Crater Lake

We left Washington and head to Crater Lake National Park. We arrived at our campground early–about 3:00 so we set up camp and then headed over to the Park. The park was about 37 miles or one hour. Small roads, slow going–you know how it is. There is no expressway out here. We arrived at the visitor center just in time for closing but we were able to get my National Parks Passport stamped and pick up a map. We then headed up to see the lake. It did not disappoint. We took a ton of pictures and headed back to camp. The plan was to go over the map and pick a hike or two and then do the rim drive.

The next morning we woke up to a lot of smoke. We were able to get to Crater Lake but really glad we got our pictures the night before. The first hike was supposed to be Annie Creek but we couldn’t find it. One person told us it was right behind the gift shop–but that was a big parking lot with another store and a gas station–no sign of the trail. According to the map it was behind the campground at the amphitheater. We drove through the campground–twice and still could not find the amphitheater nor the trailhead sign. So we headed to our next trail which was to a waterfall.

After that we did the rim drive as far as we could and headed back. There is no way to predict the weather nor fire hazards when planning so you just have to make do. But this is a beautiful park.

You can see the difference between the first day and the second day. Next stop–Reno.

August 7, 2024 0

Washington State

Mt. St. Helen’s

We crossed the border into Washington state just about dinner time. We had a reservation with boondockers and the address was less than 10 miles from the border. It was a lovely quiet place with beautiful views. We made dinner, played a game of scrabble and hit the sack. We had some long days on the Cassiar but so happy to be back in the lower 48. It feels like home. While at this boondocking spot we had a visit from a neighbors peacock and we had a rooster crowing in the morning. Of course if felt like home.

We had another boondocking place scheduled in Toledo, WA but on the way we stopped to have lunch with an old friend. Actually my sister’s best friend but we have all kept in touch through facebook. She took us to her apartment to sit on her front porch and we went to lunch at a Amarillo BBQ in Duvall Washington. It was delicious and then it was over. So glad I got to see her.

Our next boondocking place was fabulous. Our host was amazing and she gave us her #1 spot with a view of Mt Ranier out the front door of our camper and Mt St Helen to our rear. You can’t ask for more than that. The next morning we headed for Mt Ranier only to find out you need a reservation to get in Mt Ranier– and of course you could get one 6 months prior or at 7:00 the night before. Now, we did have the chance to wait until 3:00 and go in but, it was only 9:00. We had already driven about an hour when when we saw the sign that said, “turn around now if you do not have a reservation” so we decided to turn around, head the opposite direction and go to Mt St Helen. All in all it was a fun day.

We enjoyed the location so much we asked if we could stay 2 more days while we visited family in Camas, Washington. That was only about 1.5 hours away. Y’all know we don’t mind a little drive–right? We spent the next day hanging out along the Columbia River Gorge–mostly on the Oregon side. We took a tour of the Bonneville Lock and Dam. No ships/barges/boats came through the lock while we were there–boohoo. But the tour was very interesting–especially for John.

Later we sat along the river while we watched a barge go through. Then we hit the interstate to go visit my nephew. OMG! I think it was as bad as Atlanta. We had a fabulous dinner prepared by my nephew’s wife Natashja. Seriously–she can cook. I wish I could have her move in with me for a while. And those cute little squirrels–well they are not shy and I tried to shoo them away with my camera strap and they kept coming at me and trying to grab the camera strap. I jumped in the car and decided to stay put before one of these attack squirrels bit me.

The next day we headed back to my nephew’s to hang out for the day and let Natashja cook another delicious meal for us. While Natashja spent the day slaving over a hot over and bbq grill, Carl, John, Hunter and Gunner and I went panning for gold. Gotta get the kids doing it too–right. They seemed to have a good time and even found a speck of gold. Even though a speck is soooo tiny and not worth anything it is exciting when you find one. Later we went back to the house and Gunner asked me to come upstairs to show me something. Actually, he wanted to play video games and I think he asked me so he wouldn’t get in trouble–after all he did invite his great-aunt. I whooped his butt. Shocked the hell out of him–shocked me too. I had no clue but I whooped his butt so good. Hunter couldn’t stop laughing. Gunner did win a couple times but I was the champ. And I am proud to beat an eleven year old. There, I said it.

There is nothing better than time with friends and family. Thank you Natashja for all your hard work and delicious meals. Thank you Carl, Natashja, Hunter and Gunner for the best time. Love you all.

August 5, 2024 1

Whitehorse Part 2

This is at 10 Mile Lake Provincial Park

We arrived in Whitehorse and spent 2 hours cleaning the camper and the truck. Neither one of us felt like cooking so we just grabbed a pizza from Dominos of all places. It was quick and easy.

The next morning we headed out to Skagway. We’re driving along and all of a sudden we see this flashing sign letting us know there was a landslide on the road to Skagway. That’s why Waze wouldn’t take us that way. It kept trying to get us to go to Haines which is 5-6 hours and then take a ferry to Skagway. I kept telling John no way, it is only 2 hours to Skagway from Whitehorse and then we can take a ferry to Haines. Makes more sense so we opted to use our road map. It’s not like I can’t read one. I am the main navigator on this trip. John is constantly asking me which way to go because I planned it. I did all the navigating. I don’t need Waze—well unless there is a landslide—to tell me to go another way. Well, I refused to go that route so we hung out in Whitehorse another day. We had so much fun hanging out in Whitehorse.

Whitehorse is the capitol and only city in the Yukon with over 40k people living there. For being out in the middle of nowhere it is quite a modern little city. I use the term modern very loosely. Lots of old buildings, lots and lots of history and tradition but, their government building and visitor center are very modern structures and most bathrooms are unisex. Including the one at the visitor center that looks just like a mens or ladies restroom with dozens of stalls (doors do go from floor to ceiling) but men and women share that one room. It does feel a little weird when you go in and a man comes out of the stall next to you and then there is another man at the sinks and one entering. I had already done a double take going in—thinking I made a wrong turn or misunderstood—but that is unisex in the big city of Whitehorse.

We spent a good part of the day at the MacBride Museum. If you ever go to Whitehorse you really need to take the time to go through the museum. We were there for hours. The history is so interesting as are all the artifacts and stories told. Ladies, wait until you see the ladies room—yes it is separate from the men in the museum. All the stall doors are covered with the Women of the Yukon. I love a good story about strong independent women and these women were the epitome of strong & independent. Sure some where whores but hey, they did it their way. My favorite was Klondike Kate. She made $30k her first year in the Klondike which was in 1898. You go girl!

We ate out at Ricky’s Grill which was a little disappointing but, you win some and lose some—right? It was a local place.

The next day we were headed out taking the Cassiar Highway. One reviewer stated the Cassiar was more beautiful than the Alaska Highway but had fewer gas stations, fewer campgrounds and fewer pull overs for camping. He also stated the road was much worse than the Alcan. Well, we were not deterred. We fueled up and headed down the Alaska Highway to the Cassiar. Well, the first 50+ miles of the Cassiar was burned out forrest. There were two little ghost towns–I honestly don’t think anyone lived in either of those towns. After that, it was beautiful. The road was so much better than the Alcan and there were plenty of pull overs and campgrounds though most of the campgrounds were full. Gas stations were a bit limited but not to where we were uncomfortable. We found a pull over by a lake the first night. There were several other cars/campers there as well but it was peaceful and quiet. We had no service until we got to Kitwanga on CA 16. From there on out we had spots without service but mostly we had service. Lots of little towns and shops and gas stations. We spent a night at 10 Mile Lake Provincial Park for $20. That was my cover photo. We found a cute little quilt store in Chilliwack and then we crossed the border. This was the first time we actually had to wait in line at the border. So many people crossing over. But we made it!! It was so good to be “home.”

August 1, 2024 2