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Archive for August, 2009

Lani and Chris and Their Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week

27 Aug

When I sat down to write about our final day in Washington and our week in Idaho, I could not find any words or stories to share. It was simply an uneventful (and somewhat bad) week. A number of issues popped up causing us great frustration. And, since I know you are tired of hearing all of the good about our journey, I take this time to share with you the challenges we faced this week while living in our Airstream:

  • Our heroes in Spokane

    Our heroes in Spokane

    During our Lake Quinault visit, our fresh water tank’s spigot was broken by a piece of gravel with its sight set on emptying our tank.  The RV shops we passed along the way were too busy to help or not interested (Seriously, one guy said he hated Airstreams. Whatever.) We finally had the issue resolved days later at Airstream of Spokane. This was one of our few positive moments – those folks were simply wonderful and patient with our thousands of questions.

  • We drove more hours than we expected to on Saturday night and when we finally found a campground after getting somewhat lost in the dark on unfamiliar roads, the campground sign read “Full.” It was a sad, sad moment. We ended up in a Wal-Mart parking lot with no freshwater. Also, a sad, sad moment.
  • We spent several hours at the emergency room in Spokane, Washington attempting to get Chris his prescription for Ritalin, a controlled substance. We can’t get the prescription from the family doctor in Virginia. Urgent Care facilities will not prescribe the drug and so we almost always end up at an emergency room spending more money. This time, the doctor would only prescribe two weeks’ worth. Not good.
  • We found a great park in Idaho but it was only available for one night. We spent our entire evening trying to set up our new satellite internet with no luck. Called the satellite service only to be treated poorly and receive no help whatsoever. I am not naming names here should I need their service in the future. But, seriously, is it necessary to be that rude to the customer?
  • As a result of no satellite service and no Verizon MiFi service, we departed the park early on Monday and Chris worked in the car. All. Day. Long.
  • Found a park at Priest Lake that advertised wireless internet and a heated pool. Sounds great, right? Yeah…IF THEY ACTUALLY HAD IT. We didn’t find this out until we were there. The nearby small town had cellular service so Chris spent the next three days, once again, working in a hot car for eight hours.
  • Tried again to set up the satellite. Failed. Not only does it show “Failed” on our computer screen, but, the voice calling out the reception numbers actually spells out “F. A. I. L. E. D.” as though spelling the word hurts us less than just saying it. Called the not-so-friendly satellite service again. Same guy. Rude…again. Finally called the man from whom we purchased the satellite. He was not only friendly (gasp!) but informed us that the actual satellite was having issues.  Yes, the satellite 22,000 miles up in the air was not working.  So, it wasn’t even an issue on our end. Why couldn’t the satellite service people inform us of this. Why? Why??
  • Left the dishonest park to start making our way to the Canadian border. Researched what to expect at the border with an RV and dogs. Learned the dogs needed to have their rabies vaccination. I thought they did. As I searched for the certificates, I learned there had been a mix up at the vet and Buddy had been vaccinated twice while AJ was overdue. As a result, the dogs had to stay at a kennel in Idaho while we moved on to Canada.
Priest Lake, Idaho

Priest Lake, Idaho

So there you have it: our week of challenges. Because it pains me to end this entry sharing only bad memories of the week, I will mention one of our few highlights. While at Priest Lake (a truly beautiful lake), we decided to take a drive up to the state park to see its facilities and also see more views of the lake. What was only supposed to be a quick drive, provided us with a delicious dinner at a local café and beautiful view of Priest Lake at sunset. It was a nice evening among so many frustrating moments.

 
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Posted in Airstream Living, Campgrounds

 

Fish Tales

26 Aug
The fishing hole

A fishing hole at Salt Creek County Park in Port Angeles, WA

It happened! It finally happened! In previous fishing attempts, Chris has lost a few lures in the water, had several instances of extremely tangled fishing line, and, my favorite, tossed half of his fishing rod in the water. So, the fishing experiences had not been that phenomenal to date. But, that all changed in Port Angeles, Washington. We were not sure if fishing was allowed where we were staying until we saw the park ranger and his daughter come back from the shore with a large fish in hand. (Apparently, the daughter caught the fish with her Scooby Doo fishing rod). If a 5-year old can catch a fish, then why can’t Chris, right? So, later that day, off he went to test his fishing skills once again.

It's a big one!

It's a big one!

I walked with him down to the rocky shore but immediately started off my own path while he stopped, prepared for the first cast, and casually tossed the line in expecting nothing in return. I was not yet 15 feet away from him when he started yelling, “I caught something! I caught something! And…it’s big!” I turned and in my supportive and positive wife tone said, “You’re probably just stuck on a rock.” Chris confirmed that he had indeed caught the fish. So, I slowly turned and began making my way back up to his rock. Surprisingly, he HAD caught a fish. So, of course, the panic begins here with me asking, “What are you going to do with it?” And, “how are you going to unhook it?” Chris responded with a calm and confident answer of “I don’t know. Go get those surgical scissor things.” So I did.

The proud moment

The proud moment

He managed to remove the hook and despite the fighting efforts of the fish, tossed him back into the rough waters…but not before doing the necessary pose with the prized catch. While we have proof of the fish in photo, the debate is still open as to a) what type of fish he caught; and b) how large it actually was. A neighbor at the park claims it was a rock cod (but this neighbor seemed to be a little high…er…on life, maybe?). I estimate the fish to be about a foot long. Chris claims it was more like two feet long. Uh huh. Right. I think we finally compromised on a foot and a half. Nevertheless, it was an exciting moment. In anticipation of the next catch, it will be necessary to learn what to do with the fish once we have it. I can assure you, I will leave that task to Chris.

Under the sea

Under the sea

Aside from the amazingly large fish that occupied the water, the shoreline was a great place for exploring and I took advantage of the opportunity one afternoon while Chris was working.  While the tide was low, I walked out and studied the numerous pools full of sea life. Although I had read the information board at the park of what types of things I would see, I wasn’t seeing them.  I quickly latched on to a seemingly knowledgeable family and listened in on their educational conversations.  I probably appeared suspicious, desperate and lonely as I would stand at a distance, overhear their ooohing and ahhing at the pools, then quickly follow behind studying the same pools, taking my pictures, and catching up with them so as to not miss anything cool.  While it may have annoyed the family, I had an excellent time!

"I think I can. I think I can."

"I think I can. I think I can."

For the remainder of the week, I think we managed to visit every fishing spot in the park  in hopes of another catch. I finally told Chris he was pressing his luck and that he needed to stop (it was getting cold, time for dinner, and his obsession was getting worse). His response, “Just a few more minutes. I just know they are out there.” Seconds later, he lost his last lure to the water.

 
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Posted in Campgrounds, Outdoor Adventures

 

Let the Eagle Soar

25 Aug
Chris...in non-formfitting attire.

Chris...in non-formfitting attire.

On our second full day at Lake Quinault, our group of six planned for a morning kayaking trip. When I woke up that morning, the sky was very overcast and it was quite chilly outside. Welcome to the pacific northwest. Chris and I like warm and sunny days. Call us crazy. Seeing the weather outside, we discussed whether our wetsuits, that we’ve never worn but Chris desperately wanted the opportunity to wear something formfitting, would be necessary for this paddle. We (translation: I) decided against them and instead, packed on layers and began the arduous task of getting kayaks down from the top of the truck. We met our friends at the lake. They had on shorts and noted how perfect the weather was for kayaking. (Note to self: So glad I didn’t let Chris talk me into wearing my wetsuit.)

Let the Mighty Eagle Soar

Let the Mighty Eagle Soar

Our paddle was excellent. Once again, paddling with those knowledgeable of all things nature makes the experience much more exciting, not to mention educational. They recognized the different chirps of birds and could spot a bird or its nest from afar. Our most exciting wildlife encounter was a bald eagle perched atop a stump in the water. Chris was able to get a close picture of the eagle before he (the eagle, not Chris) flew away. Meanwhile, for the remainder of the paddle, I had John Ashcroft singing “Let the Eagle Soar” stuck in my head. Not good.

After our paddle, we decided to pack up and depart Lake Quinault in hopes of finding a “home” with internet access for the remainder of the week. We had an incredible drive through Olympic National Park and an interesting stop for dinner in Forks, Washington which, unbeknownst to us, is the setting for the popular Twilight series. This quiet logging town is now the Mecca for Twilight fans and squealing teenage girls. The hostess at the restaurant looked at us as though we had four heads when we asked of the town’s relationship to Twilight. When we confessed we had not read the books nor seen the movie, she then confessed in a whisper so as to not be heard by her employer or the squealing teenage girls that she did not like the books either.

Our view from campsite #5 in Port Angeles, WA

Our view from campsite #5 in Port Angeles, WA

Continuing on, we found a public campground in Port Angeles, Washington. We drove in just minutes before the gates closed and lucked upon a handicap spot that the park ranger allowed us to use (without having to fake a limp). The next day, we started scoping the park early so we could move to a non-handicap spot. I stalked the other campers looking for those that were packing up their tents and trailers and we scored the best site in the park with an amazing view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island. Welcome home, Pokrana family. Welcome home.

 
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Posted in Outdoor Adventures

 

Here, try this wild berry…

14 Aug
Group shot

Group shot

Chris used a few of his vacation days for our very first Airstream mini-caravan. We met our friends and fellow Airstreamers, Bonnie and Steve, along with their friends, Alan and Tracy at Lake Quinault up in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula for a few days of hiking and kayaking. We were completely out of any cell phone or internet coverage areas and it was nice not opening a computer for a few days. (Although, I confess, I experienced some iPhone withdrawal symptoms during this time. I’m working on my addiction…I swear.)

Picking EDIBLE berries

Picking EDIBLE berries

On our first full day there, we went on a hike through the Quinault rain forest with our friends who also happen to be extremely knowledgeable about all things nature. When it comes to nature, I am excellent at pointing out certain things. For example, “Look, there’s a tree.” Or, “Check out that worm. Ew.” That’s the extent of my nature knowledge…er…observations. That said, it was nice hiking with people knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest. As we hiked along, they pointed out the different plants, the beaver dams, the frogs and slugs that I somehow overlooked (how am I so unobservant?), and they even recognized the edible berries. Along our hike we snacked on freshly picked huckleberries and currants . This is a very different experience from my typical hike during which Chris usually says, “Here Lani, try this berry. Let’s see if it is edible.”

"Lake" Irely

"Lake" Irely

While the hike was more about the journey and less on the destination, the trail we were on took us to Lake Irely. I suspect the lake is absolutely beautiful…when it’s there. Unfortunately, the lake was dry and we were presented with a field in the middle of the forest…still quite a sight. A hiker we passed blamed the lack of a lake on the beavers’ dam but my friends/experts state the dry season as the cause and not the innocent little beaver just doing his dam thing. I’ll go with the latter explanation.

Standing inside the world's largest western red cedar

Standing inside the world's largest western red cedar

Another hiking trail took us to the world’s largest western red cedar tree. You could stand in this tree, the inside being the size of my current kitchen, dining room, and maybe even part of the bedroom. It was big and pretty impressive. Little did I know that our Airstream adventure would lead us to see some of the world’s largest trees. Just in the Quinault rain forest alone there are six, SIX!, of the world’s largest trees. We saw two of them. Combine that with our drive-thru tree experience in California, and I feel pretty satisfied about my large tree viewing experiences in life.

A sunset at Lake Quinault

A sunset at Lake Quinault

Our day of hiking was very enjoyable. We all returned to our campsites and then gathered together for dinner later that evening and a gloriously peaceful time on the beach watching the sunset over Lake Quinault. This being my first caravan combined with being in the middle of nowhere, I was very ill-prepared food wise…unless folks wanted to munch on my emergency stash of ramen noodles. The best I could offer was chocolate chip cookies. The others, of course, were more than prepared and offered us grilled halibut, grilled tuna, razor clams, salad, baked beans, homemade guacamole, fruit, and the list goes on. We ate well thanks to our friends. For future caravans, (if they allow us to ever join them again), I know to be better prepared.

 
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Posted in Outdoor Adventures

 

Puppy Love

13 Aug
The Farmer's Market in Eugene

The Farmer's Market in Eugene

Upon leaving the coast of Oregon, we ventured over to Eugene, a city we were excited to see for a number of reasons: 1) We wanted to pay a visit to George M. Sutton RV to have the Airstream serviced; 2) Folks we’ve met along the way have strongly recommended the city as a great place to visit (and live), and; 3) I needed to see the city that is home to the University of Oregon to which Chris paid his deposit twice but never attended school there.

Booths at Eugene's Saturday Market

Booths at Eugene's Saturday Market

We were fortunate to find a site at Armitgage County Park, which offered full hookup (water, sewer, electric, AND cable), was located five miles north of Eugene, was situated on the McKenzie River, and had a huge dog park! How can you beat that, right? At the suggestion of a friend, we checked out Eugene’s Saturday Market, host to crafts, food, and entertainment. Just across the street from that market, was the local Farmer’s Market, an incredible display of locally grown vegetables. It was an entertaining day, full of interesting individuals and delicious food.

We received much needed servicing on the Airstream, specifically our refrigerator issue. Now, thanks to the kind folks at Sutton RV, our refrigerator can run off the propane when we are traveling or not hooked up and I don’t have to worry about food spoiling. We also took the time to take a look at the other Airstreams on Sutton’s lot and while all are incredible, we now feel confident that we selected the Airstream that suits us best. Always nice to have confirmation that the expensive purchase was the correct purchase.

Some other worthwhile purchases were also made in Eugene: 1) an internet satellite so that we can hopefully explore outside of the Verizon Broadband region (no offense to Verizon, we’ve had great success with our MiFi so far); and 2) my beloved and cherished iPhone that I resisted for so many years. Oh iPhone, how have I lived without you all this time?

7-12-09a 006

Buddy dreaming of poodles. AJ haunted by the 180lb. beast.

Our time in Eugene was productive (and expensive), but not too full of adventure. It could be that the extremely and unusual hot temperatures during our visit made the exploration of the region difficult. Chris did manage to attempt fishing again but that fun time came to end when his lure was lost in the river. The dogs, however, had a wild and crazy time exploring the dog park. Perhaps this was their time for freedom and fun. Buddy fell in love with, not one, but two poodles and expressed his love in a not-so-appropriate way. He also successfully and proudly marked every square inch of the dog park. Meanwhile, AJ captured the heart (and tongue) of a dog that weighed approximately 180 lbs. and who found great joy in licking AJ from head to tail. AJ, covered in dog saliva, was not amused.

 
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Posted in Airstream Living, Campgrounds

 
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