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.

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.