Prose to follow....
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Ketchup II
Hum.... I've got all these great pictures ready to post, and all the titles. But, I'm behind on the prose. So, I think I'll post the pictures and titles - then go back and add the prose later.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Play Day, Hike Elk trails, visit Forks – July 30
I woke up early and took myself for a little explore around the campground. As I left Taiko in the camper was I blessed to find many birds, a weasel, a rabbit, not to mention more than three varieties of slug. It was lovely, and drippy, and wet. (Did I mention this is a rainforest? LOL.) Definitely time to pull out the raingear – jackets and pants. I did find the river – the Clearwater. There’s a lovely set of shallows right by our campsite. And the riffle in the deeper water that sang us to sleep.
Finally the boys wake up. We get breakfast made, consumed, and cleaned – then into rain gear to go explore the area. There are elk and/or people trails all through the forest here – so we have lots to explore. It wasn’t raining – the showers of the previous day has cleared off. It’s overcast – but not wet. The raingear is needed because even though there’s no rain – the plants are still quite wet.
There’s an ancient Maple tree by us that is just covered in moss. Issac was captivated by it. Look! I can see a Monkey! Look! There’s another. Monkeys? There are no monkeys in the Olympics. No, not real monkeys – they’re in the moss. Nature’s version of Hidden Pictures had us all looking for monkeys.
Issac led the way on our bushwhack. We headed down to the river and played in the water. There’s a strange sort of rock there. It looks like a regular black rock, but when you step on it the rock crumbles into small cubic chunks, then sand. The boys have named it “Puzzle Rock”, but we’d sure like to find out what it is.
After the river we headed inland. The forest floor is covered in Oxalis – it looks like a giant clover, and the ever present ferns of seemingly infinite variety. Mosses drip from the branches of the trees. The black, black soil makes everything seem greener than it really is. Lush. Hold that sh for a while… Lush-sh-sh. Yeahhh. That’s it.
We headed into Forks to find a late lunch, grocery, 1# propane bottles, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
Finally the boys wake up. We get breakfast made, consumed, and cleaned – then into rain gear to go explore the area. There are elk and/or people trails all through the forest here – so we have lots to explore. It wasn’t raining – the showers of the previous day has cleared off. It’s overcast – but not wet. The raingear is needed because even though there’s no rain – the plants are still quite wet.
There’s an ancient Maple tree by us that is just covered in moss. Issac was captivated by it. Look! I can see a Monkey! Look! There’s another. Monkeys? There are no monkeys in the Olympics. No, not real monkeys – they’re in the moss. Nature’s version of Hidden Pictures had us all looking for monkeys.
Issac led the way on our bushwhack. We headed down to the river and played in the water. There’s a strange sort of rock there. It looks like a regular black rock, but when you step on it the rock crumbles into small cubic chunks, then sand. The boys have named it “Puzzle Rock”, but we’d sure like to find out what it is.
After the river we headed inland. The forest floor is covered in Oxalis – it looks like a giant clover, and the ever present ferns of seemingly infinite variety. Mosses drip from the branches of the trees. The black, black soil makes everything seem greener than it really is. Lush. Hold that sh for a while… Lush-sh-sh. Yeahhh. That’s it.
We headed into Forks to find a late lunch, grocery, 1# propane bottles, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
What I've Learned
We interrupt your regularly schedule programming, for this kind of fun list….
- I underestimated the amount of time it takes to just keep things going – making meals, cleaning, keeping an eye on the boys. I simply don’t know how single parents do it. I am SO looking forward to the cruise – you have no idea.
- It IS possible to get sick of your kids – but still love them. And it happens much more quickly than you might think.
- It’s pretty easy to live on 17 gallons of water for 3 days for 3 people and a dog – provided you don’t bathe much.
- It is not necessary to wash your face twice a day, or even every day.
- Our solar panel puts out 20V of power, partly shaded, on a rainy rainforest day. We were never in danger of running out of juice. Pthththththt. That raspberry is for you Dad – you were so sure our battery was going to die. Water was our constraining resource. HA!
- Life is easier when you’re plugged in. But not nearly as interesting.
- Taiko is about the world’s most patient and willing dog. He’s out behaved the boys at every turn.
- Always have a back-up plan, especially if you’re going out to the middle of nowhere.
- Always carry a good tool kit.
- Being handy is, well, handy.
- There’s a big difference between 64 degrees and 85% humidity, and 64 degrees and 55% humidity. The first one is COLD. The second is rather pleasant long sleeve weather.
- Nope, I didn’t overpack – just about everything has been used at least once. But not everything would be needed for any single camping trip. Interestingly, it’s the Arts & Crafts and Games boxes that have seen the least use.
- While I’m quite happy to sit in a woodland glade and contemplate for hours on end – the boys require ACTIVITY! I haven’t had much quiet time. Sigh.
- I miss adult conversation.
- Nobody misses TV or the Internet when they’re not around.
- 11-year-old boys can eventually learn how to guide in a trailer and/or tow vehicle when backing up. We’re getting pretty good at it.
- The best way to keep the boys on track tearing down camp is to make it a race. So far 39 minutes 4 seconds is our best time.
- Have the next two jobs figured out for the kid. If you don’t give them a new job right when they return from the previous one – they tend to wander off and get into mischief.
- Even when they have a job they tend to wander off and get into mischief.
Break Camp and Find Copper Mine Bottom – July 29
We got everything packed up and we’re off for the Olympics. This is the only stop where I don’t know where we are staying. I’d like to try something primitive – back in the middle of nowhere. It’s going to make “sight seeing” a pain – but I think we’re ready for the adventure. Looking at the maps – I think we’ll make our way to Upper Clearwater Campground in state lands to the west of Olympic National Park. I think I’ll stop at the Quinault Ranger Station for some advice.
On our way out I tried to get Wi-Fi at the nearby rest area – but I couldn’t get a signal. So, we continued on. I tried again at a Starbucks – but they wanted $8 for a day pass. Ug. I’m not interested in that. So, onward we went. (I did eventually find access in Forks – but you already know that.) We missed the Quinault Ranger Station by about 25 minutes. They closed at 4:30. So, we pressed on – it was getting late, and it was raining on and off – so there wasn’t time to dawdle. I decided to head for the Upper Clearwater campground. So, we drove, and drove, and I started to get really concerned that the turning for the campground wasn’t marked off the road. We finally found one little sign (Campground 1.3 miles) – it wasn’t Upper Clearwater, but it was something. So we took it. What we found was Coppermine Bottom Campground – no electric, no water, pit toilets, no people, perfect
You know you’re in the rainforest when the signs start growing plants….
I was delighted to find only two other sites occupied. Not many were large enough to accommodate even a pop-up, but we found a very nice one under a grove of old growth trees. Backing in was impossible due to the way the drive angled off the road. So, I went in the wrong way, and backed in quite easily. It was cold, dripping, and getting dark. So, we got everything up in a hurry, and settled on soup for dinner. We could hear a river nearby, but otherwise all was silence.
On our way out I tried to get Wi-Fi at the nearby rest area – but I couldn’t get a signal. So, we continued on. I tried again at a Starbucks – but they wanted $8 for a day pass. Ug. I’m not interested in that. So, onward we went. (I did eventually find access in Forks – but you already know that.) We missed the Quinault Ranger Station by about 25 minutes. They closed at 4:30. So, we pressed on – it was getting late, and it was raining on and off – so there wasn’t time to dawdle. I decided to head for the Upper Clearwater campground. So, we drove, and drove, and I started to get really concerned that the turning for the campground wasn’t marked off the road. We finally found one little sign (Campground 1.3 miles) – it wasn’t Upper Clearwater, but it was something. So we took it. What we found was Coppermine Bottom Campground – no electric, no water, pit toilets, no people, perfect
You know you’re in the rainforest when the signs start growing plants….
I was delighted to find only two other sites occupied. Not many were large enough to accommodate even a pop-up, but we found a very nice one under a grove of old growth trees. Backing in was impossible due to the way the drive angled off the road. So, I went in the wrong way, and backed in quite easily. It was cold, dripping, and getting dark. So, we got everything up in a hurry, and settled on soup for dinner. We could hear a river nearby, but otherwise all was silence.
Labels:
campground,
camping,
Coppermine Bottom,
Olympics,
sabbatical
Mt St Helens – July 28
I was up well before the boys, so I took Taiko for a walk around the campground. There were only three or four other campsites up and moving around that I could see. The campground is pretty full. It’s nice. I’d recommend it for anyone looking to camp in the area. I found the place where you can get firewood. $5 for a bundle. The boys have been crying out for a campfire and marshmallows. The day simply will NOT be complete without one.
Well, we finally got up and moving. We left Taiko in the popup and walked over to the Visitor Center across the street. Since it’s state run, my federal annual pass didn’t help and we had to pay admission. I think it was $5 for the three of us – Oh! Break the bank time.
The visitors center is very well done. It has a lot of information no only about why St Helens blew, but about her historical significance to the local Native Americans. They also had loads of information and maps about the area. We decided to head up to the Johnson Ridge Observatory – it’s the closest you can drive to the mountain. And yeah, since it’s federal – I can use my annual pass. Grin.
It was an interesting drive. I was living in Seattle in 1980, when the mountain blew – so I remember it well. But, this is the first time I’ve been to the actual site. Entire forests were replanted. We found out a Johnson Ridge that the USFS replaced over 20,000 acres of forest, and another over 150,000 acres were replanted privately. Weyerhaeuser put signs up next to the road indicating when the forest was replanted, and what species of tree was planted. It was weird. We’d drive around a mountain bend and see tract upon tract of forest. But it was different from the usual forest. Usually there’s variety in height, age, shapes, species – there’s just variation. It was like looking at a lawn. All the trees were exactly the same height and shape. Creepy. Really.
The shatter zone near the mountain has been left alone to return naturally. Twenty-eight years later, and plants are slowly returning. After all – the seed has to be carried in – mother plants were all destroyed. A few very young trees survived the explosion – protected by snowpack. But they haven’t had an easy time of it – elk, and beaver have taken their toll. Mt St Helens isn’t going to have an evergreen forest. Red Alder is the first tree to return successfully. It grows a lot faster than evergreens. I remember reading that somewhere – “young” forests are deciduous, while “old” forests are evergreen.
But the power of the explosion really hit home during the drive up. At one point we drove down by the river – and you could see foot upon foot of ash and mud making up huge banks. Buried five and six feet under the ash and mud, sticking out over the river where the ash and mud had been undercut by the river were the ends of trees. Piles of them. Old giants, four feet in diameter – thrown down like a game of pick-up-sticks for the gods.
Taiko wasn’t allowed out of the parking lot at Johnson Ridge Observatory – so we made him comfortable, and played shadow tag up to the entrance where a ranger talk had just started. Yeup. Completed the Junior Ranger program here too. We’re getting to be real experts at it.
This stop seems to have made a big impression on Issac. He continues to talk about it a days later. “You know, like at Johnson Ridge.” Is a common comment. I think it made an impression on all of us.
Back home at the wagons, the boys finally got their campfire. Jakob made the fire while I tended to dinner. We had campfire packets – which the boys found quite tasty. We also had a new neighbor. A guitar playing neighbor. Taiko is much more comfortable with this one – he’s alert, but isn’t growling.
Well, we finally got up and moving. We left Taiko in the popup and walked over to the Visitor Center across the street. Since it’s state run, my federal annual pass didn’t help and we had to pay admission. I think it was $5 for the three of us – Oh! Break the bank time.
The visitors center is very well done. It has a lot of information no only about why St Helens blew, but about her historical significance to the local Native Americans. They also had loads of information and maps about the area. We decided to head up to the Johnson Ridge Observatory – it’s the closest you can drive to the mountain. And yeah, since it’s federal – I can use my annual pass. Grin.
It was an interesting drive. I was living in Seattle in 1980, when the mountain blew – so I remember it well. But, this is the first time I’ve been to the actual site. Entire forests were replanted. We found out a Johnson Ridge that the USFS replaced over 20,000 acres of forest, and another over 150,000 acres were replanted privately. Weyerhaeuser put signs up next to the road indicating when the forest was replanted, and what species of tree was planted. It was weird. We’d drive around a mountain bend and see tract upon tract of forest. But it was different from the usual forest. Usually there’s variety in height, age, shapes, species – there’s just variation. It was like looking at a lawn. All the trees were exactly the same height and shape. Creepy. Really.
The shatter zone near the mountain has been left alone to return naturally. Twenty-eight years later, and plants are slowly returning. After all – the seed has to be carried in – mother plants were all destroyed. A few very young trees survived the explosion – protected by snowpack. But they haven’t had an easy time of it – elk, and beaver have taken their toll. Mt St Helens isn’t going to have an evergreen forest. Red Alder is the first tree to return successfully. It grows a lot faster than evergreens. I remember reading that somewhere – “young” forests are deciduous, while “old” forests are evergreen.
But the power of the explosion really hit home during the drive up. At one point we drove down by the river – and you could see foot upon foot of ash and mud making up huge banks. Buried five and six feet under the ash and mud, sticking out over the river where the ash and mud had been undercut by the river were the ends of trees. Piles of them. Old giants, four feet in diameter – thrown down like a game of pick-up-sticks for the gods.
Taiko wasn’t allowed out of the parking lot at Johnson Ridge Observatory – so we made him comfortable, and played shadow tag up to the entrance where a ranger talk had just started. Yeup. Completed the Junior Ranger program here too. We’re getting to be real experts at it.
This stop seems to have made a big impression on Issac. He continues to talk about it a days later. “You know, like at Johnson Ridge.” Is a common comment. I think it made an impression on all of us.
Back home at the wagons, the boys finally got their campfire. Jakob made the fire while I tended to dinner. We had campfire packets – which the boys found quite tasty. We also had a new neighbor. A guitar playing neighbor. Taiko is much more comfortable with this one – he’s alert, but isn’t growling.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Goodbye Woods, Hello Seaquest State Park – July 27
It took four adults working fairly diligently to get us on the road. I was figuring lunch time, and sure enough at about 1pm – we finally got it all put back together and were on our way. Our family friend, Sue Paules was us at The Woods for the weekend and was a huge help getting us resorted out and back on the road. Mom has been collecting quarters – and sold me $20 for future laundry runs. Dad and Issac took our bottles (and one of theirs) down the hill to refill them. Thanks Dad!
We pulled into Seaquest State Park at about 5:30. Our spot is quite handy to the path under the highway to the Mt St Helens Visitor Center run by the state. It was easy to back into, and Jakob is getting much better at directing me. We were fairly close to our neighbor on the door side – sites 70 and 71 would make a nice combination for a small group needing two sites. 71 can only accommodate a tent though – it’s not long enough for a camper. In any case, our neighbor hadn’t arrived yet. And there’s a tap with a drain for dumping grey water just across the street. Handy. We spent the rest of the evening getting the popup, up, and getting settled. The boys were definitely crawling out of their skins – so we headed over to the playground to burn off some more energy. Our neighbor had arrived by the time we got back. Poor guy, stuck next to us. He just wanted a quiet place to read, and go through the pictures he’d taken that day. I had to remind Issac to be neighborly twice – that child is LOUD. Taiko didn’t trust him at all. He didn’t bark at our neighbor, but he was very alert and growled quietly. I think maybe I should have had him come over and introduce himself to the dog. That might have solved it. However, he only stayed one night – so in the end it didn’t matter.
We broke out the mosquito coils. The mosquitoes aren’t bad, but certainly are a nuisance. They worked quite nicely. We ate all our meals outdoors. I switched the outside stove to one of the little 1# propane bottles. It clips along quite nicely now. Don’t remember if I mentioned the trouble with the outdoor stove I’d been having. It was taking an hour to boil a liter of water – really. Very anemic. Turns out we messed up our high pressure line to the stove when we modified the propane for two bottles with an automatic cutover regulator. Anyway, Dad suggested just hooking it up to one of those little bottles – and I’m good to go. I hate using them though since they can’t be refilled or recycled. Ug. But, I’m back in business – so I’ll us them, and fix it sometime after we get home.
I’m having trouble getting the boys to bed at a decent time – it means they’re getting up late, and we’re getting off to rather late starts. Hummmm.
We pulled into Seaquest State Park at about 5:30. Our spot is quite handy to the path under the highway to the Mt St Helens Visitor Center run by the state. It was easy to back into, and Jakob is getting much better at directing me. We were fairly close to our neighbor on the door side – sites 70 and 71 would make a nice combination for a small group needing two sites. 71 can only accommodate a tent though – it’s not long enough for a camper. In any case, our neighbor hadn’t arrived yet. And there’s a tap with a drain for dumping grey water just across the street. Handy. We spent the rest of the evening getting the popup, up, and getting settled. The boys were definitely crawling out of their skins – so we headed over to the playground to burn off some more energy. Our neighbor had arrived by the time we got back. Poor guy, stuck next to us. He just wanted a quiet place to read, and go through the pictures he’d taken that day. I had to remind Issac to be neighborly twice – that child is LOUD. Taiko didn’t trust him at all. He didn’t bark at our neighbor, but he was very alert and growled quietly. I think maybe I should have had him come over and introduce himself to the dog. That might have solved it. However, he only stayed one night – so in the end it didn’t matter.
We broke out the mosquito coils. The mosquitoes aren’t bad, but certainly are a nuisance. They worked quite nicely. We ate all our meals outdoors. I switched the outside stove to one of the little 1# propane bottles. It clips along quite nicely now. Don’t remember if I mentioned the trouble with the outdoor stove I’d been having. It was taking an hour to boil a liter of water – really. Very anemic. Turns out we messed up our high pressure line to the stove when we modified the propane for two bottles with an automatic cutover regulator. Anyway, Dad suggested just hooking it up to one of those little bottles – and I’m good to go. I hate using them though since they can’t be refilled or recycled. Ug. But, I’m back in business – so I’ll us them, and fix it sometime after we get home.
I’m having trouble getting the boys to bed at a decent time – it means they’re getting up late, and we’re getting off to rather late starts. Hummmm.
Labels:
campground,
camping,
Mt St Helens,
sabbatical,
Seaquest State Park
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Ketchup Nearly Complete
Hi from the van again. Well, the laptop battery is hanging in there nicely- still have about a third. But it's going on 6pm. And we still need to get back to our campsite at Copper Mine Bottom. I can't say enough about that campground. 10 sites in the middle of old growth rainforest, on state land, so the dog is welcome. But more on that later.... I'm afraid this is probably it until we get to the KOA in Astoria on Friday - that's, uh, August 1? Sabbatical has really kicked in - I'm loosing track of days.
Talk to you soon! Enjoy what I got done. There's so much of it - I think you have to use the "Older Posts" link at the bottom of this page!
Talk to you soon! Enjoy what I got done. There's so much of it - I think you have to use the "Older Posts" link at the bottom of this page!
Esmeralda Basin – July 26
One of my goals for out time at The Woods was to take advantage of the great day hikes nearby. So, the boys, Taiko, and I packed Taiko’s pack, and my camelback day pack and set off for Bean Creek. At the last minute, mom jumped in the car to join us. It’s going to be a slow, lazy hike – just her speed.
Well, we didn’t find Bean Creek – we misunderstood the Ranger’s directions, and mom isn’t all the good with maps. So, we landed at Esmeralda Basin instead. Since it was running a close second as my day hike of choice it was no hardship to go there instead. I did a lot of backpacking one summer up here and it’s always been a favorite of mine. It’s about a 3 ½ mile hike – one way, uphill the entire way – but oh, SO worth it!
We were lucky – we hit the peak of the wildflowers. Meadow after meadow filled with flowers of all types. Wow. It wasn’t as lovely as I remembered though – it looks like the bark beetle has killed off large parts of the forest in the lower part of the hike. Sigh.
We didn’t make it all the way to the top. We got to about the treeline and then mom declared herself done. That was fine – who wants to scramble through a HOT scree slope to the top of the saddle. Ug. So, we paused on a large log in a meadow for a rest and a snack before heading down.
Issac declared the log his airplane – and he was the captain. We were on our way to Africa. Three days and nights. No food or water. (Oh, it’s a contemporary carrier!) Was this a modern version of a Native American vision quest? Uh. Maybe not. So we all declared what we’d brought on board to share with the other passengers. Halfway to Africa the captain suddenly jumped out of the airplane and disappeared. Fortunately, the passengers were able to land the plane safely in Africa. Soon, it was time to return home. Fortunately, our captain reappeared wondering how we’d all got there. He took control of the plane again – we all brought different foodstuffs for the return journey. Upon landing, we saddled up the dog, and headed down the mountain.
Quite a satisfactory day hike.
We did make several important discoveries…
Taiko is a natural trail dog. He hauled about 12 pounds (15% of his weight) up that mountain (4 liters of water and most our emergency gear), and when I clipped his leash to the pack harness – he hauled me up too! It was like an express elevator to the top! He never barked at the other trail dogs or hikers, and was friendly to all he met. His only down side was an over interest in hunting the small furry creatures that make their homes near the trail. Though he pulls rather constantly – both uphill (yea!) and down (oooo!).
Issac can easily do a 6 mile hike. With many short rest breaks. But be sure to bring the first aid kit! He promptly informed us of a hot spot on his heel on the way up. Good thing I had moleskin. And on the way down he attempted a brook crossing on a “log” about the size of the poles we’d be making at The Woods. Needless to say, off he came into the water and scraped the side of his knee. Nothing for it, but to sit in the middle of the trail and howl. It was a nothing scrape – long, but no blood. Thinking – if I were at home I’d ice it I got out a 4x4 pad, wet it in the brook (snowmelt = COLD) and put it on the scrape. Ready to go? Issac hopped around – no! I can’t do it. Sigh. So, I pull out the big guns. I put on some antiseptic ointment, a 2x2 pad, and vet wrapped it twice, bright red vet wrap. All better. Issac was on his feet and racing down the mountain. Sigh. One must know one’s children.
The boys are shutter bugs. They took copious picture on the way up and down. Many of the pictures above are theirs. That beautiful portrait of Jakob was taken by Issac. I love that picture.
Well, we didn’t find Bean Creek – we misunderstood the Ranger’s directions, and mom isn’t all the good with maps. So, we landed at Esmeralda Basin instead. Since it was running a close second as my day hike of choice it was no hardship to go there instead. I did a lot of backpacking one summer up here and it’s always been a favorite of mine. It’s about a 3 ½ mile hike – one way, uphill the entire way – but oh, SO worth it!
We were lucky – we hit the peak of the wildflowers. Meadow after meadow filled with flowers of all types. Wow. It wasn’t as lovely as I remembered though – it looks like the bark beetle has killed off large parts of the forest in the lower part of the hike. Sigh.
We didn’t make it all the way to the top. We got to about the treeline and then mom declared herself done. That was fine – who wants to scramble through a HOT scree slope to the top of the saddle. Ug. So, we paused on a large log in a meadow for a rest and a snack before heading down.
Issac declared the log his airplane – and he was the captain. We were on our way to Africa. Three days and nights. No food or water. (Oh, it’s a contemporary carrier!) Was this a modern version of a Native American vision quest? Uh. Maybe not. So we all declared what we’d brought on board to share with the other passengers. Halfway to Africa the captain suddenly jumped out of the airplane and disappeared. Fortunately, the passengers were able to land the plane safely in Africa. Soon, it was time to return home. Fortunately, our captain reappeared wondering how we’d all got there. He took control of the plane again – we all brought different foodstuffs for the return journey. Upon landing, we saddled up the dog, and headed down the mountain.
Quite a satisfactory day hike.
We did make several important discoveries…
Taiko is a natural trail dog. He hauled about 12 pounds (15% of his weight) up that mountain (4 liters of water and most our emergency gear), and when I clipped his leash to the pack harness – he hauled me up too! It was like an express elevator to the top! He never barked at the other trail dogs or hikers, and was friendly to all he met. His only down side was an over interest in hunting the small furry creatures that make their homes near the trail. Though he pulls rather constantly – both uphill (yea!) and down (oooo!).
Issac can easily do a 6 mile hike. With many short rest breaks. But be sure to bring the first aid kit! He promptly informed us of a hot spot on his heel on the way up. Good thing I had moleskin. And on the way down he attempted a brook crossing on a “log” about the size of the poles we’d be making at The Woods. Needless to say, off he came into the water and scraped the side of his knee. Nothing for it, but to sit in the middle of the trail and howl. It was a nothing scrape – long, but no blood. Thinking – if I were at home I’d ice it I got out a 4x4 pad, wet it in the brook (snowmelt = COLD) and put it on the scrape. Ready to go? Issac hopped around – no! I can’t do it. Sigh. So, I pull out the big guns. I put on some antiseptic ointment, a 2x2 pad, and vet wrapped it twice, bright red vet wrap. All better. Issac was on his feet and racing down the mountain. Sigh. One must know one’s children.
The boys are shutter bugs. They took copious picture on the way up and down. Many of the pictures above are theirs. That beautiful portrait of Jakob was taken by Issac. I love that picture.
Time to Think About leaving The Woods – July 25
With the late night before, today was a lazy day. After a long sojourn – it’s time to start thinking about leaving The Woods. I got some of the little projects done that needed to be done. The 15W solar panel was installed (we’ll be needed it next week) – and I took the pop-up “off the grid” – to ensure that everything was working properly. I decided to shorten our stay in the Olympics in order to visit Mt St Helens. It’s a nice break point on the trip east – and I’d like to see it. We were living in Seattle in 1980 – when she blew – and I haven’t been there since. Got online – and determined our best bet for camping was Seaquest State Park – so I made reservations at a “primitive” site – no power or water – for a couple of nights. Might as well practice what we’ve been testing! HA!
During the day the boys found an albino cricket. Really. I was working on something – probably gathering all out scattered stuff – and I heard… “Hey! A PINK cricket.” Uh-huh. “No, really mom look at it.” And it was pink. Not flesh pink – hot pink, with white eyes. I took a bunch of pictures – sadly – they got eaten with the Mt. Rainier pictures.
It’s hard to leave The Woods – we’re having such a great time. And it’s nice to be all set up. But, it really is time to be moving on.
During the day the boys found an albino cricket. Really. I was working on something – probably gathering all out scattered stuff – and I heard… “Hey! A PINK cricket.” Uh-huh. “No, really mom look at it.” And it was pink. Not flesh pink – hot pink, with white eyes. I took a bunch of pictures – sadly – they got eaten with the Mt. Rainier pictures.
It’s hard to leave The Woods – we’re having such a great time. And it’s nice to be all set up. But, it really is time to be moving on.
Mt. Rainier – July 24
No pictures. Yeah, that’s right – no pictures. I had some. Beautiful – Christmas Card – pictures of Mt Rainier. And either the computer or the camera ate them. OH! I was mad. At least I’d been making a habit of downloading pictures every day or so – so I only lost Mt Rainier, and the albino cricket – but more on that later.
The boys and I (sans Taiko) trotted on a day trip to Mt Rainier. We came in the south entrance via Steven’s Canyon. It’s only recently opened due to a very heavy snow fall this winter. On the way in, we stopped at the Grove of the Patriarchs – trees that is. The boys measured 32 steps around the one giant Cedar. Wow. I think they were most impressed with the Nurse Trees. We saw several old ones that had miniature forests on them already.
Then up to Paradise. They’re building a new interpretive center – but it won’t be open until October. The Johnson Center we visited was nice – though we’ve certainly visited better centers at other parks. The boys achieve Junior Ranger status. And we took a short hike through some of the trails at Paradise. About ½ of the walk was on snow at the trails are only just opened after the heavy snows of the winter. We were careful to stay on the paths and off the new baby plants.
At the falls we went too – we saw a marmot. It was on the other side of the falls and further up the trail – but we have binoculars – so it was easy to get up close and personal, without getting up close and personal. It was the hightlight of the visit for me. For the boys? A Snowball fight. Pthththt. Boys.
We didn’t get home until about 10pm – both boys put their seats back and were sound asleep at about 9. And they didn’t even fight it all that much when I told them to. Chuckle.
The boys and I (sans Taiko) trotted on a day trip to Mt Rainier. We came in the south entrance via Steven’s Canyon. It’s only recently opened due to a very heavy snow fall this winter. On the way in, we stopped at the Grove of the Patriarchs – trees that is. The boys measured 32 steps around the one giant Cedar. Wow. I think they were most impressed with the Nurse Trees. We saw several old ones that had miniature forests on them already.
Then up to Paradise. They’re building a new interpretive center – but it won’t be open until October. The Johnson Center we visited was nice – though we’ve certainly visited better centers at other parks. The boys achieve Junior Ranger status. And we took a short hike through some of the trails at Paradise. About ½ of the walk was on snow at the trails are only just opened after the heavy snows of the winter. We were careful to stay on the paths and off the new baby plants.
At the falls we went too – we saw a marmot. It was on the other side of the falls and further up the trail – but we have binoculars – so it was easy to get up close and personal, without getting up close and personal. It was the hightlight of the visit for me. For the boys? A Snowball fight. Pthththt. Boys.
We didn’t get home until about 10pm – both boys put their seats back and were sound asleep at about 9. And they didn’t even fight it all that much when I told them to. Chuckle.
George Goes Home & Taiko’s Dog Cart – July 23
George switched his flight (again) to Wednesday as he had things he needed to get back to CA for – and we trotted off to SeaTac to drop him off. Issac went with us, to ensure I had HOV lane access on the way home – and he wanted to go on the ride.
On the way home we stopped off to pick up 10’ of ½” conduit for the stays on Taiko’s Dog Cart? Dog Cart? What Dog Cart? Ah. Well, during all the hoo-haw with my health, the parts and pieces to convert our garden wagon into a dog wagon arrived. It was too expensive to ship from New Hampshire with 5’ stays attached, so I had him send them with the hardware, but no stays – and made them here. It turned out great! The original vision was to have Taiko be the water and firewood dog – but even though he’s ver willing – I don’t think we’ll progress in his training to that level. Good thing I brought the people handle too!
On the way home we stopped off to pick up 10’ of ½” conduit for the stays on Taiko’s Dog Cart? Dog Cart? What Dog Cart? Ah. Well, during all the hoo-haw with my health, the parts and pieces to convert our garden wagon into a dog wagon arrived. It was too expensive to ship from New Hampshire with 5’ stays attached, so I had him send them with the hardware, but no stays – and made them here. It turned out great! The original vision was to have Taiko be the water and firewood dog – but even though he’s ver willing – I don’t think we’ll progress in his training to that level. Good thing I brought the people handle too!
Bite of Seattle Bites Back – July 21 & 22
Well, the 21st got off to a rough start. About 11pm I started feeling really ill. Had George haul me into the hospital. They gave me a shot for the pain – morphine was definitely mi friend. We figure something from The Bite of Seattle bit back – it sure looked like food poisoning. Slept most of the day. The next afternoon, one the pain killer and anti nausea drugs wore off – it was the same story. This time into the urgent care clinic in Cle Elem – where I got way better care. They did a full battery of blood work, gave me the same shot, and sent me on my way with instructions to get myself over to Overlake Hospital (on the other side of the mountain – in the Seattle area) if the pain came back. Expecting that I’d be visiting the hospital – George rearranged his flight home from Tuesday to Thursday.
And, it never came back. Shrug. I did get the panels back from the urgent care clinic – which showed the liver panel off – so I need to see my GP when I get home. Naturally, if George hadn’t rearranged everything – I’d have had to go to the hospital. Pthththt. Well, at least it happened at The Woods where there was lots of support coverage for the boys and Taiko.
And, it never came back. Shrug. I did get the panels back from the urgent care clinic – which showed the liver panel off – so I need to see my GP when I get home. Naturally, if George hadn’t rearranged everything – I’d have had to go to the hospital. Pthththt. Well, at least it happened at The Woods where there was lots of support coverage for the boys and Taiko.
DISBoards Mini-Meet and Issac’s Birthday – July 19 & 20
It wasn’t all work, work, work. We did make some time to play. On the 19th some online friends from DISboards came up for the night. What’s DISboards? An online forum dedicated to everything Disney. In this case, these are folks who are going on the cruise with us – there are about 170 families who have hooked up for the cruise this way. We try to meet face to face whenever we can so that we’ll have friends we recognize on board. If you ever do anything Disney – go there for first hand tips from many knowledgeable people.
In any case, Carolyn and Andrew arrived with their girls Alana and Kathryn later in the afternoon on the 19th. We showed them around and got them settled into The Bunkhouse. Dinner was a celebration of Issac’s 7th birthday. OK, his birthday isn’t really until the 31st – but this was the only time Dad could be there, and we had a crowd – which makes for a better birthday. Our neighbor, Ryan, was there and gave Issac driving lessons in his Gator as a special treat. All the kids crowded in back for the ride. Issac’s eyes were popping out of his head – but he sure had fun driving it! I think it was his favorite present! Sheez, our treasure hunt map making kit (he’s really into treasure hunt maps right now) got beat out by the Gator. Hrumph. ;-)
After breakfast on the 20th, we moseyed on over to Seattle to meet up with another DIS family – Jill, Brad, Collin, and oh sheez, I don’t remember their daughter’s name. We visited The Pacific Science Center – and everyone had a blast! “Bite of Seattle” was going on so Seattle Center was crowded, but PSC was nearly empty. So, we never had to wait for any of the exhibits. Jakob was delighted to hook up with a boy his age. The two of them were instant friends. We spent most of our time at the Speed exhibit, where Jakob and Collin combined to try and create 1 horsepower. 0.3 was the best they were ever able to do. Does that make two boys as good as 1/3 of a horse?
In any case, Carolyn and Andrew arrived with their girls Alana and Kathryn later in the afternoon on the 19th. We showed them around and got them settled into The Bunkhouse. Dinner was a celebration of Issac’s 7th birthday. OK, his birthday isn’t really until the 31st – but this was the only time Dad could be there, and we had a crowd – which makes for a better birthday. Our neighbor, Ryan, was there and gave Issac driving lessons in his Gator as a special treat. All the kids crowded in back for the ride. Issac’s eyes were popping out of his head – but he sure had fun driving it! I think it was his favorite present! Sheez, our treasure hunt map making kit (he’s really into treasure hunt maps right now) got beat out by the Gator. Hrumph. ;-)
After breakfast on the 20th, we moseyed on over to Seattle to meet up with another DIS family – Jill, Brad, Collin, and oh sheez, I don’t remember their daughter’s name. We visited The Pacific Science Center – and everyone had a blast! “Bite of Seattle” was going on so Seattle Center was crowded, but PSC was nearly empty. So, we never had to wait for any of the exhibits. Jakob was delighted to hook up with a boy his age. The two of them were instant friends. We spent most of our time at the Speed exhibit, where Jakob and Collin combined to try and create 1 horsepower. 0.3 was the best they were ever able to do. Does that make two boys as good as 1/3 of a horse?
We finished with dinner at Bite of Seattle. It was a very pleasant day.
The Woods: The Project – July 18&19
You can’t go to The Woods without having one major Project. Our Project this year was clearing the underbrush, overcrowding, and fire ladders out of an area called “The Triangle”. It’s about a 2 acre patch right at the entrance to the property, and forms an important piece of the fire defense. George got the chainsaw – nothin’ sexier than a man with power tools. Hubba-hubba. Trees had been marked for removal before we got there and he laid waste to them and all the underbrush. Dad and Jakob manned the chipper. Mom and myself pitched in, kept everyone fed and watered, Issac out of trouble, and the hot tub hot. Once all the underbrush and small trees were taken out, it was time to take down the large trees that were overcrowded. TIMBER! was the word of the day, as many trees came down – often with the help of the winch on the ATV. (And you thought ATV’s were just for fun!) Taking a run at the winch line, in reverse, at speed, with a big old YANK at the end as you tried to get the tree down was as good a many amusement park rides! The large trees got cut into poles, posts, and firewood. Later, Jakob and Mom, took the log splitter up, and split all that firewood. I think we got a couple cords out – at least. Not to mention enough poles and posts for a small corral. George turned into a maniac with that chainsaw, and we had the entire piece cleared in two days. While never demanding it (except of Jakob), he pushed all of us to work a bit harder by his example. The Triangle has been renamed George’s Grove. Gee I wonder why…
You might wonder if we clear the entire 30-some-odd acres like this. No. Wildlife habitat is important too. So large parts are kept thick for the elk, mountain lions, bear, coyotes, deer, and other wildlife that call The Woods home. Cleared areas, like George’s Grove – which is surrounded by road – become important defensible spaces and fire breaks – should fire come through. So, the thick parts are kept – but surrounded by open areas where fire can be stopped. We also protect our riparian areas this way – though the forester who works with us says those areas are too wet to burn much anyway. Fire defense is a way of life here. Our neighbor is putting in a pad large enough for the WA State DNR to land a Hewie on. And the DNR guys have been through a couple of times looking for defensible space, and safe havens for their firefighters. We’ve given them the gate code, and asked them to let us know what they need.
If you look at the picture that had just woods in it…. The left side has been cleared, the right side is only about 1/3 done. That’ll give you and idea of the magnitude of this project.
So, what’s the picture of the dog doing here?? Ah. Everyone pitched in – and Taiko’s job was to schlep water and snacks for the work crew. His pack has 2 2-liter water bladders, plus space for bottles, and much trail mix and other snacks. This picture was the first time he’d been asked to carry that much – and he doesn’t look too happy about it. (He did eventually learn to like his pack.)
You might wonder if we clear the entire 30-some-odd acres like this. No. Wildlife habitat is important too. So large parts are kept thick for the elk, mountain lions, bear, coyotes, deer, and other wildlife that call The Woods home. Cleared areas, like George’s Grove – which is surrounded by road – become important defensible spaces and fire breaks – should fire come through. So, the thick parts are kept – but surrounded by open areas where fire can be stopped. We also protect our riparian areas this way – though the forester who works with us says those areas are too wet to burn much anyway. Fire defense is a way of life here. Our neighbor is putting in a pad large enough for the WA State DNR to land a Hewie on. And the DNR guys have been through a couple of times looking for defensible space, and safe havens for their firefighters. We’ve given them the gate code, and asked them to let us know what they need.
If you look at the picture that had just woods in it…. The left side has been cleared, the right side is only about 1/3 done. That’ll give you and idea of the magnitude of this project.
So, what’s the picture of the dog doing here?? Ah. Everyone pitched in – and Taiko’s job was to schlep water and snacks for the work crew. His pack has 2 2-liter water bladders, plus space for bottles, and much trail mix and other snacks. This picture was the first time he’d been asked to carry that much – and he doesn’t look too happy about it. (He did eventually learn to like his pack.)
Ketchup
Well, here I sit, in the van, at the Forks WA Chamber of Commerce - they have free Wi-Fi. The boys are watching Buster Keeton on the van DVD, and I'm going to upload as much as I can before the battery on my laptop dies. Turns out HP sent the wrong car adapter when we bought this thing - and today was the first time I've tried to use it. Grrrrrrr. The good news is that I have been journaling our travels and travails - even though I haven't been someplace to upload them. So, it's just a lot of copy paste. So, hang on tight - here we goooooooo!!!!!!!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Woods - 17 July



OK, so I spent most of the day in the car going to Spokane to pick up George at the airport. He flew in there, because in our original plan, I was supposed to be coming from Montana today. But, fuel prices nixed that. Anyway, I could stop spending all my time in cars now - that'd be nice.
This evenig I took Taiko for a quick jaunt around the property, and snapped a few pictures.
This weekend we've got online friends who are going on the cruise with us coming up, along with some family friends. We'll celebrate Issac's 7th brithday. (It's actually on the 31st, but this date works well for the family.) I'm looking forward to meeting our cruising pals in person for the first time.
Travel to the Woods - 16 July

We managed to pull out of Collier State Park at about 10 am. Later than I would have liked, but the boys and I are still getting into the swing of things.
In Bend seredipity struck. We stopped for gas and grub, and sharing a parking lot was a U-Wash Dog place. Taiko was dirty when we left Sacramento. And after mosquito repelent, dust, and dirt from the campground - well, untouchable is a fitting description. So, while the boys munched on Burger King - I washed dog. Very nice.
George, who has been following us diligently on SPOT thought our lengthy stop in Bend remarkable, until he logged into the bank to update our checkbook and saw the charge at the U-Wash. That gave him a good giggle. He's loving SPOT. I'm not so certain about him commenting - "I see you parked at the south end of the parking lot at that rest area." Hummmmm. Still, it gives him a great deal of peace of mind, and I can always turn it off. HA!
The pull from Bend to Yakima kept me awake. Winds were heavy, and even though I had the sway bar cranked up - the camper would still bounce around. I can only imagine what pulling a high profile trailer through that crosswind would have been like. Yikes!
We hit Cle Elum at about 6pm. The van, bless it, managed to pull the camper up the ridge to The Woods. It wasn't fast, but we got here. Mom and Dad were waiting with dinner. And the boys and I got set up in about half the time it took us at Collier State Park. We're getting better!
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The King of Jordan rides a Harley
Did you know the King of Jordan rides a Harley? I sure didn't. He, his family, entourage, and about a million security folks were visiting Crater Lake the same day we were. We wandered over to the Crater Lake Lodge to use the restrooms only to find vehicles being stopped and turned around, and a lot of guys walking around with radios and ear buds. (I had learned earlier from one of the visitor center folks that the King of Jordan was visiting the park on this day.)
So, I sat on the low wall holding Taiko as the boys went inside and admired the 10 or so brand new identical Harleys parked outside in a row. Folks that looked like part of his crew were also sitting there. They eyed Taiko, but didn't approach us. On fellow (sounded like a Brit) came over, asked if he was a Weimaraner, and gave Taiko lots of scritches. Which make Taiko very happy. When the boys came out, we traded places. I returned just in time to see everyone mount up, and take off. There was a lead car, and several chase cars in addition to the Harleys. Not to mention the state trooper bringing up the rear.
The bikes may have been new, but their riding gear wasn't. I got the impression the King enjoys his rides.
It's really too bad there wasn't a clearer view of the lake for them.
(No, I didn't get a picture. We sat on the wall, ate trail mix, and enjoyed the spectacle. HA!)
So, I sat on the low wall holding Taiko as the boys went inside and admired the 10 or so brand new identical Harleys parked outside in a row. Folks that looked like part of his crew were also sitting there. They eyed Taiko, but didn't approach us. On fellow (sounded like a Brit) came over, asked if he was a Weimaraner, and gave Taiko lots of scritches. Which make Taiko very happy. When the boys came out, we traded places. I returned just in time to see everyone mount up, and take off. There was a lead car, and several chase cars in addition to the Harleys. Not to mention the state trooper bringing up the rear.
The bikes may have been new, but their riding gear wasn't. I got the impression the King enjoys his rides.
It's really too bad there wasn't a clearer view of the lake for them.
(No, I didn't get a picture. We sat on the wall, ate trail mix, and enjoyed the spectacle. HA!)
Crater Lake - 15 July



This morning started out quite nicely, but got increasingly smoky as the day went on. (Notice how you can't see across the crater in the picture?) First stop was the visitors center to get our Junior Ranger books. Then the boys attended a ranger talk while I sat with Taiko - he wasn't allowed down the trail to the place where the ranger talk was. So, we wandered around the top, sat in the shade, and Taiko basked in the admiration of the other visitors. There were many other dogs there, but Taiko was definitely getting more than his fair share of attention. It reminded me of my first trip to the Grand Canyon a number of years ago when Benton (Taiko's great grand father) got more pictures taken of him by the Japanese tourists than the Canyon!
After two ranger talks, and working out the pages in the book, the boys were awarded their Crater Lake National Park Junior Ranger patches. It joins the patch they each earned in Yosemite in May. They're looking forward to earning more patches at the other National Parks we'll visit.
Ask them sometime about Crater Lake, they'll tell you all about how it was formed, and the importance it plays as an environmental benchmark.
Collier State Park (OR)


First off, here are a couple of pictures taken at the house right before we jumped in the van and left.
We made Collier State Park for the first night. Mom and Dad had driven by it many times and suggested that it might be a good stopping off point for our first night. No reservations are taken - it's first come, first served. We pulled in about about 8pm, and, since it was so late, decided on a pull through spot. I asked for something quiet, and the camp host said "It's quiet as the grave after 10pm." (10? try more like 9! and he was right - it's a very quiet campground.) So, we settled into B15 on his recommendation.
We really liked the campground, full hook ups, 30 minutes from Crater Lake, relatively unknown, clean hot showers, laundry room, for only $17/night. Plus, you can take a short walk to their logging museum. AND, it's dog friendly. What's to hate?
Well, dog friendly might be in question. The massive amounts of chipmunks had Taiko so wound up he refused to eat. And, once they figured out how long his lead was they stayed just out of reach.
Anyway, we got camp set up, and dinner on the table by 9:30pm. Not too bad for our first night.
Everyone was very friendly. I'd really recommend this campground as a jumping off place for trips to Crater Lake. And, if you fish - it's right next to a fishing river.
Sadly, I was so busy keeping the camp running, I neglected to take any pictures. Sigh.
We really liked the campground, full hook ups, 30 minutes from Crater Lake, relatively unknown, clean hot showers, laundry room, for only $17/night. Plus, you can take a short walk to their logging museum. AND, it's dog friendly. What's to hate?
Well, dog friendly might be in question. The massive amounts of chipmunks had Taiko so wound up he refused to eat. And, once they figured out how long his lead was they stayed just out of reach.
Anyway, we got camp set up, and dinner on the table by 9:30pm. Not too bad for our first night.
Everyone was very friendly. I'd really recommend this campground as a jumping off place for trips to Crater Lake. And, if you fish - it's right next to a fishing river.
Sadly, I was so busy keeping the camp running, I neglected to take any pictures. Sigh.
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Monday, July 14, 2008
On the Road
Woo-Hoo!!! We're on the road, finally... About 90 minutes later than I would have liked, but we'll be fine. Tonight... Crater Lake. I'm making this entry while George gets the van filled with gas.
But first! Who's going? On this leg of our adventures we have myself, my boys Jakob (11) and Issac (about to turn 7), and one of our dogs, Taiko. My husband, George, will be joining us at The Woods for 6 days (keep reading), and of course for Wanderings Part 2.
Part 2? It comes in parts? Well, yeah. Part 1 is all about getting into nature and seeing the sights the Pacific NW has to offer. Part 2 - well, isn't.
Here's a brief run down of Part 1:
Tonight, of course, is Crater Lake.
After that we make our way to our family property outside Cle Elem, WA - The Woods. We'll spend about 10 days there making day or single overnight trips into Mt Rainier, Seattle, etc.
From The Woods, we make our way to the Olympic Penisulia. I've planned 6 days there, but I'd like to spend it camping in two different spots. Perhaps rain forest, and ocean. We'll see what works out when we get there. I'm sure the rangers will have some advice.
I'd like to visit Mt St Helens too - so we might take that in for a night or two on our way to the Olympics. We'll play that one by ear.
Then, from the Olympics, down the OR coast: 3 nights in Astoria, 3 nights near Newport, and 3 nights near Coos Bay. We're at a swanky KOA in Astoria - I figure we'll need to do laundry by then! LOL. And at state parks for the rest.
From Coos Bay - we head home. Are we finished with our wanderings? Heck no!! We've just warmed up, next comes Part 2!
Part 2:
I get a two day turn around... unpack, wash, and repack. LOL. Oh, and don't forget to drop off the dog and pick up the husband.
Then off to Disneyland for three days! We're staying at the Grand Californian - very swank. Best of all? I DON'T HAVE TO COOK! No more camp meals! Yee-haw!
From Disneyland we board the Disney Magic. 15 nights as we reposition the Magic from LA back to her home port in FL. Down the Mexican Riveria, through the Panama Canal, Cartegna, Aruba, Disney's private island, and home. Fly home quick! 'Cause school starts the next day!
After 4 weeks in a pop-up with two boys and a large dog - our itty bitty cabin on the Magic is going to seem like a palace!
I'll keep the tracking function of our SPOT on so you can check in to see where we are. This might be particularly interesting as we travel through the Panama Canal.
Well, gotta get the last of the stuff out the door, George will be back soon. Talk to you later!!
But first! Who's going? On this leg of our adventures we have myself, my boys Jakob (11) and Issac (about to turn 7), and one of our dogs, Taiko. My husband, George, will be joining us at The Woods for 6 days (keep reading), and of course for Wanderings Part 2.
Part 2? It comes in parts? Well, yeah. Part 1 is all about getting into nature and seeing the sights the Pacific NW has to offer. Part 2 - well, isn't.
Here's a brief run down of Part 1:
Tonight, of course, is Crater Lake.
After that we make our way to our family property outside Cle Elem, WA - The Woods. We'll spend about 10 days there making day or single overnight trips into Mt Rainier, Seattle, etc.
From The Woods, we make our way to the Olympic Penisulia. I've planned 6 days there, but I'd like to spend it camping in two different spots. Perhaps rain forest, and ocean. We'll see what works out when we get there. I'm sure the rangers will have some advice.
I'd like to visit Mt St Helens too - so we might take that in for a night or two on our way to the Olympics. We'll play that one by ear.
Then, from the Olympics, down the OR coast: 3 nights in Astoria, 3 nights near Newport, and 3 nights near Coos Bay. We're at a swanky KOA in Astoria - I figure we'll need to do laundry by then! LOL. And at state parks for the rest.
From Coos Bay - we head home. Are we finished with our wanderings? Heck no!! We've just warmed up, next comes Part 2!
Part 2:
I get a two day turn around... unpack, wash, and repack. LOL. Oh, and don't forget to drop off the dog and pick up the husband.
Then off to Disneyland for three days! We're staying at the Grand Californian - very swank. Best of all? I DON'T HAVE TO COOK! No more camp meals! Yee-haw!
From Disneyland we board the Disney Magic. 15 nights as we reposition the Magic from LA back to her home port in FL. Down the Mexican Riveria, through the Panama Canal, Cartegna, Aruba, Disney's private island, and home. Fly home quick! 'Cause school starts the next day!
After 4 weeks in a pop-up with two boys and a large dog - our itty bitty cabin on the Magic is going to seem like a palace!
I'll keep the tracking function of our SPOT on so you can check in to see where we are. This might be particularly interesting as we travel through the Panama Canal.
Well, gotta get the last of the stuff out the door, George will be back soon. Talk to you later!!
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