August 8 - 12, 2012 "Fishin' in Cascade, MT"

We got an early start on our journey from Essex to Cascade, leaving around 8:30 am. Normally we hit the road around 10 am, but Carl started tearing down and getting ready to go before the sun came up. The 200 mile trek was an easy one as far as traffic was concerned, but MT-89 had a few stretches of narrow, winding pavement with no shoulders, and that makes driving this rig challenging; add a 25 MPH side wind and the task becomes daunting.

Arriving at Prewett Creek RV Park shortly after 2 pm, we were given a pull-thru site, but the rig wouldn’t level due to excess slope, so we asked if we could reverse our direction, which the owner OK’d, and we were then quickly level and settled into our new home for the week. (As usual, click on any image to enlarge.)

The following morning Carl wanted to visit the C. M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, about 35 miles north. Since none of us had any better ideas, off we went. Carl had firsthand knowledge of Russell, since he majored in Art History at MFU back when Russell was still alive, coupled with the fact they were both from the St. Louis area.  

Charles Marion Russell (March 19, 1864 – October 24, 1926), also known as C. M. Russell, Charlie Russell, and "Kid" Russell, was an artist of the Old American West. Russell created more than 2,000 paintings of cowboys, Indians, and landscapes set in the Western United States and in Alberta, Canada, in addition to bronze sculptures. Known as 'the cowboy artist', Russell was also a storyteller and author. The C. M. Russell Museum Complex located in Great Falls, Montana houses more than 2,000 Russell artworks, personal objects, and artifacts.

Russell's mural titled Lewis and Clark Meeting the Flathead Indians hangs in the state capitol building in Helena, Montana. Russell's 1918 painting Piegans sold for $5.6 million dollars at a 2005 auction.

We have visited many museums since our journey began 27 months ago, and it still mystifies me why some museums will not let you take photos inside, but that is a fact with this one. In fact, they employed 4 Gestapo in the section where Russell’s watercolors were displayed. I saw one lady try and take a picture using her cell phone, and she was quickly reprimanded and asked to delete the photo or she would be escorted off of the premises. Come on now, really? This is Montana where most people still carry guns. I just don’t get it. (OK, I’m done with my rant; getting down off my soapbox.)

After the museum, it was time for lunch, and CC decided on Pizza Hut. After lunch, Carl wanted to get his truck washed. From there we ventured to an ATM, Wal-Mart, Albertson’s and Libations. By the time we got back home it was Happy Hour. As we sat in the shade, sipping our beverages, we were visited by several “locals”.

The following day we just decided to tour the area along the Missouri River, which happens to be right across Old Hwy 91, about 100 yards from our campsite. Actually Carl wanted to scout for some spots to fly fish from the bank. On our journey up-river we found several he thought to be ideal. By the time we made it to Wolf Creek, it was time for lunch. I could tell CC was getting “itchy fingers” by the way she was acting, so lo and behold we stumbled across one location that filled all our needs.

The answer is no, CC wasn’t lucky but, I think her ailment is cured pacified, at least for now. We left Wolf Creek and headed north, downstream. (Sounds funny to me; we usually think of downstream to be south.) Nearly an hour later we were again home, and just by chance it was, altogether now, Happy Hour; ‘cause we are!

The next morning, Carl was up early as he had hired a guide to fly fish the Missouri River. He returned shortly after 1:30 pm, with no fish, but plenty of tall tales of the one that got away. J.P., the guide, provided these two pictures as evidence that he did indeed catch at least two nice trout; one Brown and one Rainbow.

It seems Montana has a law that prohibits anglers from keeping fish, IF they were caught while using a guide. If you want to keep fish here, you either fish from the bank or boat WITHOUT a guide. Carl has now fished almost every day, and we are still awaiting a fish fry. Guess that’s why they call it “fishing”, and not “catching”. All kidding aside, on his first outing with J.P. Carl said he boated 15, and on his second, he boated 20 and hooked another 25 that he failed to boat. Really??? 

We’ll be here for another day, and then on to Bozeman for an overnighter, before getting to Cody, WY on Wednesday for a few days to visit Yellowstone NP. Thanks for stopping by; until next time, take care and stay well……………….

August 1 - 7, 2012 "Glacier National Park"

We have been so busy since our last blog, it’s hard to remember everything, but here we go.

We left Deer Park and moved our home to Wallace RV Park in, you guessed it, Wallace, ID. We only intended to stay the night, but the park manager told us of a few interesting things to see in Wallace, so we decided to stay an extra day. 

The Oasis Bordello Museum is housed in a former brothel which was still in business as recently as 1988. The final occupants left in a hurry, leaving the upper rooms with their belongings as though they were going to come back. A local entrepreneur purchased the building in 1993, opening the doors once again as a reminder of Wallace's colorful past. Although the guided tour through the second floor brothel is the main attraction, the Oasis Bordello Museum has several other displays of interest: a still and an old wine press in the basement. Inside there are several “No Pictures Allowed” signs posted, so……Both CC and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour, and it was well worth the $5 entrance fee. (As usual, click on any image to enlarge)

All of downtown Wallace is on the National Historic Register, and the architecture is amazing. We also visited the Mining Museum, and they claim Wallace to be the wealthiest mining district in the US, having produced metals worth over $ 6.9 Billion. Who would have known such a quaint little town existed, had we not stopped and taken the time to look around.

The following morning, we moved along I-90, in route to Polson, MT. CC had been trying to find us a new home close to Glacier National Park, but this is the summer vacation season, and the closest she could find was Polson, on the shores of Flathead Lake, which is about 80 miles from the park. The trip was uneventful, which is just the way we like it. It was mid-afternoon by the time we got set up, so decided a trip to the pool / hot tub was in order at our home for two nights; Eagle’s Nest RV Park.

Thursday morning, we left “home” at 6 am, in order to catch the Red Jammer Bus Tour of Glacier NP. Our first stop was lake McDonald, which is one of the most scenic lakes in the park and is also the longest and deepest. Immense glaciers carved out the 10-mile-long, 464-foot-deep lake. The Kootenai Indians called it “Sacred Dancing Lake” and performed ceremonies on the shores.

Red Jammers are buses used at Glacier National Park in the United States to transport park visitors. While the buses are called reds, the bus drivers are called jammers because of the sound the gears made when shifting on the steep roads of the park. The "jamming" sound came from the unsynchronized transmissions, where double-clutching was a must.

Originally tested at Yosemite National Park in California in 1935, they were manufactured as the Model 706 by the White Motor Company from 1936-1939. The distinctive vehicles, with roll-back canvas convertible tops, were the product of noted industrial designer Alexis de Sakhnoffsky, and originally operated in seven National Parks. Glacier National Park still operates 33 of their original buses today on the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana, where they are referred to as Red Jammers. Glacier's "missing" buses still survive to this day. The park kept one in its original condition at their headquarters in West Glacier, while the other operates in Anaconda, MT giving tourists a ride around the town. Yellowstone National Park runs 7 of their original 98 and also keeps one in its original condition. Glacier's were restored from 2000-2002 by Ford Motor Company, at a cost of $4.5 million, to run on propane or gas to lessen their environmental impact. The bodies were removed from their original chassis and built upon modern Ford E-Series van chassis. The original standard transmissions were also replaced in 1989 with newer automatics, removing the trademark "jamming" sound. 

Glacial horns, or pyramidal peaks, are formed when cirques, that are adjacent to one another, carve back into the headwall of the mountainside and form steep arétes. These peaks take on a pyramid shape. Probably one of the best known horns is the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps, and the main reason Glacier NP was originally nicknamed “The American Alps”.

There are 25 glaciers in the park today. A glacier is defined as an ice field at least 100 feet deep covering at least 25 acres, and moving at least 4 inches per year.

Goose Island in St. Mary’s Lake was formed when the top of a nearby mountain peak collapsed into the lake thousands of years ago. The local Indians tell of a time when two young lovers from opposing tribes would swim to the island for a clandestine rendezvous, and is the basis for this Johnny Preston hit from 1959.

On the bank of the river

Stood Running Bear
Young Indian brave
On the other side of the river
Stood his lovely Indian maid
Little White Dove was her name
Such a lovely sight to see
But their tribes fought with each other
So their love could never be

Running Bear loved Little White Dove
With a love big as the sky
Running Bear loved Little White Dove
With a love that couldn't die

He couldn't swim the raging river
'Cause the river was too wide
He couldn't reach the Little White Dove
Waiting on the other side
In the moonlight he could see her
Throwing kisses 'cross the waves
Her little heart was beating faster
Waiting for her Indian brave

Running Bear loved Little White Dove
With a love big as the sky
Running Bear loved Little White Dove
With a love that couldn't die

Running Bear dove in the water
Little White Dove did the same
And they swam out to each other
Through the swirling stream they came
As their hands touched and their lips met
The raging river pulled them down
Now they'll always be together
In their happy hunting ground

Running Bear loved Little White Dove
With a love big as the sky
Running Bear loved Little White Dove
With a love that couldn't die



Many Glacier Hotel is located along the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake inside Glacier National Park. The great northern railroad built this historic hotel in 1915 to accommodate the many tourists passing through Glacier National Park. Many Glacier Hotel is built in the Swiss Chalet style and the Swiss theme is carried through the interior of the hotel as well.

Glacier NP is home to many wildlife species. We saw a black bear, deer, elk, marmots, big horn sheep and mountain goats. We had hoped to see moose, but they proved too elusive for us.

Up early Friday morning we moved to Glacier Meadows RV Park in Essex, MT, to meet our Winter Texan friends Carl “Cool Whip” and Carla, who traveled north from their home in MO to watch their grandson play ball in a regional tournament. We arrived within minutes of each other, and after we both got set up, we finally managed to catch up on each other’s lives / travel since we departed Texas the end of March.

Since we had already taken the tour of Glacier, the following day we played tour guide, and once again entered Glacier NP. Driving the narrow, steep, winding roads gave me a new perspective on what the “jammers” do every day. It also gave us opportunities to take pictures from different locations throughout the park. Carl and Carla, pictured below, with Goose Island in the background.

The next morning Carl decided he wanted to see more of Glacier, so off we were to Polebridge, MT, located 15 miles south of the Canadian border on the west side of the park. The surrounding area is magnificent, and the small town operates on solar and generator energy to the two business in town; the Mercantile with an awesome bakery, and the Northern Lights Saloon where we “sampled” a few of their micro-brews.

Carl, ever the “eager beaver”, in more ways than one, convinced us we needed to see Bowman Lake, north of Polebridge. Once again we entered Glacier NP, and were told by the ranger the drive to Bowman was about 12 miles, and would take us a little over an hour to get there, as the road was single lane unimproved; basically a glorified Jeep trail. I think the picture below speaks for itself when people ask me if the drive was worth it. What do you think?

Well, that pretty much sums up our week; hope yours was as good as ours. Thanks for taking the time to stop by. Until next time from Cascade, MT, take care and stay well……………..

July 23 - 29, 2012 "Chillin' in Deer Park, WA"

Click for weather forecast

We got a late start on Monday morning, mainly because we both had a difficult time falling asleep on Sunday night. The 135 mile trip across I-90- was wind aided by a strong wind from the SW. While we enjoyed our stay at Suncrest in Moses Lake, we were more than pleasantly surprised when we arrived at Spokane RV and Golf Resort. (Click on any image to enlarge)

This is what we are forced to look at from the picture window in the front of the rig.

Tuesday morning we got energetic and washed and waxed the rig. While I washed the roof, CC cleaned inside. After that, we both tackled the outside, and managed to get it all done except for the south side. By that time the sun was shining on the surface, making waxing impossible. We’ll finish up early tomorrow morning before the sun alters our plans.

Wednesday after our “chore for the day” was completed, decided a road trip to Spokane was in order. We usually do the Information Center first, which provides us will useful information. The lady working there was very helpful, and gave us a map of the Riverpark area; so off we went. Finding parking was simple and cheap; $3 for 4 hours, very different from Seattle.

We had a nice walk along the Spokane River, through the park, and down to Spokane Falls. CC commented that we are now “Fall Snobs”, seeing so many in the last 3 months makes us critical of ones that are only so-so.

By now it was time for lunch, so we meandered over the few blocks to River Park Square, which is a coy way of describing a four story shopping mall. I am still confused as to just how CC can find these, having never been in the cities we have visited this Spring/Summer. As near as I can surmise, it’s similar to the radar navigation bats use; it’s invisible and eerily exists.

After lunch we followed “The Sculpture Walk” for awhile, and we amazed at some of the 22 pieces on display. This one by David Govedare (1984), entitled “The Joy of Running Together”, depicts runners of all kinds, as it celebrates Bloomsday, the largest timed running race in the world!

Harold Balazs created “Centennial” in 1978, which is an abstract aluminum sculpture that “floats” in the Spokane River.

It’s no pig, so rubbing its nose won’t bring good fortune, but this goat can eat small pieces of garbage with the aid of an internal vacuum digestive system. Now that’s what I call “Working Art”, and was created by Sister Paula Tunbull in 1974.

The Rotary Riverfront Fountain, by Harold Balazs and Bob Perron is interactive, which on this warm day the children seemed to enjoy. There are numerous free playgrounds and exhibits in the park, which I personally think is great that anyone and everyone can enjoy this carefully planned island.

Next stop, a short 25 mile drive east to Coeur D’Alene, ID. We stopped at the visitor’s center once again, and asked about some things to do in limited time, since it was late in the day. OK, on to the Boardwalk which encircles the marina, and the views of the lake are fantastic. IMHO, Lake Couer D’Alene is one of the most picturesque lakes in the US.

One would have a hard time believing we are in the midst of a struggling economy with all the toys in the marina. CC found a 2012 46 foot Regal cruiser that she liked; I had to remind her who she was married to.

By the time we made it to the end of the Boadwalk it was getting late, and as we discussed our dinner plans, CC guided me along. “How about this?” she quipped.

Again, I had to remind her. I sometimes think senility is settling upon her, especially at times like this. With that, we continued to the Equinox, and exited the “free” parking lot adjacent to the marina. I just love the sound of that word.

The remainder of the week, we did catch up on long overdue chores in and outside the rig. CC got caught up on the laundry, including the bedding. The washer in the rig is only big enough to wash one sheet at a time, so when she has the luxury of residential or commercial washers and dryers, she opts for that, as it saves a lot of time.

We are both Olympic junkies, so the balance of our indoor activities has been planned around them. (at least MOST of ‘em)  I thought the opening ceremony was well done, not as elaborate as China, but enjoyable and entertaining none the less. It doesn’t appear the financial crisis is worldwide, as there were 60,000 attendees to the opening ceremony that paid $5,000 per ticket to be present; total revenue for that one event, a mere $300 million.

Tomorrow we will move east to Kellogg, ID, and later in the week to Montana, where we will get to see the majestic Glacier National Park; might as well join us! Thanks for stopping by, until next time, take care and stay well………………... 

July 15 - 22, 2012 "Snoqualmie to Moses Lake, WA"

We spent the first two days at Snoqualmie River RV Park getting T2 put back the way T1 was. It seems like every time we opened up a new piece of software, it needed to be formatted to our preferences. So with that endeavor behind us, now we can do the usual WDYWTDT. Since it was Friday, I thought Pikes Place Market in Seattle might be a little less crowded than over the weekend, and so off we went. (As usual, click on any image to enlarge.)

I think I was wrong. This place is packed. After driving around for 30 minutes looking for a parking place, CC spotted a sign that read “$7 Parking”. By now, I just wanted to get out of the car; we’re burning daylight. Well, seems $7 is for 30 minutes, so we paid $14 for the hour, and went searching for “The Pig”.  A local legend states that rubbing the pig before you enter the market will bring you prosperity and good luck; rub away CC.

The market was so crowded we decided after an hour, to drive down to the piers and have lunch. As we approached the area, I noticed a Carnival Cruise Ship in port; well, that explains the crowds. After another 30 minites of looking for a place to park, we gave up that idea, and ventured to Ivar’s for lunch. I had the grilled salmon, while CC opted for the fish and prawns. They were both very good, but by now, we were both starving, so I’m sure anything would good.

After lunch it was off to the Space Needle, but as this day was evolving, the crowds were increasing, not decreasing. After another 30 minutes looking for a parking place, we gave up and instructed Nuvi to take us home. For those that haven’t encountered I-5 in this area, don’t know about the Express Lanes. Yep, you got it; in the wrong lane at the wrong time and you end up in Everett.

The following day we decided on something a little less adventurous. Snoqualmie Falls is only a few miles, so that is where our daily excursion started.

As we walked back to the Equinox, CC informed me of a nearby casino, which has a great $9.99 buffet for seniors with a club card. (I could tell she was getting itchy fingers, having not fondled a video poker machine in weeks?) After signing up for our club card and a reasonably good lunch buffet for $10.99 each, CC led me to the den of iniquity. I fought as hard as I could, but it was all in vain. She tugged $20 from my pocket, and said, “Wish me luck!”

Back at the rig it was now happy hour, and we talked about our next move to Moses Lake. And no, she wasn’t lucky. Tomorrow we will move 150 miles eastward.

After a leisurely 3 hour drive, even stopping for lunch along the way, we arrived at Sunset Resort RV Park around 2 pm. This park had mixed reviews, but my first impression was favorable; very clean and well maintained. It took us about an hour to check in and get set up, which happened to coincide with Happy Hour. (A little earlier than usual, but that’s OK on travel day.) After dinner we opted for the spa, and it felt great, having not had one since Hoodsport.

We decided on a day of R&R. CC wanted / needed to do laundry, and I had a few more bugs to work out of T2. Later in the day we went to Wally World for some provisioning. Back at the rig, we celebrated Happy Hour, had dinner and after that, another relaxing spa / hot tub. Now this I could get used to.

Today, we had Grand Coulee Dam in our sights, as it’s only 65 miles from the park. We got a late start, and arrived in Grand Coulee just in time for lunch. Feeling fully nourished, and up to the dam task at hand. First stop; the visitors center.

Upon entry into the visitors center, the girl working the desk asked, “Would you like a dam tour?”  I thought it odd, if she doesn't like her job, why doesn't she just quit, and get another one. But, what the heck, “Sure, we’ll take your dam tour”, I responded. “OK”, she said, “be up at the dam tour departure in about 25 minutes.”

Grand Coulee Dam is the longest dam in North America, 57 feet short of a mile, and was built to control floods, and to supply water for irrigation, via a pump back lake and canals, to the thousands of acres of farmlands in the Columbia River Basin. Below, a dam picture of CC looking over the edge at the rushing waters.

A few days before our visit, they had a very bad storm in the area, with winds in the 90 mph range. One of the dam cranes was blown to the end, and very nearly tumbled over. These cranes are huge, capable of lifting 4 million pounds.

Now, look closely below the crane to see the damage it did when it slid out of control, into the concrete wall.

I know what you’re thinking; that dam crane! And with that, our tour came to an end, but I’ll leave you with one final shot……..you’ve got it…………another dam picture.

Our time in Moses Lake is nearing an end. Tomorrow we will be moving just north of Spokane, to explore eastern Washington, and northern Idaho. Thanks for stopping by. Take care and stay well my friends………………….