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Summer camping NW
  • PW and JKW's trips
  • Phil Woodford
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  • PW and JKW's trips
  • Phil Woodford

Summer camping NW

This summer we are planning a 2 month camping trip through Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, and Wyoming. Read more
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  • Currently in
    🇺🇸 Spokane, United States
    Summer camping NW
    Children's play area in downtown Spokane.
    More children's play areasClock tower is from when the whole area was a train yard.Part of the World's Fair infrastructureOutdoor play fountainRestored merrygoroundBeautiful lavenderUsually quieter, but a group of bikers was going byMy calamari saladPhil's sole almondineFresh hot sourdough breadInside the restaurant you have a view of the falls

    Spokane wrap up

    6 hours ago in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    Ran our errands. Went by the old house (120 years old and the old girl looks great.)

    Spoke to my Mom and Stepdad and my Dad and Stepmom while we had good cell service. Despite health issues, both sets of parents told me the were still "Upright and taking nourishment" so I guess that's a good sign.

    Late this afternoon we walked along the Spokane River to our favorite restaurant Anthony's at the Falls. It was a chance to remember why we loved Spokane so much. Although there is still a lot of "grunge " in Spokane, there is still so much beauty. People are active. Running, walking, biking and in the winter skiing and snowshoeing.

    In 1976, Spokane hosted the World's Fair and many parts from the Fair have been preserved. The whole downtown used to be a railyard and it was converted for the Fair into a beautiful park. Our university district was also a railyard, but now hosts presences from Gonzaga, Washinton State University, University of Washington, and Eastern Washington as well as Spokane Community College.

    We had a good evening meal and walked both ways from the hotel. Its not hot here like it is in the Eastern half of the US. Heading out tomorrow to Alta Lake State Park. I will post as I have service over the next few days. If you dont hear from us, dont worry.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    WSU Spokane hosts nursing students from several schools including Eastern Washington
    College of NursingNative plants outside the College of NursingMore native plantsCharging up the CPAP batteries for the trip today.

    Spokane

    6 hours ago in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    I didn't get any photos yesterday and Phil and I were completely bushed by the time we hit Spokane. We're staying 2 nights here in a Fairfield Inn (must get those points) downtown across from my old WSU Spokane haunts. We lived in Spokane from 2009 to 2013 while I earned my PhD in nursing and while Phil worked at the VA as a supported employment specialist for seriously mentally ill Veterans. He also earned a MS in Criminal Justice here and worked on his PhD (which he abandoned after we moved to Boise). We have many happy memories here and owned a house in one of the historic parts of town. We considered retiring here, but later decided it would be better to be close to family in Missouri.

    We washed all our laundry last night. This morning we walked across the street to the School of Nursing. Not much has changed physically, but the campus has grown with the addition of a medical school.

    This last week was Hoopfest, the largest 3 on 3 Basketball tournament in the world. Of course our hotel is in the vicinity of Hoopfest Central so the parking lot was blocked off. We finally gained access and unhooked the camper. Today we'll drive by our old house. We are told it has been renovated with a new Carriage House garage. The house was built in 1906 and had many original features and an awesome porch swing when we lived there.

    This morning Phil has a telehealth appt. I will touch base with family. Tomorrow we head to Alta Lake State Park. Somehow I left us with a hole on the schedule on our way to Northern Cascades National Park. Alta Lake is on the way. Lots of wildfires in the West already. 3 firefighters killed in Utah and 2 seriously injured. We'll be careful.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    The Yaak River by our campsite.
    1Kootenai fallsKootenai River boat launch.

    Northwest Montana

    June 27 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    It was really wet this morning. It rained all night so we went out for breakfast before packing up. Rain means putting things away wet so we'll get them out to dry tonight.

    We stopped to view Kootenai Falls on the beautiful Kootenai River. Our campground is also on the Kootanai at the confluence of the Yaak and the Kootenai. Lovely wooded area.

    Tomorrow Spokane is about 150 miles.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Tour of the camper...front tire and tool box
    Back storage left.Back storage rightLower storagePowered by battery. Also has shore power.Place for a bike rackBack hatch lightRoof rack mostly for resale. Handles inside and outdoors to ease entry and exit.Deer slide under a rail fence 2 ft from me.

    Rainy Friday

    June 26 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 57 °F

    We both still have that cough which is aggravated by the dust from yesterday's trip and smoke from neighboring campfires. We slept in a little later and after coffee and breakfast, Phil worked on his fishing rigs. He hoped to use his Tenkara fly rigs to catch a few fish in the small streams. You dont have to have a license to fish here within the park boundaries. But after at least 90 minutes of tying the lines and sorting the flies, it began to rain so no fishing.

    We drove up to the top of the hill near the campsite to upload our blog, check email, etc. And decided to go get gas in the pickup and maybe eat lunch. There used to be an excellent pizza place nearby in Corum, but it has sadly closed permanently. Instead we stopped to eat at at another Montana dive bar next to the local biker bar (Packers Roost).

    Still raining after lunch and some errands so we are heading to get a shower over in Camp Loop A. (We are in Camp Loop D, with the other unwashed campers.) Tomorrow we will begin our 2 day drive to Spokane, stopping in one of the beautiful Montana or Idaho areas to camp.

    We used to live in Spokane and we both have advanced degrees from the Washington State, which has its health campus in Spokane. Phil has a telehealth appt. We hope to do some laundry, shopping, and visiting our old hangouts.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Start the day with coffee
    A morning stroll to the Lake McDonald shore after coffee.2The morning is still except for a single fishing boat.Flowers at Lake McDonal Lodge are vibrantMade it to Polebridge1A family of Sasquatch run one of the food trucks.More flowersThe Polebridge stage for live music 4 nights per week in the summer.Supper

    Polebridge

    June 25 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    Our goal was to get up and out early to do the Avalanche Lake hike. While we did get up early, we didn't get to Avalanche Creek until about 11 am. We had breakfast, stopped at the Apgar Visitor's Center, stopped at Lake McDonald Camp Store for ice, etc.

    When we arrived at Avalanche Creek parking was non-existent. We had trouble even getting turned around with the heavy traffic. We went back first to Lake McDonald Lodge thinking we would eat lunch there. No parking available there either. Instead we stopped at Sprague Creek. Not a soul in the picnic area so we just enjoyed our cheese and crackers lunch there.

    After lunch, Phil said he wanted to drive to Polebridge which is an eclectic art community on the Northwest side of the park. Power is by solar panels only. There's a General Store/bakery/gift store and a bar/restsurant next door. There some food trucks, a produce stand and a lot of dust. Phil bought a new ball cap and he enjoyed a Huckleberry ice cream. I had an iced tea and we bought some bread for supper.

    The road to Polebridge is only partially paved and you have to drive with your headlights on so other vehicles will (hopefully) see you through the dust clouds.

    This afternoon we charged our camper battery with the solar panel. Phil napped in his chair.

    We may try an earlier start at Avalanche Creek to hike to the lake tomorrow. We'll play it by ear.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW

    Fish Creek Campground

    June 24 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F

    A relatively easy drive from Great Falls. A wooded campsite, but a huge complex with tons of campsites. We are near a creek. Lots of families with small children which is encouraging.

  • Summer camping NW
    Park entrance
    Another park signA map of the area. Its a 3 mile loop walk, but we elected to drive due to mosquitos.The "jump" in the background.Prairie dog town1They are watching for predatorsBig Sky country. Then mountains in the backgroundPart of the edge. Bison were unsuspecting of the drop.View from the top. The "runner" would drop down to a small ledge (hopefully) while the herd passed.A very steep drop1Supper is a bacon wrapped chicken breast with cheese and asparagus and onion soup potatoes.

    First People’s Buffalo Jump

    June 23 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    We left Hardin at about 8:30 this morning. Driving across Montana on secondary roads does give you a feel for what Big Sky Country really means. We saw lots of deer and antelope. We saw beautiful fields of waving grass, buttes, mesas, and wooded river valleys.

    We arrived at Malmstrom AFB and unhooked the camper before heading out to the First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park. The scenery was fabulous and the Visitor's Center was nice, but it didnt do nearly as good a job of telling the story as the Buffalo Jump we visited in Alberta two summers ago. Still it was impressive. It was in use for about 500 years by people's from around 1000 to 1500 AD. People called "runners" would lure the bison with costumes of baby bison along the Prairie to the top of the cliff and then "jump" to a small ledge while the herd continued to leap off the edge. It was a dangerous job.

    There was also a huge prairie dog town on the top of the mesa. A big mosquito population was flourishing there there as well so we walked to the edge and back quickly.

    Tomorrow we go to Glacier National Park for 3 nights. I don't know if I will have any cell service or wifi so don't worry if you dont hear from us for a few days. I will catch up when we get service again.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Little brochures on our table at supper.
    More infoA 3 day event. The reenactment is conducted both Friday and Saturday.

    Downright cold! Windy, too.

    June 22 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    It was a long drive to Hardin, MT. Phil woke up at 5:30 am! After showers and a little breakfast, we were on the road.

    The reenactment of the Battle of Little Bighorn and Little Bighorn days is next weekend. People on the Cheyenne Reservation were gearing up and we saw several gatherings with lots of horses on our way here as we crossed the reservation. Here in Hardin on the Crow Reservation, they are also gearing up. The Cavalry re- enactor slots were all filled with a waiting list in April. It is the 150th Anniversary of the battle this year. There's also other events such as a Pow Wow demonstration, historical films, fun runs, kids games, a dance, etc.

    As we arrived in town a big windy cold front came through. It is supposed to be 41 F in the morning. It was too cold and windy to cook on either our gas grill or stove so we went out for supper. If it is still this way in the morning, we are going to McDonalds for coffee and breakfast!

    We broke out our winter coats that we brought along. I am sleeping in my clothes with long pants tonight. Too cold to go to the bathroom in PJ's tonight. We do have plenty of warm blankets though and the camper is insulated.

    Not many photos today. Tomorrow we head for Malmstrom AFB at Great Falls, MT. We hope to see the First Nations Buffalo Jump which is a site where were bison were herded off a cliff in a form of cooperative hunting by early peoples.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    1Mule dear feeding this morning.
    2Morning viewStunning landscapeGiant Prairie Dog!At the Visitor's CenterA Peacekeeper vehicleControl site museum. You can only enter with a guide. Only 6 people on a tour a few times each day.A traing missile still in one of the sites.Glass over the top for guests to see down.Lots of people at Wall Drug1Bighorn ewesTwo lambs1More stunning views.A bisonCactus blooming because of the rain.

    Missile museum and Wall Drug

    June 21 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 66 °F

    We were up early and headed for the National Park Service Minuteman Missile Museum. This was fascinating for Phil and I who remember nuclear drills and education from our childhood and both had special training on response to Nuclear threats in the military. The Museum is divided into a Visitor's Center, a tour of a former control site, and a view of a Missile left for training all located at 3 different sites.

    We progressed on to the famous Wall Drug Store in Wall, SD. It is a huge city block now. It was begun by a pharmacist and his wife in 1931. A few years later, the wife had the idea to offer free ice water to travelers. She wrote a little poem which her husband and son posted in snippets on signs along the road and suddenly they were doing a business offering free ice water. People would stop and buy other items as well.

    We drove the "loop" road back to the campground through the park and saw bison, 4 Bighorn ewes and 2 lambs, and countless priceless views. It has been a short, but a good visit.

    Tonight we had a marinated pork tenderloin and baked beans for supper. There's enough for a second meal.

    Tomorrow we head to Hardin, MT. Its close to the famous Little Bighorn Battlefield where Custer engaged the Souix and lost. We've toured it before and studied it in the military so we'll skip it this time although it is a fascinating history lesson. It will be a long drive with the camper, but the weather is cool so I hope it wont be difficult.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW

    Badlands are busy!

    June 20 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 72 °F

    We had a long drive today made longer because Phil and I didn't notice that the route we were taking included 11 miles of unpaved road. The next quickest route had 27 miles of unpaved roads. So we backtracked 30 miles to Valentine, NE, to take the third route. I dont mind unpaved roads when I am familiar with them, but today there were thunderstorms on and off. I didnt want us getting stuck somewhere, not to mention the mud or dust.

    We are at the Badlands/White River KOA. Its expensive, but very clean and only 4 or 5 miles from the Park Visitor's Center. We had reservations on the park last week, but had to cancel due to our condo closing date. No open spots for this week at the National Park campground.

    Its cooler today. Like "long pants and a jacket" weather, plus there is a fine mist which makes it seem even colder! We made a trip to the Badlands Visitor's Center. We watched the park's movie about the Badlands, looked at exhibits, drove part of the park loop, and then decided we'd save the rest for tomorrow.

    For supper, instead of cooking in the rain, we ate at the park's lodge cafeteria. We had hot soup and salad. Now we are lounging the the camper waiting for the rain to stop. We'll have an early night. We are in Mountain Time so it seems later to us anyway.

    One little rant...we read about how the National Parks are suffering with staffing cuts and how entry fees are increasing. Today we saw that with parking lots full of visitors there was no one to take entry money at the gate. People were all getting in for free. We also saw this last year at Crater Lake. Not enough staff to even collect the increased fees. We have a lifetime pass so it didnt impact us personally, but I am sure that lots of other visitors would have been charged $25 or $30 per car (or more if they are international visitors). The park service could surely use that money. I am glad people got to see the park, but it does take money to keep the infrastructure functioning.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Lots of information about how and why this happened.Statue of Barrel bodied rhinos fighting. Mostly females at the site with a few males.The rhino barn in the distance where the dig site is located.Sign on the side.Its a National Historic Landmark.Technician digging and answering questions.3 toed horseLots of rhinosAnother 3 toed horseThis rhino might have been a meal for a beardog (another type of predator).Even ant nests were fossilizedSkeletons were very complete because they were covered quickly by ash.This shows the ash cloud.A view of the dig site from one end.Outside was the "edge" of the water hole. Pieces of elephants, turtles, etc.Explains why these fossils are left in the open.A view of the "water's edge)Phil and I by the rhino statue.7Tonight's campsite.

    Ashfall Fossil Beds

    June 19 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    It is cooler today. We were able to be up and on the road by 9:15. We stopped once in one of the nice city parks for a bathroom break. Every little town seems to have a nice park and often a little park for campers with showers, electricity, water, etc. They are all well-tended, clean, and stocked . Very nice here in Nebraska!

    We arrived at the Ashfall Fossil Beds just before noon. Its really in the middle of nowhere, but it was literally slammed today! What a nice facility. It is staffed by the University of Nebraska. It was $10 each to enter, but better than a lot of other places we've visited for more!

    The area was "discovered" in 1971 when a paleontologist found the fossilized skull of a baby barrel body rhino in a hillside. In 1977 the National Geographic Society sponsored a dig and they found hundreds of full skeletons of over 50 different species of animals.

    This was a watering hole in direct line of the volcanic cloud blast 12.5 million years ago from one of the early Yellowstone Hotspot Volcanos. It was the second Hotspot blast which originated in what is now Southern Idaho near where Phil and I used to live.

    The ash clouds first impacted birds and turtles, then medium sized mammals like camels and horses and finally rhinos were the last to die several weeks after the ashfall began. These rhinos were a lot like hippos and probably spent a lot of time in the water. The watering hole was eventually covered quickly by another 5 feet of ash. The creatures were all fossilized together in a short period of time and later covered by river sand, glacial debris, soil, etc.

    The current dig site is covered by a large barn. Technicians can dig there year round out of the weather. There were at least 3 technicians on site to answer questions. One was doing a livestream with a school class. There were also several children's activity sites with lots of hands on learning opportunities.

    We spent about 90 minutes there and then drove on to the town of O'Neil which will cut our drive tomorrow by 35 miles from what we originally planned. We are in a city park under a shady tree. Very quiet.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Lunch at the park!
    Stopped in this cute town for lunchRecharge campground! Our tiny camper in the distance!About the campground and lakeReady for a picnic supper, too!A lake view from our site

    Cooler weather and a nice campsite

    June 18 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    After taking care of a few details for insurance on the new and old homes AND getting a cup of Dutch Brothers coffee, we headed out about 10 am. Today was all on secondary roads. We saw the Kansas and Nebraska countryside and admired the neat little towns. People seem proud of their yards, no matter how modest the home looks. Lots of flowers, grass cut, etc.

    We stopped in a little park in a town of 315 people to eat our picnic lunch. Despite the small size, there were people about at the park, library, grain elevator, auto repair shop.

    We are in pony express, Oregon Trail, european immigrant country. Lots of signs and monument markers about routes. Several Catholic and Lutheran Churches. Out West, many towns were settled by immigrants from similar backgrounds. As kids we were told about the romantic notions of "settling" the West without real thought to our Native neighbors who were here for millennia before us.

    We arrived at the Recharge Lake campground near York, NE, at about 3 pm. Its a lake that was developed as a research experiment in 1990 to help recharge the local aquifer. Today it still does that, but also provides a recreation opportunity. There's fishing, boating (slow wake with canoes, kayaks, etc), camping, picnicking, and general recreation site. Our electric campsite is $15 per night. Tent sites are $5.

    The area is quiet (Thursday night) and we had a pick of many campsites. Its cooler tonight so we are just sitting in the shade of the pickup and camper relaxing. We made a run into town earlier for ice and a bag of salad. Life cant be much simpler than listening to the birds and enjoying the blue sky with a few puffy clouds.

    I am still coughing a lot, but I feel like I am on the back end of this summer cold. Phil, who so graciously shared it with me, is almost well. I hope by the Badlands we're both 100%.

    Tomorrow, Creighton, NE, and Ashfall Fossil Bed!    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Stopped for lunch at Bolivar, MO.
    Finally found the markers in the tall grass. Phil's momPhil's dad. I knew and loved him, too. Navy combat Vet WWII.Phil's grandmother.Phil's grandfather died while Phil's dad was still a teen. WWI Vet.Hard to see where any of the hundreds of markers are here!Phil by the marker for his grandparents on his mother's side. Cemetery better cared for.

    Finally on the road!

    June 17 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 91 °F

    We spent a first night in our new condo. It was comfortable and the next morning we were able to go to the COA office and pay our fees through December. They will be due while we are gone on July 1.

    At 10 am we were finally on the road. We arrived in Topeka a little before 4 pm. Dragging a little camper does not make for fast traveling. Phil was excited to pass ONE other vehicle. For the last 90 minutes or so we were on back roads with little traffic.

    Topeka is always hot when we are here and today was no different so we are spending our first night on the road in an air conditioned hotel. We've lived in and around Kansas and Missouri and for years my Army Reserve unit was here in Topeka so there's not much new for us to see, however, Phil's parents and grandparents are buried in Topeka. After supper, we set off to the two cemeteries.

    The one where his parents are interred was quite overgrown. Perpetual care was lacking (at least today). After searching 30 or 40 minutes (and meeting a lady who wanted to stop and pray with us), we finally found the stones. They are flat against the ground in an area which badly needed mowing hence the difficulty locating them!

    The other cemetery is a country cemetery and the road was under construction (bridge out) so only one way in and out of the cemetery. This cemetery was mowed and in better shape.

    Overall it was good to make these visits. Phil had initially said he "didnt care" if we visited today or not (it was hot and we were tired), but it was clear that he was really glad we did. He shared that he really missed his parents and grandparents at the end of our visits.

    Tomorrow we are heading toward York, NE. Its another 300 mile + day on mostly secondary highways. We're aiming to be at Ashfall Fossil Beds in NE in a couple of days and then on to the Badlands after that.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Party barge rental. Lots of music, beer, water, fun in the sun.
    Ninja squirrel waiting for his momentAfter eating my bread he continued to try to raid us!We closed on the condo!Here's our realtor Sammy!New digsOur deck is very privateThe sofa on one side.Chairs on the otherLiving room. I already replaced the artwork with.our own.

    Hello new place!

    June 16 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F

    Last night we camped at Table Rock State Park. It was quiet after the "party barges" docked at 7 pm. We slept well although both Phil and I are both recovering from some kind of viral respiratory illness. It was quiet (except for our coughing) in the campground although it was still almost full for a Monday night.

    This morning we had our coffee while a squirrel was eating our bread out of a grocery bag. He climbed in the back of the camper. At least it wasn't a bear (which is a possibility in Montana, Washington, Wyoming in the next few months), but even after I shut everything up tight, he continued to climb on the camper!

    We closed on the condo, went to the cable company to get our internet and cable equipment, went to lunch, retrieved the camper, and then went to our new condo. We had several things to leave here. I set up the cable and the internet while Phil did some laundry at the community laundromat. We'll get our own washer and dryer when we return from our trip.

    We had a junk food supper of potstickers, cheese, and crackers. We need to head out tomorrow by 9 am. We need to go to the COA office and pay for our next 6 months COA fees from July thru December. We plan to be in Topeka tomorrow night. It is supposed to be 97 F so we have a hotel reserved. We'd like to go to Phil's parents and grandparents graves since we didn't get to go over Memorial Day with his brother and family. We've stayed at this place in Topeka before. Seems like every summer it's been really hot when we are there!    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Our old house in Gainesville, MO.
    Camper is ready to go!I feel like the Beverly Hillbillies with camping stuff and stuff for the new condo thrown in!Looks the same way in side the camper.We're safely at Table Rock State Park.I feel more relaxed already.A nice shady spotRight on the lake

    Goodbye old house

    June 15 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    It's been a crazy couple of weeks for Phil and I. My mother got an offer to buy the house where we live in Gainesville, MO, and we had to find some new digs quickly. Additionally we had our 2+month camping trip planned and we didn't want to lose all our National Park reservations.

    Less than a month ago we were still in Spain. Now we have moved our stuff to a storage unit, I've cleared out 60+ years of family memories from the house, and we close on our 1 BR condo in Branson, MO, tomorrow. Thankfully the buyer wanted all the furniture and decorative contents so we only had to move our limited things (a mattress and one IKEA chair and a few boxes of dishes, clothes, etc.)

    I cried as we left this morning as I have many happy memories in the house as a child and as an adult. Its another chapter for us.

    We are at Table Rock State Park tonight and tomorrow we'll sign papers for the condo. Our campsite is shady and right by the lake and marina. Wednesday, we begin our long camping trip through the American Northwest.    Read more

    Trip start
    June 15, 2026