The Last Leg Home

Prior to deciding how to finish our trip home I decided to research the route recommended by Microsoft Streets and Trips. The shortest route from Madras to Portland and home was across highway 26 around Mt Hood. After checking the Oregon DOT website I nixed that idea because there was snow and ice on parts of the roadway. The ODOT web site was the most helpful of all the state sponsored websites we used. Cameras and weather stations are available throughout much of the state, including travel warnings for weather and construction.

We made the decision to head north on 97 to the junction of 97 and 197, taking 197 to The Dalles, then 84 west up the gorge before crossing the river on I-205 and heading home on I-5.

While 197 was the shortest way to I-84, don't plan on it being the fastest. The road snakes it's way across high planes,climbing over plateaus and into valleys. Many of the climbs and desents featured switchbacks and hairpin curves that required slowing the RV to 20 MPH.

It did however turnout to be a beautiful part of the trip when it comes to the views. At one point we stopped at a pull out and enjoyed views of Mt Adams, Mt Hood, Mt, Jefferson, Mt Washington, The Sisters and Three Fingered Jack all at the same time. I stood and thanked God for the earth he gave us to enjoy.

Along the way you snake slowly down steep declines and sharp curves to find the hamlet of Moupin, OR nestled in a valley and hillside next to the Deschutes River. As we switchbacked up the hill from the river to the towns "main street" shop owners appeared to come out and take a look see at the crazy people in the RV towing small truck who braved the road through their town.

As you come down the last set of curves into The Dalles you are treated to not only a spectacular view of the mighty Columbia, but vineyards and green fields on both sides of the road.

The entire way the sky's were clear and bright, even as we headed west on I-84. As we began to approach Portland we could see clouds on the Washington side of the river, almost as if to say welcome home. Sure enough we crossed over the Columbia and it began to cloud up and rain by the time we reached Olympia.

We arrived home about 4:30 p.m. on Friday March 9 after being on the road since Feb 16. It was a great trip full of relaxation and sunshine.

We made a decision on this adventure to try dry camping, free camping, along with resort camping. Our adventure was successful and we learned a lot. In a coming blog, I will discuss menu's and equipment..Happy trails.

Freestlying the Route

We headed out of Lodi on I-5 planning to spend the night somewhere around Eugene, OR however when we stopped for fuel and lunch in Weed, CA I got this wild idea to change plans and take a different route home, so off we went heading north on highway 97 through central Oregon. I had not been on this highway since I was a kid and it was a treat. We were treated to some of the most amazing scenery one could imagine. Mountains, prairies, and lake shoreline. There was lots of snow along the road until we got to Bend OR. After 12 hours on the road and clear skies the entire way we have settled in to the KOA in Madras,OR for the night.

Our plan is still to arrive home Friday evening, Lord willing.

Happy Trails

Leaving Buffalo Bill's in the Dust

After a windy dusty day and night with wind reaching over 70 mph, I woke up up at 5:45 a.m. to a clear and calm day, So I made coffee fueled up "Old Roxie"and hit the road with Chrystal still snoozing. Heading west on I-15 was an experience, lots of long uphill followed by long downgrades. At the top of one pass we saw Joshua trees with snow on them. At Barstow we stopped for a little breakfast and a shower then headed east on 58 toward Bakersfield. 58 takes you through flat desert then at Mohave you head up across the mountains. A couple of interesting sights include Boron the town known for Borax. Lot's of interesting mining and processing go on there. The highway also passes near Edwards Air Force Base. No secret activity today. As you head out of Mohave the wind farms are a sight.

At Bakersfield we headed north on 99. 99 is no longer the slow road with lots of lights. It is pretty much a freeway all the way to Sacramento. We rolled into the Flying J in Lodi around 6 and settled in for the night, after dinner and dessert of ice cream and fresh baked cookies.

Leaving Vegas in the Rear View Mirror

After staying one night at the Vegas KOA, we decided to leave Vegas and brave some wind. It isn't blowing bad and the strongest winds are this afternoon. So, we will head across the desert and stop when it gets too nasty, maybe Barstow. We did change our route home because of winter snow warnings in central Nevada along 93. So away we go, across 15 to Barstow, 58 to Bakersfield and I 5 home. I will catch you up as I get internet.

Phoenix, Peoria, Mariners Spring Training, My Oh My.

We rolled into Phoenix early in the afternoon on leap day. Our RV park called Metro Phoenix RV Park is located on the north edge of the city limits near the junction of 101 and I-17. It is a clean park with a pleasant mix of travelers like us, snowbirds and a few year round folks. It is also a 55 and over park. It is very clean and friendly, but the wi-fi is spotty and frustrating.. The spots are really large with room for the rig with slide outs and awning and still room for the car. The pool is next to the laudry which was handy. It was also the location in the park we got the best internet. So, lots of reading, swimming and sunning while washing clothes and catching up on e-mail and news at home. In AZ park models are considered vehicles and are plentiful in RV parks. By code as long as there are a certain number of sites for nomads passing through they are RV parks. All in all we really enjoyed the place and even explored the cost of a park model or a snowbird space. If you rent your space year round it is only $250/mo. That would entitle us to make certain improvements to our lot and just back in our rig each winter. Many folks have storage sheds on their lot and even leave cars here during the summer.

I took in an M’s practice session and we attended games Saturday and Sunday. The Peoria Sports complex is spring training home to both the M’s and Padres with each have 6 practice fields and a clubhouse. The main stadium where the games are played seats 11,000. You can watch a game from the outfield lawn for $6.

Phoenix is the home of the Hall of Flame, the largest collection of fire apparatus and memorabilia I have ever seen. Over an acre of equipment under one roof. This museum is a must see.

One of the special side benefits of our time here was the time we got to spend with my brother Jack and his wife Karen. After taking in an M's game we enjoyed a fun dinner at an Irish place in Peoria called O'Sullivan's. We see way too little of them so this was a special time..

The weather has been sunny and in the 70’s every day. Sunny at the game it was I the 80’s. Lots of sun screen and water is a must. Cold beer in the shade doesn't hurt either.

Next stop, Vegas baby!

On to Burro Creek

After being pounded by high winds for 70 miles along highway 93, which is accurately described by other bloggers, as a road that curves through the desert like pulled taffy, we reached Burro Creek Campground. Burro Creek is a very clean BLM campground with water and toilets. The camping fee is a reasonable $14/night. It sits in a canyon well below the road with remarkable views of the surrounding peaks and canyon walls.

Our first night at the camp we were treated to continued high winds and a downpour that lasted all night. The next morning we awoke to calm clear skies and beautiful views. We spent the day hiking and exploring the area around the creek. Humming birds, ducks, Red-tailed hawks and golden eagles were abundant and a joy to watch. We also had quite a population of little lizards around. If you are ever traveling highway 93 through AZ, I recommend a stop at Burro Creek for a night or 2.

After Needles, Then What

We departed Needles on a sunny day with 30 mph wind. Our plan was to drive the old Route 66 to Kingman,AZ, but we were warned that big rigs towing and the winding crooked hiway were not a good mix. So away we went pounded by heavy wind slamming the side of the RV, what a joy. The wind messed with our plans in Kingman as well, we could barely stand upin the wind so the walking tour was out. We did enjoy spending a couple of hours in the Route 66 museum. It was a great history of the “mother road” dating back to the opening of the Beale Wagon Road. Did you know the survey work through much of the desert was done with camels?

The museum also had a touching display of pictures and narration from the dust bowl days. Actual quotes from travelers supported much of the way John Steinbeck described it. Now is a good time to thank my high school english teacher for making Grapes of Wrath required reading..

We drove the section of routes 66 through Kingman, had a little lunch and fueled the rig, hoping to make our next destination without getting bounced around by the wind too much.

A quick side note about Kingman. The Kingman Fire Department was featured in one of the early training movies during my career. The movie will be remembered by any of my followers who work as firefighters; “BLEVE.”