Lynden, Washington

First of all---  Happy Birthday to GJ925---  He is 10 years old today. 

We are about 10 miles from the Canadian Border in Lynden, Washington.  It's a beautiful Dutch influenced town.  We could not get over the look of all the lawns, they look like everyone mowed on the same day. I did wash today to make sure that all clothes are clean and went to Walmart to get what we needed before we hit Canada.  Now I have to convert money and I do not do a good job of that. 
Ya'll know the drill with Canada --  You can call our home # or my cell phone and internet service is at the discression of the Canadian RV parks we stay at (I cannot use my hotspot in Canada). 

Love ya'll

Mt Rainier and Seattle

Yesterday we drove from Pendleton to Seattle, passing Mt Rainier.  What an impressive mountain.  We decided that we would not go into the park as if you have seen one snow covered mountain you have seen them all.  We are staying at the Seattle/Tacoma KOA, mainly because they have tour busses that come to the camp ground plus they are on a public transportation line.  Seattle is HUGE!!!  The traffic is crazy!!!!  We decided to take the City Tour instead of driving into this big city and getting lost.  We got to see the Public Market (huge), the space needle, the locks and salmon stairs(where the salmon travel up stream), the stadiums and the largest floating home neighborhood in the world.  It is a very diverse city, but I personally am glad to visit and not live here.  TOO MUCH TRAFFIC!!!!  I will be very happy to be north of the city tomorrow.  We should be in Bellingham, Washington tomorrow evening and close to crossing the Canadian Border. 

Mt Hood and Pendleton, Oregon

Yesterday we spent the day touring Mt Hood.  There were people skiing and snow boarding.  I tried to get Paw Paw to rent a board, but no luck.  The Timberline lodge was amazing.  The timbers were at least 24 " wide - I guess it was needed to keep the roof and walls from collapsing from the weight of the snow.  On the way back the coach we stopped to watch the wind surfers on the Columbia River.  Thought maybe Paw Paw might give it a try, but no way!!!! 

Today we traveled to Pendleton to go to the mill.  Awh!!!!  Pendleton wool - the only wool you wear.  The blankets are beautiful and in any design you would want.  Tomorrow we will break into Washington State heading up to Bellingham and the Canadian Border.  We will stop at Mt Rainier on the way. 
Hope all are doing well--miss ya' and love ya'll

Columbia River Gorge

We drove from Astoria on the coast of the Pacific where the Columbia River exits into the ocean to Cascade Locks, Oregon located on theColumbia River Gorge.  After checking in at the KOA we had lunch and traveled Historic Route 30 to view 6 waterfalls that flow down the gorge.  The most spectacular one is the Multnomah Falls.  This is the one you have seen on TV advertising the gorge.  The upper falls is a 600 foot drop and the lower falls is 60 foot drop.  How spectacular!!!  I must say that I did not expect this spectacular Falls to be right beside I-84.  To say the least is  was beautiful.  Tomorrow we will travel to Mt Hood.  We won't leave Cascade Locks  until Sunday or possibly Monday for Pendelton and the Pendleton Outlet Store.  Let me know if I am to look for anything in particular for anyone?!  Enjoy the picture of the Multnomah Falls.

Astoria, Oregon

Went to Fort Clapsop this morning to tour the fort built by Lewis and Clark expedition.  Really interesting for history buffs.  Then we went to Astoria, Oregon to tour the city.  We went through the Maritime Museum.  We were able to learn about the Coast Guard that works the Columbia River Bar and how dangerous it is in the winter time for ships approaching the Columbia from the Pacific Ocean.   There were many canneries here in Astoria that processed Salmon until the salmon runs became very slim.  Some of the canneries dried and smoked the salmon and shipped them to the soldiers during WWII.  The USS Astoria also had an important role during the war.  During the tour of the museum we came accross a scrimshaw display of how whale bones were used.  Lo and behold there was a yarn swift made entirely from whale bones.  I can't even imagine how long it took to carve each piece and fit them together.  There was also a net bobbin winder that I would have liked to see how it worked.  The trolley ride was very interesting as it traveled along the Columbia River and the two volunteers gave a informative history of Astoria.  All in all it was a great day.  Tomorrow we leave the Astoria area and travel to Cascade Locks for a few days to marvel at the Columbia River Gorge.  Talked to my Bro and glad that everyone in Amellia Island Florida are OK after Hurrican Andrea passed through.  Hope the Concord people don't float away with the floods they are predicting.  Stay safe everyone.

Love ya'll

Crater Lake to Oregon Coast

What an awesome lake.  Crater Lake was formed from a volcano that blew out the sides and the top collapsed into the center of the volcano.  In years it filled with the most beautiful bright blue water.  We traveled the west rim of the lake and saw snow that was 6 to 8 feet deep.  The east rim drive is closed due to snow.  We stayed in the Mazama Village at the camp ground.  The campground looked like a disaster area.  There were piles of snow that had not melted yet and pine trees that had fallen during the winter.  .  We left Crater Lake and drove through pine forests that took your breath away.  We pulled into Florence, Oregon and saw the Pacific Ocean.  We drove Hwy 101 up the coast to Waldport KOA.  This KOA is right on the Alsea Bay and the Pacific Ocean.  Tomorrow we will travel to Astoria, Oregon and then on to The Dalles, and Pendelton, Oregon.  Until the next time..........

On our way to Crater Lake

Today we leave Mt. Shasta and travel to Crater Lake.  It's a short day trip, but will stay in their primitive campground for the night.  We will take the afternoon to explore the area.

Until tomorrow.............