How Thirty Six Months of Full-timing in Thirty Six Feet Ends Unexpectedly

And thus the best laid plans of mice and men set us on a different path..... we didn't mean to do it quite yet, although we always planned to eventually settle in Anacortes, but we ended up buying a house. It comes with an RV pad, is move-in ready, configured exactly the way we dreamed, and comes with a peak-a-boo view of the Sound. 
It happened much sooner than we anticipated but when a house with all the right attributes suddenly pops up for sale, it's pretty hard to walk away from it. Perhaps it was meant to be.

But it did rather change direction for us and our plans to travel to the Maritimes and the east coast next year.

We knew we would like to settle in Anacortes. And we have over the years discussed what type and size of house we would want, the ideal floor plan, the location, and of course there would have to be room to park our Alpine and perhaps one more.
For the past couple of years, Michael has kept an eye on the Anacortes housing market and the types of homes that listed for sale.  We have on previous trips walked around different neighborhoods scouting out areas we might consider one day. We were leaning towards a house in old downtown, within walking distance of shops, the library and hospital, and a downtown community. We also considered a house that we could own but perhaps rent out while we continued to travel full time for a few more years. Having just sold our Redmond house at the beginning of the year, it made financial sense to reinvest in real estate rather than having all our funds in the market. 

There have been a few possible homes for sale that Michael identified but just like the Goldilocks story, some homes were too old, others too big, many were two storey, and few if any had a place for the Alpine to park. We knew that finding our ideal home with all the attributes we were looking for would take time. One home that we were interested to take a look at sold before we arrived in town. The realization became quite clear that it is in fact a challenge to consider buying a house sight unseen and long-distance. Ideally you do need to be in the area to look for a house. And since we were not really in the market quite yet, we figured we would keep looking and if the right opportunity came along we would give it due consideration and make appropriate plans at the time. 
But we were in no hurry.  And there seemed to be no new listings for several days after we arrived here.
Then unexpectedly and out of the blue, just three days after the kids left, a new listing popped up on Zillow. Michael announced that morning that he found a house I would like and I replied from bed where I was playing my Word game and sipping my morning tea, that it didn't make a difference because we weren't ready to buy one and, anyway, like with all the others, there would be something not quite right about it.
But he persisted that I would really like what I saw on the listing photos and encouraged me to come take a look. Which I grudgingly did, interrupting my game and getting out of bed. 

Floor plan? Just like we want - a great-room concept with a good sized kitchen, dining area and living area. And all on one floor. 
Size? Perfect - just over 2,000 sq feet.
Bedrooms? Three - master, plus two more, one a guest room the other a sewing/office room.
Bathrooms - two, both really nice.
And look at that dream master bedroom walk-in closet  - we don't have enough clothes for that closet!
Place for Alpine to park? Yes, at the side of the house with hookups.
In downtown? No - but this neighborhood is about three miles out of downtown, and it has a view across the Sound to the Olympic Mountains. Hmmm...
The listing photos presented a house in pristine condition that was move-in ready, with bonus features like wood flooring throughout the house, a metal roof and HardiePlank siding, in a well established neighborhood that we were familiar with and I walked in several years ago during the time Michael worked for a short period for a Mt Vernon company.   

Now this presented us with a great dilemma.... what should we do? We knew this house in this condition would be snapped up. 
The sensible thing was to contact our agents and set up an appointment to see it. Listing photos can present a more glowing picture of a house than when you actually see it in person.
We viewed the house the very next morning. 
The pictures did not lie. The house was in fact lovely, in pristine condition, recently painted and upgraded and perfect for us.
Nothing is ever completely perfect but we could live with a few minor imperfections. This neighborhood is about 3 miles north of downtown and therefore not within walk-able distance like we preferred. However there is a community club, beach access to a couple of small beaches, several places to walk, and access to forested trails just up the road from the house. Because the Skyline community is located on a hill and the homes are built on a slope, the living area of the house is all on one level but the double garage is situated below and accessed via a steep flight of stairs leading from the house, a future challenge for aging legs perhaps. And the RV pad is not as level as Michael would like so he will need to figure out a plan to compensate for the slope at the back. The main point is that this neighborhood is RV and boat friendly and there is no problem parking either at the house. The rest were minor adjustments and we could see ourselves growing really old in this house that would suit us perfectly in every other way.

I was in anguish. This was not supposed to happen quite yet. That was not the plan and we had in fact only been "homeless" for less than 4 months since selling our Redmond house earlier in the year.
But it was hard to walk away from a house that seemed so perfect. 
We debated, we speculated, and we put in an offer. 
It was accepted.
And just like that, we became homeowners again! 
And our 36 months of full-timing in our 36-foot Alpine abruptly ended. 
And ushered in a new chapter in our lives. The next question we pondered was what type of "timers" would we become: three-quarter (nine months away and 3 months at home), half (six months away), or less travel than that? We agreed that we would prefer to continue travelling for as long and as much as we could but would always return home for the summer. Anacortes is most definitely the place to be during the summer months and if we were to travel to where the weather is best, then being away for the winter made the most sense.               

The house purchase certainly shifted our focus from a relaxing summer in Anacortes to one of planning and organizing everything related to house ownership  - inspection, escrow, closing, insurances, change of address, driver's license, arranging for our things in storage to be delivered.  This included a lot of shopping too, for house items that would not be in storage like shower curtains, bath mats, toilet brushes, and a mattress for our bed.  We were kept occupied almost daily with something that was house related. The reality of home ownership slowly sunk in.

We did however enjoy some summer fun in between various appointments and tasks on a growing To-do list. Several friends visited and we were able to drive past the house to show them our new purchase.
During the two months we were here, Michael joined the Oars Club, a wooden boat rowing team.

Every July, the Indian nations reenact a canoe journey and this year Fidalgo Bay Resort, a Samish Indian Tribe-operated park, hosted a gathering. We watched canoes arrive from up north at Seafarers' Memorial Park and observed some of the festivities and booths associated with the celebrations. The participants camped out on the lawn areas at the RV Resort before continuing on with their journey south until they reached Seattle. 
https://laconnerweeklynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=27&ArticleID=2525

waiting for permission to enter the Samish Nation land

We attended the Skyline homeowner's association August meeting in our new neighborhood (though we had not yet moved in) and their annual picnic. We met several folks that afternoon who are also new to the Skyline neighborhood.

the clubhouse (not visible in this pic) beach area with booths and picnic tables where
we gathered - there is an active marina at this end of
the neighborhood associated with the large building in this photo

 I joined the line dancing folks at the Senior Center once a week and found out about their annual summer picnic held at Washington Park, which we also attended and met more folks.  It appears that there are a lot of retired and friendly folks who make Anacortes their home, so we are in good company!

If we were not occupied with home related projects and various appointments, I busied myself with going through cupboards and drawers to separate out the items that we would no longer need to have on board with us that could remain at home. Living in the Alpine full-time meant we had to carry everything with us, for all seasons, and for all situations including the hobbies that we enjoy. Now I could be more selective about what to have on board depending on future trips. And rather than hauling most of my fabric supplies around the country with me, I would bring only a few projects on future trips, depending on where we travel. 
I could hear Alpine heaving a grateful sigh of relief as I diligently lightened her load. We would never need to worry about being close to our weight limit again.

Although I planned to complete several projects this summer while in Anacortes, with the change of plans there was no time or space to set up my machine. But when possible I started to work on an applique landscape project that required only tracing and pressing at the initial stage. And while working on the project, I imagined what it would be like to once again have a room dedicated to all things sewing related....

While we waited to move into our new home, we continued living in Alpine and maintained our walking and exercise routines. This included daily walks along the Tommy Thompson trail across the bay hoping resident seals would appear, and if we were really lucky, we would also see the sea otter that likes to hang about the rocks.

Fidalgo Bay Resort hosted a 5K run and walk in aid of cancer prevention in which we participated. Michael of course ran while I walked. And I won a ribbon!  

2nd place walker

We explored our new forest up the road from our new house. Michael declared it far better than the Bridle Trails forest in which he used to run when we lived in Bellevue. One more confirmation for making the right choice when we bought our house.
Another exciting feature about the house is that there is a small regional airport very close to us that services private flights to the islands. So between the forest trails and small planes he can watch, this house is a dream house for Michael!

Hansen Bros delivering all our stuff
that they stored for three years

The house closed on August 22nd. 
The moving van arrived the next morning. We unpacked a few boxes and shuffled things around here and there. It was fun to unpack items that had been stored for over three years and place them in new surroundings. We had not missed them but it was nice to have them back again. 
New friends in the same neighborhood dropped in on move-in day to welcome us with beautiful dahlias from their garden. 







We spent three nights in our new home once  we got a mattress for our bed, then headed out of town.  Months ago, before we envisioned we would be buying a house this summer, we signed up for the Eastern Sierra Rally starting September 5th.  
We had four days in which to make it to Carson City, Nevada where the rally would begin. 

Summer in Anacortes, Washington

Poppa's Alpine co-driver

We had reservations at Fidalgo Bay RV Resort in Anacortes for two months starting July 1st. On the drive up we stopped to pick up Kathleen, Aaron and Aidan who were joining us for a week.  

It was so wonderful to see them again!  And while Aidan's mom and dad finished packing up and carrying suitcases to the car, he happily climbed aboard Poppa's "big bus" to help drive.
A couple of hours later we arrived at Fidalgo Bay Resort in Anacortes. The kids got themselves organized in their cabin while we got ourselves set up and plugged in.

family-sized fully equipped cabins for rent at Fidalgo Bay Resort

We spent a wonderful week together, though it was of course far too short. Every day was filled as we explored the Anacortes area. By the time they left, I think Kathleen and Aaron understood why we like coming here.

The weather was good and the one overcast and drizzly morning turned out to be a good opportunity for Kathleen and me to do some shopping while the boys kept Aidan occupied at the children's museum and play area close by. She had a list of items she wanted to find before returning to Sri Lanka.
We thoroughly enjoyed watching our grandson explore his new surroundings at the RV park. We were busy every day (and flopped into bed rather tuckered out each night!). 
There were walks along the Tommy Thompson Trail across the bay and into town. We played at the beach, threw stones into the water, flew a kite, ran around on the grass field, climbed trees, and played on the big toy.

.

mastering the art of skimming stones across the water

it's not that easy! 

We went to the Saturday farmer's market, enjoyed listening to the band, browsed the stalls, selected flats of fresh berries, and enjoyed a delicious icecream.

We watched the downtown 4th of July parade, enjoyed a barbecue dinner, then watched the fireworks display from the beach that night. Aidan kept telling me the booms were just too loud. Even though they were so far away in the sky.

tucking into a 4th of July feast

We strolled around downtown Anacortes, saw a huge ship drydocked for repair, saw the marina with all those boats, had dinner in town, sampled local beers, stopped into a book store. 

We clambered up the large rocks on Cap Sante, gazed at the 360 degree view around us and watched the boats below us sail in and out of the harbor.

We even managed a day trip by ferry to Victoria, Canada. It was a long day but we had a great time. Aidan is a remarkably good little traveler and tourist.

Aidan liked to pop in to visit us as often as he could, climbing into the driver's seat and pretending he was driving the big bus. He also joined us for breakfast in the Alpine. 

When it was time to fly back to Sri Lanka, we drove the kids to the airport in Seattle and said our sad goodbyes. 
Spending time together was a wonderful way to start our two month stay in Anacortes. But I am going to miss that little guy!

After an active week, we relaxed for a couple of days.  And then our lives suddenly changed direction..... 

Crater Lake to Medford Rolling Rally

Twenty one coaches signed up for the NorCal/ACA rally which started out at Crater Lake National Park, Oregon and continued three days later in the Medford, Oregon area. We enjoyed 10 days of sightseeing and good old Alpine fun.  In other words, we had a blast. 

We always do. 

Thursday June 20th, all attending the rally (except for the Collinses who joined us in Medford) converged at Mazama Village Campground in Crater Lake National Park. With strict instructions not to arrive before check-in time at 1PM, there ended up being a bottleneck of large coaches with nowhere to park while waiting to check in at the office.  We knew our site number and bypassed the backup, proceeded to our spot to park first, then returned to the office to find a much shorter line at the check-in counter.   

dry camping at Mazama Village campground

Our coaches were scattered throughout the only three loops that were open. There was snow in the other sections of the campground, throughout areas in the park, and hiking trails were mostly still buried under snow. 
The scenery surrounding us was spectacular and every campsite, though not without challenges for leveling or avoiding tree limbs, was spacious. 

This was true dry camping in natural surroundings, without hookups or other amenities. 
We spent three nights at Crater Lake, gathered in the mornings for breakfast goodies outside at the Polks and Schierholtzes who were our hosts, and for "BYOB Cocktails" every afternoon.  At an elevation of 6,000 feet, it was freezing in the mornings, literally, but bundled in layers and with the sun shining brightly most of us were comfortable enough to gather outside. And with cocktail hour gatherings at 4PM, we were able to catch the last of the sun and escape the menacing mosquitoes that attacked us mercilessly as the sun set. Getting back inside the coach was a challenge with a cloud of mosquitoes dive bombing us.

gatherings at the hosts' camp site

hosts Marlena S & Tom P with our breakfast spread

During the day we were free to explore on our own.The first morning we stopped at the Visitor Center to watch the movie but there were long lines of tourists so we chose to move on to the focus piece of the park, Crater Lake. We have been here on previous trips but the sight of the piercing blue lake is still wondrous (Crater Lake 2016). And in the clear and cold temperatures, with snow hugging the crater sides, the colors were even more vivid. Every few steps along the rim trail, I decided that THIS was the perfect photo spot, with the result that I ended up taking dozens of photos! And each one from each vantage point was worth the click.

The East Rim Drive was still closed because plowing had not yet been completed, though pedestrians and cyclists could access some of the loop. According to the brochure, the park received 36 feet of snow this past winter which was 7 feet less than average. 
We continued along the West Rim Drive and stopped at Watchman overlook. There was still plenty of snow surrounding us.

Friday also marked the Summer Solstice so several of us decided to gather at Crater Lake Lodge to watch the sun set. Warmly dressed, we relaxed in the rocking chairs on the porch to gaze at the lake and the waning daylight. However we were in the wrong vantage point to actually see the sun setting but my boy scout husband went for a walk along the trail and had a far better view. He captured the event for us.

The next day we drove with the Johnsons to Union Creek to explore the Rogue Gorge and Natural Bridge.  

This attraction is all about lava tubes created during volcanic eruptions eons ago. 

Along the trail leading to the gorge, we viewed the Living Stump. Before it was cut, the roots of this tree had grafted onto those of a neighbor. Because of this the stump continues to live, receiving nutrients from its living neighbor.

The natural bridge turned out to be different from other natural bridge formations that we saw on previous travels, created by erosion of softer sandstone or limestone rock leaving a bridge across the eroded opening. 
This natural bridge is the remains of a lava tube formed eons ago and as the molten lava drained out, it left behind a long hollow tube. Eventually a river of molten lava was replaced by a river of water and now the Rogue River flows through a 200 foot section of the tube, disappearing underground and then reappearing again. It takes the river 35 seconds to travel the 200 feet from the inlet to the outlet of the tube. Indians crossed the Rogue River across the natural bridge that the lava tube formed above ground.

this is the section of the lava bridge where the river disappears for 200 feet

From the gorge, we continued into the little town of Union Creek where we stopped for icecream. 

We returned in time for Happy Hour, then headed back to our coaches for dinner on our own, fending off the pesky mosquitoes along the way. 

On Sunday, before moving on to our next destination in Medford, we took one last drive to see Crater Lake in the early morning light. The purples and deep indigos were spectacular. 

Here is a link to Michael's video clip of the Crater Lake weekend: 
Crater Lake

We traveled in convoy a short 75 miles to Southern Oregon RV Park in Central Point to continue the next leg of the rally.

After setting up and plugging in, the group gathered for 5 PM BYOB cocktails in the Patio Area. The wind had picked up and was still blowing hard enough to create challenges while erecting the "wind barrier" and the club banner. 

That evening we enjoyed a catered dinner served from the Wok Star Food truck, my first experience ordering from a food truck! The couple worked very hard to accommodate our long hungry line as quickly as possible and served us a tasty meal. 

After dinner we gathered for a movie at Frank’s coach. The movie, "Pleasure Seekers”, was about an elderly RV-ing couple, though the subject matter was rather depressing. Sometimes growing old is not a lot of fun or without its challenges! 

Frank's outdoor Alpine Theater with bring your own chairs and libations

Tom Polk has a reputation for serving innovative and interesting breakfasts at his rallies. The next morning we were duly treated to bacon cheddar scones personally delivered to our Alpine. Apparently this is a favorite from the local Buttercloud Bakery. 

After breakfast we carpooled with the Johnsons to Dutch Bros Coffee roasting plant for a tour. Founded in 1992 by two brothers of Dutch descent (hence the name), Dutch Bros Coffee first began as a coffee stand and now is the the largest privately held drive-through coffee chain in the US. This is in fact a "From dairy cows to coffee beans" story. After three generations of being in the dairy business, changing government regulations created challenges forcing a change in direction for this family run enterprise. They were exploring options until one of the brothers returned from a visit to Seattle, already known for its coffee culture, and decided that coffee should be the new direction and venture for them. The family was already familiar with milking machinery and began exploring options for coffee roasting machinery instead. There is a slight tie perhaps: Milk in your coffee anyone?

Inside the immaculate plant, we saw the beans, imported from South America, the various state of the art machinery that sifts and sorts, roasts and packs. 

listening to the history of how Dutch Bros originated

coffee beans 

state of the art equipment 

Following the plant tour, we all drove to gather at the downtown Coffee House and Dutchwear Store which sells all manner of coffee, beans, and much more. Of particular interest to the ladies in the group were a variety of items carrying the Dutch Bros logo, especially their line of clothing . 
By then it was lunch time so the Johnsons and  we walked across the street to have a sandwich at the deli bakery. 

Our next stop on the day's itinerary was the Wildlife Images and Rehabilitation Education Center. But on the way there, we first stopped at a couple of quilt shops in downtown Medford. One familiar from watching their You Tube videos was Jordan Fabrics. It was fun to see the inside of the store that features on their videos, even if the owner did not come in that day. 

We continued on to Wildlife Images and took the self-guided tour through the grounds. This non-profit facility was founded in 1981 by wildlife expert J. David Siddon to provide care and treatment for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. Today, the center also provides educational programs on wildlife, conservation, and the environment to schools, organizations and the general public. 

There are over 80 permanent resident animals like wolves, bears, cougars, reptiles, and birds of prey.  I marveled that there were so many different animals that need rescue and at the effort involved in transporting them to this animal hospital. 
I was most drawn to the black bear.  He loped up and down and through his woodsy pen and along the fence that separated us. It's the closest I have ever come to a wild bear and was thankful to have the fence between us. His paws and claws were enormous.

Back at camp, we gathered for dinner catered by Wild River Pizza and more group camaraderie. 

Tuesday morning we met bright and early for breakfast goodies before heading with the Johnsons to Harry and David's in Medford for a factory tour. 

This premium gift and food producer and retailer operates acres of orchards, manufacturing facilities, and a distribution center in Medford. 

The story began in 1910 as Bear Creek Orchards when an entrepreneur named Samuel Rosenberg traded his Seattle hotel for orchards in southern Oregon that grew the distinctive fleshy red and green Comice pears. The orchards date back to 1885 and some of the original trees still remain. After Rosenberg's sons, Harry and David Holmes took over (they changed their name fearing anti-semitism during WWII), they began marketing the pears as high-end gifts and sold them to affluent city folk. The company and its growing reputation prospered, expanding its mail-order business to include other sweet treats like their Moose Munch popcorn and various cookies and chocolates . As of 2014, Harry and David's is owned by 1-800-Flowers.

viewing the irresistible Moose Munch being made...that's vats of
popcorn and gallons of butter with various added toppings

the butter cookie line

Harry and David's iconic pear logo in the grand foyer

the Moose Munch assembly line

I was surprised at how labor intensive the process is for assembling the
gift baskets ... this employee is hand tying the ribbons on each basket

an assortment of fancy gift packages with personalized tags and the employee
whose sole job is to embroider names on the embroidery machine 

inside the Harry and David's store that in addition to their line also
carries gourmet groceries and fresh produce

We all received a gift package with some of the more popular treats

After the tour, Debi and I popped into the quilt shop that was conveniently located two doors down from the Harry and David's store. We didn't get up to too much mischief as we took a good long look around but the boys who were waiting for us did. Sandy and Michael returned to the Harry and David's store to look around and came out with a couple of cartons of assorted Moose Munch popcorn packets . They couldn't pass up this steal of a deal! 

That evening the group gathered for drinks and a catered Hawaiian dinner at Bob and Cindy's home. Bob and Cindy were at this rally with us and graciously agreed to host us at their lovely home while we were in Medford.

After several days of non-stop touring, we all welcomed a day to ourselves.  Several of us remained in camp on Wednesday, taking the  opportunity to kick back or visit with friends. Others went off to other attractions and shopping in the area. After all, there is no sales tax in Oregon which makes it a great venue for shopping and saving! 
Happy Hour that afternoon was followed by a potluck dinner. We certainly do not lack for food on these rallies.  And as always, the variety and selections of the potluck dishes left us well satiated.

Our surprise breakfast the next morning was egg and bacon scones, also a local treat. Next on the agenda for the day was a drive to the historic small town of Jacksonville for a trolley tour, followed by peeks into a couple of quilt shops. 
Steeped in history, the entire town of Jacksonville is designated a National Historic Landmark. The gold rush of the 1850's first attracted folks to this area and the town prospered and grew to become the second largest city in Oregon. Eventually a railroad that bypassed the town caused its sharp decline until it was rediscovered as a tourist attraction and a bedroom community to nearby Medford.  
Our trolley driver took us past several very pretty old homes as he narrated the colorful history of this western town.

No trip with Debi is complete without a stop at a local quilt shop. I knew there was one in Jacksonville because we were here many years ago on a Rialta trip. And to my delight, the very same shop, with the very same sign is still there! 

Country Quilts

Always mindful of our patient husbands, Jacksonville kindly offers a place of refuge for bored husbands while their wives shop. I liked this sign outside a bar-restaurant. 

Back in camp,dinner that night was catered by Rosario's Italian Restaurant. We have certainly enjoyed the wide variety of local restaurant menus in Medford.

Friday was another designated free day although this time we did not kick back. In fact, we kicked it up a notch by going on a Hellgate Jetboat Excursion. And what a ride it was! 
Three jetboats of eager toruists (some more anxious than eager) set out on this fine morning down the Rogue River. For sixty years, this company has provided a thrilling ride through southern Oregon's natural scenic panorama. The Rogue is described as one of the most dramatic rivers in the US. It winds its way through thrilling water stretches that alternate with mild riffles, placid pools and narrow canyons flanked by towering cliffs. If you are very lucky, you may even spot some of the wildlife as you float along. Otter, bear, beaver, deer, elk, cougars, osprey, bald eagles, ducks and wild turkey make this their home. We saw several eagles atop some of the tall trees. 

heading down the Rogue River to Hells Gate Canyon

Our excursion included a stop at the Morrison's Rogue River Lodge for lunch. And on our return trip, three boats treated us to a dueling match that included spins and twists ending up with splashing and spraying to the whoops of delight of the passengers. We had been forewarned and made sure we were well protected from the water gushes and the wakes.

a good old fashioned chicken barbecue meal served home style

Here's Michael's Go Pro video of the exhilarating ride to give you an up close view: 
Hellgate jetboat ride
After such an exciting and eventful day, we were happy to relax and have dinner on our own. 

The next morning off we went again after a burrito breakfast from yet another local favorite restaurant. The morning tour was to the Lone Ranch alpaca farm in White City.  
The Gyuros, a husband and wife team, run the farm and breed the alpacas. Their famous Kimaree has developed a reputation for her friendliness to strangers and for her oh! so soft tuft of alpaca hair. She loves to be petted and groomed and was happy to pose for pictures with several from our group. The other aplacas checked us out from a distance and preferred to be left alone as we walked among them. 

The Gyuros live in a beautiful log cabin house which has one room dedicated to all things alpaca, including alpaca stuffed toys, alpaca yarn and alpaca hand created wearable items like scarves and hats, all for sale of course. And should you be tempted to buy an alpaca or two, they have those for sale too. Except for Kimaree. 

That same afternoon we had a tour scheduled at the Oregon Vortex House of Mystery in Gold Hill. Described as authentic, scientific, natural and historical, the Oregon Vortex remains a local phenomenon that has amazed visitors from around the world ever since opening to the public in 1930. Someone in the group remembers coming here as a child. Others in the group had heard of the Vortex. "Amazing" is what it was…you can take that any way you wish...depending on whether you believe...

Apparently this place of strange and amazing phenomena was first noted by Indians who  found that weird things occurred in this particular spot and that their horses would not come into the area. They called the area Forbidden Ground. And, apparently pilots flying over the spot observed that their compasses swung wildly for some unknown reason.

Though the phenomena are optical illusions the attraction illustrates them as the result of paranormal properties. 

House of Mystery was an assay office and later used as a tool storage built by the Old Grey Eagle Mining Co in 1904. The building slid from its foundations coming to rest at an odd angle. 

During our 45-minute tour, we observed people grow and shrink while exchanging places along a level platform. The guide who presented these experiments to her captive audience had a level with her to prove the accuracy of what she demonstrated. At the crooked house, we watched a ball appear to roll uphill, watched a broom sweeping and the same broom remaining upright all on its own.

look ma...no hands!

That evening, our final dinner was catered by the Polk's son-in-law and daughter who joined the rally in Medford. They also brought their Traeger Wood Fired Stove and slow cooked barbecued brisket.  It was truly a grand final feast to a fun-filled rally packed with so many interesting and varied excursions. If the Polk's reputation as rally masters precedes them, this is why. And with the help of their hard-working hosts, the Schierholtzes, this rally was yet another winner. 
For a quick recap of our Medford excursions, here is Michael's video summary: 
Medford rally

In the morning, we waved our goodbyes as our friends continued on or headed back home. 
We were looking forward to our next destination in Anacortes, Washington, where we would spend the next two months. Anacortes is our favorite small town on the Sound (and one we hope to retire to eventually). This time the appeal was more special because Kathleen, Aaron and 2-and-half year old Aidan would be joining us for a week! 
I couldn't wait. But we would first spend one night at the Kelso Elks in Longview to break up the long trek north to our final destination. 
Anacortes here we come!