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  • Debra Giltz

2021

A 365-day adventure by Debra Read more
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  • Trip start
    January 1, 2021
    Debra Giltz2021Traveler

    January 1-15

    January 15, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    We departed Desert Hot Springs on January 2 for a beautiful five hour drive to Fiesta Grande RV Resort in Casa Grande, AZ.
    Though Arizona is now the epicenter of Covid the county we're in has a relatively low case and death rate. Fiesta Grande is serious about enforcing mitigation measures and since it is an age restricted 55+ park the population here is much less transient. Although Covid restrictions are much looser in Arizona than California Randy and I continue to be very cautious. We've met some nice folks on the pickleball courts and have socialized with Kathy and Renee who joined us here from Cat Spa. We're enjoying the calm warm days and cool nights but miss the mountain views at Cat Spa.Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler

    January 16-22

    January 22, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F

    It's been a good week, we took a walk around downtown Casa Grande; gazed upon some beautiful sunsets; appreciated an inspirational and peaceful presidential inauguration; hiked the Casa Grande Mt Trail with Kathy and Renee https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/casa…; visited the Domes of Casa Grande (thanks Renee for the recommendation) https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/Domes; and continue to play lots of pickleball.Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler

    Jan 23-Feb 7

    February 7, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F

    It's been pretty quiet since my last post. A big storm blew through a couple of weeks ago bringing rain, wind and cold temperatures here at Casa Grande and snow in the higher elevations.
    Our friends, Kathy and Renee, brought over Chicago Italian beef sandwiches and hot dogs from Portillo's as well as their chocolate cake... delicious! They departed Friday and will be missed. https://www.portillos.com/index.html
    We continue to exercise and socialize at the pickleball courts.
    Last night Randy and I drove to State Farm Stadium in Glendale for our first Covid vaccination. Our appointments were at 1:00am and we were in and out within 30 minutes. It was well worth the hour + drive to get there.
    We've extended our stay here at Fiesta Grande RV Resort through March 8th.    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler

    February 8-24

    February 24, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    We've been enjoying the beautiful weather here in Arizona while monitoring the weather in the Pacific Northwest and Texas. We're glad that our family and friends survived the polar vortex earlier this month.
    We took a quick visit of Casa Grande National Monument on the February 9th. Quick because we arrived 20 minutes prior to closing, also we'd taken a full tour five years ago.
    Our friends Joy & Jim and Susan & Bill stayed at Fiesta Grande for a week. All good pickleball players so we were able to reunite on the courts.
    Today we drove to Gold Canyon to look at park models, casitas with RV parking and 55+ communities. Just "window shopping" for now, weighing our options for the future. We had lunch and a nice stroll in Scottsdale before heading back to Casa Grande.    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler
    St Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery
    St Anthony's Greek Orthodox MonasterySt Anthony's Greek Orthodox MonasterySt Anthony's Greek Orthodox MonasteryDose 2 of covid-19 vaccine

    February 25-28

    February 28, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F

    Thursday we visited St Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery, a spritual oasis in the desert, just outside of Florence, AZ. Though the monestary was established in 1995 the architecture, icons, furnishings and landscape make it seem much older. To visit the grounds and chapels a strict dress code had to be followed. I dressed in what I thought was appropriate attire but apparently my denim jacket wasn't modest enough as I was loaned a huge men's plaid shirt to wear over my dress...the visit was worth it. https://www.stanthonysmonastery.org/
    We took a tour of McFarland State Historic Park https://azstateparks.com/mcfarland/ and strolled downtown Florence before heading home.
    We wrapped up the month by heading back to State Farm Stadium for our second dose of covid-19 vaccine. 😊    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler

    March 1-9

    March 9, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    We spent our last week at Fiesta Grande playing... what else...pickleball once or twice a day. Thursday we managed to leave the park to have lunch at the Bent Prop Saloon and sip a bloody mary while watching the skydivers land at Skydive Arizona. A great way to spend the day. https://www.skydiveaz.com/
    We had a wonderful stay at Fiesta Grande: good pickleball, well kept grounds, friendly people and convenient to shopping. Special thanks to Bob & Kathy and Dreena & Mike for their hospitality and Dwayne for the smoked meat. Hope to see some of our new friends in their home states as we travel the country.
    Today we traveled southeast on I-10 to Voyager RV Resort in Tucson, AZ, our home for the next 6 nights, a beautiful resort with 16 pickleball courts!https://www.rvonthego.com/arizona/voyager-rv-re…    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler
    Cycling the Rillito River Park portion of The Loop
    Cycling the LoopOld Town TucsonPickleball at VoyagerTitan Missile MuseumTitan Missile TourFort Lowell ParkSnow and Suguaros

    March 10-15

    March 15, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

    We had a busy week in Tucson:
    biked 20 miles of the Loop https://www.arizonabikerides.com/rides/586/the-…; took a walking tour of Old Town Tucson; toured the Titan Missile Silohttps://titanmissilemuseum.org/;
    visited Fort Lowell historic site;
    took a drive into to the Catalina Foothills; shopped at an outdoor art fair; played many competive pickleball games and, as always, met wonderful people on the courts.
    Today we head 52 miles southeast to Quail Ridge RV Park in Huachuca City for a 9 night stay.https://www.rvresortquailridge.com/    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler
    Sunset at Quail Ridge RV Park
    Tombstone, AZSandhill Cranes at Whitewater DrawWhitewater DrawChiricahua National MonumentChiricahua National MonumentChiricahua National MonumentBisbee, AZ

    March 16-19

    March 19, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    We're enjoying our time here in southeastern Arizona's Cochise County. Tuesday we strolled around Tombstone before going to the Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area to see sandhill cranes and other birds. I'm so glad we didn't miss the cranes before they headed north. https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/viewing/wheretog…
    St Patrick's day was windy with gusts up to 40 mph so we stayed in and dined on corned beef and cabbage for dinner.
    Thursday we played pickleball at Oscar Yrun Park in Sierra Vista. Nice people and excellent courts, https://www.skyislandpickleball.com/ then had takeout from Vinnie's Pizza.
    Today we took Kuma for a day trip to Chiricahua National Monument. We didn't do any significant hiking as dogs aren't allowed on trails and he's too old to go on long hikes, but we did get to see a "Wonderland of Rocks". Fantastic! https://www.nps.gov/chir/index.htm We stopped in Bisbee as we circled back to the RV park. We hoped to play some pickleball there, but alas, the courts were empty. Old town Bisbee was packed with tourists so we did without our planned walking tour.    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler
    Ramsey Canyon Preserve
    Ramsey Canyon floraHamburg TrailHamburg TrailHamburg Trail/Ramsey CreekHiking along Patagonia LakePatagonia Lake State ParkPatagonia Lake State ParkMobile bike tune-up and repair by Scott.

    March 20-23

    March 20, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    Saturday we visited the Ramsey Canyon Preserve. We gained about a 1000 ft in elevation during our hike of the Ramsey Canyon /Hamburg trail while enjoying beautiful views, a small clear running stream (rare in this region), historic buildings and a few critters along the way.
    Unfortunately the Nature Conservancy's Visitor Center was closed due to Covid. https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-t…
    Monday we drove southwest to Patagonia Lake State Park where we took a nice long hike along the lake. Next we stopped in Nogales, AZ for a lunch of sonoran hot dogs and tacos. We'd planned on walking around Old Town Nogales but it looked a bit desolate and the museum I'd hope to visit was closed.
    Today has been VERY WINDY.
    We had some problems with our bikes, diagnosed by Scott of Anywhere Bike Repair.com, when we were at Voyager RV Resort in Tucson. Today he drove out and spent three hours tuning and repairing our bikes. We highly recommend him.
    Tomorrow we hit the road for an 8 night stay at Westwind RV and Golf Resort in Yuma.    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler
    Lunch at Wheezy's with Joanne & JoeCoach and Car wash and waxWestwind ViewsSo long Arizona hello CaliforniaOur April home

    March 24-April 1

    April 1, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    It was wet, windy and cold when we departed Huachuca on the 24th of March. We hit areas of slush as we traveled north on hwy 90.
    As always we enjoyed our stay at Westwind RV and Golf Resort in Yuma. We dined on fish and chips at the Friday Fish Fry (Alaskan cod flown in every Thursday) ; met Joanne and Joe, who we met in Wyoming four years ago, for lunch; had Tom over for happy hour; played pickleball at Westwind, and as Tom's guests at the Palms; had the coach and car washed and waxed by J & R Mobile Wash; shopped at the Arizona Marketplace for RV stuff.
    We didn't make it across the border to Los Algodones but a lady we gave pickleball lessons to was nice enough to pick up meds, Kahula and vanilla for me.
    Today we had a beautiful drive to Rancho California RV Resort in Aguanga, CA, our home for the month of April. https://www.ranchorvresort.com/    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler
    Rancho California Views
    Pickleball and "Anger Management" with the Rancho PicklersBorrego SpringsKuma gets a clip and bath

    April 2-11

    April 11, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    It's been a relaxing ten days so far at Rancho California. We've reconnected with many of the pickleball players we met on the courts in April of 2018, they are a fun and welcoming group.
    Friday we took a day trip to Anzo- Borrego Desert State Park.
    We enjoyed beautiful desert vistas and were hoping do do a bit of hiking but 94° is way to hot for us. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638 We stopped in Borrago Springs to look at some metal sculptors by Ricardo Breceda.
    Next we traveled into the Cuyamaca mountains to Julian, a charming, historical, but touristy town, where we had a piece of apple boysenberry pie ala mode that was so good we bought a whole pie to take home. We also dined on a delicious bacon, blu cheese, walnut and honey pizza.
    https://visitjulian.com/
    Today Kuma got clipped and bathed. He's one dapper dog!
    It's wonderful to be here in Aguanga where the temperatures are in the mid 70s to 80s rather than Arizona or Palm Springs where it is now in the 90s.    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler
    Palms to Pines Scenic Byway
    Dripping Springs TrailFlora and fauna along the trailPickleball and Wine Tasting2Ricardo Braceda outdoor galleryWine tasting and lunch at Fazeli CellarsWine tasting at Leoness CellarsLunch at Fazeli Cellars, dinner at In-N-Out Burgers😊

    April 13-19

    April 19, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    Thursday we drove the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway to pick up our friends, Gary and Carrie, from the Palm Springs Airport. We're all fully vaccinated so were able to hug, visit and occupy the same indoor space mask free! 😁 It's the first time we've socialized "normally" in over a year and boy did it feel great.
    Friday we hiked six miles of the Dripping Springs Trail. With a 2000 ft gain in elevation we were treated to some gorgeous views. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cleveland/recar…
    Saturday morning was spent playing pickleball with the couple who introduced us to the sport 20 years ago, followed by wine tasting at Hawk Watch Winery. https://hawkwatchwinery.com/
    After a morning of pickleball, on Sunday, we toured Ricardo Breceda's outdoor gallery http://ricardobreceda.com/ then hit the De Portola Wine Trail in Temecula with a flight and lunch at Fazeli Cellars https://fazelicellars.com followed by a tasting at Leoness Cellars https://www.leonesscellars.com/mobile/ then stopping for dinner at In-N-Out Burgers on the way home.
    This morning we continued with some fierce competition on the courts after which we enjoyed a leisurely brunch before heading back to Palm Springs to bid our friends a sad farewell.
    What a fantastic five days we had!    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler
    Views and Blooms near Rancho California
    Rancho California BloomsThe gardens at Temecula Olive Oil Ranch

    April 20-24

    April 24, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    I discovered a nice country road to stroll, adjoining RanchoCal, with some pretty views and blooming desert flowers. Tuesday evening we socialized and played pickleball under the lights, a farewell event as some of the "regulars" at the courts are heading back to their "summer" homes.
    Yesterday Randy and I participated in a Round Robin pickleball tournament that included a group from Jojoba RV Resort, followed by a barbecue by the main clubhouse. We came in second!
    Today we shopped the Farmer's Market in Temecula's Old Town where we purchased some organic greens, oranges, bread and honey. Next we dined al fresco at 1909. It was delicious and the first restaurant breakfast we've had in 13 months! https://www.1909temecula.com/
    Before ending our day we stopped at the Temecula Olive Oil Company Ranch for an olive oil and vinegar tasting and to enjoy their lovely gardens. https://www.temeculaoliveoil.com/    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler

    April 25-May 3

    May 3, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F

    It's been a busy nine days. Last Saturday we provisioned, in preparation for our journey north, at Costco before having lunch in Old Town Temecula. Wednesday my cousin Steve & Karlene came up from Palm Desert for lunch. We also found out that my aunt was admitted to the hospital back in Oregon so we decided to forego our visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
    Saturday we departed Rancho California for a night's stay in Patterson, CA, arriving after more than a 2.5 hr delay on the Grapevine due to an accident.
    My aunt took a turn for the worse on Sunday so we planned on driving all the home... unfortunately she passed away yesterday afternoon so we boondocked in Coburg before continuing to our home base in Boring, OR.
    My Auntie Aki was a remarkable woman, a true giver,
    she cared for her husband, mother and older brother after retiring as the manager of alterations at Nordstrom. I have fond memories of the road trip to Massachusetts that her and Uncle Sam took my grandmother and me on when I was seven. She loved word puzzles, reading and baseball.
    Auntie Aki, you will be missed. ❤️ Thank you cousin Sally for being Auntie's advocate during her final days and for keeping the rest of the family in the loop.
    Thank you Randy for putting in 12 and 14 days behind the wheel to get us home. 💕    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler
    Neighborhood Blooms
    Visiting with familyMother's DayMother's DayStrolling Downtown Sandy and Meinig Park

    May 4-13

    May 13, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    We've been enjoying the spring blooms and many shades of green since returning to Oregon.
    My Auntie Toku and cousin Sharon arrived from Texas
    to spend time with family, specifically my Uncle Kay, since Auntie Aki died earlier this month.
    I had a fantastic Mother's Day! Kyle brought over Chinese food, Kelsie and Marcia supplied dessert. So good to see my kids again.❤️
    Randy and I renewed our membership to Hillendale Pickleball Club where we've resumed playing three times a week. Tuesday we assisted our new pickleball friends, Lanny and Ginger, in measuring, taping and painting lines for a pickleball court at Cedar Ridge Middle School in Sandy, OR. Thursday we broke in the new court with 2.5 hrs of spirited play.
    It's been wonderful being able to visit "normally" with our family and friends who've been vaccinated against Covid-19.    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler
    Gathering at Willamette National CemeterySharing a meal with family after Auntie's service.2

    May 14-26

    May 26, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F

    We've had a productive 13 days: we've caught up with medical and dental appointments; met friends for lunch; cleaned, purged and organized at Uncle Kay's; smoked a beef brisket and processed the scraps; gathered with family and friends in celebration of Auntie Aki's life; visited the dear departed at area cemeteries; shared meals and played cards with my in-laws.
    It's so nice to resume in person get togethers with vaccinated friends and family. The light at the end of the pandemic tunnel is warm and bright! 😊❤️    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler
    Giving Sally a pickleball lessonSharon working hard in her garden

    May 27-June 13

    June 13, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    June 27th we took Auntie Toku to the airport for her return to Texas. We were so grateful that she flew in to be with family, and for her help after Auntie Aki's passing.
    Our latest job was power washing, stripping and staining my in-laws deck. It took a while but was well worth it as the deck now looks better than new.
    Randy and I, along with her friend Robert, taught my cousin Sally the joys of pickleball. She is a natural athlete and caught on quick. I foresee many games in our future.
    Last Monday we met our friends and pickleball mentors, Jim and Angie, for a game at the courts in Dallas, OR followed by strawberry shortcake at Aspinwall's Produce. http://www.aspinwallsproduce.com/
    Last Wednesday we went to Bushue's Family Farm with Sharon and Larry to pick strawberries. Randy and I froze, ate and made into pie 10 lbs of delicious berries🍓https://bushuefarming.com/
    I inherited two of my late grandmother's aprons. They were probably over 60 years old when I got them and I have worn them daily for the past 6+ years so they're showing a lot of wear and tear. I love them so much that I used one as a pattern and sewed two replicas! 😁❤️
    It was a wet miserable day on Friday so we played pickleball indoors at Grace Baptist Church in Canby. We met some new folks and enjoyed some competitive play.
    Today we met our friends, Gary and Carrie, at their son's and future daughter in law's home. We enjoyed a delicious brunch at Ian and Catherine's and had a wonderful time visiting with the Park family.    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler
    Neighborhood Blooms 🌼
    Happy Hour(s) at Val & Carl'sRandy giving our home a thorough washing.Lake Oswego Ice CreameryTyson vs Wes, Tony & EricFather's Day Family Photo

    June 14-20

    June 20, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F

    The past week has been busy and full of fun.
    Randy had an appointment to pick up a knee brace in West Linn so we had lunch at Nineteen 33 Taproom. It was delicious! Downtown West Linn is charming with many restaurants and shops.
    Thursday we enjoyed wine and appetizers at Carl and Valerie's beautiful new home. Val's cousin Randy and his wife Norma joined us. We had a fantastic evening relaxing on their deck.
    Friday we met Jim & Angie at the Lake Oswego Ice Creamery for an early dinner and milkshake before heading to George Roger's Park for a pickleball pro exhibition match. We had courtside seats watching Tyson Mcguffin, https://www.selkirk.com/blogs/pro-corner/tyson-…
    Wesley Gabrielsen,
    https://www.selkirk.com/blogs/pro-corner/wesley…
    Tony Tollenaar, https://www.selkirk.com/blogs/pro-corner/tony-t…
    and Erik Lange https://www.head.com/en_US/athletes/pickleball/…
    It was an exciting hour and a half of cheering on some of the top professional players of the sport we love.
    We celebrated Father's Day dining on a delicious meal with our family. Kelsie supplied the beef birria tacos with all the fixings, Kyle & Kelly brought dessert. Thanks to the best kids ever for making Randy's day special.
    We've also been busy getting our home washed, packed and ready for our week's stay at Lake Simtustus.    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler
    Heading to Lake Simtustus
    Fishing Time2

    June 21-28 Lake Simtustus

    June 28, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 100 °F

    It was wonderful resuming our annual trout fishing trip to Lake Simtustus. We joined our friends, Jim & Kathy (who we met at the lake 7 years ago) and Dick & Judy, for a week of fishing, dining, cocktails and games. As always, many thanks to Jim & Kathy for sharing their boat and fishing expertise
    Earlier in the week Dreena & Mike, who we met on the pickleball courts in Arizona, brought their boat up from La Pine, OR for a day of cruising.
    The weather was warm but enjoyable until a record breaking heat wave hit yesterday. Today it was already 99° at 10:15 am when we arrived at our home base in Boring.🥵 To all of our family and friends on the west coast...stay hydrated and stay cool.    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler
    Jonsrud Viewpoint
    Happy Birthday Randy

    June 29-July 10

    July 10, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    I celebrated Randy's June 29th birthday by performing my civic duty and reporting for jury duty... the defendant waived his right to a trial by jury so I was home by 11:30am.
    I did manage to take a nice walk around downtown Oregon City.
    Randy cooked a delicious cedar plank salmon provided by our neighbor Pat.
    Kelsie and I purchased ukuleles and have been diligently practicing. She is way more talented than her mom.
    Randy treated his dad to a round of golf while I took MIL, Sharon, recliner shopping.
    Monday we had a family dinner in celebration of Randy's birthday. Kelsie and I led a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday to You on our ukuleles, Marcia provided the desserts. 🎂
    Wednesday was spent at Kustom Coach Works in Junction City having new blinds installed in the motorcoach. https://kustomcoachworksrv.com/ We had lunch at The Junkyard Extreme Burgers and Brats while we waited (coincidentally, as I write this Diners, Drive Ins and Dives is playing the episode that featured the Junkyard).http://extremeburgers.com/ Also stopped at Harry's Berries for some produce.
    Thursday we strolled around downtown Troutdale while I enjoyed a black licorice ice cream cone... delicious but very messy!
    Yesterday we picked about 20 pounds of blueberries. As always, a big thank you to Alison and Tom for opening their field to us. ❤️🫐
    We continue to play pickleball 2-3 times a week.
    Tomorrow we depart for a four night visit with our friends, Gary & Carrie, at their place on Friday Island.    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler
    On our way to Friday Harbor
    Pelindaba Lavender FarmOut for a cruise on Avalon

    July 11-15

    July 15, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F

    Sunday we took the ferry from Anacortes, WA to Friday Harbor to spend time with our good friends, Gary & Carrie, at their vacation home on Brown Island across from Friday Harbor.
    Since both Gary and Carrie are excellent cooks we dined on delicious cedar plank salmon, blueberry pancakes and a Greek feast. Last night they treated us to dinner at the Duck Soup Inn in celebration of Randy's never ending birthday. We last supped there 25 years ago. They continue to prepare wonderful locally sourced ingredients, so glad they survived the pandemic.https://www.ducksoupsanjuans.com/
    We spent our days playing pickleball on the court where we first learned the game 20 years ago; kayaking; picnicking at Pelindaba Lavender Farm https://www.pelindabalavender.com; cruising on their power boat "Avalon";
    relaxing in their hot tub and enjoying the views of Friday Harbor from the deck; visiting with their son Kevin and meeting his fiance Meghan.
    We are truly blessed to have friends as generous and hospitable as G & C. ❤️    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler
    Pickleball Opening Day at Cedar Ridge Middle SchoolSummer's Bounty

    July 16-31

    July 31, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    July 17th we went to the ribbon cutting ceremony for Sandy's first two pickleball courts. The event was well attended and hopefully just the beginning of pickleball in our community. Randy and I have also been playing at Estacada where we found a small but enthusiastic and welcoming group of picklers.
    On the 20th we took lunch over to my Auntie Mary's. Besides having a wonderful visit she shared a school assignment my mom had written in 1942. What a gift, reading in my late mother's words, her thoughts and feelings of her past year which included the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the death of her father and being "relocated"
    to the Portland Assembly Center then Minidoka, Idaho because of her race.
    Last Sunday we celebrated Kelsie's birthday. As always it was great getting together with family for food, fun and reminiscing. It's hard to believe my baby girl is 35 years old!
    Monday we went to the theater for the first time in almost two years. The popcorn was good, the movie... not so much. M. Night Shyamalan disappointed with his latest release.
    Wednesday my fil, Larry's, cousin came to visit. It had been years since we'd seen Valerie and it was nice catching up. The week before Sharon took her namesake and niece, Sharon, and I out for lunch.
    Randy has been busy getting bids for laying concrete or asphalt on our driveway and RV pad here at our home base and smoking the trout we caught last month at Lake Simtustus. He's also been enjoying his new recliner, which finally arrived from Indiana after a four and a half month wait.
    We continue to regularly share meals and compete at dice, cards and board games with Sharon and Larry.
    We've harvested about 20 lbs of blackberries at a patch near us and 30 lbs of plums at Uncle Kay's. I've been busy baking and freezing nature's bounty.
    We'll be on the road for most of next month. Tomorrow we leave for Hoodsport followed by Gig Harbor, Sequim, Long Beach, Seaside and Neskowin.    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler

    August 1-4

    August 4, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Sunday we had a nice drive to Glen Ayr Resort and RV Park in Hoodsport, Washington.
    Monday we went to Lilliwaup and strolled around the Hama Hama Oyster Farm https://hamahamaoysters.com/ then drove back to Hoodsport for some walking and shopping.
    Yesterday we breakfasted at Suzan's Grill in Shelton before visiting the Mason County Historical Society Museum http://www.masoncountyhistoricalsociety.org/ followed by a walking tour of downtown Shelton.
    Next we drove to Olympia to the Chambers Lake Trailhead Park and bicycled 24 miles on the Chehalis Western Trail. A beautiful paved rails-to-trails path through forest and horse country. https://fastestknowntime.com/route/Chehalis-Wes… We biked as far as the Monarch Sculpture Park before heading back to the trailhead. https://www.monarchsculpturepark.org/
    Today we started off our morning with an excellent breakfast at the Tides https://thetideson101.com/
    before taking in the local sights around Union then hiking the loop trail through the forest at Twanoh State Park. https://parks.state.wa.us/294/Twanoh
    We've thoroughly enjoyed our stay along Hood Canal. Fun activities, beautiful scenery and good food.
    Tomorrow we head to Gig Harbor for a visit with our friends Gary and Carrie and to attend their son's wedding.    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler
    Harbor History MuseumHarbor History MuseumPickleball with Kevin & AaronWedding Eve Dinner at Gary & Carrie's

    August 5-8

    August 8, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

    We arrived at Gig Harbor RV Resort on Thursday for a weekend of festivities celebrating the marriage of Kevin and Megan.
    Friday Randy and I celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary with a tour of the Harbor History Museum then played pickleball with Kevin and his brother Aaron. We held up pretty well against two VERY athletic young men.
    Later that evening we enjoyed a delicious meal at Gary and Carrie's, prepared by their oldest son Ian and his fiance Catherine. We finally got to meet Carrie's siblings and felt like we knew them after hearing about them for the past thirty years.
    Saturday Kyle and Kelly came up to attend the nuptials.
    The wedding and reception were wonderful. The bride and groom chose a beautiful venue with delicious food and drink. It's hard to believe that the Park "boys" are old enough to marry! Thanks so much for including the Giltz family on your special day.
    This morning we continued the celebration with brunch and mimosas at G & C's before taking a long walk along the Harbor.
    Tomorrow we travel northwest for a week stay in Sequim, Washington.    Read more

  • Debra Giltz2021Traveler
    Hiking Miller Peninsula State ParkPort Townsend

    August 9-15

    August 15, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    Monday we arrived at K & M Diamond Point RV Resort located across Sequim Bay from Sequim, Washington.
    Tuesday morning was spent biking the Olympic Discovery Trail through meadows, forest and along Sequim Bay with a stop at the Jamestown S'klallam Tribal Art Gallery.https://olympicdiscoverytrail.org/
    That afternoon we had lunch at Shadowline Burgers & Brew followed by a walk around downtown Sequim.
    Wednesday we drove up the road to Miller Peninsula State Park for a lovely six mile hike, starting in the forest and ending at the water's edge. https://parks.state.wa.us/332/Miller-Peninsula
    Thursday was spent exploring Port Townsend. First stop was a tour of the Jefferson Museum of Art and History https://jchsmuseum.org/About/Sites/JeffersonMus… followed by a walk along Water Street, stopping at some of the many shops and galleries and admiring fantastic Victorian architecture along the way.
    We ended our day with a delicious grease bomb at Fat Smitty's on Discovery Bay.
    Friday morning we headed to Carrie Blake Park in Sequim, for three hours of pickleball.
    Eight beautiful courts and nice welcoming players. We bumped into Herb, a fellow Hillendale PB club member, who also dropped in to play... small world! https://sequimpicklers.net/
    Later that day we had a delicious dinner at Molcajete, in Port Ludlow, while enjoying the music of the Tess Teel Trio. Besides being a good pickler our new pickleball friend, Al, is also an amazing pianist. Thanks Al for inviting us to dinner and a show!
    Our destination Saturday morning was the Sequim Farmer's Market followed by Port Angeles. It was a lot quieter in Port Angeles than expected, though we did take a walking tour and enjoyed the many sculptures and murels on display. I also toured the Feiro Marine Life Center. https://feiromarinelifecenter.org/ Saturday afternoon we biked from Blyn to Sequim, only 13 miles round trip but plenty of hills and many stops to munch on blackberries, snowberries, river hawthorn fruit and to pick apples, growing along the trail.
    Today we crossed the Hood Canal Floating Bridge and traveled southeast to Poulsbo.
    After visiting the Maritime Museum we pretty much ate our way through town...a hand dipped ice cream bar rolled in nuts at Boehm's Chocolates of Poulsbo, fish tacos and fish & tots accompanied by cherry sage cider at the Brass Kraken, pastries from Sluys Poulsbo Bakery. We did manage to burn a few calories walking the docks, Riverwalk and Urban Trail.
    We THOROUGHLY enjoyed our stay at Diamond Point RV Resort. Plenty of exploring. In fact we need to return for more hiking and to get the kayak in the water.
    Tomorrow we head south to
    Long Beach for four nights.    Read more

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