Wednesday, July 20, 2011

From Desert to Oasis


From Desert to Oasis

This past 10 days we have had two stops:  One in Othello, WA (located in central WA) and then a couple days in Spokane (In Eastern WA).

We called ahead to our “resort” (think very crowded RV Park) to make sure that the directions on the gps were the same as those given by the locals and came in contact with Madge  yes just like the cartoon character … a crotchety, grumpy, old lady who obviously wanted off the merry-go-round … but was too ornery to jump.   Nevertheless, it was a good thing we called … the gps was routing us all over god’s half acre.  It turns out the gps thought we were too heavy for the road, but it was the only way to the RV park. …  The gps was going to give us a great tour and we were never going to arrive.

We were not disappointed when we finally arrived (with the gps complaining the entire way that we were too heavy for the road … finally turned it off) and were not disappointed. … There stood Madge  at the counter to check us in …  seemed downright pissed that we were going to camp for free for a week (have the right membership for this one).  Told us to go find our own spot …  located a really nice spot with some grass next to us and across a little road.  Unfortunately, the next day a bunch of rowdy campers showed up with tents and the nice grassy areas became tent cities, with the drunks staying up and being loud until 1 a.m. several days running.  Late night TV is not really very good …  but slept until 9 or so each morning.  It was still annoying that the park did not enforce any rules regarding quiet evenings …

This park had mainly local folk from the Seattle area that came to fish and boat on Potholes Reservoir.  They were the boys with toys bunch …  you know the type …  boats, tents, and beer.

Across the street from our RV park is a really nice state park right on the reservoir …  We broke out the Segways and glided (remember that’s what riding a Segway is called) across to the park.  Had a wonderful day.  Potholes Reservoir is really a beautiful place.  Here are a few pics.




We took off for Spokane, WA on Monday to go to the local Cummins dealer for annual maintenance on the Coach (we call it a coach when we have to spend money on it … makes it feel better).  Sixty miles into the trip a red light comes on and a blaring siren sounds (I guess this is to make sure you don’t miss the light).  We pull over (on the 90 Fwy – no easy feat) and get down the book to decipher the alarm.  It turns out it sounds when the air pressure in one or both brake cans falls below a safe level. …  Just great … maybe no brakes!  I get back on the Freeway and drive two more miles to the rest area (a lot safer place to stop … luckily the brakes work and we stop safely).  We call up the warranty folk and after speaking with the absolutely blondest person in the world, they hook us up with a repair guy.  He arrives an hour later and crawls under the rig (we call it a rig when it is being troublesome) … he is a lot skinnier than we are and slides about with ease.  He has a little gauge that detects leaks in the air line … it detects nothing.  He finally comes into the RV and I show him what the gauges are doing .. bouncing all over the place with the alarm going on and off sporadically.  He pulls the gauge and tightens the wiring … apparently a gauge problem and not a brake problem … three hours later we are on our way again … happy times!

Arrived for our appointment and hooked up at the dealership.  A bit of freeway noise (it is right off the 90), but otherwise fine for a couple of days.  The dealership is friendly and responsive.

To pass the time we take Cody (our dog) and go to Manito Park.  Spokane has beautiful parks and this one is a gem!  It has a large lake with ducks and geese, large grass and tree areas, and wonderful walking/running pathways.  We had a great time walking around for over an hour.  Cody enjoyed all of the new sights and smells.




The next place we went is our blog “mystery destination.”  Here are a few pictures to help you figure out where we are:








We really loved this campus.  It is set in a small to medium sized town only 16 miles from Spokane.  It is quaint, friendly, and welcoming.  For those of you who don’t recognize Jen’s alma mater this is Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA.

Until next time …  keep doing what you love.

4 comments:

  1. GREAT post. Pretty park you guys went too, beautiful.
    & how cool you got to visit Jen's old university! Awesome!
    I like the "Until Next Time" too... sounds so familiar... like the sign off from our blog ;) ;) LOL.
    You guys are funny.
    I also like the distinction between the "buggy" & the "coach"! hilarious!
    Great blog from some great people <3 <3 <3 xoxo

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  2. Now you know why I love that place so much. I was part of the class that helped get donations for the little old school house, our classroom managment teacher was the one who found it out in the middle of nowhere
    and had it moved in. I am so glad you got to see the other beautiful parts of Washington:-)

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  3. I also like that you have your UCR jacket on!

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  4. I had my EWU Championship shirt on underneath, but it was just too cold! Got to stay loyal to good ol UCR.

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