DuEtte - Pebble Beach & Beyond

Delayed post… Well, we liked our campsite so much, we decided to stay another day! Spent the day bird watching, reading, and just overall relaxing - it was lovely…

Delayed post… Today we headed North towards Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. This is a huge (130 mile long) lake created by the Coulee Dam which began construction in 1933. So, of course, we had to visit the dam. It is very impressive just for the electrical lines coming off of it if nothing else. Then, on to the Visitor’s Center for the Recreation Area which used to be a fort and also a Native American Boarding School. We decided to stay the night in the park and we’ve learned that we like the campsites that are a little smaller and may have more spaces between the sites. So, we headed to one of the more remote campgrounds at Kettle River. It turned out to be a beautiful spot and there were only two other RVs in the area…

We headed further West along the southern border of Washington today to the Whitman Mission National Historic Park near Walla Walla. The Whitmans were some of the first people to travel to the West to be missionaries and convert the Native Americans to Christianity. At first, the Whitmans were welcomed, but after several years of preaching that everyone was a sinner, and after disease devastated the Native Americans, there was an uprising where the Whitmans were killed and became martyrs to justify everything the white settlers wanted to take from the Native Americans. Another sad chapter in our history.  So, then we went on the the Manhattan Project National Historic Site in Hanford - talk about another sad chapter, but also fascinating. A whole town and a whole nuclear reactor was built in less than 2 years to support the war effort. The effects are still evident and the clean up of the nuclear waste is an ongoing effort.  Along our route today, we also passed through the to...

Today, we were accompanied all day by a meandering river along side our road - it was peaceful and idyllic. Then, we arrived at the Nez Perce Reservation and went to the Nez Perce National Historic Park. We had already learned much about their history, but at this park, we learned more about how they are trying to preserve their culture and identity now. It was very interesting. I also realized that there are many similarities between the Native American religious beliefs, that the Earth and the living things all have a spirit, and the Japanese Shinto beliefs that all natural things have a spirit…In any event, tonight we are staying at a Core of Engineers park - our first one. It is in a nice location on Silcott Island in the middle of the Snake River. But, I will say that we have not escaped the heat yet… This is from our campsite tonight. The river is on the other side of the trees at the base of the hill. And, if you look closely, you can see how dirty little DuEtte is…

 Delayed post due to no connectivity… This morning, we were very near our first stop - The Grant-Kohrs Ranch. At first we thought it might be Sharon and Buzz’s son, Grant Coors’, new home for his senior year, but, alas, no. Apparently, it is a working cattle ranch that was first founded by Johnny Grant in the mid-1860’s, just as the cattle drives from Texas to Montana were first beginning to help feed the hungry miners. Then in 1866, Conrad Kohrs, from Germany (maybe there is a connection to Grant Coors?) purchased the ranch and it has been in the Kohrs family until it became a National Historic Site in 1977 and was donated to the National Park Service to continue as a working ranch. After this excursion, we headed on to Missoula and then on to our wonderful campground on the Lochsa River for the evening…

We left the beautiful Salmon River this morning to head to Big Hole Battleground - another beautiful location, but with a tragic history. This was the site of a major battle between the Calvary and a faction of the Nez Perce tribe. Many on both sides were killed. After that sobering history lesson, we headed on towards Helena, MT. Along the way, we passed through Butte where we were told by Montana native Ron that we needed to wave to Our Lady of the Rockies - which we dutifully complied. We also crossed the Continental Divide. Helena was a good destination for us to go to Walmart to stock up on some supplies and we also wanted to visit the Montana state capitol. I think we have been there before, but we were so close, we decided to go just to be sure. A beautiful capitol building with actual working sessions in progress, unlike some of the other capitols we have visited. Then, down the road to Deer Lodge for our rest for the night…

The place we wanted to go today was closed. We could have bypassed it completely, but, we decided to hang back for a day and see if we can catch where we want to go tomorrow. We meandered up the Lewis & Clark trail, passed the 45th parallel (half way between the equator and the North Pole),  It turns out that we ended up in me epitome of an Idaho campsite - excellent temperature, good views, and and cool waters to soak your toes into…

You may have thought we went a little backwards today (because we headed South), but we wanted to see more of the Sawtooth Mountain range and go to the Craters of the Moon National Monument - an otherworldly place filled with black volcanic rocks. After seeing the sites, we headed back North again and passed through Arco, ID - the first city in the world to be lit by atomic energy! The things you stumble on when on a road trip!! Anyway, then we found another first come, first served campsite at Joe T. Fellini Campground on the Mackay Reservoir. A nice quite campground with lots of space between sites and a view of the water…

We left Boise this morning to travel 120+ miles and it took us over 3 hours…But, we ended up finding a first come, first served campsite at Stanley Lake Campground nestled in the Sawtooth Mountains. Stacey mentioned that Stanley Lake was one of her and Bill’s favorite places to camp. We can understand why! Our campsite is steps away from the lake and our nearest neighbors are a football field away - except for the deer that are grazing right by our campsite. While not 103 as expected in Boise today, it was still 95 when we arrived at the campsite. We settled in and then Nan went to cool off with a dip in the lake. What a wonderful privilege!

It was time for another down day…Boy, can we pick ‘em. Today was merely 105! Luckily there is a pool here that is adult only after 8pm - I even went in the last two nights!! We thought we would get a lot of chores done today, but not much happened. Other than, Nan did take care of the household finances. I managed to look at a few projects for the RV, but decided they were either above my pay grade, or it was just way too hot. So, I made myself useful by making a fried egg sandwich for breakfast on my favorite grill and repeating hamburgers for supper — easy, peasy! We head off tomorrow for parts unknown. So, we may have connectivity tomorrow or the next day, or we may not. In either case, don’t worry - we will be somewhere in the middle of Idaho, that should ease any concern…

OK, so we had cooooold in Pebble Beach, we had torrential rain/hail in Nevada, and it is still hot-hot-hot in Idaho. I miss Nipomo weather!! Today, we went to the boondocks for Minadoka National Historic Site (near Jerome, ID), one of 10 Japanese Internment. Camps. This is probably the fifth or sixth internment camp that we have visited, and, I would say it is #2 on how well it presents the facts of the situation and the artifacts that it has in and around the facility. Also, even though it was out in the boondocks, there were quite a few people there and many younger people - very encouraging.   Once we left here, we went on to the further boondocks of Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument in, of all places, Hagerman, ID. The original discovery was of three intact horse fossils, and then it has gone on to many more discoveries of hundreds of horses and many new species of animals. The Snake River, in this instance, has carved a mini Grand Canyon along much of Idaho. As the water ...

Today, we started off at the Golden Spike National Historical Park at Promontory Summit in Utah. As you would imagine, this is where the last spike was struck for the transcontinental railroad. I had thought we would be in and out, but they’ve done a really nice job at this park. They’ve recreated the actual locomotives used during the ceremony and three times a day, those locomotives come out for the ceremonial meeting at the point of the last spike. Unfortunately, there is only one pair of lineman to run the locomotives. So, they bring one in, get it all set up, then they have to jump in their truck to go back to the depot to pick up the other locomotive. It all works out. Anyway, after that, we ventured into Idaho and went to the City of Rocks Natural Reserve. This is a natural outcropping of granite that the settlers of the West used as a marker for their way further West. It is quite a spectacular natural site. Then, we decided not to try for a third site today and ended up in Dec...

Whoo, what a day! I spent much too much time on the roof of DuEtte today (luckily without my boot…)! Started out in Great Basin and thinking that we needed to dry out our awning that took a pounding last night. After several attempts at different sites to get to a level and sunny section to dry things out, we decided to pack everything up and head to the Visitor’s Center. We knew they had a big parking lot where we could get lots of sun. After getting a half-hearted OK from the ranger to hang in the parking lot, we proceeded to pull out my 3-wood, wrap it in a towel and wipe the underside and topside of the awning, and wipe all of the sap off from the pine cones that were lodged on the awning - lesson learned, don’t park under pine trees! While I was up there, I decided to clean and inspect all of the solar panels. Luckily, no hail damage, but they were dirty!!! After all of that, we realized that our awning does not seem to close completely.  So, we McGivered it with some twine un...

Editorial Correction: Nan noted that my comment about Lassen being the first time we’d been in a National Park with DuEtte was incorrect. She reminded me that we had also been in Death Valley - I stand corrected… Now, we are in our third National Park - Great Basin (near Baker, NV - any connection the Baker’s we know and love?). As they all seem to be, it is very beautiful here. This seems to have more of the space left as wild as possible. Very limited access. And, DuEtte is not allowed to go much beyond the campground we are in because she is too long 😞…But, we are camped near a stream and there is a lovely breeze, so all is good. And, we just got caught in a thunder and hail storm - how cool (although now I have to check the solar panels - yikes…)!  

We made a run to Ely, NV today. It was a longer drive than we normally like to do, but we wanted to get into position for tomorrow. So, for today, we left Reno and had to take a detour to avoid some heavy traffic. Luckily, that sent us in the direction of Carson City - the State Capital. That is another one of our must sees. This capital is a silver-colored domed (but, only in fiberglass because of the weight). After, our self-guided tour, we proceeded down the road and saw several herds of wild horses - so fascinating (much more spirited than domesticated horses). Then, we hit the Loneliest Road (a.k.a., The Lincoln Highway). Quite a varied and beautiful landscape of wide open spaces and lots of colors. We hit a smattering of raindrops, but it was still in the mid-90’s when we arrived - not what we are used to these days. This will be a one night stop in hopes of bigger things to happen tomorrow…

Well, it’s not glamorous, but it is reality - especially when you have been off the grid for a few days. We needed some down time to catch up on emails, do laundry, and just relax. It actually was a lovely day, the high only got to 102!! But, there is a pool here so Nan got some water therapy. We also made a tentative plan for the next day or two. It helps to know where you might be headed when you wake up in the morning…

It is amazing how on some days, three hours of driving seems like an eternity, and other days, it seems like nothing at all. Today, was a ‘nothing at all’ day. Although, I had to wait much longer than I wanted to for my breakfast - did you hear the ‘hangry’ coming out? And, we hit the road so early that my only library opportunity wouldn’t open for another two hours after we got there - oh well. I suppose there is a point when you do have enough library cards - although, I’m not sure I’m there yet! We had booked two nights in the Shamrock RV Park just outside of Reno. Little did we know that the high would be 101 today! Luckily, we have full hook ups (read AC), and they have a pool. So, all is good. A nice time for some relaxation and planning time to see where we are headed next…

Happy Bastille Day! We cooked breakfast out on the grill today. Then, we needed to change campsites because we could only get one night each in different sites. Our new site is not quite as nice because it does not have any shade and it is much closer to many children. In any event, we went for a nice hike around Manzanita Lake and then came back to our site for some downtime back in the woods where we could find some shade. We plan for another cookout supper - our new favorite thing to do!

We left Oroville for our first trek to a National Park in DuEtte. We never like to take the easy route, so we ended up traveling through a lot of forest land and witnessed a lot of fire damage from previous years. It is reassuring to see the new growth between the ashen trees. We arrived at Lassen Volcanic National Park and we were educated on the creation of this area at the visitor’s center. This is one of the few areas in the world that have all four types of volcanoes - who knew there were four types of volcanoes? Just to refresh your memory, they are: Shield, Cone, Plug Dome, and Composite. Lassen Peak is a Cone volcano. Surprisingly, there is still quite a bit of snow and ice in the park, despite the near 80 degree weather. We ended up in a nice campsite at Manzanita Lake. Campfires are allowed and we cooked supper over the fire and had a pleasant evening.

Today’s adventure has brought us to Oroville. We are camped along the beautiful Feather River, where the breezes are lovely and the birds are happy! On our way here, I was able to pick up three new library cards! And, every library we stopped at free COVID tests - even a vending machine for tests!! We also stopped at a grocery store to restock supplies, because for the next two nights we will be at Lassen Volcanic National Park. I don’t know if we will have any connectivity, so don’t be alarmed if you don’t hear from us for the next couple of days…

We shook the Carmel dust off of DuEtte today and hit the road! We needed to return the rental car, and, since it is a travel day, that means breakfast on the road!! So, we hit one of our favorite spots - McDonalds. You can’t beat quick and consistent. After that, we thought we would try and go to some missions. We’ve tried the Santa Clara mission before, but it wasn’t open. It was open today, with services, but no gift shop = no mission stamp 😟. Then, we went to the San Jose mission - closed on Tuesdays - oh well…So, on to the Vineyard RV Park in Vacaville. Near Walnut Creek, we hit the high point of outside temperature measurements at 98. We were so glad we were not stopping in Walnut Creek. Luckily, in Vacaville, it was only 97 (in the shade!*&#&^#%). But, we were at least able to do hot laundry and then hang by the pool with all of the other 8 year olds…Still, I will say that it is lovely to be warm vs shivering!! Since we got our high priority laundry taken care of, we are...

I think I’ve neglected to mention where we are staying now. We are at the Carmel River RV Park, a.k.a., all things Frogs! If I had the audio on right now, you would hear the symphony that we’ve been experiencing every night (BTW to Lou, you were right in that this is a lovely little RV Park!). Today was a total down day. Although, we accomplished a lot. We made some (very little) headway with our appliances for the remodel - mostly trying to get some questions answered in order to finalize what we are actually purchasing. Made some more progress with our landscaper for our yard design - very early stages yet on this front. And, most importantly, we booked our next 4 nights for the RV! I will leave you in suspense of where we will be the next time you hear from us… Last look at the tournament:

Well, it turned out to be a great tournament! It is so inspiring to have a first time winner win one of the Majors!! I started the morning on the green at hole #8 (one of golf’s spectacular holes!), and then finished the day off on the fairway at hole #13 (I heard a rumor that someone spied my on TV - I was the one all bundled up!).  Now, that part of the adventure is over. We need to start thinking about what to do next. I’ll work on that tomorrow, after a good night’s sleep! My view from hole #8 (if you look closely, you can see the moon…):  

The sun finally came out to play today! I wish the wind would have stayed home (you’d think I would be used to that with where we live, but oh well). Since the field was cut to 74 for the weekend, that meant my shift on 16 started a little later today. That meant, breakfast at the club house! It was a nice way to roll into the day. We were then able to watch a little golf before my shift started. As I was checking in for my shift, they mentioned that they may be a little short handed this afternoon. So, after my shift, I checked in again and they needed me to go out to hole #14. It was nice to have a different vantage point. After the last group came through, I caught up with Nan who was sitting on 16. Then, we went and had dinner at the Lodge - lobster and scallops, a great way to finish off a great day!

So, I thought I was cold yesterday - let me tell you, even after adding a whole extra layer, today was so much colder!! Of course, I also worked double shifts and I went from hole #16 which merely had a wind tunnel attached to it, to hole #9 which is on the friggin’ ocean so has its own special wind tunnel!!! Lots of great golf, and I met some great volunteers, and I’m happy to do it all over again tomorrow! Since I was on hole #9 at the end of the day, that was where half of the field finished. It was touching to see some players just make/miss the cut. Also, since we were on the last hole for some, we were worried that we would even get through the field before we lost the light - we did, but just barely! And, my laser ran out of battery for the last three groups - technology !*$^@^#%…It was nice to get back to DuEtte tonight. Since we were back so late, and still a bit frozen, we ended up having our Cup O’ Noodles Soup that we personally made at the Cup O’ Noodles factory in Japan!!

Today was the start of the historic US Women’s Open at Pebble Beach! I was on hole #16 today. They started half of the field on hole #1 and the other half on hole #10 (this is typical for the first two days of golf tournaments). The first groups teed off at 7:00 so, my shift started at 8:30. It was a damp and foggy morning. The sun never did come out and the wind picked up. Needless to say, despite my layers, I was cold! I will definitely add more layers tomorrow. No real drama on my hole today. One player did hit it into a ravine under a bridge and had to take a drop. I only got ‘coached’ over the radio once when I didn’t measure a shot out of a bunker (silly me for thinking I was only measuring drives!). The, first in a Women’s event, technology is sooo easy to use - no wonder the Men have needed it! Other observations for today included a family of deer meandering around hole #16. They were oblivious of the players and they thought the fairway was there just for their breakfast and ...

I had a 1:30 mandatory training set up today, so that meant we had the morning free. We decided to visit the National John Steinbeck Center. If you’ve ever read Travels with Charlie, the actual RV that John Steinbeck traveled with is housed at this Center. It is pretty cool for a pretty early model of what it is to live on the road. In any event, today was the soft start for the tournament. A practice round for the players and for me. I had the mandatory training session scheduled with the actual equipment we will be using during the tournament. Not only is it a historic event for the Women to be playing Pebble Beach for the very first time, but the the men’s technology (ShotLink) will also be used for the Women for the very first time at this event! Let me tell you, this new equipment is soooo much better than the other equipment we have used to measure the drive distances - better now than later!  Small world - met a neighbor, Ed Harris, who is also volunteering at the tournament...

Today is our last free day before activities start for the tournament tomorrow. Although the real golf doesn’t start until Thursday, I have some onsite training tomorrow and a volunteer reception (BTW, I also picked up another shift, so you can look for me on hole #9 Friday afternoon). In any event, we made sure to enjoy ourselves today. It turned out to be a gorgeous 4th of July - probably the warmest one either one of us could remember in quite a while. It was probably low to mid 70’s and bright sunshine - lovely. We started the day by me cooking fried egg sandwiches on our new mini gas grill - they turned out better than I expected! Then it was relax in the sun time with some games and puzzles and reading - a perfect way to spend the day. Capped off by burgers on my new favorite grill! We had picked up some burger patties at Whole Foods on our way up here. Then, after Nan doctored them up and I cooked them on the grill - we both agreed they were some of the best burgers we’ve had!! ...

Everyone told us that Carmel Valley is warmer than Carmel, but you don’t know what they mean until you experience it yourself. Today we woke up to a little fog, but it quickly warmed up to sunshine and probably 65 and warm enough for me to wear shorts! Since we forgot to pack toothbrushes (yes, the saga continues!!), we had to go somewhere to get those. And, since we were traveling anyway, we decided to eat on the road and tour around afterwards - thank goodness for the rental car in the narrow streets around here!! So, we ended up stumbling upon several cute travel stores that stocked the brands for my new ‘uniform’ - yeah for me. Also, we’ve been struggling a little because the tournament supplies the top swag, but not the bottom swag. The bottom swag is required to be be khaki, and no cargo wear (hmmmm…). Anyway, we found some pants for me last week at Dick’s, but, although I borrowed a pair of Nan’s khaki shorts, she wanted them back and thought I should have my own pair. Consequen...

We set off for our next RV adventure today - yeah!! The mission is the US Women’s Open at Pebble Beach - the first time ever! Better late than never. Although, we’ve heard that Pebble Beach has signed up for 3 more in the coming years. I’ll be volunteering as a fairway laser operator. I’m currently assigned to hole #16 on the mornings of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, hole #8 on Sunday morning, and hole #13 on Sunday afternoon. It should be fun! Nan will be my support crew and will hopefully be enjoying some great golf. We are camping in Carmel Valley at the Carmel by the River RV Resort. It is small, but nice. It will be about a 20 minute drive to get to the tournament each day, which isn’t bad. We have a rental car to make the maneuvering a little easier. The temperature in the Valley is much warmer than it will be at Pebble Beach. Today was in the high 70’s and beautiful! I think the highest it will be at the tournament is 60. I hope to have some sort of post each day of our travel...