Day 26



Just a driving through a tree!




I can leap BIG logs




Peaceful in Lassen Volcanic National Park




BIG tree

 We are camped in central CA on our way to 5 national parks over Labor Day weekend.  We are planning to get into King Canyon before noon to try and get a camp site.  Many sites in the national parks are on a first come bases so our plan is to get a site today and sit tight for the weekend.  Our trip meter hit 4646 miles yesterday.
Good weather continues to follow us.  The only rainy dark day was the day we were in Crater Lake NP and of course that meant we did not get to see the lake with the sun shining on it.  One day in the last 25--I will not complain.
The sights, the people, the national parks have all been spectacular so far.  As someone who is concerned about the cost etc I even have to say I have been pleased with gas prices.  We did see one station that was $4.29 but the most we have paid is $3.99 and with that we put in 4 gallons and in the next town it was $3.79.  On our way out of camp today a fill up will cost $3.49.  Times have changed when one talks about being pleased with that price of gas!!
After we see the last of the 7 CA national parks we do not have a plan.  There is one in south AZ that we will take in but then we are not sure what route we will take as we head back to MN.  Our plan is to arrive in St. Paul Monday, Sept 16.  We will spend 3 days there and then head out to Madison, Chicago, South Bend and MI starting the 19.  Have to see Aaron's counter top, and have to spend time with Elspeth Zoe for sure.
Sounds like we are missing the HOT weather for the summer in St. Paul. 
Enough for now.  I am thinking we will be without internet over the weekend as the national parks are good for that or electrical.

Starting week 4--day 22



Deer me!




Guess what mountain




can you see the bird on the log--Lake Cresent in WA




That tree stump could be a good table!

 We are with in Shady Cove OR with Terry's cousin Leslie.  Had a delicious dinner out last night and Terry's other cousin, Leslie's brother Mark, joined us.  A wonderful time.  Tomorrow will head to Crater Lake NP and then into CA early in the week.  We watched the speedometer turn 3500 for the trip yesterday and are guessing by mid September it will be near 7000.  Today we may raft down the river if the weather is good.  There have been many many fires in the west and as I sit in the living room now I see smoke in the west.
Leslie has breakfast ready so will sign off.

The end of day 20!



Jude, 4 years old the 18th




Henry, double digits the 21st




clouds in the mountains

We left Washington about noon and are now along the Oregon coast.  We enjoyed snow covered Mt. Rainer.  Tomorrow we will visit a cousin of Terry's and then on Sunday will visit Crater Lake NP.  We do not know what we will do from there but at that point will start with the northern most NP in California and zig zag south through CA until we get to NP #7 in southern CA.  We have made no reservations so far and have been fine but for Labor Day weekend who knows!
Have not heard from Cynthia and Mike but do know that they are scheduled to sign on for their new home tomorrow and at the same time sign off on the Morgan home.  We think they have been moving and working in the new home since the 13th so exciting times for sure.
We visited our 4th micro brewery today.  It was a wait but after we were seated I asked a person if they were always this busy and they said "today it is slow!" 
So far we have had a grand time.  Snow covered peaks, calm lakes and many many friendly people. 
Tonight is the first time we have had an electrical hook up in several days.  We have found that if we travel each day the car will charge the battery enough so we do not need to plug in.
Enough for now.

Day nineteen

Those darn mountains!  I have had no way to post in the last couple of days and even today I can not post pictures so Jude, August 18 turned 4 and today the 21 Henry turns double digits!  Happy birthday Jude and happy birthday Henry.
We are headed to Mt Rainer today and were told yesterday camp sites are hard to find so will give it our best early afternoon.  As I write I am sitting in a rain forest by a lake that is like glass.  The mountains in the back remind me of God's greatest.
Now the big test, will this post!

Day Sixteen

We have left Cascade National Park and are on Whidbey Island west of Seattle.  We will ferry over to Olympic National Park tomorrow, spend Tuesday in Canada and on Thursday head to Mt. Rainer Park.  So far we have enjoyed perfect weather and have seen many things.  We have determined that we can easily camp for two nights without electric power and three if necessary.  For the time being we plan to do electric and then two nights without.  In the national parks the senior fee is $4.-$6. so can not beat that price.  It kind of makes up for the $3.75+ gas we see in the west. 
I have gotten three growlers so far.  Again not important but fun!
We seldom have internet or phone service but that is fine.  Tonight we have internet in a state park.  For the first 20+ minutes it seemed like a lost cause but then it kicked in and now it is fine.  Perhaps in a few minutes it will be not so good again.  Temp has been in the low 70's during the day and 60's at night. 
enough for now.

End of week TWO

One of the first things a person notices is flowers.  They seem to grow every where and in all kinds of places.  Some how they are brighter here than in MN or FL.  One can look out over a field that is mostly rocks and flowers dot the landscape everywhere. 
We arrived in Monitor WA about 5:15 yesterday.  We  had planned to travel until 6:00  or so but I told Terry I was done for the day.  We found a very very nice county park right by the road and for $25 secured an overflow spot with electrical.  That is cheaper than WA state parks so we will see where we stay in the next few weeks.  The bathrooms are very clean and the women's is bright pick and the men's is bright green!
The highlight of yesterday was the Coulee Dam.  They have several tubines there each with 65,000 hp.  Very interesting.  On our way out of town we decided to stop at a local cafe but after sitting down in a dirty booth we got up and left.  Instead we stopped at Safeway and purchased a deli 32 oz sandwich for $6.99.  That was lunch and dinner!
The road to North Cascade National Park is closed due to mud slides so we will  have to travel about 150 miles out of our way to get there.  No problem as WA is such an interesting state I think we could visit here for weeks.
GAS:( :( :(   So far we  have seen gas in the $3.65-$3.85 range but as is always the case near points of interest it is HIGH.  As you entered Glacier it was $4.23 and at the dam yesterday it was $4.08.  Of course we plan ahead so we do not need to buy at those places but it always amazes me that they can get by with that kind of mark up.
We have a problem most days when we get to a camp site.  Almost before we get out of the car there is usually 2 or three people asking questions about the camper--makes it hard to set up right away.  I am sure we could charge $.50 a look and pay for our trip!
Today we head towards Seattle and we are not sure where we will camp.  I am thinking we will need to stop earlier in the day as today is Friday.  I am glad we have not made reservations as we can go or come as we please but the weekend may be more tricky to find a camp spot.  Many places are full with long term campers.  It is surprising how many people we talk to who are or have spent 1-3  or more years touring the country in their camper.  Of course it would be very easy to find things to see over that period of time but still!
Enough for now as there is work to do--yes one has things to do on vacation too!  Still a bit  of FP left but can sip that as I get some things done.

Day THIRTEEN



looking for berries




near our St. Mary's camp ground




deer me




blast from the past




a 4 year old grizzly




nine mountain goats

Here we are on day 13 camped in Idaho about 1900 miles from St. Paul.  As I sit here the road noise is loud but I will not complain.  We were in Glacier for 4 nights without showers and electric power so last night we charged the battery, showered and it was a good night!
Not sure how Larry and I got to be in with all those animals but then maybe it is OK.  I met Larry in 1957 as I entered 4th grade in Cayuga, we played sports together in high school, roomed together for 2 1/2 years in college and then lost touch for for 41 years.  It was a fun time to kind of catch up and spend some time together.  From Larry's early years he has been so interested in guns, hunting, fishing etc.  I would say he is living the dream now. 
We have seen a lot of wild life.  A family that camped next to us in Glacier experienced a grizzly up close and personal as they were on a hike a grizzly stepped into their path about 20 feet in front of them, growled and then headed off! 
We head farther west today and plan to end up in central or western Washington.  We have no plans except to see new things, have fun and experience our wonderful country.
Not sure if we will have internet or phone service tonight.  As Terry turned on the phones yesterday after 4 days of having them off I had forgotten  how annoying they can be--but necessary of course.
We purchased new travel cups yesterday and this morning for the first time my coffee stays warm for a long time. 
We stopped at a micro brewery yesterday  in Polson MT.  I now have two growlers on the trip.  Important--not really--fun--for sure!!
Time to pack things up and get on the road.  
One last thing.  We have not heard but are thinking Cynthia and Mike were working hard yesterday on taking up carpet so that the floors could be redone in their new house.  Exciting and we hope that all is going well.  Their plan was to own 2 houses for 10 days and then close on their old and new August 23rd.  Exciting times for the Adkins. 

Day 12

No pictures today but maybe tonight.  We have been without internet and cell service for a few days and it has been peaceful!!
We will depart Glacier this morning and head for points west.  Glacier has been very very fun.  We have seen mountain goats, a grizzly, a black bear, deer, a coyote and more.  The scenery is so beautiful and the hikes have been fun.  Yesterday we walked about a mile and a half to a waterfall that was about 100 feet high. 
The people we have met have been so friendly and so many love our camper.  By the way we have survived 4 days without electrical hookup.  I started the car three times to make sure the battery did not go below 11.1 as that is when the cooler shuts down.  This morning it was 11.7 so we will be good to go until tonight when we need to plug in.
We did miss calling Aaron on his 40th on Monday and Stephanie, Terry's niece, on Tuesday. 
I often think of our two days with my friend Larry.  I purchased a rifle from him but he will not miss it.  He claims he is down sizing in his guns but we will see.  He is not sure how many he has but my guess would be close to three figures. 
As I sit here this morning I can see mountain peaks all around me and soon the sun will be in my face which will mean I will not be able to see the screen.
We have seen so many different campers.  We talked with a couple who have a 23 foot Airstream.  They had a huge rig before and traveled the 49 continental states in three years with it.  Pretty interesting to talk to.  We saw a medium size home made plywood camper yesterday.  I don't think I would like to pull that through the mountains.
With no electrial the computer is getting low as is my FP.

Two Days Early

Two days early--Aaron will turn 40 on Monday but we will be in Glacier National Park and for sure will not have any Internet service or phone for that matter.  Here you see Aaron and family last week, Aaron in Devils Lake in our kitchen and Aaron's graduation picture.  FORTY, wow it seems like time has gone way way too fast Aaron.  You have done a wonderful job with work, family and life.  Love you lotz!!
We are about ready to have walleye for breakfast before we depart Larrys.  We should arrive in Glacier this afternoon and be there until Wednesday.  We are expecting cool temps, no phone or Internet and we are banking on a whole host of memories in the making.  We purchased an extra blanket yesterday so we are set.  We have enjoyed a super stay with Larry and to be correct the last time we spent time was August of 1972!!  I hope it is not another 41 years til we meet again.
No FP coffee these last mornings but I have been OK :)
I suspect the next time I get on the computer will be Wednesday PM at the earliest.

Day Seven



Dave and Marlys




body of Dave's guitar




the neck




the back

 Here is the guitar that Dave is making.  Oh my it is hard to believe the work he is doing on it.  He started out with a piece of wood for the body that was about 3/16 of an inch and maybe 30 hours later he had it at about 3/32 of an inch.  I may not have my figures perfect but the work he did is something that is very close to a lost art.  I was/am extremely impressed and maybe a bit jealous that his skills are so far beyond what mine will ever be.
We arrived in Havre MT about noonish yesterday.  As my friend Larry called to see where we were we pulled into his driveway.  We have 40 years of catching up so it has been fun.  Larry is a BIG TIME hunter so the stories are plenty.  I would say for every gun I may have he has at least 7!!!  
I guess we will see the country today which should be fun.  Terry and I have to get a warm blanket.  We left without warmth and the expectations are that in Glacier it will be in the 40's at night and there will be no heat in the camper.
Enough for now.  It was Larry's coffee this morning but I may introduce Larry to FP tomorrow.

Day Six

It is early in day six.  We are camped in a city park in Malta MT.  We stopped at an camping place in Glasgow and their fee for a minimal camp site was 42 or 44 dollars so we jumped in the car and drove another 70 miles.  Terry found a city park in our book and here we are.  $3.00 for the night!!!!
We are 90 miles from Havre where we will connect with friend Larry today.  Then on Saturday we head to Glacier for 4 nights. 
We visited the Peace Gardens in ND Tuesday.  It was cool, rainy and the Gardens were a big disappointment.  Some flowers but not really wonderful.  We are hoping Glacier holds all that we expect!
Travel has been uneventful which we are thankful for.  As we traveled through Willliston ND we saw first hand the impact oil has there.  Pretty much big rigs and white pickups controlled the road ways!
For people who know John and Mary we finally found out Elspeth's middle name---Zoe.  So our 10th grand child  is Elspeth Zoe Lee.  We can hardly wait to see her next month.
The sun is now up over the trees and is making it almost impossible to see what I am writing.  Oh how I like that FP in the fresh morning air!

Day Four

We are camped at Graham's Island State Park near Devils Lake ND.  It has wonderful campsites and is so nice.  We drove into the town of Devils Lake and stopped at the School for the Deaf where I worked for 8 years.  We visited with Lila, who was just out of college when she came to work there and was my teacher's aide for 2 years.  She is still there and perhaps ready to retire soon.  Also drove past 710 3rd street where we lived for 6 years. 
The lake, Devils lake is just unbelievable.  In 1993 it was 46,000 square  miles and today it is 260,000 square miles.  There is water everywhere you look. 
It is on to the Peace Gardens today and then tomorrow we will head west.
We had a great time with brother Dave and Marlys.  Dave is doing well but the recovery is slow.
No more FP.

Day Two

For some reason I can not get pictures to load this morning.  We are at a very nice State Park east of Moorhead MN.  Buffalo River State Park.  After visiting 42 state parks last year this is our first in 2013!
Enjoyed Luke Saunders' wedding yesterday.  With so many kinds of weddings these days it was refreshing to attend a traditional wedding where the Lord was center and the couple express their love of God.  It was also so nice to have many family and extended family there.  Surely we missed John and family and Travis. 
We will have brunch with Grandma Saunders along with many family and then head to Jamestown to spend the night with brother Dave and Marlys.  It sounds like Dave is recovering from open heart surgery and we are excited to see  him. 
After much time spent our camper battery is working so every thing is COOL! 
Yesterday morning I must have walked around the house a dozen times looking and thinking about everything we needed.  About two hours out of the cities Terry asked if we had our passports and :( :(.   So hopefully Travis can come to the rescue by sending them to Havre MT where we will be on Thursday and Friday.  I am excited to visit Larry F in Havre.  He was my best friend from 4th grade through much of college and then of course we went in different directions.  The last time we were together was 40 years ago.  I know I am not very good at connections but 40 years---a bit long.
In this fresh outdoor air the FP cools quickly so I had to drink fast.  FP all gone and the mind is empty!

We have a baby---#10

Here is ELSPETH ________ Lee.  She weighed in at 20 1/2 inches, 8 lb 6 oz and she arrived at 12:05 AM on the last day of July, the 31st!  Middle name is coming soon.  Word is that Mother and daughter are doing fine.
Oh my so much is going on.  Our tiny camper was still having battery problems as of yesterday when I called in the morning.  We determined that the business had made a mistake when they assembled the camper in 2012 and the person who fixed it last week also did some wrong things so the owner of the company drove here (a 3 hour drive), fixed it correctly and drove back last night.  So now we have power, we have a baby but not much time before we head out on Saturday. 
I am not sure I mentioned that Cynthia and Mike will be moving into a different house mid August.  The house is huge, it is old, it has much character and they are so excited.  Little Jude could not stop running and jumping in the house when we were there Tuesday.  It is in West St. Paul and from their third floor they have a wonderful view of the Mississippi River even though they are perhaps 2 or 3 miles away. 
It is almost impossible to believe that it is August 2013.  I do not know where the summer went or should I say going.  We are enjoying a limited amount of veggies from the garden.  The tomatoes are on the west side of the house so I miss stopping and eating one or two as I walk out to the garage, last year they were right on my way. 
I better make sure everyone knows that #10 does not mean John and Mary have 10.  It means that in this order 1. Henry, 2. Liam, 3. Leo, 4. Faustina, 5. Audrey, 6. Jude, 7. Ruby, 8. Ben, 9. Agatha and 10. Elspeth.  The ages are 9, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 3, 1, 3 months and new born!!  Henry turns double digits this month.
Enough words and not enough FP.