We have done most of our camping in Bear country in Canada and in the US so we have been very aware of the wildlife. We leave nothing out in our campsites but our chairs and maybe a towel or two on the line. In Yellowstone, the camp host comes round to chat with all the campers and to give a talk about the wild life. When he saw we were from Alberta, he said he knew he didn't have to tell us about bears ! In that National Park, you don't even keep the tablecloth on the table ! We swiftly took ours off!! We also had to take down the towels as it was rutting season for the elk and they would get their racks entangled in them.
We were very surprised leaving Jasper National Park very early in the morning and seeing, especially some tent sites, coolers, pots and pans, pop cans on tables and water jugs. A huge no no. I am surmising that there is less staff this year and there are not the resources to go around and check sites. We did not see a ranger the night we were there. Now if those campers had understood those loud noises, i.e. bear bangers, they might have cleaned up ! Course we didn't know what bear bangers were till we were in Waterton! The bear, or bears, were not very far aware from the campground !
In Bromley Park, the campers that were staying for a while sure made themselves at home ! Obviously no fear of bears there ! An eye opener for us as we always keep a 'neat and tidy' site.
Here in Leavenworth, it is so hot and obviously dry, the convertible down the road didn't even have its top put on during the night !! Hope the wild turkeys don't ever decide to roost on it !
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Cooling Off!!
We've arrived at our first American destination; the Pine Village KOA in Leavenworth, Washington. It is now 37*C or 97*F ! We are not used to this heat. Dad is sitting in his chair reading and cooling his feet. We stopped first in Wenatchee and bought a fan to use inside of the trailer. Before we left, Dad bought an adapter so we could run electricity in the trailer. Needless to say,we'll be running the fan all night.
On the way out to Jasper, we were hit with a thunderstorm with some pretty good sized hail. The cost of a daily pass has nearly doubled since we were last there in 2011 up to $19.60. For the first time ever in our experience with the National Parks, we found them rude and totally disinterested; one couldn't even look at us in the eye. So disappointing. We left there before 7 am to get a good start to southern BC.
After we had driven most of the day, Dad said we would find another way home. The hills were incredible, totally unexpected.Bromley Rock Provincial Campground was beside a small river that had some good looking rapids. People were tubing down it. It was right beside the highway but we zonked out and didn't hear the big logging and transport trucks at all. A woman came into the campground to ask us about the trailer. She has a 74 Boler that she is renovating. We talked for a while. An older couple pulled into a site opposite us with just a car. Now Dad was nice and said the woman was older than me[ hehe] and they slept in their car !! Yikes we couldn't have-- or if we did, we wouldn't have been able to move.
We also took pics of the yellow tear drop trailer. We couldn't figure out how the family of 4 slept in that.
When we crossed the border this am, we had to pull over and wait til a custom agent inspected the trailer and our coolers. We had used up all our wood the night before and truly had nothing in the coolers but water, peanut butter, cheese slices and jam ! No meat or fruit. so she sent us on our way quite quickly. While eating a breakfast sandwich in Omak, WA a couple came and spoke to us about the trailer, asking all sorts of questions. They had this tiny teardrop parked next to us.
On the way out to Jasper, we were hit with a thunderstorm with some pretty good sized hail. The cost of a daily pass has nearly doubled since we were last there in 2011 up to $19.60. For the first time ever in our experience with the National Parks, we found them rude and totally disinterested; one couldn't even look at us in the eye. So disappointing. We left there before 7 am to get a good start to southern BC.
After we had driven most of the day, Dad said we would find another way home. The hills were incredible, totally unexpected.Bromley Rock Provincial Campground was beside a small river that had some good looking rapids. People were tubing down it. It was right beside the highway but we zonked out and didn't hear the big logging and transport trucks at all. A woman came into the campground to ask us about the trailer. She has a 74 Boler that she is renovating. We talked for a while. An older couple pulled into a site opposite us with just a car. Now Dad was nice and said the woman was older than me[ hehe] and they slept in their car !! Yikes we couldn't have-- or if we did, we wouldn't have been able to move.
We also took pics of the yellow tear drop trailer. We couldn't figure out how the family of 4 slept in that.
When we crossed the border this am, we had to pull over and wait til a custom agent inspected the trailer and our coolers. We had used up all our wood the night before and truly had nothing in the coolers but water, peanut butter, cheese slices and jam ! No meat or fruit. so she sent us on our way quite quickly. While eating a breakfast sandwich in Omak, WA a couple came and spoke to us about the trailer, asking all sorts of questions. They had this tiny teardrop parked next to us.
It was about 1/4 the size of ours ! They had just been here in the Seattle area and had done the Oregon coast. They gave us a booklet which we will look at later when our heads and eyes have cooled down. Everyone in MacDonald's was on an ipad !
When we arrived in Wenatchee, we had to do some grocery shopping and get gas[ $3.95/gal ]. We picked up a fan, some clothes, [quilt batting ! ] and then a few groceries and ice. We'll need to just shop for our evening meal each day as there is noway the coolers would keep the meat cold.. Oh yes, we bought two small bottles of wine - a Chardonnay and a Sauvignon Blanc for $2.97 each !!! They are cooling as we speak.
Dad has gone for a shower and then we'll decide what we are going to do tomorrow I'll have a shower after supper while Dad does the dishes at the shower house. [ he doesn't know that yet. :)
Monday, July 22, 2013
And We're Off !!
A tremendously loud and close clap of thunder woke us up at 5:30 ! Someone went back to sleep, but not me !! Hopefully the line of storms dissipate before we have to hook up the trailer and set off.
I'm busy checking off lists, so hopefully we won't have forgotten anything. The trailer has been scrubbed inside and out with equipment that we don't plan to use taken out and stored in the garage. A list has been left for YS, and emails with our destinations and dates sent to all the kids.
This is a different kind of trip for us. We usually go to a National Park and hike. This time we're doing the more touristy things being near large cities and with me being unable to do much walking.Most of the campgrounds have wifi so I'll update as often as I can.
See ya later !
I'm busy checking off lists, so hopefully we won't have forgotten anything. The trailer has been scrubbed inside and out with equipment that we don't plan to use taken out and stored in the garage. A list has been left for YS, and emails with our destinations and dates sent to all the kids.
This is a different kind of trip for us. We usually go to a National Park and hike. This time we're doing the more touristy things being near large cities and with me being unable to do much walking.Most of the campgrounds have wifi so I'll update as often as I can.
See ya later !
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Promising Tuesday
The sun is shining ! Even though the furnace has come on as it is only 9*C, the forecasters are promising a warm day with some hot ones later on in the week. Yesterday we had a heavy rainfall advisory, and boy did the rain come down. The pond rose at least 4 inches and I worried about flooding as the basement flooded right about this time last year for the first time in over 30 years . It was a mess. We had to replace all the flooring , some drywall and the sink cabinet. We only had about 2 inches come in but what a job it was getting all that water out. Hopefully we do not get a freak storm again which came down with such force it actually upended a culvert underneath the main highway.
With it being a rest day in the Tour, I was able to finish the last of the cupboards in the kitchen. Phew ! glad that is over with as my knee is not good on a stepladder. End tables were tidied in the living room so all I have left is the dusting and polishing and another room has been spring cleaned. Hubby washed all the walls downstairs earlier in the summer for the first time ever ! So now every closet , every cupboard and every bookshelf has been cleaned, tidied and washed. The storage room in the basement needs doing but that will wait til after vacation and we put the coolers back into place. There are still more paint cans that should be taken to the recycling centre.
As the rain came down all 50 mm of it, I worked on Hubby's 9 patch. I got the first stage of sewing done on the 70 patches. The 9 squares were sewn into 'triplets' and now have to be ironed before I sew them together. I was pleased that I did all of them as my goal was to do half of them. I also managed to do a little mending as well.
The Boston Fern and ' Shamrock' plant have gone home so there are only 2 plants left to make the journey.I used to have as many as 27 houseplants but now I am down to 6 and satisfied with that. I killed one orchid, but have managed to keep another alive. It has sent new shoots out so this morning I started to train them upwards so hopefully they'll thrive and produce some flowers.
The gardens have taken a beating and needs some TLC. As soon as I can I'll get out in there and work. ED is taking her Master Gardener course and needs to press flowers for a report due in September. Now Hubby, who jumps to help her at a minutes' notice, is set to make her a flower press. He loves her new house, and consequently loves moving in furniture and helping her install different things. He has met most of her new neighbours, knows them all by name ! I have a list a mile long and he has not done anything on MY list ! Hopefully, as today is his last shift before holidays, he'll do some before we go on vacation.
Last night was a good night for TV. Amazing Race Canada, Under The Dome and The Newsroom. So glad HBO has so many repeats because I forgot The Newsroom was on on Sunday night.So sad about Cory Monteith. I quite enjoyed his character on Glee.
Chilli for supper tonight. We had leftover Roast Pork last night. I am trying to use up the fresh vegetables and fruit before we leave, but leave enough for YS. It's a balancing act , or rather a guessing game as to what he'll remember to eat from the fridge.
Now to sit, knit and enjoy this stage of the Tour!
With it being a rest day in the Tour, I was able to finish the last of the cupboards in the kitchen. Phew ! glad that is over with as my knee is not good on a stepladder. End tables were tidied in the living room so all I have left is the dusting and polishing and another room has been spring cleaned. Hubby washed all the walls downstairs earlier in the summer for the first time ever ! So now every closet , every cupboard and every bookshelf has been cleaned, tidied and washed. The storage room in the basement needs doing but that will wait til after vacation and we put the coolers back into place. There are still more paint cans that should be taken to the recycling centre.
As the rain came down all 50 mm of it, I worked on Hubby's 9 patch. I got the first stage of sewing done on the 70 patches. The 9 squares were sewn into 'triplets' and now have to be ironed before I sew them together. I was pleased that I did all of them as my goal was to do half of them. I also managed to do a little mending as well.
The Boston Fern and ' Shamrock' plant have gone home so there are only 2 plants left to make the journey.I used to have as many as 27 houseplants but now I am down to 6 and satisfied with that. I killed one orchid, but have managed to keep another alive. It has sent new shoots out so this morning I started to train them upwards so hopefully they'll thrive and produce some flowers.
The gardens have taken a beating and needs some TLC. As soon as I can I'll get out in there and work. ED is taking her Master Gardener course and needs to press flowers for a report due in September. Now Hubby, who jumps to help her at a minutes' notice, is set to make her a flower press. He loves her new house, and consequently loves moving in furniture and helping her install different things. He has met most of her new neighbours, knows them all by name ! I have a list a mile long and he has not done anything on MY list ! Hopefully, as today is his last shift before holidays, he'll do some before we go on vacation.
Last night was a good night for TV. Amazing Race Canada, Under The Dome and The Newsroom. So glad HBO has so many repeats because I forgot The Newsroom was on on Sunday night.So sad about Cory Monteith. I quite enjoyed his character on Glee.
Chilli for supper tonight. We had leftover Roast Pork last night. I am trying to use up the fresh vegetables and fruit before we leave, but leave enough for YS. It's a balancing act , or rather a guessing game as to what he'll remember to eat from the fridge.
Now to sit, knit and enjoy this stage of the Tour!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Rainy Sunday
I awoke to steady rain with a temperature of 10*C with the promise of thundershowers this afternoon and evening. Needless to say, nothing has been accomplished in the gardens.I finished the shredding, bagged it up ready for recycling in the blue bags and then shredded some newspaper for the wormery and compost.Found some blueberries in the fridge that were drying up so they'll go to the worms as well.
In the afternoon I sorted all the squares into 9 patches and this morning started to sew them all together. Then I got sidetracked and cleaned most of the dresser in my spare room which also doubles as my sewing room. There is a chance that my sister from back east will be here for a visit and I wanted to empty a drawer for her. Not too much had to be pitched, just organized and tidied up. Next was the front hall closet . All the mitts, hats and scarves were sorted and put in the proper place. I put all the grandkids' extra mitts in the deacons' bench.Seeing all the hats, I realize I need to stop knitting. Oops, I just remembered my hat and mitts are still in my car. I guess it's time they came into the house as well.
The wash is done, ready to be put away. Pork Tenderloin roast for supper with potatoes, green beans and beets for supper. I may rustle up a cake to be shoved in while the oven is hot.
Tomorrow is a day off in the Tour so I think I'll be sewing most of the day.The forecast is for rain most of the day. For now, I'll put my feet up and continue knitting on my afghan until our programmes come on tv.
In the afternoon I sorted all the squares into 9 patches and this morning started to sew them all together. Then I got sidetracked and cleaned most of the dresser in my spare room which also doubles as my sewing room. There is a chance that my sister from back east will be here for a visit and I wanted to empty a drawer for her. Not too much had to be pitched, just organized and tidied up. Next was the front hall closet . All the mitts, hats and scarves were sorted and put in the proper place. I put all the grandkids' extra mitts in the deacons' bench.Seeing all the hats, I realize I need to stop knitting. Oops, I just remembered my hat and mitts are still in my car. I guess it's time they came into the house as well.
The wash is done, ready to be put away. Pork Tenderloin roast for supper with potatoes, green beans and beets for supper. I may rustle up a cake to be shoved in while the oven is hot.
Tomorrow is a day off in the Tour so I think I'll be sewing most of the day.The forecast is for rain most of the day. For now, I'll put my feet up and continue knitting on my afghan until our programmes come on tv.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Les Miserables
Our city was so fortunate to be the first Canadian city to see the new set and staging of Les Mis. It was incredible. Now if I could hand-pick the actors/singers for each role and put them all together into a production it would be fantastique ! No one can match Colm Wilkinson for the role of Jean Val Jean. I was somewhat appalled at the dress of some of the theatre goers though. It is a night out at the theatre for goodness sake and a few looked like they had rolled off the couch and into their cars to arrive at the theatre in -------jean cutoffs ! Having my handicap permit made parking very convenient. The walk into the theatre was short and we were able to leave the parkade in less than 5 minutes ! Not using escalators in my daily life, I had to think before I got on to position my feet correctly and remember which foot to lead with my cane in one hand and evening purse in the other.
It was a good evening and a wonderful gift from my hubby to celebrate our anniversary.
I have no idea what I will do today. Right now I am watching the Tour de France which I do every summer. I sit with my knitting, watching the tv and reading the website. I do love Phil Liggett.I still have items on my to do list from yesterday but I would like to group all the squares into patches for the next 9 patch quilt. I have 4 quilt tops made ready to handquilt while I recuperate from my operation, might as well have a fifth !
The forecast is for rain starting today and lasting into tomorrow so it is doubtful I may get much done
in the gardens; maybe some deadheading will be all that I can manage.I need to finish trimming a Boston Fern of my daughter's that has lived here while she was waiting for her house to be built. She lived with my other daughter for the 6 months and did not have enough room there for all her plants. Fortunately I have managed to keep them all alive, but the fern is quite straggly. The plants are to go to their new home as soon as ED can figure out where to put them !
Tour is over for today[ if I won the lottery, YS and I would be off to France to watch !] so I'll finish some reading and then try to accomplish some more chores before the day becomes busy.
It was a good evening and a wonderful gift from my hubby to celebrate our anniversary.
I have no idea what I will do today. Right now I am watching the Tour de France which I do every summer. I sit with my knitting, watching the tv and reading the website. I do love Phil Liggett.I still have items on my to do list from yesterday but I would like to group all the squares into patches for the next 9 patch quilt. I have 4 quilt tops made ready to handquilt while I recuperate from my operation, might as well have a fifth !
The forecast is for rain starting today and lasting into tomorrow so it is doubtful I may get much done
in the gardens; maybe some deadheading will be all that I can manage.I need to finish trimming a Boston Fern of my daughter's that has lived here while she was waiting for her house to be built. She lived with my other daughter for the 6 months and did not have enough room there for all her plants. Fortunately I have managed to keep them all alive, but the fern is quite straggly. The plants are to go to their new home as soon as ED can figure out where to put them !
Tour is over for today[ if I won the lottery, YS and I would be off to France to watch !] so I'll finish some reading and then try to accomplish some more chores before the day becomes busy.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Picture Trial
We had 6 of these lobsters flown in from Halifax NS for supper !!!
Enough of playing around; I have knitting and handsewing to organize for our trip. Ironing to do so I have something to wear to the performance and some more decluttering.
Here we are on our way to the northern Rockies for a fun filled camping weekend with our 4 children and 3 grandchildren. We ate a marvelous steak and lobster anniversary dinner cooked by our son in law, hiked ( not me-- the knee) rode bikes and went white water rafting on the Smokey River. There were only class1 and 2 rapids as the trip was aimed for children ages 3 and up. We became River Pirates guided by the crews from Wild Blue Yonder . A treasure island and fighting marauding pirates with foam swords was a lot of fun !!
A Little More
Why is it that on a very busy day, I decide to start a blog ? It is something that I have been thinking about for a while as I spend an enormous amount of time reading other blogs .With four children it might be a way to keep in contact as we travel this summer. I am typing this on my ipad which will be with us on vacation. My husband and I have been married 40 years as of June 30th and are leaving shortly for a trip to the Oregon coast in our tiny trillium trailer.
Tonight we are going to see Les Miserables, one of our favourite, if not THE favourite, of all musicals. We have seen Les Mis before but tonight's performance features a new set based on the drawings of Victor Hugo. My son and daughter were there opening night and were very impressed.
Fortunately I have found a dress that actually still fits me. Now to do something with my hair !
Since school let out on June 28th, I have been decluttering the house slowly. As I am waiting for a knee replacement, I have had to pace myself hence the reason for the slowness.The kitchen, two linen closets, and bathrooms have been done as well as the drawers in my dresser. I found a few treasures that I had forgotten about.This morning it was the turn of my computer desk; no treasures there but a few dust bunnies and a pile of paper to be shredded.
Now to find out how to get pictures onto this blog and I'll be all set !
Tonight we are going to see Les Miserables, one of our favourite, if not THE favourite, of all musicals. We have seen Les Mis before but tonight's performance features a new set based on the drawings of Victor Hugo. My son and daughter were there opening night and were very impressed.
Fortunately I have found a dress that actually still fits me. Now to do something with my hair !
Since school let out on June 28th, I have been decluttering the house slowly. As I am waiting for a knee replacement, I have had to pace myself hence the reason for the slowness.The kitchen, two linen closets, and bathrooms have been done as well as the drawers in my dresser. I found a few treasures that I had forgotten about.This morning it was the turn of my computer desk; no treasures there but a few dust bunnies and a pile of paper to be shredded.
Now to find out how to get pictures onto this blog and I'll be all set !
Introduction
Whenever we asked our mother a question , such as ,"what's for supper?", she'd answer " HuddyMatuddy which she claimed was an old Irish expression. That expression could cover a gamut of things so I thought it was appropriate to call my blog this.
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