Summer 2022

summer plans are vague, but summer is here Read more

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Trip start
May 1, 2022
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Day 4
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
⛅ 57 °F
Altitude: 62 ft
United States Rafferty Triangle 40.750003, -73.93968440°45’0” N 73°56’23” W
First Stop Long Island NY
May 4, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F
Flew to NY for a couple of weeks after a call from my brother: "Mom called an ambulance and is on her way to the hospital. Can you come earlier than you planned?" Turns out she has been dealing with a couple of ulcers on her leg and hadn't told anyone of us. She had gone to a dermatologist and been on a couple of antibiotics which maybe did help it not get infected but didn't do much to heal an ulcer caused by vascular insufficiency. So I left for NY. I had been planning on going later in the month so that I could be there while Joe & Sue went to NJ for a little vacation.

Can't talk about how stressful it is to stay with my mom & dad. Dad is going to turn 99 in August, Mom is 94 I think. I expect I will be back soon.Read more
TravelerSorry for the challenges of dealing with older parents. It just doesn’t get easier.
6/7/22Reply
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Day 21
Saturday, May 21, 2022
⛅ 61 °F
Altitude: 66 ft
United States Broadmoor Golf Club 47.63, -122.297247°37’48” N 122°17’50” W
2 Days in Austin
May 21, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F
Returned to Austin on a Saturday afternoon. Drove to storage unit to unpack from NY trip and pack Vanette for summer roadtrip. Slept in van. Finished packing for trip on Sunday and then had dinner with David, Wendy & Zach at Good Luck Grill. Monday morning: went to dentist to get my implant crowns installed and then hit the road with Jay.

Plan: shortest route to Seattle in fastest time sleeping at truck stops or rest stops along the way.Read more
TravelerI was sad to not get to see you while you were in Austin but I understand the need to be efficient with your quick turnaround. Glad you are situated safely in Seattle 🙂
6/7/22Reply
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Day 26
Thursday, May 26, 2022
☁️ 63 °F
Altitude: 66 ft
United States Broadmoor Golf Club 47.63, -122.297247°37’48” N 122°17’50” W
3 days to Seattle
May 26, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
Made it to Seattle in 3 1/2 days / 3 nights; (May 23 - 27) stopping at rest areas. No problems along the way. Beautiful scenery.

Monday night, May 23 @ Unnamed Road, Farwell, TX 79325
Tuesday Night, May 24 @ 11037 US-191, Monticello, UT 84535
Wednesday Night May 25 @ Blacks Creek Rest Area- Westbound, I-84, Boise, ID 83716
Thursday by 5 pm; Seattle, WARead more
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Day 42
Saturday, June 11, 2022
☁️ 61 °F
Altitude: 89 ft
United States Boyd Creek 48.511667, -121.90166748°30’42” N 121°54’6” W
Rasar State Park
June 11, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F
Hanging out with Heather & family & friends for the weekend. This time there are cabins with electricity, beds, running water and heat which will be nice when it rains and when it is cold. The kids are entertaining themselves. I am relaxing, doing a bit of reading, walked to the river with Jay. But there's not a lot to do. And I get sleepy when reading for awhile.Read more
TravelerSometimes it’s ok just to let go and re set! Glad you got a chance not to be in constant motion
6/16/22Reply
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Day 45
Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at 4:25 PM
☁️ 63 °F
Altitude: 135 ft
United States Mount Baker Ridge 47.590103, -122.29515747°35’24” N 122°17’43” W
Audiobooks 1
June 14, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
On the way to Seattle I listened to Sarah Bird's 'Daughter of A Daughter of A Queen'. It was an amazing tale based on a little known story about an African-American ex-slave WOMAN who joins the Buffalo 🦬 soldiers disguised as a man. Little is actually known about her but that didn't stop the author from weaving a very detailed and intricate portrayal of what it might have been like in the post Civil War era. It truly was captivating and kept me awake and absorbed for the entire drive.

Now I am listening to her 'Above The East China Sea'. Another novel rooted in history. It tells 2 different stories on the island of Okinawa, one follows a Okinawan young woman during WW II, and the other follows an American teen with Okinawan ancestry whose mother is stationed on Okinawa in a current time line. Again a very compelling portrait of multiple cultures and times.

Sarah Bird may be my new favorite author. I've read several of her other books but now I am truly hookedRead more
TravelerI am so glad you like her writing! I finished the latest and just ordered ‘daughter of a daughter…’ to read this summer.
6/16/22Reply
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Day 61
Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 6:44 PM
⛅ 86 °F
Altitude: 1,109 ft
United States Meadow Creek 47.591667, -119.39666747°35’30” N 119°23’48” W
Clamping for a Long Weekend
June 30, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 86 °F
Sun Lakes Resort near Coulee, WA. Air conditioned cabin, lakes, swimming pool, mini-golf, hiking, kayaks & paddle boats to rent. Looking forward to a relaxing time!

Update....it is now July 26th and I haven't uploaded this yet and haven't made any new posts.... So I am going to up load this and hopefully fill in some blanks in the next day or 2.
..Read more
TravelerI remember visiting Grand Coulee Dam. It was a few years ago, like when I was 10. 😀. We were able to walk across the top of the dam. Water rushing down like all the gates were open. Some lady lost her purse over the side. Now I question whether that memory of the purse is real or a figment of my imagination 💭. Like I said it’s been a few years. Glad you are enjoying nature.
7/26/22Reply
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Day 69
Friday, July 8, 2022
⛅ 66 °F
Altitude: 3,675 ft
United States Pine Creek 48.581667, -120.62548°34’54” N 120°37’30” W
Day 2 North Cascades NP
July 8, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
Slept well in the little borrowed pup tent. It was actually much warmer than I expected. Had to take off the long pants and long sleeve shirt halfway through the night.

David had my tea all ready when I got up. We packed up and headed to the visitor center. We checked out the FF campsites and everything was taken.

Took a short hike to a scenic view overlooking Lake ..... Had a little yogurt and granola before checking some more sites. Then took a hike.

It looked like there might be some forest service dispersed camping on the other side of the park. So we headed East. The views were lovely. And suddenly we came to a campground that was not on the maps and didn't even show up on my Garmin. And it had Lots Of Available Sites. It's a really nice area. Our timing was perfect.Read more
TravelerBeautiful! Glad David got to spend such a good time with you and family
9/24/22Reply
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Day 90
Friday, July 29, 2022
☀️ 90 °F
Altitude: 69 ft
United States Holgate Saint Church of Christ 47.586667, -122.347°35’12” N 122°18’0” W
Well, I've finally done it
July 29, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 90 °F
Done what? Broken a bone! Yep. First time I have actually broken a major bone, not just a finger.

In trying to help Odin be brave. I encouraged him to go down a big old slide at a playground with me. Turns out this slide was a real death trap. It was super steep and fast. I could not slow us down and we crash landed with my left leg twisted under me. I managed to get up and with Heather's help, eventually made it to the car. I was thinking it was a bad sprain and just iced & wrapped it for the night. But by morning I could barely walk. Heather dropped me off at an urgent care and after a long wait they finally took x-rays. And sure enough, I have a displaced fracture of the fibula.

For now I have a boot and crutches. Heather ordered a scooter and I have to see an orthopedic Dr.

WHAT GREAT TIMING!!!Read more
TravelerOuch!! Definitely a slowdown period. Orin’s turn to be your helper. I hope he wasn’t hurt. Glad you are still at your daughter’s.
7/29/22Reply
TravelerOdin-autocorrect 😝
7/29/22Reply
TravelerOdin is fine. It is definitely challenging, crutches, no weight bearing and lots of pain
7/29/22Reply
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Day 97
Friday, August 5, 2022
☀️ 66 °F
Altitude: 367 ft
United States Olympic National Park Headquarters Historic District 48.1, -123.42666748°6’0” N 123°25’36” W
Olympic NP, Hurricane Ridge WA
August 5, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F
Bev & I made it to Hurricane ridge. I did the short walk on my scooter. Bev took a longer hike. Beautiful views and worth the long drive. Glad we came as I now have a better understanding of just how enormous the park is. I think a camping adventure here would require a minimum of 8 to 10 days; 1 day at Hurricane Ridge, 2 days at Sol Duc hot springs, a day or 2 on the coast, 2 days in the Hoh Rain forest, and another day at the south end of the park.

It's hours between visitor centers and campgrounds.Read more
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Day 105
Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 6:00 PM
☀️ 79 °F
Altitude: 115 ft
United States Westbury 40.756667, -73.59333340°45’24” N 73°35’36” W
1
Italian Festival
August 13, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F
Had lots of fun at a small church festival. Teresa got Odin a wrist band and he was able to do a bunch of the rides.

He also got a Meatball Hero and ate the whole thing. Plus zepoles and funnel cake. Odin loved it and wants to come back next year. We even got to see some fireworks which he really enjoyed.Read more
Traveler I used to love those small festivals both as a kid and adult, how fun!
9/24/22Reply
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Day 105
Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 6:00 PM
☀️ 77 °F
Altitude: 36 ft
United States Massapequa Lake 40.6673, -73.459340°40’2” N 73°27’33” W
MY MEATBALL HERO
August 13, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
Odin had his first Meatball Hero at the Italian Festival. We got a whole series of photos and I can't decide which I like best. Just love this kid!!! He wants to come back to NY next year for the festival and the meatball heros. At least we can add something to his favorite food list!Read more
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Day 117
Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 4:02 PM
⛅ 86 °F
Altitude: 26 ft
United States John F. Kennedy International Airport 40.639161, -73.78032140°38’21” N 73°46’49” W
Headed back to Seattle
August 25, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 86 °F
Had to check my carry on cause there was no way I could maneuver everything. JFK is huge. It took forever to scoot to my gate, & then the ramp to the plane is 5 times longer than at any other airport I've ever been at. So excited to see Heather & Josh's new 🏠Read more
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Day 123
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at 5:50 PM
☀️ 82 °F
Altitude: 95 ft
United States Brighton Beach 47.543333, -122.26333347°32’36” N 122°15’48” W
The New House
August 31, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F
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Day 146
Friday, September 23, 2022
☁️ 63 °F
Altitude: 246 ft
United States Bogachiel State Park 47.893333, -124.36333347°53’36” N 124°21’48” W
It's Been A While
September 23, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
Yes. It's been quite a while since I've written anything. I have been wasting my free time playing games on my phone, tablet & laptop. I have to give myself some credit for helping get the new house clean, unpacked and organized.....even on a scooter, crutches, and now a cane. But I feel like I am a bit lost. Do I really want to sell my house??? And get a little place here in Seattle?? I think so....but I just don't feel up to doing all that it entails.

I definitely don't want to just live with Josh & Heather. I need my own space and right now that is my van. But I need some help getting a few things fixed up....like the 'ceiling' that is falling down in places.

I am camping this weekend on the Olympic Peninsula. Josh's mom and stepdad are here and I really wanted to give them some space and private time so it was a good excuse to go camping. My leg is much better and I can walk on it with just a brace and a cane. Unfortunately my right lower back/sciatic area is giving me lots of pain. So I am mostly hanging out in my van and resting. But yesterday was mostly getting ready, and driving. This morning I spent organizing since it has been so long since I traveled in it. And since I just threw everything in yesterday.

I had a permit to camp at Second Beach outside of La Push. And Jay and I stayed there last night. But I was no all that impressed with the site. Parking was right off the road. No pets allowed on the trail to the beach. No water. My plan was to go to the Hoh Rain Forest today and then check out First Beach which appears to be more dog friendly. But. By the time.i got to Forks, it was already lunch time and I was hungry. I stopped at a restaurant named In Place and had a lovely.smoked salmon sandwich and fries. So it was getting late and before I even got to the turn off for the.rain forest I happened by Bogachiel State Park and pulled in to check it out. There were lots of available sites plus water and restrooms. I decided it was worth $25 a night to stay here. And now we can head out early morning to the rainforest.

And hopefully my back will be feeling better tomorrowRead more
TravelerIt’s so beautiful! Looks peaceful, too. Communing with nature. Good for you! Your plan to settle down in Seattle makes logical sense, being close to family. i support your decision. My sister is having surgery so I'll be headingto Mpls mid-month. Sorry not coming Seattle though I would love to.
9/26/22Reply
TravelerLeave a comment …
9/26/22Reply
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Day 147
Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 11:33 AM
⛅ 63 °F
Altitude: 627 ft
United States Hoh Rain Forest 47.863333, -123.93333347°51’48” N 123°55’60” W
Hoh Rainforest
September 24, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
Made it to the Hoh Rainforest before the crowds. I was able to do the 1 mile walk. My legs are not ready for more. Jay had to wear her Service Vest as the area is not pet friendly. She.did.fine. but I think I'd like to come back dog free and do a longer hike.

I've been listening to The Hobbit and enjoying it thoroughly. I also finished reading an actual paper book: Sweet Dreams at the Goodnight Motel by Curtis's Ann Matlock. I really liked it. It was I guess what one might call a good summer read, uplifting, woman focused & easy to read plus a happy ending. I think I will look for more of her books. I need more upbeat stuff right now.Read more
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Day 147
Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 4:00 PM
⛅ 63 °F
Altitude: 82 ft
United States Ruby Beach 47.71, -124.41333347°42’36” N 124°24’48” W
Ruby Beach
September 24, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
I wasn't sure I could make the hike down to the beach and back but I had to try. And I did it! It's a beautiful beach and another place to come back to.
TravelerYes, wish I was there!!
9/27/22Reply
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Day 148
Sunday, September 25, 2022
⛅ 66 °F
Altitude: 52 ft
United States Browns Point 47.623333, -124.37833347°37’24” N 124°22’42” W
Kalaloch Beach Campgrounds
September 25, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
Another lovely campsite. This one only $12 per night. I don't know if there is a shower. I surely would like one. Jay and I enjoyed a walk on the beach and a lovely sunset. It's cool but not cold so it's quite a nice time for camping.

On the way we stopped to see the 'Big Cedar'. Some of the photos are of the tree but they don't really capture its beauty.

My hip is still hurting but not nearly as bad as it was. I am going to commit to exercising and yoga! I don't want to end up .......Read more
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Day 149
Monday, September 26, 2022 at 12:13 PM
☀️ 75 °F
Altitude: 171 ft
United States July Creek 47.491667, -123.86333347°29’30” N 123°51’48” W
South of Olympic NP
September 26, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
Was hoping to get a campsite with a view of the ocean but those were all taken so I headed south. They were closing South Beach for the season but I did get to drive through the campground. It is closer to the ocean and with views of the water. Too bad it is closed now.

Do continued my drive south...there is a loop drive around Quinault Lake that I decided to take. First stopping at the ranger station where a very nice, friendly ranger told me the loop was definitely doable in my vehicle. Also took a walk on the trail there. It was supposedly 1.4 miles but it felt like much longer. My ankle was not happy and was achy all night.

Found a state park campground and set up for the night. Was excited to get to shower but .....the water never got hot. I managed to wash my hair and rinse off but it was not the lovely experience I had anticipated.Read more
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Day 151
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at 2:38 PM
☁️ 64 °F
Altitude: 95 ft
United States Brighton Beach 47.543333, -122.26333347°32’36” N 122°15’48” W
Back in Seattle
September 28, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
Made it back to Josh and Heather's yesterday. Odin had a runny nose and had stayed home from school so we got to hang out a bit. Josh and I spent some time at the old house cleaning. It was not nearly as bad as Karen made it seem. Once it is painted and the rugs cleaned it will look good.

The dentist here in Seattle called and they had a cancellation so I am at the office now. It will be good to get this done.

There is still plenty to do at the new house. I had high hopes that Dean and Karen would get a.lot done but I don't really see much. Lots of stuff didn't get touched. Dean spend lots of time outside doing garden stuff which is barely noticeable and was not what I would have considered a priority. The closet door is still broken, lights and outlets still don't all work and the bannister still needs to be stripped and refinished. And Josh's tools did not get organized. Oh well. Guess I will get back to work!Read more
TravelerSounds like all is well. Jan called and updated me on her travels. Have a great time together!
9/30/22Reply
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Day 159
Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 1:09 PM
⛅ 72 °F
Altitude: 1,352 ft
United States Clallam County 48.023333, -123.92548°1’24” N 123°55’30” W
Sol Duc Hot Springs
October 6, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F
Made it to Sol Duc last night and spent an hour in the Hot Springs this morning. Then drove thru Forks and camping tonight in the Hoh Rainforest.

All the campsites are first- come but I'm not sure if that is only cause it is shoulder season.

I managed the 1.2 mile hike in the rainforest and then did the shorter one that was ranger guided shortly after a quick lunch. The power went out in the whole area so the gift shop was in lantern light and the restrooms were closed. Power came back.in the evening. It is a nice luxury to use flush toilets and have running water.Read more
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Day 160
Friday, October 7, 2022 at 5:05 PM
☀️ 73 °F
Altitude: 30 ft
United States Boeing Field 47.54, -122.303247°32’24” N 122°18’12” W
Gimping Along in the Hoh Rainforest
October 7, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
Site 67 in C loop in the Hoh Rainforest campgrounds for 2 nights. Today Jan and I hiked the Spruce Nature Trail, a 1.2 mile loop. It felt much longer. It's going to take much longer than I hoped to completely recover from my broken ankle. Then we did the ranger led walk of the Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 miles). My leg was really achey after that. So I am lying on my bed in the van reading and resting. I would be sitting by the river but I forgot my camping chair. I've been using it at Odin's soccer games and forgot to put it in the van.

The weather is pretty nice. A bit cool in the mornings but got up to the 90's this afternoon. It is nice to have someone to travel with, someone to chat with and share meals, conversation, decisions. And it is kinda nice not to have to take care of a dog while traveling and camping. It would be nice to find a small group of friends to share travels & adventures with sometimes. I definitely want to go to the WRTR & the RTR this January. I think I would fit in much better with the Cheap RV Living folks than the Escapee RVers.

Yesterday we went to the Sol Duc Hot Springs. An interesting Ukrainian man befriended us there. He was quite the conversationalist. Made me realize how my introversion is hampering my lifestyle. Not sure how to overcome that.Read more
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Day 160
Friday, October 7, 2022
⛅ 61 °F
Altitude: 46 ft
United States Oleho River (historical)48.371048, -124.59878948°22’16” N 124°35’56” W
Makah Tribal Museum & Research Center
October 7, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F
At Neah Bay on the Makah Reservation there is a fascinating museum. They don't allow photos inside and I didn't think to take some of the bay or town. But here's a link to the web site;
https://makahmuseum.com/

The back story: About 500 years ago, there was a very large village on the coast by the name of Ozette. About 1970, erosion exposed much of it and a huge archeological project was undertaken. It is likened to discovering Pompeii. The site has been a vast treasure trove of artifacts and history and the museum does an excellent job of telling the stories. Some of the knowledge uncovered has been used in legal battles for indian rights. For example: they uncovered remnants of fishing nets. And when Washington state tried to claimed that the tribe could not use nets for fishing (as they passed a law saying the tribe could only use their cultural methods of catching fish), the tribe was able to prove that using nets was part of their historical way of fishing.

Many young members residents of the reservation spent their summers volunteering at the excavation site and it revived their sense of culture and connection.

It is possible to camp near the Ozette bay and there are some long hikes in the area. I will have to return when I can explore more.Read more
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Day 161
Saturday, October 8, 2022
☀️ 66 °F
Altitude: 49 ft
United States Rasmussen Creek 48.331667, -124.4948°19’54” N 124°29’24” W
DNR on the Beach
October 8, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F
DNR: Department of Natural Resources. Had to ask what it meant as I could only think of Do Not Resuscitate.
TravelerI came up with the same definition of the acronym. LoL 😆. Beautiful photos.
10/11/22Reply
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Day 162
Sunday, October 9, 2022 at 8:21 AM
☀️ 55 °F
Altitude: 82 ft
United States Hoko River 48.281325, -124.36892848°16’53” N 124°22’8” W
I could be sketching
October 9, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F
Sitting in my van this morning, trying to get/keep warm I realized that if I had a sketch pad and a few pencils I could be sketching. I waste way to much time playing on my tablet. It's just too easy.
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Day 168
Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 4:39 PM
☀️ 70 °F
Altitude: 43 ft
United States Forteenth Avenue Bridge Reach 47.52, -122.347°31’12” N 122°18’0” W
Museum of Flight
October 15, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
Finally made it to the Museum of Flight with Odin.
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