We're off on the next adventure. This one will take us to the Oregon coast first, then inland to Bend next.
The Northwest Alpine rally is being held in Winchester Bay, immediately followed by the FMCA regional rally in Coos Bay.
We have an important anniversary today, our 40th. So we decided this was worthy of a celebration, and are going to spend several days in Cape Kiwanda prior to the rallies.
Our daughter reminded us that 40 is a ruby anniversary. Michael was quick to tell me that my ruby is the Alpine! We had a good laugh, and I have decided that is a good name for her...she will be our Ruby.
So, off we set early in the morning to retrieve our Ruby out of storage. To fill in a few blanks since I last posted, Ruby was set up in Fidalgo Bay,Anacortes, through the end of May. We got a call to let us know that an enclosed storage unit had become available and decided to take it, beginning June 1st. It is located nearby Anacortes in Burlington, so this morning we set off to the storage unit, about a 70 mile drive north.
Michael had disconnected all the batteries so it remained to be seen if our Ruby would start. No problem there! It sounded wonderful to hear the growly diesel fire up again. The next hurdle was backing her out of that incredibly tight space. We came armed with our old walkie-talkies and with my driver's expert maneuvering, backed out of the storage garage. Then we retraced the trip back home with me following in the Audi, dropped if off at home, transferred the fridge and freezer items into the coach fridge (which had now been running for nearly two hours), shut the house down, and set off for our first destination in Woodland, Washington, about 140 miles south on I-5.
The traffic out of Bellevue through Tacoma was heavy today, likely because of all the sports events in addition to three university graduations and a bridge closure. So the trip took a lot longer than normal, but we eventually arrived at Columbia Riverfront RV Park.
We set up and of course I put the kettle on immediately for that well needed and deserved cup of tea, which we enjoyed sitting on a bench along the Columbia River, watching the boats, the barges and the fishermen. And in the glorious sunshine we contemplated our 40 years together.... I, for one, would never have imagined way back when we were married, that 40 years later I would be gadding about in a 36 foot Alpine. Michael's response: Would you have thought that about our golden anniversary too?
My reply: I wouldn't have it any other way! In fact, I would want to spend my golden anniversary somewhere in our 36-foot Alpine. However, we will need to rename her. She would have to be called Goldy.
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| heavy traffic travel day |
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| I love these old bridges crossing the rivers |
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| the Nisqually River, one of many in our state |
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can you spot the capitol dome amongst the tree tops...that is the Capitol in Olympia
...those darned trees keep growing and obscuring my views! |
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| heading south along I-5 |
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| spotted a train |
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| approaching our exit |
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| Toutle River |
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| Columbia River RV park is located off the highway in this rural setting |
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enjoying my cup of tea along the banks of the Columbia River, which my
boyscout hubby reminded me is where Lewis and Clark sailed, down this
very spot |
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| looking back towards the RV park and my beau of 40 years |
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| along the Columbia |
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chatted with several hopeful fishermen, fascinated with
their set up with the bells which alert them to a catch...
but we didn't hear any bells along our walk |
