Monroe, WA

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While we were sorry to leave the Long Beach, WA area, we were not sorry to leave our campground.  We decided to drive to the Thousand Trails Thunderbird Preserve in Monroe, WA.  The original idea of this move was to spend some time in the Seattle area …  it didn’t work out that way, but more about that later.

First, our comments on the park.  We arrived at Thunderbird around 3:30 in the afternoon.  There were no sites available in the park proper, so we ended up across the street in overflow.  This section does not have sewer, but did have water, electric, and a great river view.  While we can make it around a week without a sewer we were scheduled at this location for almost three weeks, so it really was a necessity for us.  

 Let me take a moment to whine (no cheese please … no wait … send a nice brie!).  We are able to reserve a spot 120 days out … because we purchased an expensive membership.  But when it comes time to actually check into the park, our expensive membership means absolutely diddly squat.  Every monthly member, daily user, or passer byer who happens to get to the park before us can take whatever site they wish, leaving the guy with the expensive membership to compete for a site …  If this is the case … how about a refund, because I am paying way more than the next guy and should be able to call 120 days ahead and have a site with full hook-ups waiting for me, without having to purchase one (annually or monthly) on top of my already expensive membership + dues.  (Ok, that’s off my chest).   

So anyway, we needed sewer.  We asked the ranger who was going out and he assured us that it would be at least five days until something opened up.  We got up early the next morning and took the Segways over to the other side and patrolled until someone pulled out … then we swooped down on it like hungry vultures (that’s what our membership is reduced to … no longer a VIP member … but a Vulture Member).  Before I could pull the rig over, another woman tried to take our site, but my lovely wife fought her off (I’m not sure if bear spray was involved …) and we landed in a site with full hook-ups… only 30 amp and no satellite reception … but full hookups. 

It turned out that one of the reasons the park was so impacted (besides the impending Labor Day Weekend) was that the Evergreen State Fair was in town.  The fair was free the first day, but regular admission was $7 for seniors.  If you are in Washington this time of the year the fair is worth seeing.  The animal exhibitions are some of the best we have seen at any fair with each type of animal having its own pavilion.  There are wood carvers, quilters, wool spinners, and artwork to look at and experience.  And what would the fair be without fair food?  Lynda had a deep fried Twinkie and I tried a black walnut shake.  Here are a few of our favorite pictures.

After a week at Thunderbird, Lynda’s mother called for her to come to Hawaii’s big island, as she was having surgery.  As you already know we are old … and, therefore, Lynda’s mother is ancient … so she flew out for a week.  They did manage to get up to the volcano and dine at the restaurant furthest south in the U.S.  I spent the week repairing things I had put off  and watching war movies … Go John Wayne!!  By the time Lynda returned we were ready to move again…

Lynda's Mom at Hana Hou in Hawaii

Volcano National Park

 

So until next time keep doing what you love!