2017

A 347-day adventure by Debra Read more

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Trip start
January 19, 2017
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Wednesday, January 18, 2017
☀️ 61 °F
Altitude: 958 ft
United States Desert Edge 33.91276, -116.4384233°54’46” N 116°26’18” W
Southbound
January 18, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
We spent January 1st in McMinnville with our friends Leslie & Chad, Lesa & Dean...a wonderful way to kick off 2017.

The next two weeks was spent in Coburg, Oregon for biannual motorhome maintenance and repair. As always we met new friends at "Camp Monaco". We also survived snow, freezing rain and 16° temperatures.

Thankfully the completion of repairs and maintenance coincided with a window of clear weather so over the Siskiyous we traveled. Our first night was spent in Corning, CA at Rolling Hills Casino RV Park. The next morning we stopped at the Olive Pit before hitting the road and heading to Harris Ranch Inn in Coalinga, CA. We enjoyed a martini with the olives purchased that morning🍸
Today we finally arrived at Catalina RV Resort in Desert Hot Springs, CA... so wonderful to be in weather warmer than 30°🌴☀️😎Read more
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Day 13
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
☀️ 72 °F
Altitude: 958 ft
United States Desert Edge 33.91274, -116.4383433°54’46” N 116°26’18” W
January 18-31
January 31, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F
Our first week at Desert Hot Springs was exciting with cool weather, wind and flood advisories....we're not complaining because it sure beats the snow, ice and subfreezing temperatures we left in Oregon. We had lunch with Mary and Jim who we met at "Camp Monaco" and hope to catch up with again during our travels. Week two weather has been perfect! 😎 We've been spending our days RELAXING, playing pickleball, bike riding, taking walks around the park, getting local produce and goods at the Farmers Market and enjoying the desert scenery.Read more
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Day 27
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
☀️ 72 °F
Altitude: 958 ft
United States Desert Edge 33.91278, -116.4383633°54’46” N 116°26’18” W
February 1-14
February 14, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F
Desert Hot Springs continues to bless us with sunny skies and warm weather. Cousin Steve and Karlene joined us one evening for dinner. Spent one Saturday morning wandering the College of the Desert Street Fair, a huge outdoor market. We met Steve and Karlene at one of their favorite hangouts, Mario's, for Superbowl Sunday... good drinks, good food, good company. We had a bocci ball tournament and happy hour with old friends from Oregon and new SoCal friends from the resort. We've been playing pickleball several times a week and even participated in a Valentine's Day tournament... no big winners here but lots of fun and good food.Read more
Great to see you guys loving life! Cheers.
2/17/17Reply
Thanks!
2/18/17Reply
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Day 38
Saturday, February 25, 2017
☀️ 61 °F
Altitude: 988 ft
United States Desert Edge 33.91205, -116.4372533°54’43” N 116°26’14” W
February 15-25
February 25, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
Play dates at the dog park and beautiful sunsets continue to be the norm. We drove down to Indio and had a nice visit with our friends Kathy and Jim on the 21st. Good buddies Phil and Dee dropped by for a two night stay on their way home from taking delivery of their new motorcoach (Chehalis, WA to Gallup, NM). Thursday we all met up with Steve and Karlene at Villagefest http://villagefest.org/
for dinner, shopping and people watching. Friday we played some pickleball and had a date shake with Phil and Dee.Read more
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Day 46
Sunday, March 5, 2017
⛅ 41 °F
Altitude: 702 ft
United States Welling Reservoir 45.42178, -122.3052445°25’18” N 122°18’19” W
February 26-March 5
March 5, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 41 °F
Headed back to Oregon with layovers in Patterson, CA, Loleta CA and. Winchester Bay Oregon.
Had dinner with the family at Thien Hong, can't beat their pepper salted squid. 😋
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Day 77
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
☁️ 54 °F
Altitude: 33 ft
United States Salmon Harbor 43.68083, -124.173743°40’51” N 124°10’25” W
March 28-April 5
April 5, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F
We spent a fantastic week at Winchester Bay on the Oregon coast. Our friends Kathy and Jim met us there on their return trip home from Arizona. One day was spent visiting Shore Acres State Park enjoying the beautiful spring flowers.Read more
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Day 87
Saturday, April 15, 2017
☀️ 52 °F
Altitude: 292 ft
United States Hazelwood 45.53036, -122.5365345°31’49” N 122°32’12” W
April 15
April 15, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 52 °F
The Hinatsu's hosted their annual Easter Saturday dinner. It was delicious as usual and wonderful to gather with friends and family.
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Day 127
Thursday, May 25, 2017
⛅ 59 °F
Altitude: 705 ft
United States Welling Reservoir 45.42172, -122.3054545°25’18” N 122°18’20” W
May 9-26
May 25, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
Back at Home Base for 2 1/2 weeks to get "stuff" done, including, but by no means limited to: Randy arranging for new siding and paint on Sharon and Larry's, home (my in laws), dental and doctor appointments, root canal and knee surgery (menisectomy) for me. We also had a wonderful Mother's Day dinner with the family and went out to dinner with our friend Gary and his son Ian.Read more
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Day 129
Saturday, May 27, 2017
☀️ 77 °F
Altitude: 20 ft
United States Harlow Creek 45.53881, -122.3803945°32’20” N 122°22’49” W
May 27-28
May 27, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
The Kozinski's hosted their annual
Pork-a-Licious pig feed. As always it was DELICIOUS!
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Day 144
Sunday, June 11, 2017
☁️ 59 °F
Altitude: 1,634 ft
United States Willow Creek 44.67388, -121.2322544°40’26” N 121°13’56” W
May 29-June 11
June 11, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F
We headed over Mt Hood for our annual month of fishing at Lake Simtustus Resort. http://www.lakesimtustusresort.com/
Our old neighbors Leslie & Chad were there for the month and Mike & Paula for 3 weeks. Our fishing mentors, Jim & Kathy, spent June there as well.
We were entertained by Chad, Judy and Dick, ate and drank well, read and relaxed. Kelsie and Kyle came for the weekend... fun family time.Read more
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Day 162
Thursday, June 29, 2017
☀️ 73 °F
Altitude: 1,604 ft
United States Dry Canyon 44.67372, -121.2322344°40’25” N 121°13’56” W
June 11-29
June 29, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
The second half of June started out a bit chilly. Jim and Kathy welcomed an adorable goldendoodle puppy to their family. My sister, Marcia, joined us for two nights and cooked us dinner both nights... delicious😋 Thank you Chef!
Kyle and Kelly joined us Father's Day weekend for a fabulous smoked brisket dinner.
We continue to fish for trout, fillet trout,
brine, smoke and eat trout; enjoy impromptu concerts and our friends at Lake Simtustus. Randy celebrated his 62nd birthday and was presented with a very nice bottle of tequila by Jim and Kathy.Read more
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Day 176
Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 3:24 PM
☀️ 88 °F
Altitude: 2,671 ft
United States Hot Lake Reservoir 45.24517, -117.9705945°14’43” N 117°58’14” W
July 12-13
July 13, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F
We bid Boring a fond farewell to begin our summer/autumn road trip. We're heading to Colorado and Mt Rushmore but aren't sure of our itinerary, we'll plan as we go.
Our first stop was Hot Lake, Oregon.
We explored the towns of Union and LaGrande as well as Hot Lake Springs, and drove a 17% grade to Morgan Lake.
All were interesting and historic, especially Hot Lake Springs as they have have a history museum and bronze works by David Manuel. http://www.hotlakesprings.com/
We were hoping to take a dip in the hot springs but with temperatures in the 90s we passed.Read more
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Day 176
Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 4:06 PM
☀️ 72 °F
Altitude: 705 ft
United States Welling Reservoir 45.42169, -122.3054845°25’18” N 122°18’20” W
June 30-July11
July 13, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F
Home base for 1 1/2 weeks. Spent time cleaning our home on wheels inside and out, picking about 40 lbs of blueberries with Sharon and Larry (thank you Allie and Tom for your generosity) dinners out, and in, with family and friends.Read more
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Day 178
Saturday, July 15, 2017
☀️ 88 °F
Altitude: 2,405 ft
United States A Drain 43.66444, -116.6405243°39’52” N 116°38’26” W
1
July 14-15
July 15, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F
Friday we stopped in Baker, Oregon to tour the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Best Oregon Trail museum we've been to and certainly makes us appreciate the luxury of traveling in our prairie schooner!
https://www.blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/…
We arrived at the Ambassador RV Resort in Caldwell, Idaho to a blistering hot afternoon... 102 °
Saturday we headed to downtown Boise to explore the Capital City Public Market, the Capital Building and Freak Alley. We headed back home to drop off our produce then did some tasting of Snake River Valley wines along the Sunny Slope Wine Trail. http://sunnyslopewinetrail.com/Read more
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Day 180
Monday, July 17, 2017
☀️ 79 °F
Altitude: 2,402 ft
United States A Drain 43.66516, -116.6411543°39’55” N 116°38’28” W
July 16-17
July 17, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F
Sunday...a cool high of 90° We visited the World Center for Birds of Prey where they breed endangered raptors for release back into the wild. A must see if you're in the area.
http://www.peregrinefund.org/
Monday we biked 3 hours on the Boise River Greenbelt. A beautiful paved path.
http://parks.cityofboise.org/parks-locations/pa…Read more
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Day 182
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
☀️ 82 °F
Altitude: 3,930 ft
United States Lateral C-33 42.57897, -114.2886342°34’44” N 114°17’19” W
July 18-19
July 19, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F
Tuesday we had a beautiful drive to Anderson Camp RV Park in Eden, Idaho. Our afternoon was spent at the Twin Falls Visitors Center overlooking the Snake River Canyon near the Perrine Bridge
https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/natural-att…
then to the AWESOME Shoshone Falls.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoshone_Falls
Wednesday morning we took a walking tour of Minidoka National Historic Site. This location has special meaning to me as my family was imprisoned there during World War 2. https://www.nps.gov/miin/index.htm
My late father was in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team fighting in Europe during this time.
http://encyclopedia.densho.org/442nd_Regimental…
Later in the day we drove to our friend's home in Rupert. We met Ron and Joyce while having service done on our coach at "Camp Monaco" two years ago. They took us to lunch then to Joyce's Quilt Shop, the Gathering Place. It was great reconnecting with these wonderful people.Read more
Just beautiful! Kyle looks so much like your Dad! You are very close to Dean and Etta - they are in Buhl. Have fun!
7/20/17Reply
TravelerThanks.
7/20/17Reply
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Day 184
Friday, July 21, 2017
☀️ 82 °F
Altitude: 5,509 ft
United States Deer Creek State Park 40.41244, -111.5028640°24’45” N 111°30’10” W
July 20-21
July 21, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F
Beautiful views of the lake from our campsite at Deer Creek State Park.
https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/deer-creek/
Friday we went to Park City, home of the 2002 Winter Olympics, where we visited the museum and walked Main St. Interesting town with lots of history... silver, saloons and snow!
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Park_City,_Utah
We also toured the Utah Olympic Park.
http://utaholympiclegacy.org/
Another great day!Read more
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Day 186
Sunday, July 23, 2017
☀️ 82 °F
Altitude: 5,518 ft
United States Deer Creek State Park 40.41221, -111.502740°24’44” N 111°30’10” W
July 22-23
July 23, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F
Saturday we headed over the Wasatch Range toward Salt Lake City to see all things Mormon. Our guide, Roger, took us on an excellent tour of the Conference Center. We also visited two museums, the Assembly Hall, Tabernacle and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. All of the buildings and grounds were beautiful. Very informative.
https://www.templesquare.com/
Sunday we took a bike ride along the Jordon-Provo River Parkway. Fantastic scenery!Read more
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Day 188
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
⛅ 68 °F
Altitude: 6,145 ft
United States Sheep Creek 40.02024, -107.9677240°1’13” N 107°58’4” W
July 24-25
July 25, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
Headed up and east for a beautiful drive to River Camp RV Park in Meeker, Colorado.
Tuesday we explored historic downtown Meeker. We went to the White River Museum and the Meeker Hotel while strolling through town. Then we took a scenic drive around the outskirts of town and also visited Highland Cemetery where there are beautiful views of the city.
http://www.townofmeeker.org/Read more
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Day 191
Friday, July 28, 2017
☁️ 66 °F
Altitude: 9,833 ft
United States Beaver Creek 39.21921, -105.9912939°13’9” N 105°59’29” W
July 26-28
July 28, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F
Gained 400 feet in elevation and crossed the Continental Divide while traveling to Middlefork RV Park in Fairplay, Colorado.
Thursday we strolled historic downtown Fairplay and toured South Park City.
http://www.southparkcity.org/
Friday we took a 5 mile hike through forest, meadows, wildflowers and aspen.
A beautiful hike with only a 700 ft elevation gain but at 10,000 ft felt a bit strenuous for us flatlanders.Read more
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Day 194
Monday, July 31, 2017
⛅ 63 °F
Altitude: 9,833 ft
United States Beaver Creek 39.2191, -105.9912239°13’9” N 105°59’28” W
July 29-31
July 31, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
We were fortunate to arrive in Fairplay for Burro Days.
http://www.burrodays.com/pages/history_burrosin…
Saturday we watched the beginnings of the pack Llama and Llama Lunecy races. Sunday was the pack burro race and parade. We also shopped the arts and craft fair where we bought some yak sausage and burger and a coffee mug. Got back to camp just in time for a big thunderstorm, rain and hail.
Monday we drove 45 minutes south to Frisco unloaded the bikes and spent the morning cycling the Summit County Recreational Pathway and around Dillon Reservoir.Read more
It looks like a lot of fun. Did you get to ride on the burros!!!! Ha ha ha!!!
8/1/17Reply
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Day 197
Thursday, August 3, 2017
⛅ 55 °F
Altitude: 7,648 ft
United States Beaver Brook 40.36291, -105.5384440°21’46” N 105°32’18” W
August 1-3
August 3, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F
We traveled along the eastern side of the Rockies to Manor RV Park in Estes Park, Colorado. Beautiful scenery along the way. Wednesday we explored downtown Estes Park, cute, expensive and very touristy with an awesome Riverwalk. We also took a guided tour of the historic Stanley Hotel built by F. O. Stanley of Stanley Steamer fame. The hotel is also famous for being haunted and was the inspiration for Stephen King's novel the Shining.👻http://www.stanleyhotel.com/about.html
Thursday was cold and stormy so we drove through Rocky Mountain National Park, from Estes Park on the east to Grand Lake on the west. Wandered around downtown Grand Lake and into the lodge, took a short hike to Holzwarth Historic Site, stopped at many overlooks and two discovery centers... a good day.
https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htmRead more
Beautiful. The Stanley house is great.
8/4/17Reply
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Day 199
Saturday, August 5, 2017
☀️ 68 °F
Altitude: 7,631 ft
United States Beaver Brook 40.36295, -105.5384840°21’47” N 105°32’19” W
August 4-5
August 5, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F
Friday dawned sunny and warm so we were up early for an awesome hike to Cub Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Gorgeous scenery and wildflowers though the forest was a bit worse for wear due to fires and mountain pine beetles.
Saturday morning was spent cycling the Lake Estes Loop Trail then strolling along the Riverwalk. There is an abundance of public art in Estes.Read more
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Day 202
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
⛅ 68 °F
Altitude: 4,984 ft
United States Boyd Lake State Park 40.43015, -105.040140°25’49” N 105°2’24” W
August 6-8
August 8, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
Randy and I spent our 40th anniversary winding our way along the Big Thompson River, dropping from 7500 ft elevation to 5000, to arrive at Boyd Lake State Park in Loveland Colorado.
Our site is large and shaded with a view of the lake. Monday was rainy so we spent the day sleeping in, relaxing and stocking up on provisions...Colorado peaches, yum! Tuesday we cycled the Loveland Recreation Trail then headed to Old Town Loveland for lunch and a long walk to admire the sculptures and murals in the area. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset during our evening stroll. Since arriving in Colorado we've had thunderstorms almost every afternoon. Not that we're complaining... better than roasting in Oregon.😊Read more
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Day 206
Saturday, August 12, 2017
☀️ 73 °F
Altitude: 5,328 ft
United States Clark Reservoir 40.75314, -104.9854540°45’11” N 104°59’8” W
August 9-12
August 12, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
After spending two more days at Boyd Lake cycling, walking and watching the storms we headed north to North Ft. Collins/Wellington KOA. Missing our large site at the state campground but it's near impossible to find an opening during the weekend. On the other hand it's nice to have full hookups so we can take long showers and get caught up on laundry.
Friday we took an hour and a half tour at Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Very interesting, even for someone like myself who doesn't like beer. Unfortunately the Clydesdales were on tour.
http://www.budweisertours.com/locations/ft-coll…
Saturday we drove into Fort Collins to the Farmer's Market then to Old Town for Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest, an annual free music festival with multiple stages and tons of vendors. Spent a fun afternoon there until the thunderstorms hit. http://www.bohemiannights.org/Read more
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