Packing up

😢

Captains Log July 31 – I can’t believe how fast this month as gone.  It seems just a week ago we moved to Loop B and now it’s been a month!  We did have a late knock on the door of the guy next to us whose power came on and then went off and he couldn’t trip the breaker.  So Bill called the on duty ranger and we saw him arrive and assumed he took care of it.

Our one and only fire

Today Bill did our 10 sites and picked 3 more pounds of berries while I made blackberry cobblers for us and the other hosts.  There’s no room in the fridge for them and I know these guys don’t bake!  My toaster oven seems to cook better so I cook them in there rather than the convection.  I had some small aluminum loaf pans so I made 4 of them and 2 other pans I had that are small.  Our total berry poundage is 40 pounds and 4.5 ounces!  That’s a lot of berries!  We have shared where the best spots are with Doug, the other host who likes to pick the berries.  He gave me a small jar of syrup he made and I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I’d made some.  His is canned so it has a good shelf life and mine is just in the freezer.   To think of all the canning jars I have at home and could have put up to give my friends and family!!

Bill took my cactus down today and another birdfeeder.  So sad!  We will try to get all of our sites done in the morning since our next campground is only an hour away.  If there are late leavers Gary said he’d take care of them so the guy coming can get settled in.  He’s been here before so he’s “trained” but that would not be nice to leave him 35 sites! 

We barely used any of our wood

We finally had a fire in our firepit and it was really nice.  We couldn’t find the fire starters so luckily I found some cardboard and a sheet of paper in the trash can.  It took a month but we had our fire.  We couldn’t wait for the next campground as they have a fire ban there. 

The grand total for the berries is 40 pounds and 5 ounces!  That’s a lot of berries and briar pricks all over!  We should be in good shape til we get home!

The plan is to leave about 1 tomorrow after cleaning our sites and closing up the RV.  The RV guy made it out late this afternoon to install the new control box for the leveling system.  He showed us how to calibrate it once we are on level ground so we’re hoping all will go well when we get to our next destination!

Breakfast out - back to work!

Captains Log July 30 - We both went into Shady Cove this morning for breakfast with the

Travel Trailer for free!

other hosts.  That’s not my thing but I went to be cordial.  I took a bag of my craft items to give the other hosts and things didn’t go as I had planned.  There is only one other woman and she and her husband are at Day Use area so we really don’t see much of them.  Well, I got my bag out and was telling the group that my hobby is crafting and I had brought some things they can use in their kitchens, etc.  The other woman, Diane, took over and said how she crochets so she didn’t need anything and didn’t pass the bag around and I didn’t want to start anything so I just let her tell them what they needed.  So for me it was rather disappointing.  I did enjoy my French toast though!

On the way home Bill knew I was not a happy camper and he commented on Diane and that he didn’t care for her but her husband is really nice.  So glad we don’t work with her on a daily basis.  It was nice with the other guys though!

Not too many sites to do today, which was good.  Bill started putting away our outdoor stuff, leaving just a minimum to finish up.   I cleaned my kitchen rugs and left them on the picnic table to dry and after Molly and I sat out for a while this afternoon I packed up her hut.  She really enjoyed the hummingbirds that were just a few feet away.  Bill had taken down one of the 3 already.

Molly and I enjoyed watching
this little hummer

Bill and I picked only 4 pounds today.  I was hot and tired and didn’t want to deal with tons more berries!  My freezer at home would be packed to the gill if I lived out here.  I kinda think they all would love the berries but not the job of picking them!

Host Gary was coming over tonight about 8:30 to show us his great photos from Australia so we made sure things were a bit picked up and ready for his visit.  Bill had his leftover sandwich and I finished off some leftovers.   Made for a quick clean up!

Gary is such a fun guy!  In addition to the photos, which were awesome, he’s just fun and great to talk to about travel and then we got into motorcycles as he has a bike and does some travel with biker buddies.  He said he’d been to Daytona for bike week once!  I sure hope we can catch up with him next summer if we end up back out here.

PS:  I forgot yesterday to show the photo of a pop up travel trailer that has been sitting along the road.  Our night ranger said he saw the accident on his way home from work one night and the owner just left it! 

Our last day off

Captains Log July 29 – Things are winding down for us.  Only a few days left and we will miss everyone.  The staff is great and the other volunteers are fun and great to hang out with.

It was our last day off and we picked berries – 8 pounds today!  Then I made over a quart of blackberry syrup.  I changed my method and this batch was a tad thicker as I didn’t buy any pectin to use and I think it will be fine.  I used up all of the small containers I had and put them in the freezer in any nook or cranny I could find.

I made a batch of Brownie Brittle for the staff so we took it up to the office and managed to catch Trish and Lisa.  I always put a note on what I make reminding them to share.  They have several shifts and I hate for the later people to miss out.

Bill walking in the 
Rogue River

We had promised ourselves we would go to the small county park near us on the Rogue River and just relax.  We took our chairs, something to drink, Bill’s water shoes, books and cameras and we went this afternoon.  There were only a few people there so we set up our chairs at the edge of the river.  Bill walked out in his water shoes and said it wasn’t bad.  I went out barefoot and it was like stepping in a bucket of ice

My turn

water.  BRRR!

There were 2 guys fishing and the son hooked a salmon and we watched him carefully fight it and bring him in.  It was so cook to watch.  He couldn’t keep it as it has to be a hatchery fish and this was a wild fish.  He estimated that it weighed 20-25 pounds.  They took a break and had a snack and by the time we left they were back out there trying again.

The salmon

It was very peaceful and relaxing just watching the variety of rafters and boaters going downstream and the families with little kids bravely playing in the ice water.  I noticed some berry bushes – since they are everywhere – and used my glass to pick about 2 cups of nice plump berries that were growing under the trees.  Those are the best if you can find them!

It was a very nice relaxing and enjoyable afternoon.  We should have done it more often.

Rafters

For dinner I had made ahead a pasta/chicken salad with grapes, grape tomatoes etc so dinner was ready when we were. 

We did our normal drive around our loop and the other loops and stopped to chat with the other hosts if they were around.  A nice end to a nice day!

Out on the town

Captains Log July 28 – Shopping and Doctoring Day!

Yes, we’ve spent a lot of time with doctors!  That was one good reason to find a volunteer spot for a while as Bill was in the middle of a couple of procedures and then my tooth broke off!  I’m not sure if Bill has more scheduled down the road but I do have a bloodwork appointment in Idaho!

Our first stop was to drop off a Fed Ex envelope.  Then Bill dropped me at a shopping center near my dentist’s office while he went to his dermatologist appt.  The doctor is very pleased with how his wound is healing so that’s on the right track.  While he was there I went to Dollar Tree, TJ Maxx and Tuesday Morning and bought something at each place!

Bill got back as I was checking out of my last store, so timing was great!!  We both liked the Hero’s Sandwich shop in the plaza so rather than look around for something else close we ate there.  Bill’s sandwich was so huge he took half home.  I had a pulled pork bowl with brown rice and 4-5 other things on top and I didn’t leave a grain of rice!

Bill dropped me at the dentist while he went to Target at the ONLY CVS pharmacy to pick up a refill of one of his scripts.  The removal of the temp crown took longer than the placement of the permanent one.  All went well!  It felt tight for about an hour but then just felt like it’s always been in there!

On the way out of Medford for the last time we stopped briefly at the other Dollar Tree for a cold drink and then at the other used bookstore that Bill found.  We turned in a bag of books and got at least 30 replacements!  I only had 5 or so!!

Last stop at the nice Walmart – who was out of rotisserie chicken and then home.  Luckily we had enough leftovers for dinner.  Then of course, we went out and picked more blackberries, whether there was room for them or not!  We have picked 32 pounds and 9 ounces so far!

I've been a SLACKER!

Captains Log July 23 -  27 – OK, I’ve been a slacker! 

There really hasn’t been much to tell, just the same old things.  It’s been back to working and

Just a small area of where we pick.

picking berries.  Bill has had a couple of doctor appointments and so he helped in the morning with what sites were empty and I did the rest.  Of course, I sent a list with him of anything I wanted him to get on the way back each time.

I currently have I think, 14 pounds of blackberries in the freezer and I made my first batch ever of blackberry syrup.  I didn’t make but about 12 ounces as it only keeps 2 weeks in fridge but can be frozen, so I put 2 tiny containers in the freezer but am pretty sure I will make another batch and try to work it into the freezer.

Blueberry Crumble Bars

I’ve made Blueberry Crumble Bars, which are very tasty and muffins and pancakes!  My fingernails are disgusting from picking and cleaning the berries.  I try disposable gloves but they tear right away. 

For something to do we stocked the brochures at each loop and while Bill was gone one day I went to the Group Area and picked up quite a bit of trash in the parking area and site area. 

Bill gave me a big Rubbermaid tub with a lid and a bunch of his rag towels and I wrapped up my giant pine cones to take home.  I promised his brother Bryan one but thought I might use the others for a craft project or let my grandson, Jude, take one to school for show and tell.

Shopping and Cheese Shop

Captains Log July 22 – We managed to get up, eat, dressed and on the road to Medford by

Rogue Cheese Factory

9:30, until we stopped to talk with someone and were delayed a bit.  We didn’t really have a lot of stops planned for today but got home later than I thought we would.

On the way into Medford there is a huge Goodwill store and we’re always looking for books and bargains.  We went in and Bill didn’t find anything so he took the truck next door to the car wash while I perused the store.  I found 2 books and a gift for a friend of mine.  When I checked out Bill was almost finished with the truck and then we drove a little further up the road to Dollar Tree.  I needed some gift bags as I’m giving the 4 rangers here a goodie bag of my homemade items.  Three are ladies and one is a guy but he has a wife soooo.

I was carrying around 2 pair of shorts that I was still looking for another top to go with them so we went to the mall.  Bill sat in the food court while I hit Macy’s, Macy’s Backstage and Penney’s. I did find 2 tops to match one pair of shorts so I was happy to no longer have to carry both pairs everywhere.

Where the cheese is made

Bill had moved to the truck by the time I got back.  I had a coupon for a free Chick-fil-a so that’s what I was hungry for!  The line was massive at the 2 drive thru lanes and there was a line inside but not really bad, just had 1 order taker.    She said they were short staffed because no one wants to go back to work and give up the “free” money and it was peak time of day.  We ate inside and by the time we left there was no line at all outside or inside!  We got another survey and got a coupon for another free sandwich!!

A little further into town is the Rogue Creamery Cheese Factory and Shop.  Bill had read about it and it’s been in existence for 80 years.  I think at some point it was out of town and later moved closer to Medford.  I watched them

through the viewing window for a while and Bill waited for his turn to

The street was lines with these

taste some of the cheeses.  He bought 2 for him, Cheddar and Chocolate Stout  and a Smoked Gouda for me.  They are most well known for their blue cheeses and Bill tried one and said that was a mistake! 

We made our regular stop at the Eagle Point Wal-mart and headed home!

We went berry picking and picked another 4+ pounds of berries.  I had room for another 2 pounds in the freezer! 

Finally made it to Crater Lake

Captains Log July 21 –  We  had  a  great  time  today!   We headed  out  for  Crater Lake  this

Store and restaurant at South Entrance

morning.  We were not sure if there’d be a place to eat so I took some fruit, carrots and snacks to get by with.  Bill didn’t think he better drive with his toe surgery, and really shouldn’t be doing a lot of walking but we were running out of days to go so I drove and he slept.

We started our visit at the South Rim.  They have a pretty large parking area and we had perfect timing and got a spot immediately.  They have a big gift store and a small cafeteria for ready made sandwiches and salads and do burgers and hotdogs on the grill.  The actual Visitor Center is closed so there was no movie, or intro, but that was fine as we got to do that part 2 years ago when we came and there was so much snow still that we could only drive so far and the roads were closed.

View from South Entrance, Wizard Island

I got Bill a sandwich and I was not paying the price for the tiny salad with a dash of chicken on it so I survived on our snacks!  We stopped so many times while driving the entire loop around the lake.  I took a ton of pictures and the lake is prettiest from where we started but the side with the Phantom Ship is also very nice.  There were bikers and hikers all over and foreigners and children and so many people, but we never had a problem parking at any of the stops we made.

Now we can officially check Crater Lake off our bucket list!  It was pretty nippy when we arrived and we took jackets but about ¼ around the lake it was warming up.  We didn’t see any wildlife but the tiny chipmunks that are willing to eat from your hand and pose for photos!!

Mid-way around, so blue!

On the way home we stopped at Becky’s in Union Creek for her pies that we heard were out of this world.  She does 8-10 different kinds of pie each day.  I had coconut cream pie and Bill went with chocolate peanut butter.  It’s pretty pricey at $8 a slice, but it is a big slice and close to 4 inches tall.  It was enough for 2 servings so we sat out at a picnic table and ate half and took the rest home.  The filling was to die for but the crust was very thick, which I guess you’d need to hold it together for the heavy slices, but it was pretty boring and dense.

There was no question that dinner would be

From Northside, Phantom Ship island

leftovers!  That was fine as I wanted to make some blackberry crisps for us and 2 small ones for 2 of the guy loop hosts. So I kept the convection oven going strong til the baking was done.  Bill delivered the crisp to the guys and we called it a day!  A really good day!

More berries and doctoring

Captains Log July 20 – Bill headed to Medford after breakfast for his foot appointment.  He has 2 hammer toes and this doctor said he could snip the tendon under the toes and put one stitch in each and there was a good chance his toes would flatten out.  

While he was gone I did our loop and A loop.  Once I got a load for the wood pile I went out to dump it and picked more berries.  It took several times around the loops until campers left so I could finish.  I had one left in A that was from Florida in a tent.  He finally got back from wherever and I asked if I could start cleaning his site.  He was very nice and is from Boca Raton area and is staying in Oregon for 2 months to visit with his grandfather.  You meet people from all over! 

This evening since Bill was to elevate his feet, I left after dinner to go back to the berry batch.  I picked enough to put another pound in the freezer and keep a bunch to cook with tomorrow.  I’d freeze more if I had room.  

Nothing exciting today, which is perfectly fine!

Cleaning and Picking

Captains Log July 19 – The campground was totally empty for about an hour!  We finished  cleaning most of the sites then Bill went back out and did the last 3 once they left.  It wasn’t long before we started seeing the 29 new campers arriving, so the cycle begins again!

I went back to the berry patch for a while and picked 1 ½ pounds just for eating.  I’ll give it a couple of days before I go back for more for the freezer!  They don’t look like they will be gone anytime soon!

Nothing much else exciting today!  We had a short visit from Cayden, one of the campground employees that was here our first few weeks.  He was on his way to go fishing and took the time to stop by on his way just to say hello.  We asked about him a week ago as we had the feeling he’d been let go and he was.  He’s got a better opportunity at UPS, so we hope it goes well for him. 

I worked on some crafting today which I haven’t done since we got here.  Now that we have our satellite working I will craft while watching TV.

 

Picking More berries!!

Captains Log July 18- There was no leaving the campground today. 

2 individual pies and one for us!

After breakfast, before it got too hot we went to the berry patch and together we picked 4½ pounds of blackberries. I cleaned both days’ berries and put 4 pounds in the freezer and then made pie with the remainder and some fresh rhubarb.  I made 2 tiny pies for 2 of the single guy hosts and a bigger but not regular size pie for Bill and I.  It’s enough for 6 small servings.  

We had about 23 sites empty during the day which was great for us.  We cleaned them in 2 or 3 times circling the loop.  The more we do today the less we have tomorrow.  The strange thing is now we have no new campers since the spaces are still held for the large group.  

There were wood sales on and off from our loop and from other loops.  I guess their host was not available.

We grilled out today, chicken kabobs and zucchini for dinner and watched some TV and sold some wood.  Nice end of good day! 

Outing to Lavender Festival

Captains Log July 17 – Off to the Lavender Festival!  Bill had a couple of stops to make in

Lavender Field

Medford which is on the way to the festival location.

The weather was beautiful and they had a nice crowd and a good group entertaining the crowd.  The drive there was rather exciting – through a couple of small towns, hilly and curvy roads with very few homes along the way.  The further we went the narrower the roads got.  We were thinking we might have been on the wrong road but every 5 miles or so once we left Medford there were signs that just sad “Lavender Festival”. Apparently a different farm hosts each year and arranges for half a dozen vendors to set up, music, and a food truck (since you in the middle of no where).

The family that owns the farm hosting this year is from England, therefore their farm is the English Lavender Farm.  You are on your own to walk around the

One of the drying racks

lavender fields and this farm had a gift shop set up in their drying room.  It’s a nice little building and they have some big rack hanging from the ceiling with bundles of lavender on them.  There were many tables and displays of sooo many uses of lavender.   There were oils, sachets, air fresheners, candy, honey, just so many items.  Bill wanted a sachet to put in his drawer.  We did try serving of sorbet.  I had coconut lavender and Bill chocolate lavender.  We also bought 2 bottles of English Lavender Hard Cider!!

We were really ready for lunch and we came thru a quaint small town, Jacksonville, that reminded us of Windermere, FL.  We Googled the restaurants and went with the German one since we haven’t eaten in a German restaurant in ages.  The food was excellent but a little slow service

Bill at a lavender field

due to no one wanting to work when they can get mega bucks from unemployment.  In Oregon places like McDonald’s are offering jobs to 14 year olds and up with starting pay over $14 an hour!  So they have a 14 year old who delivers the food and cleans up the tables.

No other stops on the way home but I did tell Bill to quickly pull over.  There was a guy parasailing over a big field by the road.  He was in the process of landing and Bill pulled just in time for me to get some photos. 

We got back to the campground a bit later than I had thought we

Paraglider we watched land

would but we jumped right into selling wood to our campers and cleaned the few sites that had been vacated.  The entire loop is rented by a church and they are all scheduled to leave on Monday, so it’s nice to get started early! We drove around and there were some spaces still empty so we hope they don’t show up and so we don’t have to clean them Monday!

I went out to the wood pile and picked 1 1/2 pounds of
blackberries.

Delicious berries

  There are tons out there and not they seem to be ripening pretty fast.  I just put them in a container in the fridge for now.

It was a lovely day and we certainly enjoyed our day out and about!

Not busy but kept busy!

Captains Log July 16 – It was kind of a strange day!  We had no sites to clean but I did drive around and do a little extra clean up and checked the vacant sites.  Then Bill and I went for a ride around the loops, just for something to do.

Later the ranger came by with a box of brochures and asked if we would go to each loop and put some out and staple laminated signs on the bins for cans for boy scouts.  So we went on another ride and we visited with Bill in A loop for a while.  It’s been a really quiet day except for wood sales. 

Today was the first day of the Lavender Festival and we had wanted to go, so when the ranger came out I asked her if it was OK for us to go in the morning since we have no departures until Monday.  She said that was perfectly OK.  Mostly it’s only wood sales for the next 2 days.  She asked if we’d just check the bathrooms before we go since most of the sites are tenters.

We vacuumed all the carpet and then moved the big rug and I did a good cleaning of the nasty floor.  The dirty floor drives me crazy so Bill swept and vacuumed and I did the scrubbing with a new mop.  At least for now is nice and shiny!

We set up our replacement satellite this afternoon.  It was iffy at first but Bill realized I hadn’t hooked of the last cable to our matrix box and once I did that we were on our way to our first TV in a month!  Bill didn’t think we got the satellite that had his 2 favorite channels but we did, so we immediately turned on Hallmark and watched a murder mystery.  I also figured out how to watch the same show on 2 TV's, so that is a good thing.

I warmed up part of the rotisserie chicken I got yesterday, nuked 2 ears of corn and made salads.  Then we had a slice of this caramel pie.  I found a packet  of sugar, spices and whatever that said it will make a caramel pie.  It’s boiling water, the mix, softened cream cheese and thawed cool whip in a graham cracker crust.  Very light and is very tasty.  I have no idea where I got that little packet from so I don’t think it will be a repeat.

Bill went for a ride in the golf cart and came back and loaded up with firewood and took the money bag so I think he’s doing some sales work.  I had just sold 2 bundles before he got back.  Time for a shower and hopefully I will post the last few days of blogs this evening. 

Another busy day in town.

Captains Log July 15 – We were up at 6 and out the door at 7 for my dentist appointment.  Bill wanted me  to drive so   could nap but  he never shut  his eyes.   The navigation  system  took us on a bit  of a wild goose  chase.   Bill called  the dentist  and she guided us in with accurate directions.   He dropped  me off and  headed to a stop  along the way to the truck place.  They were attempting to  correct a dash  error he  was getting  about the RV attachment for braking when we tow the truck.

I really liked my dentist and the dental assistant.  They were personable, knowledgeable, and did a good job on me for 2 long hours.  They scan everything and email the scan to the place where the crowns are made.  He was very precise and prepped it.  Once he left the room the tech did a bit more prepping and put in my temporary plastic crown.  At check out I called Bill to confirm the date for my final crown and it worked out perfectly as he has an appt. at 11 and mine will be a 1.  So now I just need to take it easy on my chewing until the 28^th!

Bill was still waiting on his truck and it was really nice out so I decided to attempt walking to the mall which was about 30 minutes away.  Well, on the way I was at a plaza with a Dollar Tree and a Big Lots, so I HAD to stop!  I had a small tote bag so I had a way to carry my purchases.  I picked up a couple of small things and was about to leave Big Lots when Bill called and asked where I was.  I told him to pick me up at TJ Maxx at the end of the plaza.  They were having a moving sale but I didn’t find tops the colors I was looking for so I left empty handed!

It took us a few tries to find a good lunch spot but it was excellent.  A nice Italian place.  Bill went with Chicken Parm and I had Chicken Piccata with risotto.  The service was a little slow and the server was either really busy or not very efficient but the food was great!

I had attempted before lunch to pick up our satellite with the order number I got from amazon and they would not release it to me without the pick up code or bar code.  That goes to my sister who’s the main person on the account.  So I called her and she was stuck in traffic due to an accident and said she’d try to get me the info.  By the time we ate lunch she sent me a text with the info so we picked up the replacement satellite.

I had planned to get home fairly early today but it wasn’t happening.  Bill had dropped off his hearing aid that stopped and they called earlier and said it was dead.  He had to go by and provide information to have it sent to friends of ours along our trip and sign to send it back to the manufacturer. Then we headed to Walmart in Eagle Ridge in hopes they got the vegetables and fruits stocked.  It was much better today so I managed to get enough I hope to last til next week.

We both did a few chores once we got home and agreed to just eat what was leftover in the fridge since we had such a big lunch. 

Time to read a while and relax.  Tomorrow I’ll get caught up on the blog posts!!

Day in town and doctoring

Captains Log July 14 –  First  thing this  morning once it  turned 8:00, I started  calling  dentists  I  had looked up  that were  on our insurance  plan in  Medford.  There were quite a lot but I only wrote down the ones with multiple  dentists and ratings  higher than 4.3.  I was very happy that the first one I called had a slot for tomorrow at 9.  Bill had an appointment for the truck at 9 as well so he could drop me off a little early to do my paperwork and then we’d play it by ear.

Later in the day she called back and said they had an 8:00 cancellation and thought it would be better for me to take that spot as it might take a while to do whatever the dentist needed to so.  I took the appointment  which meant we would need to leave by 7!! Ugh!

We left this morning at  9:30 for Medford.  On the way into town we stopped at Dollar Tree, and dropped our RV warranty off at the company who is working on our leveling system.  Then it was Walmart for dry goods,  Staples to turn in cartridges and get a new one.

By then it was time for lunch so we would be on time for OUR 1:00 Podiatrist appointments.  We decided to go back to Roosters since we enjoyed it the last time and it was in a good location for us.  I had the Quiche Lorraine and it was awesome.  It came with fresh fruit and the biggest biscuit I ever saw, which I wrapped up and brought home with half of Bill’s giant meatloaf sandwich.

Bill had called the Dr. a few days ago and asked if they could see me at the same time.  They agreed as long as we didn’t mind being in the same room at the same time.  Of course, since we’ve been together 33 years, I think we could manage seeing a foot doctor at the same time!  So I did my paperwork and they put us in a room and I told him to go first.  The doctor is really nice and Bill said he was great his first visit.  He got a wart burned off and a shot in his foot.  When it was my turn Bill left the room so he didn’t get to see me get my shot!  Apparently I’ve developed some scar tissue in my ankle from the ankle surgery.  He told me about a product to order on Amazon and use regularly and in some cases it reduces scar tissue.  He thinks the scar tissue is pressing on some nerves that are causing me to have feelings like needles sticking the bottom of my foot and it gets really hot feeling.  So hopefully his recommendation and the injection will help out.

We did a quick stop at Albertson’s, gassed up the truck at Fred Meyers, went to pick up our replacement satellite and they wouldn’t give it to me without a specific number and I only had my drivers license.  Crap!  Luckily we are coming back tomorrow for the dentist.

We stopped at Lowes and I found the solar stake lights I need for my cactus and then we hit Dutch Brothers for a frozen coffee concoction.  They are similar to Starbucks and equally expensive but it was such a nice treat!  It made our feet feel better!!

The last stop is the “nice” Walmart in Eagle Ridge.  Bill didn’t go in and I only had to do the cold/fresh foods on this stop so it didn’t take very long.  Then it was 25 minutes home.

It didn’t look like there were many new campers so maybe we won’t be full this weekend!

Nothing exciting!

Captains Log July 13 –  It was  a rather  smooth running  day.   We had  to clean  our loop and loop A but it was not bad at all.  I think we had 8 sites total.

Arrivals started arriving before noon – again!  We seem to just finish and then they start showing up.

In one site a metal table was left behind and a 3 drawer plastic storage bin.  The table went to the compactor and we brought home the storage bin and will see if we have a use for it, if not we will find a home for it.  There’s not a thing wrong with it.

Since it was a slow day we went into Shady Cove for lunch.  We thought places were only closed on Mondays, but apparently they think Tuesdays are slow days as well.  We didn’t get to try a new place but went to the sandwich shop and enjoyed another good sandwich.  I know Bill had something with bacon on it and I had a garlic chicken wrap.  They are huge and so full of meat.  I definitely can only eat a half, which makes it  a really reasonable lunch.  They also give you a small bag of chips but I give those to Bill.

We drove down to the Bison place and they were doing sliders so after lunch Bill had to try one!  He said it was REALLY good.  They grill them under an attached awning on the building and only do it a few days each week.  I was not interested in more food except for some ice cream.  So of course we stopped at the ice cream shop and each had a single.  Yum!  Made my day!

It was a nice day until I was making dinner.  I was cutting up some cheese for our salads and popped a chunk in my mouth and after one chew it felt like there was a rock in it.  I broke off the outside of an upper molar.  CRAP!  I cleaned it off and put it in a zip lock bag, was very careful eating dinner and luckily was not in any pain and I wanted to keep it that way.  Not a good ending to a nice day!

 

Anohter good day

Captains Log July 12 – The host in Loop C left this morning, but he will be coming back

There was a Stellar Jay
meeting today!

August 1 and take over our loop.  Today and tomorrow the hosts in A and C are off anyway so we have to clean their sites.  We had 22 total and Bill did the first run with me but then I dropped him off to mow. So I had a few hangers on, and finished right after lunchtime.  Once he finished mowing we took a load of limbs and pinecones to the wood pile and I picked us a handful of blackberries.  I am very excited as we were told it would August before they were ripe.  They are wild, so they aren’t huge but very tasty and I hope for enough for a dessert and would be thrilled to put a bag of them in my freezer!

There has been a steady flow of guests all day but I can see form my site that we still have at least 3 vacant. 

I grilled boneless pork chops and zucchini on the grill and made a small batch of potato salad for dinner tonight.  In the middle of the grilling I was selling wood and overcooked the dinner but it was still tasty and filling.

This afternoon we were sitting outside and I heard a big helicopter.  From the direction and type of copter it was I thought there had been a boat/water incident.  When a ranger came by later he said it was a little boy in Loop C with a food allergy but he was OK.  That’s the most excitement we’ve had here other than watching our hummingbirds fighting!

                                                                                        2 Stellar Jays in our tree eating

Once Bill did up the dishes we went for a golf cart ride before it got dark to see how many vacancies we had.  We have about 20 empty so it doesn’t look like we will be super busy in the morning.  We’re hoping not as we want to go pick up our portable satellite and do the grocery shopping for the week. 

We drove 3 of the loops and I think we are the most empty!  When we got back Bill put out some food for the baby kitties under the shed.  3 of the 4 came out right away but we didn’t see the 4^th or the mother.

Time to read a while after I post and relax for a hectic Tuesday!

Another busy Sunday morning

Captains Log July 11 - Exit Day!  Our  departure  list was 34 today, could have been  worse!  On one of my trips around this morning I saw an RV with 2  ladies sitting  our front  and one  had the blue bag with the phone and wallet in it, in her lap.  I  stopped  and she  said the  site was  in her name but the ranger figured it might be a relative.  The husband sat it on his  boat trailer  and left for the lake and it fell off at our loop entrance.  The  husband  didn’t know  it was  gone til  he got home.  She was very thankful that I found it and turned it in.

One of  the guests  in a site  beside one  we were  cleaning came  over and  told us it was a tent couple there  with 5 small  children and  they left  at night.   He said  he was in his RV and heard them scurrying  around and  getting water.   His car was  on fire as  they were packed and going home.  Water was not the right thing to use so the neighbor grabbed his fire extinguisher and put the car fire  out and  once it cooled it  started up and they left.   Then he went on to tell us that he had a skunk and a raccoon  at his  site once  they left.   The  raccoon turned  his cooler  over but couldn't get in it and the skunk just showed up but didn't make a stink of it!  That's a joke!!

The rest of the day was selling wood, answering questions, and relaxing outside.  I did manage to post a couple of blogs.  It’s been tough with no WIFI.  I have to have Bill’s phone in the RV to hotspot and he forgets and goes outside and I lose it.  Sometimes we trade phones if he’s going for a drive around the park or something. 

I did manage to make our reservation for Santa Fe when we leave Albuquerque but need to look the map over and decide how we’re going home.  I REALLY do not want to drive through Dallas/Ft. Worth or San Antonio.  They have those cloverleaf intersections and so much traffic I just hate that way so I’m thinking to stay further north.  Bill is a little disappointed as he has 2 sets of friends he was hoping to see but I’m just not up to it this year.  It’s been a rather stressful summer with the Caravan cancellation and I want a more leisurely trip home.

Lost and Found

Captains Log July 10 - Bill went to meet some of the other hosts for breakfast and I had turkey

1 of 4 kitties under the shed
Bill lured them out with kitty snacks

bacon and fruit and relaxed!  While he was gone I started on my handful of sites for today.  Luckily only 2 were not empty so I had those done before Bill got back.  He took a nap as he’d been up since 4:30 and had an early guest at the door who told him there was a guy going into the women’s side of the bathhouses in Loop D and our loop.  He called that in to a ranger!  Then he had a visitor confirming the day use fee.

So we were off to a busy morning!  The weather is still hot temperature wise but there seems to always be a breeze and no humidity, so we can sit out under our big tree.  Bill was taking a break since he was up so early checking on the bathroom guy, so I was out and found a wallet and cell phone in a water proof zipper bag.  Bill and I went thru it to find a name or number.  The emergency contact person’s voice mail was full.  There was no one on our check out list with his name and we don’t get a list of who’s in the park each day, just departures.  We turned it in to the rangers and hoped for the best.

The park started filling up at noon with no vacancies.  Most people bring their own firewood but we sell a couple of bundles a day over all.  Lots of boats and ski dos.  Luckily that means most of them are down at the lake all day so the park stays pretty quiet.

Once our chores were done for the day we sat out and watched the crazy birds.

Working hard!

Captains Log July 9 - What a tiring day!  We had 41 sites to clean and now we’re back to

Beautiful Stellar Jay

cleaning the firepits. Bill volunteered to mow grass since one of the mow guys left to go back to his old job.  So I dropped him at the maintenance building to get instructed etc and I headed back to my loop.

Fortunately there were some who left last evening so there were some for me to get started on.  It was a steady exit which is nice.  By the time I go around the loop, there were always another few each time.  Bill mowed for 2 hours and called me to come get him.  That muscle/hip area was hurting from the way he has to drive the mower.  He laid down for a while and took a nap. 

By the time he was up and ready I had finished all but 2 sites so we went to do those and empty the cart.  It’s such a relaxing and beautiful little drive to the wood pile.  We emptied pine cones and tree branches there and then the burn bins at the maintenance shop for the burnt wood and ashes.  Bill swept out our cart so it’s clean for the rest of the day.

Hungry Stellar Jay  they are big birds

I put on a pot of green beans to slow cook with ham bits for dinner and I booked the second canyon tour in Page, AZ for in September.  Glad we have that section of our trip all down.  Then I moved on to North Rim of the Grand Canyon.  I had booked our 3 hour mule trip ages ago but looked at any other options for there.  It’s very remote and nothing like the south rim.  I decided we’d just do the self driving trip along the rim and we will go to the historic lodge in the tiny village. 

I started on the South Rim and there is so much and we figure there will be so many people that we will fare better to go on the free bus along the rim where we can take our time and then wait for the next bus or walk to the next stop.  I still haven’t planned the rest of our time there but maybe we will just wing it!  It’s so big and very difficult to decide what takes priority! 

Bill picked rotisserie chicken for his meat, cottage cheese and a tomato and I had the last of the pork loin and my quinoa salad and we both had the green beans.  Tomorrow night we will had more leftover meats!!

A bit of sightseeing and lunch out!

Captains Log July 8 – We had talked about going to Crater Lake today but since the RV tech said he’d come late today since it stays light here til about 9, we decided not to go there and maybe be rushing to get back.

The air was pretty smoky in the campground and I checked my phone and there are 2 fires not too terribly far from us creating the smoke. 

After breakfast and showers, we left for Butte Falls.  It’s a town with falls!  We didn’t realize

Yes, they are cows!

how far off the main road it was.  The phone GPS took us to who knows where!  We ended up among some free roaming cows and decided that was not the right way.  Then the GPS got it right and we parked at the falls.  We had passed the sign going into town as we were expecting it to be on the opposite side of the road with an arrow pointing!  Anyway it was a very nice falls.  Not too tall but wide.  There were old pilings along the edge of the river from an old mill.  There was a path to walk further down that I took and from that path a longer, steeper one downhill.  I considered going but without my ankle brace I didn’t think it was such a good idea.

We had lunch at one of the 2 cafes.  Bill had a peanut butter hamburger and really enjoyed it.  I had a very blah salad but at least the greens were very fresh and crispy. 

Butte Falls

Needless to say, we did not go back the way we came but it was a ways to the main road.  We made a quick stop to the Bison Shop as Bill picked up what he thought was a business card yesterday and it was a gift card.  So he returned it and we headed for home. 

Bill filled one of the hummingbird feeders and the regular feeder and sat out and watched the birds and any activity going by our place.  I got started on catching up my journal and some other paperwork.  I took a break and went out and mended the arm of my small cactus and left him drying for a while.  Bill decided to go riding around in the golf cart for a while.

The RV guy called and said he couldn’t make it today but plans to come tomorrow evening.  That was fine.  Bill grilled our venison burgers and I had salad with quinoa salad on it and he has veggies and cottage cheese.  We sat out where we ate and watched the birds for a while and I sprayed the new elbow on my cactus on one side and touched up any nicks.  Tomorrow I’ll do the other side and we can put it out with some solar lights.

I baked a batch of Brownie Brittle and we both talked to Bill’s sister Carole for a while.  We’re looking forward to seeing her in September!