Summit Lake to Schroeder Creek Resort - Another short trip on Highway 31A to our site nine miles north of Kaslo. This privately owned resort is on the banks of Kootenay Lake is quiet, small and friendly. During our journey we had yet another sighting of a Black Bear as it crossed over the highway and vanished into the forest lining the sides of the road. In the afternoon we took a drive into Kaslo, what a lovely setting, but the town itself is not as pretty as Nakusp, (more sort of shabby/not cared for - could be because of it's "Artist Colony" reputation).
A quiet resort & marina nine miles north of Kaslo. A gem of a site especially if you like boating and fishing. We had pre-booked for nine days and were made very welcome when we arrived. This area does not get many tourists like us, but it is well patronised by local people who just want to get away from it all.
Linda has been suffering from exhaustion, dizziness and shortness of breath, particularly during and the day after a hike. A visit to the local doctor seemed in order as we would be in the area for nine days which would allow some follow-up time if required. From the symptoms he zeroed in on Cardiac problems (a major surprise to us!) and advised us to move somewhere with easy access to a hospital which could do all the various tests required. We advised the campsite owners that we would be leaving a week early. They were very understanding and did not ask for the full nine day payment. The next day we set out for Spokane in Washington State, USA where we had been advised that the hospital facilities are first class.
Kootenay Lake, BC to Spokane, Washington - Crossed Kootenay lake on yet another free ferry, the trip lasted approx. 50 minutes. A drizzly morning meant a lack of views although an Osprey family - mother, father and 3 rather large chicks - welcomed us on the far shore. At the American customs we showed our piece of paper from the Immigration Service saying our Visa was in the process of being issued. The local Immigration officer didn't like that and issued us with a free 6 months Visa (normally costs us $120 for an extension). We are now legal until February .
It seems that Spokane had not had any rain for the past 56 days but the forecast was for change over the next few days. This was very good news for all the forest fires that were still raging in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and other areas, perhaps there would be enough to put those fires out!
Hospital Saga - Visited emergency/casualty at Sacred Heart Hospital to get the ball rolling for tests. Just like the Doctor in Canada they zeroed in on Heart problems. The treatment received was very efficient and they kept us fully informed of all test results but they couldn't find anything wrong. They took a sample of blood for testing but the results wouldn't be in until the next day. They arranged an appointment for the following day at the Spokane Cardiology center, where the experts would be able to run all the sophisticated diagnostic tests on the heart.
Again the whole operation was very efficient and we were kept well informed, but they couldn't find anything wrong with Linda's heart. In fact they said her heart was in remarkable shape (excellent news, but what's wrong?). Spokane Cardiology asked for the Blood test results from Sacred Heart and found a blood disorder which could easily be treated.
There were two mightily relieved people at the end of this saga. It seems that Heart problems are given very high priority here. If your symptoms hint at a possible heart problem then it's all systems go. In this case it meant they overlooked an ongoing condition, resulting in a lot of expensive diagnostic testing, which although the results were extremely gratifying, were not necessary. Overall the treatment received was excellent in both the medical & communication categories.
Dishman Hills Nature Trails - When we eventually found the trailhead (city map had different name for road than that in walking book) we enjoyed a pleasant stroll through woodland to a viewpoint overlooking the city of Spokane.
September Holiday Weekend - Very wet which was good for the forest fires in Montana, Oregon and Idaho. The TV news reported that Idaho, Montana and eastern Oregon had about 1" of rain, and snow at higher elevations, which helped the firefighters control the fires. However it also made for treacherous and dangerous underfoot conditions including some landslides and at the higher elevations hypothermia was a concern as it was so cold. About 65 houses and over 200 buildings have been lost in the Hamilton area of Montana where we stayed for a week in May hiking in the forests which were now on fire. When we were there local people told us they were expecting a very dry summer which may lead to a few forest fires?
| Spokane to Wallawa Lake State Park - From just outside of Spokane until we reached the Blue Mountains (200 miles) the only views were rolling hills covered with stubble left behind by the wheat harvest. What a sight that would have been a few weeks ago to see the tall wheat swaying in the wind, or even the huge harvesting machines working the land. We also saw a few large herds of horses, the most we had ever seen at one time. By the time we arrived at Wallowa Lake State Park in northeastern Oregon is was "gae dreich" (grey & wet). Believing it would be easy to get a weeks stay just after Labour Day holiday we had not bothered to book - wrong again. This is a very popular location, and we now know why. |  |
| Boating, fishing hiking, the highest tramway in North America, and all in this one location. No wonder they advise you to book. We wanted to stay for seven nights, but were told that they only had a 'Host' spot available for six nights and if we wanted to stay longer we would need to move to make way for the incoming 'Site Host'. We accepted without hesitation. As we were keen to BBQ on the open fire, Wullie with tongue in cheek, asked if after all the weekend rain open campfires were allowed again! We were astounded when told "Yes the campfire ban has been lifted". Iit seems campfires come into the same category as cheap petrol, the right to carry a gun for hunting etc. This was good news (especially for Linda) as most of the cooking would be done outside on the wood fire, and as you all know, BBQ's can only be done by the male members of the family! | |
| Joseph Area - Took the drive from Enterprise to Joseph Canyon Overlook. Although the overlook is very impressive the 31 mile journey on highway 3 is not all that scenic. Joseph is a beautiful little town which has just had a few million dollars facelift. In the past this was a logging town, but as most of the logging mills are closed down now so something had to done to bring in new economy. The facelift was to attract tourists and it certainly should, if you are anywhere near this is a wonderful area to visit. Some local people don't like the NEW Joseph, fearing it will bring the unwanted hordes to a remote and unspoiled wilderness area. |  |
| When we told them how beautiful the town and surrounding area was they asked us not to tell too many people, only those who would not abuse it! You are hereby warned, if you visit be considerate, respect their wish for peace and quiet but talk to them as well because they do enjoy a good blether! It is as well to know that the road ends just outside Joseph at Wallowa Lake. The lake is a sort of dividing line between the highly forested Wallowa mountains and the arid almost desert like area around Hells Canyon, the contrast is amazing. Hells Canyon was formed by the Snake River (protected as scenic) and in the summer is very, very hot and yet the early settlers tried to farm in the canyon. There was lots of better land around but it seems the prestige of owning large tracts of land was a very strong (sometimes stupid) attraction. The native Americans (Indians) lived in the Canyon in the winter because it was a milder climate and up higher above the canyon in the summer where it was cooler. The European settlers thought the Indians were stupid because they didn't have permanent homes and the Indians didn't understand the concept of "ownership" of land so thought the settlers were crazy. | |
Hat Point Overlook/Summit Ridge Trail - A bright but cold start to the day.
Drove improved forest road 350 to Imnaha then 24 miles on forest road 4240, a dirt track to Hat Point Overlook, this provided great views of Hells Canyon, the Snake River more than 6,982 feet below, and across to the snow capped Seven Devils mountain range of Idaho. The road to Imnaha reminded us of the Yorkshire Dales as it travelled alongside the winding Sheep river. We even encountered a few cows on the road. Once through Imnaha the road to Hat Point was very rough until we reached Fivemile lookout where the road improved. We had great views of the Imnaha valley before rounding the final bend for our first glimpse of Hells canyon, at over 8,000 deep it is the deepest canyon in N. America, beating the Grand Canyon but is only 10 miles long. The area surrounding Hells Canyon has about 50 inches of precipitation a year. The vast majority of it falls as snow providing dry almost desert like terrain in the summer, a good breeding ground for rattlesnakes & black widow spiders. Happily these creatures were noticeable by their absence during our visit!
We completed a 5 mile round trip hike to Summit Ridge as that was all we had time for due to the long drive and the visit to Hat point. It was a very hot day but the views of the Canyon, Seven Devils of Idaho and the Wallowas to the west were exceptional. An area we hope to visit again and highly recommend to other "GOOD" tourists.
Chief Joseph Trail - A luxury of Wallowa Lake State park you can hike directly out of the RV no need for a vehicle at all. The first part of the walk was completed mostly in woods with occasional views of Wallowa lake. The second part climbed more steeply through the thinning forest and we stopped before reaching the summit. Our dining area today had clear views of Wallowa Lake with the Seven Devils of Idaho in the distance beyond the high plateaus of Hells Canyon . A sunny, clear but cool day made the 8 miles seem quite comfortable, especially beneficial during our shortcut return descent which must have been about 1 in 3.
Horseshoe Lake/Lakes Basin Loop - Took the hiking trail from Wallowa Lake to Horseshoe Lake - the first lake on the Lakes Basin circuit. Most of the hike was in forest alleviated by the fast running West fork of the Wallowa river and occasional views of the surrounding mountain peaks. After six miles the trail opens out to a meadow with extensive views of the surrounding peaks including Petes Point & Sentinel Peak. A further 2 miles to the beautiful Horseshoe lake. Lunch was taken sitting on a huge rock overlooking this large picturesque lake. Fish jumped and a flock of ducks took off as we made our departure. We met two fellow hikers who were actually camping out in the area for four nights and were therefore able to visit all the lakes in the basin (we were quite envious).
On the way back a female deer roamed the woods, we told her she would be safer in our campground as the hunting season had just started. Later on we passed a group of hunters on horseback with packhorses to carry their supplies and carry out any game they bagged - we hope they didn't see her.
We had a real close view of what we believe to be a Prairie Falcon. It flew into a dead tree alongside the path and when Linda was manouvering to get a good photograph it got spooked and flew straight towards Wullie who was so busy ducking he didn't get as good a view as he should have. We have great difficulty in positively identifying the many varieties of Hawks, Falcons, Buzzards etc. in spite of owning several field guides to birds. This is as close as we have ever been to being certain of the type, about 90%. A very enjoyable 16 miles complimented by an open wood fire BBQ, and after dinner, tales of the past which had probably been told before.
Lostine River road - We were advised that this was a very scenic road which terminated after 11 miles at the Two Pan Trailhead. A popular area for hiking (access to the Lakes Basin) and horse trekking - at least six horse boxes were parked in a large parking area allocated to them. There are numerous campsites along the road including one at the trailhead. We didn't find the road as scenic as had been suggested but it was quite pleasant. On the way back we took a short 1.5 mile walk to Hunter falls before returning to Joseph. The Embers Brewpub looked quite inviting, had a large selection of Microbrews for Linda and served a large tasty Pizza so how could we possibly pass by! in fact we had to wait 15 minutes for the opening time.
In the evening we had what will probably be our last wood campfire for a while as we are making our way to Las Vegas to meet up with our visitors who arrive in the early hours of September 24th. With quite a few miles to cover, a pre-arranged service and repairs on the 5th Wheel at Larry's RV in Bend Oregon (where we bought it), plus a blood check for Linda. We must leave this great area and head south. If time allows we will return to this area as we have so many places still to visit.
Moving more than 1,100 miles in the next four days:
Day one - After consulting the map we decided that a move of 300 miles to Culver, near Bend was within easy reach. A clear sunny day made the journey enjoyable especially following the mighty Columbia River as it made its way toward the Pacific Ocean. Although the temperature did reach 96 degrees we decided it was better to be driving in the cool than be out hiking. We arrived mid afternoon for a one night stop, and with very little setting up to do we were sitting in the shade of the RV drinking our afternoon beer.
Day two - We had to be at Larry's RV by 9.30 a.m. Believing the traffic would be quite heavy we set off in plenty of time for the 35 mile journey. With the RV in safe hands we set off for the local hospital for Linda's blood test, then off to get our fix at Walmart. Had lunch at our favorite restaurant "Sharis" where we get "Honored Citizens" meals and after ten we get one free. Since we have nine punches on our card we will have one free lunch today and obtain a new "Honored Citizen" card (over 55's). Linda was able to get a hair style/cut before we made our way to Costco for supplies and Safeway for groceries. We arrived back at Larry's a little ahead to time so had a chat with Larry, Fred and Ray the sales guys. We had been expecting a hefty bill for all the work that needed doing, toilet problem, furnace, new light pendant and other minor repairs. It was a welcome surprise to find we had a two year warranty on the 5th Wheel not one year as we thought. As we were on the road by 5.0 p.m. we decided we would have plenty of time to do the 141 miles to Summer Lake RV Park before the light faded. Tired but pleased with all we had achieved we relaxed with a well deserved beer and retired for another early start in the morning.
Day three - Summer Lake to Winnemucca in Nevada a total of 354 miles. The roads in Oregon can be quite rough and when they do start road works they do it in style. The first 9.5 miles of SR 140 was under repair - they had the entire road surface removed so we were escorted on a dirt road until the end of the road works, pleased we had not cleaned the truck.
Once we entered Nevada the road surface improved drastically and we now had more time to enjoy the views. Saw a few Pronghorn Antelopes one of the fastest animals in the world. We stopped for a packed lunch at a remote view point - where we were approached by a 'big woman' wanting water for the radiator of one of their vehicles - a funny pair, (she was driving a car and towing another one, he was towing a travel trailer with a Camper truck/combination). We arrived in Winnemucca Nevada by 4.30 p.m. Another very hot day
Day four - When we got up this morning we only intended to drive from Winnemucca to Eureka. Eureka is on US Highway 50 which is nicknamed the loneliest highway in the USA. To reach Eureka we had to travel Highway 305 a very quiet road - we only met 9 vehicles during the 89 miles from Interstate 80 to Eureka (what will US 50 be like?). While travelling on these roads it is usual to pick up lots of flies, butterflies and wasps on the windscreen, but we went one better, we had a LARGE HAWK on the windscreen for a few seconds. It had not heard us until we were too close - tried to take off but was unable to gain height quickly enough, hit the top of our windscreen with such force that it cracked the glass, and we believe the hawk did not survive either. It all happened so quickly we do not know what type of hawk it was.
We made good time to Eureka so refueled, had lunch and decided to continue another 77 miles to Ely. Amazed by the mountain ranges in Nevada - we climbed six passes all over 6,000 feet. Booked into the Best Western Hotel/Casino/RV Park which we had only intended to stay one night at until we were advised that we got two nights free and the third night would only cost us $9. During our stay we could use the Motel's facilities which meant we could walk out for meals - what a luxury!. We would drive the 60+ miles to Great Basin National Park from here, in stead of moving on.
Great Basin National Park - Yet another unique park, Wheeler Peak at 13,053 is the highest peak in Nevada (somehow you don't imagine 13,000 foot mountains in Nevada!) and one of the highest in the USA. A 12 mile scenic drive ascends to 10,500 feet before descending to Wheeler Peak car park at 9,886 feet. It took us some time to time to get use to the thin air at this altitude while taking a short 3 mile hike to Stella and Teresa lakes, both more than 10,000 feet ASL - some lovely OLD trees throughout the hike. The scenic drive is well worthwhile giving wonderful views of the valley and mountain ranges. We went on the one hour cave tour which we both quite enjoyed although we decided that we have had our fill of caves for now.
In the evening we were visited by a couple from Netherlands who were interested in our way of life and wanted to see inside a big American RV.
Windscreen Repair/Moving On - Took the truck into Murdocks - Ely for the windscreen replacement. Repair and truck washed by 11.30 a.m. - a job well done considering the parts came in late.
Before the repair we intended to stop at Cedar City, Utah, and visit Cedar Breaks National Monument. Although we made very good time, by the time we neared Cedar City it was really too late to visit the NM so we decided to carry on to Mesquite, Nevada, where we intended leaving the RV while we met our visitors in Las Vegas 80 miles away. The most scenic part of the journey was the section of I-15 in Arizona as it wound through the Virgin Mountain Range by the Virgin River. Arrived after 5.0 p.m. to a temperature of 100+. Booked into Virgin River Motel/Casino/RV park - just like a large carpark - pitches 18' wide which meant there was not enough room for the truck and RV in the space. The Casino was surprisingly large and the buffet very good value at $7.95. Wullie won $25 on slots.
While walking through the RV park a man told us he had won BIG money on the Craps table and had also been given a voucher for a 'meal for two' which he would not be able to use as he was leaving early next day. We had the 'meal for two' in one of the casino restaurants - excellent.
Preparing for Visitors - Living in a confined area means manouvering cloths etc. to make way for visitors belongings. This was done in the cool of the RV. It was another hot day with temperatures reaching well over 100 degrees - we managed to keep the RV reasonably cool by fitting Linda's home made sun deflectors to the RV windows and running the Air Conditioner all day. Visited the Casablanca Casino which also has a cheap RV park. The RV arrangement are the same as ours and the casino was also quite impressive for such a small place, we picked up another $35 on the slots.
Las Vegas - Mesquite is only 80 miles from Las Vegas so we detoured down to the shores of Lake Mead and the Valley Of Fire state Park. Checked into the Imperial Palace in early afternoon, checked out the Hotel/Casino facilities and Slotted another $20 into the plastic cup of quarters. Dined in the Imperial Palace before taking a trip to the airport to meet Margaret & Jim who were due in at 0015 - flight did not arrive until 1.45 A.M. and with no customs at Vegas we were on the road quickly. Got them checked into room across the corridor from us, had a welcome to Las Vegas drink before retiring to bed at about 4.0 a.m. Everyone was Jet-Lagged
During the next couple of days we caught up on all the gossip from home while visiting some of the Casino's we enjoyed last year as well as the new "Aladdin". We were early to bed most nights as the Jet-Lag was having an effect.
While having the buffet meal in the Flamingo we noticed they had a garden with real live flamingo's - we had to investigate. The water gardens, with lots of waterfalls have a large variety of birds and very large fish in a beautiful setting- determined to return during the day with cameras in hand.
Las Vegas to Mesquite to Glendale, Utah - Before leaving Las Vegas we replenished our supplies for our trip around Utah and Arizona. Stopped one night in Mesquite (still very hot) before taking a leisurely drive to Bauers Canyon RV Park in Glendale, Utah, via Zion NP. This RV park is nicely situated for Zion & Bryce Canyon NP's and Cedar Breaks NM which we intend to visit over the next three days.
| Zion NP - Overnight/early morning rain meant a late start to Zion NP. Since our last visit in April they have introduced a shuttle bus service into the canyon. You now have to leave your own vehicle in one of the designated parking areas and catch one of the very frequent buses into the canyon. We found this narrated trip a very good way to travel. With lots of pike-up points it also means more day hikes are now available. We all hiked to emerald pools and enjoyed the views up the canyon, then took a bus to the end of the canyon road and hiked into the Narrows. There was a lot less water in the river this time which made the thought of hiking up the canyon in the river more feasible. |  |
Bryce Canyon NP - Repeated our route of April, through the astoundingly photogenic Red Canyon. Gave our visitors their first glimpse of Bryce from Fairyland Point (a very apt name, their expressions of awe were similar to our own). Hiked down in amongst the Hoodoos from Sunrise Point taking in the Queens Garden/Navaho Loop trails before ascending to Sunset Point. Lunch was taken underneath Queen Victoria's imperious stare? Visited various viewpoints along the rim (some we missed last time - silly people!). More wildlife was visible than on our previous visit, deer, Elk and wild Turkey? We are all in agreement that Bryce NP is an amazing and unique experience which we are grateful to have had the opportunity to explore.
| Cedar Breaks National Monument - A smaller version of the beautiful Bryce Canyon NP but with a different variation in colour. Cedar Breaks is situated at 10,000 feet ASL and must be a sight to behold when covered in snow. Most of the viewpoints along the rim had a warning sign about 'lightning strikes'. Luckily for us these did not happen until our homeward journey which we completed in thunder and lightning which ruined our idea of a picnic lunch. BBQ was scheduled for the evening meal so the other three sent Wullie out to singe the steaks in the thunder & lightning under cover of the awning while they sat in comfort. sipping wine. |  |
Utah to Page, Arizona - Travelled on the very scenic US Highway 89 to beautiful Lake Powell. Our bit of excitement was caused by two suicidal deer who stood by the side of road until we arrived and then dashed across the road. Heavy braking at 55mph with 34 feet of RV behind is not recommended and especially not good on Wullie's nerves! - at least we missed them, but not by much, probably by a fraction of a Foot! (Used the Foot measure as all road distance in the USA are in Feet or Miles. A Yard is alongside the house and you can plant vegetables/flowers, or park your truck/car, in it!).
While planning this three week holiday for Margaret & Jim we knew we just had to visit Lake Powell as Margaret has a great fascination for water. Her first sighting of the lake was one of awe - just as ours had been when we first saw it. We were to stay at Wahweap RV park where hopefully we would be given a 'room with a view of the lake'!
Miles travelled this month: 2,717
Accumulative miles: 34,390
Interesting Hyperlinks:
Cedar Breaks National Monument
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