First weekend in USA, Forks Washington

Thursday September 10, 2015. Our 21st wedding anniversary. I didn't get a card, dam forgetful. No excuses, I didn't make the effort to make sure I had one ahead of time. I wake for work, and Polly has a card for me, and I have to admit... No card from me. Not a good start, but my wife Paulette has a way of letting go of my misgivings. I open the card and Thank her, give a kiss, and I Love you, and off to work.

Beauty day, looks like a nice weekend to start our trip. After work Polly and I finished packing the trailer, truck is hooked up, and off we go to Victoria, for a night on the dock being ready for the Coho Ferry to Washington State next morning. We found out about this option waiting for the ferry on a previous trip to USA. A couple that were off south for the winter told us they stayed the night, they let you get in after the last ferry leaves for the day, and stay in your trailer for the night right down town, on the dock, in the harbour, right where you can walk around the downtown, go for dinner, and a walk, and go back to your trailer if you are waiting for the first ferry in the morning.

 Nice, first camp night free, well almost free. Had to pay the huge fare for the ferry, but no extra for the night we stay downtown in Victoria. What a beauty night too, just one problem, I forgot my camera at home! How did this happen? Well as with the card, no excuses... Also forgot the GPS, but remembered when we were leaving Ladysmith, so turned around and got that. LIST, I said I would make one, we had one, but checking the list again before we go is a must! Things get taken out of the trailer, used and before you go not put back. Sure is allot to pack for a trip.

Funny how my mind works, I am up early as per usual as I type this here in Forks WA., I get up for another cup of my great coffee and start thinking of what other things I need to do before we leave here this morning. I unplug the cell phone that is now charged, then back on task. Mmm coffee is warm, and good. 4:44am, love early morning quiet.

The evening was just beautiful, pub dinner and a walk. Lights on the Parliament buildings, and on the Empress Hotel, we walked up to the Strathcona hotel, looking for a last drink place, but instead went back to the pub we had dinner in, had a last call drink, then off to our trailer for the night. Many people in Victoria asking for change, a variety of reasons given, so many I could write a book on them. Maybe when I retire I could beg for money... I don't think so! Couldn't handle all the rejection...

The morning bright, cool, and damp. All the dew had collected on the water side of the trailer, and showed the outline of the ribs of the trailer while still shaded. First time I had noticed this, will make sure to look for it again, and take a picture, could come in handy in the future, maybe. Took a short walk around the dock, sure is nice being up before people start moving. Quietly the birds start, then a few cars go by, and trucks for delivery's, and soon the place comes alive again. Was a nice place to stay for a night, this we will do again for sure.

Breaky at a small place right across the road from the ferry, and soon we were off to the States. The boat ride was warm, sunny, with calm seas, and good food on this ferry. Better than B.C. Ferries quick fare. Clam chowder, with many clams, breakfast left me still a little empty. Polly had less, a bag of chips.

Soon we were at the Port Angeles terminal, and off we go to the small town of Forks, right after we get a once over by the boarder guards, who take our unpackaged, unlabelled vegetables. Tomatoes, Peppers, Green Onions, hmm like it's a crime. Anyway off we go through PA, on the 101, our highway we stay on to San Francisco. First stop is Crescent Lake, for a quick break, and a swim. Nice unplanned break, met 4 young girls on their holiday, from Chicago, two went for a swim, that got me wanting to, so yep I did. Sure was nice, just what I needed on a warm day. Polly stayed on shore, and took a pic for the girls, while I laid back and enjoyed the cool, clean and refreshing water. Leaves are all changed here, even more than on the island.  

The trip was a little bumpy, and windy around the lake, but was beautiful with the trees arching over the road most of the way, like we were going through a tunnel, except with broken light all the way. I love this time of the year,  was a great time to be married, a great time to honeymoon, and now a great time to travel for our anniversary every year.

Bridges, now here is a challenge, there are many narrow bridges here and some with Logging trucks going across at same time as we were. No accidents so far, but defiantly a challenge, especially the one just as we approached Forks! Looking for the 101 RV park is when I remember that I forgot to write the address down for Polly, so she could put this in the GPS, and have us warned of the turn. No problem, we turned into the shopping store across the road from the RV Park, and shopped first.

That was interesting, should have shopped in PA, I think it would have been much cheaper. Now to the RV Park. Right across the road, and looks older, but nice. Get to the office, and no one there. our name and welcome rules taped to the door, with about 7 others. OK we are in #44 pull through. Again a first, set up in a pull through. Polly and I work at this together, finding the best spot, paying more attention to level this time. Once parked and trailer stabled with front jacks, Polly starts her getting ready and I finish unhooking, and hooking up what needs to be done. Now Polly gets the chairs out, and beer is in hand, sun is warm, and so are we. Polly finds the shade, I enjoy the sun. We talk, and joke about what the trip was like, what we could do better, and drink a few beer. LIST, gee that keeps coming up in our conversation. We will build one, and check it 2 maybe 3 times before we leave, and to be sure we will still forget something.

Dinner tonight is Hot Dogs, with some spicy buns, sure is good, Polly chose the buns, and was a good choice. Now we hear, and see fireworks. Hm, not dark yet, what's up. Ahh we see the lights! Friday night lights! Football game, OK well time for a walk after dinner, let's go over and watch the game. We walk to the field, and watch the local high school team beat the heck outa the visitors, till we get tired, then before 1/2 time, we leave. The game was interesting, but the cheer leaders were the best to watch. Right up front of the stands, and the locals were so practiced, and did the standing on shoulders, and all in sync. Polly kept saying "they sure put allot of money into their football program. Was nice to watch, but tired, and went back to camp, had another beer, while we listened to the fans shout, and cheerleaders cheer, and fireworks going off every 15 mins or so. Now into the trailer for poker, Polly wants to lose! LOL

First time to set up camp

Well today was the first camp setup with our new to us trailer and truck. Mistakes, yep we made a few, but no dints, and no arguing. All went well, and we learned a little more for the next time.

Picked up the truck at 7am, bill was as I thought $400.00 plus, but ok with me as done!  Packed rest of trailer, hitched up the trailer to truck, BBQ in back of truck, Polly and Bosco loaded and off we go, slowly.

The drive to Port Alberni was good, truck pulled trailer like nothing, even up the hump, all went well.  Down the hump was ok, feels like I need to have a little more braking on the trailer, will adjust. Stopped at Canadian Tire free dumping spot,  and dumped tanks, and washed down the cap and valves, left the cap hanging so had to pull over and put that back on. (Need gloves)

Arrowvale campsite is just great, a little muddy from the rains, but looks nice just the same. We got busy right away after talkin with Bob, who said come back when Anne is here to check in. Here is where I made a few mistakes, and did some learning. Leveling the trailer should be done before the pickup is disconnected from trailer. Water line should be checked as long enough before saying ok, this is good. Got to have a list, as many things to remember. Moved the picnic table about 3-4 times before we got that right. Polly has good ideas where stuff should go.

All in all went well for first time, no squabbles, and had fun. Just as we finished Chris and Jenn pull in. Timing was great. Now we yak, then off for a walk to show them the trail to the river. Many fish in the river. Their dogs, Gunner and Blue were just wanting to get in the river after them.

Back to the campsites, and a little lunch, as Chris and Jen set up the tent. I finish a few more things, then off to work. Will come back tomorrow night, then the fun begins. Derby weekend in Port Alberni is always fun!  Oops, forgot to turn on the hot water, hmm, well tomorrow.

 

1 Week left to our trip to San Francisco

Packed trailer is what Paulette has been up to.  She has got most all we will need for a weekend test trip to Port Alberni. Salmon Derby weekend,  Labour Day weekend, and a chance to try our trailer out in a campsite. We will spend this weekend at Arrowvale campsite, with our son Chris and his fiancé, Jennifer.

Plan changed today for awhile, as I was on the way to Duncan with the truck, and all of a sudden smoke is coming from under the hood, pull over quick, and turn off the engine! Shit, what the, Ah shit. Pull the hood latch, get out and lift the hood, and oil everywhere. Man this is the shits, now what? What is it leaking. Pull dipstick, wipe it off, back in and check it, no oil left... Wow, now what. Won't make that Dr's appointment. Look around some more, and can't believe it. OK shut the hood, lock truck, and head back to Ladysmith and talk with Frank Laird about a repair. Looks like camping this weekend is out.

Across the road, and hitch hike back, and after a couple minutes, I get a ride, man that was lucky. Friendly couple, with 2 loving pit bulls in the back seat, licking me like I'm an ice-cream cone. I got a ride right to Franks, thanks to friendly, helpful people from Cedar.  Gave em $10, even though they say no. Now to explain to Frank what is wrong. He asks all the standard questions, and takes the reins, and says he will do   needed and get back to me.  Now I walk home, not far, and think what could it be, and what's next? How much will it cost, will it be fixed in time to make our trip? Shit!

OK finish what I had started earlier today, smoking the fish, and cleaning up. The phone will ring, and I will know soon. The phone doesn't ring, and the longer it takes, the more worried I feel. OK now a nap before I'm off to work, and then will stop and see what Frank has found out.

Polly makes it home, and I tell her, and we talk, about what next, and how bad it could be.

Phone still not ringing so nap time.

Wake up, take the rest of the fish outa the smoker, and off to work. Stop at Franks, and find out just an oil hose caught in the fan, Woosh, that feels better, and Frank says stop in tomorrow morning, and pick it up, it will be ready to go! WOW, that feels better, just about gave up on the weekend.

Late now, off to bed and will haul our trailer to Port tomorrow, and set up. \should be a fun weekend.

Thanks for the help everyone.

Monday morning and 3 weeks left to first trip

Our first trip with our trailer and truck is soon to be on. Last week I got my trailer towing licence, and right after that Polly started packing the trailer with all the dishes, and pots and pans. We have started buying what we think we will need during the trip, I start off with an impact gun to make sure if we have a flat I can change it fast with less effort, also a multi tester in case we have electrical troubles. Poly is buying a Malita coffee pot and filters so we have a dependable coffee start to our day, and a step stool to acess the top cupboards. I have to put a tool kit together, and will over the next couple weeks. Our trailer and truck will soon fill up our goods, and we will be on our way before we know it.

We hope to make one camp trip before we leave the island, but still not sure we will make it. I took the trailer to CP Auto in Duncan Friday to give it a check up on some of the major components Brakes, Propane system, and the slide mechanism.  There were a couple problems, and will be finished today for sure says the Trailer technician. One valve for the fridge, and one for the hot water tank, and so it starts, trailer repairs...

We leave on our trip on the 11th of September on the Coho ferry out of Victoria harbour for Washington state. Our 21st anniversary is on the 10th, so we plan to celebrate in Victoria the evening before we leave, as we can park our rig at the ferry terminal over night, and catch the first ferry in the morning. Celebrating our anniversary is dinner and a few drinks, and maybe a few dances, if we can find a pub with some music Thursday evening. Will be fun anyway, we can make a party out of most anything, as Polly and I have much fun with less.

I have started planning which towns, and campsite possibilities we may stay in, as we have to have some idea of when we will have to move from place to place as we make our way to San Francisco. I am shooting at 3hr drive trips so far, and 2 night stays in each campsite. We may find we can travel further, and stay longer in the final camp spot, but for now will work with this.

Joining Passport America, or/and Good Sam Club is something we are most likely going to do, as we will get some good discounts with membership.  Got Polly checking this out today, should have much info when I return from work tonight.

Friday again

Bosco and I went for a walk around the country block yesterday evening, and on the way I had thoughts about how it will be on our adventure. I am used to this walk, I know what expect next as well being close to our family living on this island. I think I am ready to move on and see more of this land, but am questioning whether I will miss what we have?

Familiar places, people, smells, sights and just comfort in where we are will be a test. Next month on our tester trip will help me make adjustments, but I will keep checking how I am feeling about leaving, and what I might miss, and what I can do to help check this as I go.

Friday again, and off to the cabin for the weekend after work tonight. Looks like will be a fun weekend with friends, fishing, joking, eating, and drinking possibility, likely too much!

Will be fun for sure. I will try to make this weekend just a little more controlled, I don't want to feel shitty next day while fishing... Good luck Brent! LOL

Busy times this summer

Was a fast weekend, as I worked till 12pm Friday night, then Saturday we went to Port Alberni for Don and Bev's 40h anniversary BBQ.  Was a fun time, but Polly and I were not prepared for the cold as clouds came in, and we had shorts and a shirt Brrr...

We saw many people that we expected to see, and a few we didn't expect. Like  a reunion for me, as most of the people I grew up with, and were very close to me. Penny and Dax came with us, and we saw each other on and off during the evening. Dax was shy at first, then 1/2 way through the night he got on the trampoline with others his age, and away he went. Many children were there, and full of energy. Was fun just to watch them.

We left at 10:30- 11pm, was just time to get out. Cold had got to us, and party was winding down, beer pong was brought out, not for me. Brandie, who hadn't drank brought us home.

Sunday  morning Taxi! We got the truck from the now quiet party, and off to Swale Rock cafe for breaky. Love this place, best breakfast in town in my opinion. Homemade jam, real grilled potatoes, not deep fried, and bread baked in house. Now to Memeres, and call Dan for a trip to MacLean's Mill, steam machines will be there on display. Also the logging show will be in action.

Dan and I head to the mill in his cool 50's yellow Chevy pickup truck, with some clouds in the sky, but all went good. We got a good show at the logging demonstration, yard the logs with a steam donkey and wooden tower, load them onto an old Hayes logging truck with flat head powered wooden heal boom. We saw many steam powered tractors, as well as the steam powered saw mill that was such a beauty to behold. Like to watch as they break down a log slowly, all with less than half the man that used to work in the mill.

All in all a great weekend with old friends, and a few new ones. Port Alberni is a wonderful place to visit, especially when you have family and friends there that you love, and enjoy spending time with.  

Licence failure and my response.

Wednesday July 22nd  I had an appointment with the driving instructor in Duncan which I had booked since the trailer hitch was installed in May. I need a class 7 licence to tow our trailer as it is over 4600kg. I have been for a couple drives with Wayne, the man we had bought the trailer off of, as well as hooking up, and un-hooking the trailer, and studying the pages I had printed from the driver training site that told me how to do a walk around pre-trip inspection. I sent most study time on the pre-trip, and not much on the driving. I wasn't prepared for the actual driving test. I thought I knew how to drive this truck and trailer around, and would pass as I saw myself as a consciences driver, and this thought process was what made me think I would pass without a problem.

Well I didn't pass, and I was surprised. I was angry that the instructor took me for a drive in the down town area, I didn't plan to be circling in the down town area as my plan was to go from campsite to campsite off the highway with ourtrailer. I just wasn't prepared for what he expected of me. I cut corners at intersections, which I thought ok as no car was in my way, I thought if I need the room it was the way to make the turn. I didn't signal when he said pull over here and stop. I didn't look in my mirror often enough. I just didn't think I would fail.

At first I was just blaming the examiner, and had a few days of being pissed off about what I saw was an examiner that wasn't doing his job properly. Now after I've calmed down, I have looked at the test marked paper, I see where I went wrong, and realize that I have to practice more, and will make better use of the time I have to do a few more drives around Nanaimo, as this is the next place I will take my test. I should have tested sooner, as I just took what Duncan had for test times, that was a mistake. I should have driven more too, but even that wouldn't have made me better, as I thought what I was doing was ok.

Yesterday I was still upset, and on our early morning walk Polly heard it the whole way. What a dufuss I am for believing I was right, and the examiner was wrong.

My learning from this is I am not as good a driver as I think! Good for me to know. I think I'm pretty smart, (maybe not) now to use these smarts to move forward and get on with getting the licence I need to continue with our plan to see North America.

Thanks Polly for listening to my ranting yesterday. She tried to get me to see where I was wrong, but I wasn't listening. I will learn from what happened, and will practice driving with the trailer to do what is expected in the next test.

Oh we picked up a portable Coleman BBQ yesterday in Victoria for our trailer. Looks like a good one, Polly likes it. Will try it out today, and plan to hook it to the trailer propane plumbing.