Master Card, and Visa from the tourists. They seem to be doing quite well!
The world according to Snickers & Meggs
We acquired two new family members once we got back to the lower 48 – meet Snickers and Meggs. They will be traveling the country with us and looking at it with brand new eyes – it should be interesting.
Hi! I’m Snickers. I’m a boy cat – yes siree buddy, got all those boy parts. I’m part Bengal, and I think I have a bit of Tabby in me too, - but my mom didn’t want to talk about that, so it’s just a guess. Meggs and I adopted some new people a couple of weeks ago – when they came and visited - they looked so pitiful that we just had to go with them and try to make them happy. So far it seems to be working.
Hello, I’m Nutmeg (my people call me Meggs). I’m the girl cat and will grow into a most beautiful and loving feminine feline in a bit of time, but for now I’m just a kitten. I’m trying to teach my people that we kittens have no bounds – none what-so-ever! What is theirs is mine, mine, mine. My current project is the “flying leg leap – claws bared”. Their legs are mine too! I try to see how far I can jump up on my people before sinking my new and very sharp claws into them. It’s fun to watch them jump around until I let loose.
It’s nice meeting all of you and we will be telling some stories as we lead our new people around the country and teach them about life. Time to go – it’s nap time.
Snickers & Meggs
As we make our way south through Nevada, Utah, and California, we leave you with a sunset from the Tri-Cities area of Washington state.
Home is where we park it!
Lee & Linda
