We're on the road again. Wasn't sure if I was going to blog, but then decided what the hey! Of course, by the time I make the decision, we're somewhere with little or no phone or internet access, so there's a few days of catching up to do. And now that I actually have wifi, it's more off then on, unlike the website promised. Oh well, I'll do what I can but probably will have to come back and add pictures later. Too much data to try and upload at these almost backward speeds.
Monday, September 9th we headed out. Things to do in the morning, so didn't leave the house until about 11. By the time we got stuff loaded in the RV at the storage site, the car hooked up (after which the rain started) and hit the road, it was close to noon. Another easy border crossing, a stop for cheap(ish) gas and we were on our way. With the late start, we decided to only go as far as Tulalip and stay at the casino. On arrival, we noted that the parking lot across from where they park the RV's was flooded, and they were pumping the water into the RV lot. Lots of drains so no big deal, until the skies opened up and it was tough to walk outside without getting wet up to your ankles. No problem, just stay inside, but we had to get groceries so made the mad dash to the car and off we went. By the time we returned it had let up and the skies were lifting, but not for long. Quite a bit of rain overnight, but it was good by the morning. The parking lots were clear of pooling water.
Tuesday, Sept 10th - We hit the road around 9 thinking to avoid the morning rush through Seattle. YEA, RIGHT!! We started to get in a bog down around Lynwood and it took us an hour to get through to the south side of Seattle, only about 30km (20 miles) away. And it took us only that long because we made our way over to the HOV lane. However, that almost ended up sending us off to city streets but a nice lady let us back into the I5 through lane so we could continue south before all the HOV drivers behind us got their panties in a knot. I think I may have mentioned once or twice before how much I despise the I5, especially through Seattle and Portland (the latter which we avoided this time). And to add a bit of excitement to the insanity, at one point when the traffic actually started to move at a more regular highway speed, Robin threw on the windshield defroster, only to have the whole thing immediately fog up so we could barely see through. Well, it's not like the car where you can simply reach up and wipe a spot clear. So he got over to the far right lane as quickly as he could, slowed down as much as he could (considering we're on the highway) and while I kept my eyes on the mirrors and out the front window, he focused on the somewhat clear spot he had in front him. I'm sure it was only about a minute before the window suddenly cleared, but what a long minute it was.
Made our way to Cranberry RV Park in Long Beach, WA to meet up with our Mesa friends, Phil and Paula. They had planned to head home this same day, but when they realized we would be arriving the day they were to depart, they booked themselves in for a couple more nights. We tried to blame the rain on them, as the last time we met up with them (on our way home from Mesa earlier this year), it poured rain the whole time we were with them. Fortunately, the weather turned nice for the couple of days. We decided to head out for dinner that evening but the first restaurant we went to was closed (working on something inside?). So we headed a bit further south to try another place – it was closed. Paula tried a third place – they couldn't seat us until 8pm - no thanks. So we found a little Mexican place that was open, and busy, and had a lovely meal. Visit and après dinner bevvies at Phil & Paula's before heading back to the rig for the night.
Monday, September 9th we headed out. Things to do in the morning, so didn't leave the house until about 11. By the time we got stuff loaded in the RV at the storage site, the car hooked up (after which the rain started) and hit the road, it was close to noon. Another easy border crossing, a stop for cheap(ish) gas and we were on our way. With the late start, we decided to only go as far as Tulalip and stay at the casino. On arrival, we noted that the parking lot across from where they park the RV's was flooded, and they were pumping the water into the RV lot. Lots of drains so no big deal, until the skies opened up and it was tough to walk outside without getting wet up to your ankles. No problem, just stay inside, but we had to get groceries so made the mad dash to the car and off we went. By the time we returned it had let up and the skies were lifting, but not for long. Quite a bit of rain overnight, but it was good by the morning. The parking lots were clear of pooling water.
Tuesday, Sept 10th - We hit the road around 9 thinking to avoid the morning rush through Seattle. YEA, RIGHT!! We started to get in a bog down around Lynwood and it took us an hour to get through to the south side of Seattle, only about 30km (20 miles) away. And it took us only that long because we made our way over to the HOV lane. However, that almost ended up sending us off to city streets but a nice lady let us back into the I5 through lane so we could continue south before all the HOV drivers behind us got their panties in a knot. I think I may have mentioned once or twice before how much I despise the I5, especially through Seattle and Portland (the latter which we avoided this time). And to add a bit of excitement to the insanity, at one point when the traffic actually started to move at a more regular highway speed, Robin threw on the windshield defroster, only to have the whole thing immediately fog up so we could barely see through. Well, it's not like the car where you can simply reach up and wipe a spot clear. So he got over to the far right lane as quickly as he could, slowed down as much as he could (considering we're on the highway) and while I kept my eyes on the mirrors and out the front window, he focused on the somewhat clear spot he had in front him. I'm sure it was only about a minute before the window suddenly cleared, but what a long minute it was.
Made our way to Cranberry RV Park in Long Beach, WA to meet up with our Mesa friends, Phil and Paula. They had planned to head home this same day, but when they realized we would be arriving the day they were to depart, they booked themselves in for a couple more nights. We tried to blame the rain on them, as the last time we met up with them (on our way home from Mesa earlier this year), it poured rain the whole time we were with them. Fortunately, the weather turned nice for the couple of days. We decided to head out for dinner that evening but the first restaurant we went to was closed (working on something inside?). So we headed a bit further south to try another place – it was closed. Paula tried a third place – they couldn't seat us until 8pm - no thanks. So we found a little Mexican place that was open, and busy, and had a lovely meal. Visit and après dinner bevvies at Phil & Paula's before heading back to the rig for the night.