We are about six weeks away, but are in the full planning stages for this camping trip. Our basic route will take us first to visit dablack (Austin, Stacey, & family).
From there traveling Northwesterly through Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana before entering Alberta, Canada, near Waterton Lakes NP.
We will tour Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper before exiting the National Park. From there we plan to travel through Revelstoke NP before heading South.
We will enter Washington, and generally follow the Columbia River South and West through the Columbia River Gorge. Then through the Cascade Range, Eugene, Or., and make a return trip to the Redwood National Park. We would be too close not to.
Our trip home will probably take us on familiar highways through Lake Tahoe and Santa Fe.
At times, we will be very close to several FF members, so maybe we can make some quick visits. :)
You must like to drive.
Be safe Lynn sound's like a great trip.
i have been through part of that country. in revelstoke there is a logging museum not real big but interesting. also a railroad museum with a steam engine inside the building. its a pretty big place. in banff there is a road going up to a ski resort with a great view. it looks over the valley. on the way up we saw 3 bear 35 mt goats and lots of sheep. when near tahoe if you can go to truckee. the donner party museum is there very interesting. and drive the old road up over donner pass. the going to the sun road in glacier is a wild ride. have fun
Sounds like a great adventure! Looking forward to the snap shots!
MM-
Let me know when you hit Western Montana! You have quite the road trip planned out!
You folks are definitely gonna see some country! I know it's a ways off yet but have a great trip!
Lynn,
You have many friends here that want to share this trip, through daily checkins, if possible. Tell us who you met and where you are. Oh yeah, we love to see those pics.
David G
carry on
Sounds like a very interesting journey. No doubt you will see some amazing country on both sides of the border. We look forward to making that trip with you, for I know that you will take many photos. Hope you have a safe and joyous trip. bg
Thanks all, and also for the PM's. We look forward to making some "stop by" visits.
In the past, we have completely circled this area, so we are looking forward to filling in the blanks.
Our leave home date is tentatively set for Sept 15th, and it looks like a ~5K mile trip.
Griz, our original route would have taken us through Missoula. :-\
Magic, as you know my RV has seen much of the U.S. but not the PNW so I plan to learn from you for a future trip. Have lots of fun, see lots of sites, and make lots of memories.
How many miles a day are you planning? Our biggest problem is once we get started, we just want to "get there" and miss a lot along the way.
No schedule terry f, and I completely understand the "blow & go" mentality when traveling. It's a hard nut to crack, but this time it will not matter if it takes two weeks or a month. I have no idea how much time we will spend on this trip.
You're probably going to wish you could saw some of the logs you'll see. :)
Have a good and safe trip!!
Lynn,just before You reach the Pacific Ocean,on the Columbia river.Be sure to stop and climb,Beacon Rock!
http://www.parks.wa.gov/474/Beacon-Rock
I think it is the 2nd or 3rd largest rock in the world.I was stationed at McChord AFB,for 3 1/2 years in the late 70's.
The Olympic Peninsular is home to 3 rare rain forests,I hope You have a chance to see them.
One weekend We would free climb the waterfalls around Mt.Rainer,next We would hike in Olympic NP.
Link (https://www.google.com/search?q=olympic+national+park&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=cZnMU8fbM9GgyATt74LQCg&ved=0CFAQsAQ&biw=1920&bih=955)
Have a great time ;)
Jim
Lynn if your going to see the Olympic Peninsula you will probably be driving through Whidbey Island don't be Bashful give us a call.
We made the Olympic Peninsular loop when we were there a few years ago. We will be further East and South this year.
Please keep any suggestions coming because "locals" know stuff that us "tourist" might miss. Fact is though, you can never see it all.
Have a safe trip and post lots of pictures. :)
Magicman, if you get over this way, you could hit Glacier Park, and we'd LOVE to meet you! I'd imagine we might be able to find a couple Clydesdales to hook up and go for a little tour...... We're about 25 miles from Kalispell, about 100 North of Missoula...
John
MagicMan,
Depending on how you make your way to Lake Tahoe, you could stop by my place (exit 160 on I-80) where I will hopefully have my foundation done. I could get you into a nice campground or you could camp on my property. The old Donner Pass road is a must-see. Awesome view of Donner Lake from a couple thousand feet up.
MM: Eugene, OR, home of the "Ducks", my college. Just across the river from Springfield - my home. Hopefully by the end of Sept. we have no more fires out west, and you can breathe easy.
Quote from: hardtailjohn on July 22, 2014, 11:32:32 AMWe're about 25 miles from Kalispell, about 100 North of Missoula...John
We are adjusting our route. :)
WooHoo!!
Have a good time you two. Take it all in. :)
I hope your trip goes well MM, PM headed your way.
:) We are gonna try. Neither of us have even been close to a helicopter before. ;D
You could spend several days touring the Columbia River Gorge. I would recommend the following places to visit because I have been there and seen them. Granted, not everyone is interested in touring a large block of concrete:
Bonneville Dam - Good displays with information and history. Can also view the fish ladders.
Fish hatchery next to Bonneville Dam, both have picnic tables to enjoy lunch at
Multnomah Falls if you want to see a waterfall without too much hassle (but more people).
Walclella Falls is a 2 mile (flat) round trip hike. Very few people compared to Multnomah and you see more of what the Gorge is actually like.
Oneota Gorge is amazing but a bit trickier to get to as you have to walk up the creek bed to reach the falls. You will get wet and unless it is really dry or you're really tall, the water is about waist deep. Worth the wet trip.
I would highly recommend visiting one of the last two falls. If I make it back to the Gorge I will be visiting one of them.
Clark
Thank you Clark. I am copying and pasting such information that we will have with us. :)
Hope ya'll have a fun and safe trip. Let us know the date when you go to Austin and Stacy's. We might meet you there or better yet come by Sam Rayburn for a cup of coffee.
Andy, our plans are still to be there on Sept 15th and only spend that night there. Austin said that the RV receptacle still worked at the top of the hill. :)
We will come to Sam Rayborn, but it will be when we have time to fish. ;D
Magicman,
I am west of John and just off hwy. 2 in Newport WA. If you have time on your way through, I may be out of town just around the time you pass through this area. I will send you a PM with the details and try to find out what dates I will be around as soon as I get the details of my schedule.
Dont go through Montana without buying a loaf of their sour dough bread. ;D ..... I bet John knows where to find it.
And go over Lolo Pass, stop by and get a piece of huckleberry pie! :)
It is sad that you can never go everywhere. Lolo Pass (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfTkVegRoB0)
Not the Lolo I was thinking of, but if you were to go south out of Missoula to Lolo, take it to Lewiston. Has to be one of the prettiest drives in America once you hit Idaho.
GE might have found the wrong one on the above link. On the map, I was looking at Hwy 12. South of Missoula.
There are two... I was also not aware of the "lolo pass" at Mt. Hood. The one Terryf mentions is the one I was on in a jeep the summer of 1960.. two years before the highway was finally finished. Jeep was about all that would travel that trail in those days.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lolo_Pass_(Idaho%E2%80%93Montana)
Some real wild country.. hope you get to see a lot of it when going west.
Magicman, since you've been out west, you know you drive hundreds of miles (and I do mean hundreds) of nothing to get to something beautiful or just cool. The other problem is that most of the pretty stuff is at the top of hills, and some of these hills are several thousand feet of switchbacks. If you only see one thing out here, make it the Redwoods, they really put you in your place. Beenthere, I bet that trip over Lolo 54 years ago is burned into your mind, you should make it again. Take it down to Orofino, turn around and go back up, otherwise you get into that hundreds of miles I was talking about.
Quote from: terry f on August 09, 2014, 03:06:33 AMIf you only see one thing out here, make it the Redwoods, they really put you in your place.
Yes, we will revisit the Redwoods. We will be too close not to. :)
terry
Made that run in 2005. Spectacular scenery.
It that the one on Hwy 12, South of Missoula?
That is it... Lolo, MT to Orofino, ID. 164 miles...
In planning a trip of this magnitude, there are priorities that have to be set. First you plot your gotta, then your wanta, then your oughta, then your shoulda, and so on. Some will still be added and some omitted. The good thing is that we will be flexible and willing to change as we travel. There are also no time restraints.
My original plans were to completely avoid Yellowstone because we have been there several times. Today's tweaking will take us through the Tetons, into the South gate of Yellowstone and out of the West gate. Sadly, this probably eliminates any Lolo possibilities. Time will tell.
We have several FF members that have sent PM's that we will make a special effort to see. Sadly, there are others that we may travel very close to and not see.
PatD asked, "are you still looking at those maps ?? I said "yup, and Google Earth too".
I hear ya... and some will feel bad you didn't stop.
I see member uler3161 is in or near Orofino, ID. (and YNP would be one place I'd avoid during tourist season, but that is your call.. :) ).
Thankfully, school will have started everywhere by then and we will still avoid the Mammoth Hot Springs area. :P
What's in your gotta column? Never been to Canada, but the beauty in NW Montana, Idaho Panhandle and the Cascades from Rainer to Mt Shasta outshine Yellowstone, but I haven't been off the main road much, so I'm probably missing it all.
We have completely encircled the Banff/Jasper area without going there, so that is our target. We certainly have not been everywhere, but we have visited all 50 states, all of the Canadian Provinces, and seen all of the 5 Great Lakes. All of that and there is still much that we have not seen, because every trip leaves out something. Homer, AK, the Arctic Circle, San Diego, Florida Keys, and Newfoundland are a long ways apart.
I doubt that we will ever see the West Coast again, but we have said that three other times. ;D
Sawmilling pays for traveling. When I can't, we won't.
MM--I would highly recommend going over the "Beartooth Highway" Cooke City--Red Lodge, MT. Check out your map--you can skirt the Yellowstone chaos by going Jackson Hole/Teton area--Cody--Cooke City then the Beartooth Hwy. IMO, the two most scenic drives in Montana are the Beartooth Hwy and Going to The Sun Road in Glacier NP.
I have been over both countless times and it never gets old. If things go as planned, I will be going over both next week...on a Harley!
Yup, we have been over Beartooth and Going to the Sun. Hwy. 287 from Riverton, Wy. to Moran is one Hwy that we have never traveled, so that will be our route as well as Hwy 191 North of W. Yellowstone. We would rather fill in the blanks than a re-do.
Hopefully we can find you ~Sept. 18th.
Depending on route in Banff, if you go up the switchback, you soon come to the Columbia Ice Field. Takes you back to the ice age, especially if there is a snow squal coming off that sucker. ;D :D
The Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff is pretty interesting. At least it was when I drove it 10 years ago. The Icefields have retreated a lot since then. When I went through they were operating tour buses out onto the glaciers -- think of a conventional tour bus, but jacked up on monster tires.
If you head that way, be sure to buy gas either in Banff or Jasper. The only filling stations are in Saskatchewan River Crossing, which is about the midpoint of the 280 km (180 mi) parkway. If you need gas at that point, they've got you and they know it. The gas prices reflect that.
If you are interested in railroads, and if you're planning to travel from Banff or Lake Louise to Revelstoke, you might want to check out the spiral tunnels near Field, BC. You can't actually see the tunnels -- until a train comes along. If it's a long one you can see one end of the train leaving the tunnel while the other end is entering it.
"There are two viewpoints where you can safely watch trains and learn more about the Spiral Tunnels and Kicking Horse Pass National Historic Site of Canada. On average, 25 to 30 trains pass through the Spiral Tunnels daily, though not on a regular schedule."
There's the usual "stop of interest" signs if you don't want to wait for a train.
Lynn – Agree with BF Griz about the "highway to the sun" in Glacier Park. St Mary Lake on the east side is also a great place to camp. A good link between HT John's and Waterton Park in SW Alberta.
I highly recommend visiting "Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump" Interpretive centre [http://www.history.alberta.ca/headsmashedin/default.aspx]. near Fort McLeod in southern Alberta. Gives a great history of the buffalo and native indians.
It is located NE of Pincher Creek on highway 785 beyond the Old Man Dam, or 15 miles west of Fort McLeod. Give yourself about ½ a day to see it all and watch the movie.
Also lots of big wind turbine farms in the same area. [NOTE – Pincher creek usually has best gas prices in southern AB]
Traveling up to Banff from southern Alberta, I would recommend taking highway 22 through the foothills.
From Head Smashed Buffalo Jump Centre, either backtrack a bit west to highway 22 and head north on hwy 22 to Longview; OR go east on 785 to Fort McLeod and then north on hwy 2 to Claresholm, west on 520 to hwy 22 and then north on hwy 22 to Longview. [I suggest the latter]
From Longview take highway 40 west into the Kananaskis area – some good camping sites at Kananaskis lake [Peter Lougheed Prov Park]. From Kananaskis, north to highway 1.
I agree with Brucer about fueling up. Canmore is just east of Banff and has easy access to fuel and usually cheap.
When you are in Jasper, the Miette Hot Springs are great to visit. They are north of Jasper on hwy 16, a bit of a drive but worth it – there is a camp ground [Pocahontas] near highway 16 on road up to the hot springs.
Also agree with Brucer about trains and the Rogers Pass – good visitors centre at the top of Roger's pass and the town of Revelstoke has a number of great museums, one is a forestry museum located just out of town on the highway north to the Revelstoke Dam.
Tom
Thanks Tom, We have highlighted many areas on the atlas with suggestions such as yours. :) There is no way that someone traveling into an area can have the insight that you guys have. Thanks.
Lynn if you come back on I90 exit 18 in Montana stop in De Borgia at the 10,000 Silver dollar bar and put your names on the wall mine is one of the first ones on the bar dad put it there in 1950 under Esther and Kenny then say to my old home town St Regis wish I was there to show some great back country roads have fun and enjoy your trip 8)
Thanks for the suggestions, but we will be much further South on our trip home. From N. California, through Tahoe, & Santa Fe. :)
MM
This trip must be about ready to begin. 8)
Have a safe and fun time.
The truck has been washed and the tailgate is off. We rolled the truck camper out yesterday and the refrigerator is on. We are getting our clothes in order. Pat has made frozen entrees' similar to what Marty and I took elk hunting. All of the guns are out of the truck and the passports are in. ;D
Yes, the countdown is here. :)
Have a safe and great trip! Can't wait to see the pics hint hint :)
Good luck, :)
Thanks all. We made the "Sycamore Project" trip with this truck camper, but it surely was nice that everything checked out OK. I'll load the camper on the truck tomorrow.
It is strange not laying out any short pants to wear. This trip was originally scheduled for August but life got in the way. We have never traveled this late in the year when we were not going hunting.
Bon Voyage. :)
If you go through Nebraska, make sure you hit Carhenge :D
They have a similar one West of Amarillo called the "Cadillac Ranch". :)
Hope your trip is safe and full of fun. I will be just ahead of you going thru the Redwood forest. bg
It sorta feels like we should all be standing around waving "goodbye" as you pull out on your adventure :D.
On the other hand, some of us will be standing around to wave "hello" as you pull in ;D.
Have a great trip!!
If anyone hasn't mentioned it, make sure to catch a tour of the steam-powered mill just west of I-5 in Oregon.
It's the Hull Oakes mill in Monroe, Oregon. The last producing steam mill in the state.
Quote from: Brucer on September 12, 2014, 11:04:48 PM
It sorta feels like we should all be standing around waving "goodbye" as you pull out on your adventure :D.
On the other hand, some of us will be standing around to wave "hello" as you pull in ;D.
I just want to be a stow away, heck they do it on airplanes all the time anymore, I'm sure they'll never even know I'm there ;D
Edit: They might think it's a little odd though when the same guy keeps showing up to take their picture for them every place they stop. :-\
Might as well pack the short pants too!! haha Was 17 here yesterday morning...but they're calling for temps in the 80's by Thursday....it's Fall, so just pack everything!!! :D
I loaded the camper on the truck this AM and everything looks good. The clothes and food goes in next.
We are looking forward to meeting several of our FF Friends, but we know that regretably we will miss seeing some. :-\
Yup John, we will be traveling during an uncertain time regarding weather. We are looking forward to seeing something other than what we have been having. ;D
Lynn, I hope that y'all have a great trip! Look forward to seeing the pix and reading your reports.
Scott
You two have a happy and safe trip.
Post lots of pictures for us, too. :)
Thanks for all of the well wishes. :)
Clothes and food are all loaded. We could actually pull out tomorrow, but it will be Monday AM. We will have tomorrow to think about what all that we have not thought about. ;D
Safe travels you two.When you go down the Or. side of the Colombia check out the irrigated pulp forest that you drive through on the interstate. My Daughter-in-law painted a 2 story mural at their visitor center.Its a neat place.It's just west of Hermiston OR. The fish hatchery and the falls are also nice.
Lynn,
Hope you have a wonderful trip! Very exciting. You are hitting it at the perfict time of year. We have been up in the high 90s here but next week is beginning to cool and the mornings are cooler now. No storms predicted so far. Likely you will see some colors changing which will be spectacular.
Happy travels,
Chris
87 here in seattle today. bg
100+ in Sacramento today, about 82 at my property just west of Truckee (north end of Tahoe).
Leave the light on for me Bill. :) It's 70° here this morning.
We will leave about mid-morning and our first stop will be visiting with Austin and Stacey Black @dablack (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=12776) and family. We will overnight there and Tuesday night will see us in Lamar, Co. Hopefully we can connect with @blackfoot griz (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=11659) before we get to @hardtailjohn (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=19418) in Marion, Mt.
Weather looks pretty good here for a week or so! http://www.wunderground.com/weather-forecast/zmw:59925.9.99999 I'm going to try to get some more hay baled before they get here! :D
The kids are in the window waiting for Mr. Lynn!
I can't wait by the window, but, I am sure looking forward to it!
Safe travels!
Call when you get near!
Look who showed up at my house yesterday. In fact, I think they are still there but I'm at work!
Remember guys! Pics or it didn't happen!
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22776/001small.jpg)
Me and mine really enjoyed seeing Lynn and Pat. I wish them well on their travels.
Austin
MM, is this a Logrite-sponsored trip?
I don't know which route through Montana you're taking, but give me a wave if you swing through Butte, MT on either I-15 or I-90 ;) If you're stopping for a meal, I can give suggestions for most restaurants in Butte or the surrounding small towns 8)
:) :) :) Good picture Austin! :) :) :)
Pictures later. We visited with blackfoot griz when we passed by him and have been in Kalispell visiting with hardtailjohn, his wife, and Mom. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed the wagon ride behind the Clydesdales. :)
We enter Alberta today. 8)
It sounds like a great trip, your on track to do more miles than Kay and I this year. If you ever get back to the east give us a holler.
The pleasure was ours!!! I'll try to get some pictures up later too.... hehehe.....
Sounds like your right on track Magicman and you have some great weather on your side for your trip, fall starts tomorrow officially and you have a nice window of great PNW weather to carry through the area ..... Drive safe magicman and Pat.
Due to the fact that it is mid-September, many points of interest as well as campgrounds are closed. Sadly, we did not go East toward Red Deer and @Bandmill Bandit (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=12409), but there is no way to see everything and everyone that we want to see.
We made an awesome drive West on Hwy. 1 from Lake Louise to Revelstoke today. We meet @Paul_H (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=199) and his wife for dinner tonight. :) :)
I know pictures, but that will take time to go through and edit. ;D
Our first leg was to visit dablack and his family. We got a tour and looked at the progress that they have made on their new home.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN2165.JPG)
I found out that Austin is a lot like @fat olde elf (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=2641). You had better keep an eye on your woman. :)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN2166.JPG)
The "Love Bugs" wrapped us up in Alexandria, La. so I had to wash before we could leave Austin's.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN2169.JPG)
Since I lost so much time washing the camper, we had to load up onto a Jackalope to make up for the lost time. It also helped on fuel.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN2175.JPG)
We saw our first foliage "Color Changes" while passing through Yellowstone Nat'l Park.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN2180.JPG)
We made a quick but very nice stop and visit with @blackfoot griz (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=11659) in Missoula, Mt.
Our next stop was visiting "hardtailjohn" in Marion, Mt. Yup, Clydesdale pictures are next. :)
QuoteWe made an awesome drive West on Hwy. 1 from Lake Louise to Revelstoke today. We meet @Paul_H (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=199) and his wife for dinner tonight. :) :)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN0564.JPG)
Yup, Pat and I met Paul and Carla and had a very nice meal and visit.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN0566.JPG)
Thanks Paul & Carla for the wonderful hospitality. :)
You're giving me travel envy Lynn. I believe I am sick of flying to the Pac NW to visit the family. I am driving wife and kids to Montana this coming summer for a mini reunion. My wife has not seen the country as I have. We are very excited. You are doing a fantastic job of meeting members too. I have too many suggestions for site seeing on your route home. Have you ever been to Crater Lake in Oregon...AND you wont be too far from Backwoods Sawyer either.
mark
I don't know why, but the jackalope picture has me rolling! :D
We had a good time last night visiting with Lynn and Pat over a good meal and have enough leftovers for lunch at work today. Unfortunately the weather forecast is for rain the next few days and it's socked in here pretty good so not much for views.
The weekend is looking better Lynn.
LOOK AT THAT FOOD!! 8) You guys got some weird looking ketchup bottles up there. ;)
I would give that ketchup bottle a good whack, like I normally do, and it would go EVERYWHERE!
Quote from: Jeff on September 24, 2014, 01:17:55 PM
LOOK AT THAT FOOD!! 8) You guys got some weird looking ketchup bottles up there. ;)
x2
Our fridge at home and the shop has Heinz ;)
Huntz here, no corn syrup. 8) ;D
Looks like some good eaten there and lots of good times on your journey. :)
Not seein any grits but trusting you're having a great time anyway. :)
More food ...
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11885/4079__opt_food.JPG)
A little update on the menu: fresh Coho salmon done on the grill, Greek salad with all the ingredients from our garden (except the olives), marjoram potatoes with locally grown organic potatoes and marjoram from our garden. The garlic toast got a little overdone (nothing to do with Pat & Barb chatting away in the kitchen while it was under the grill ;)).
The salmon looks tasty.
Do you pronounce that "sam-mon" or say "sal-mon"?
Something about being country, as I can leave the country but the "country" stays in me.
David G
carry on
There's no "L" in salmon :D :D.
Just a back bone. ;D
Since they are on vacation, not producing a travelogue, here's an update on their travels.
Barb & I are especially lucky that we live only 5 minutes off the route Pat & Lynn were taking into the US. They arrived early yesterday afternoon and we had a wonderful visit. Barb persuaded them to stay for dinner (Lynn didn't want to impose, Barb announced the menu, decision made :D :D) and we did some more visiting. They spent the night here and headed off for the border just after 8:00 AM.
But did it really happen? Or did I just post a picture of some food and make up the rest? No pictures, it didn't happen, isn't that the rule?
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11885/4082_opt_davis_visit.JPG)
Lynn took the mandatory group picture, because he figured out how to use the timer on his camera before Barb figured hers out. (Well, he got it figured out on the second try anyway :D.) Actually, Barb, Pat, and I voted against the group picture but Lynn over-ruled us with the "Forestry Forum Veto". You'll have to wait until he posts it to see that shot. So will I. (I wonder if there's a reason no one let me see it :-\).
I confess, we talked about some of you behind your backs (if you were facing South) but nothing bad was said about anyone :D. Warning to David, though. I think Lynn has figured out a way to get your goat ;D.
Here's some travel trivia.
When Lynn phoned to say they were on their way, they were waiting for the ferry at Shelter Bay south of Revelstoke. Originally the inland ferries were part of the Ministry of Highways; they crossed waterways where building a bridge would be too expensive. Because they were part of the highway system, the ferries were free. The inland ferry service has since been privatized but it is subsidized by the government and is still free to travelers.
I would love to meet you magicman when you are in the Redwood region if you get this. I'm in Rio Dell CA and in close proximity to the Redwood Parks.
Quote from: terrifictimbersllc on September 24, 2014, 07:59:09 PM
Not seein any grits but trusting you're having a great time anyway. :)
Grits are virtually unknown here, Denny's restaurants offer them but they are likely instant and pretty much tasteless. Lynn, you traveled through some spectacular scenery in south east BC. Looking forward to your pictures.
Ashes, came thru your area this week down 101. Beautiful country. bg
Bill, I hope you enjoyed your time. It is a beautiful part of the world here. I am fortunate to have landed a job in such a great place. Its rough country for woods work, but I love it.
We were headed north on I-5 getting the boy kid some drive time on his permit and to pick up a lost set of mill keys. We were about to Eugene when I got a suprize call from Magicman. He was south of us 90 miles in Roseburg and headed on to the redwoods.
So we missed out on conecting :( :(
Just a quick update while I have WiFi. We are at Donner Pass and still in Calif. Sadly we have missed seeing several FF members and as backwoods sawyer just said, I should have called him from Eugene and we could have met at an interstate exit somewhere. :( I called @captain_crunch (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=9561) several times, but no answer. The time of day has prohibited seeing several FF Friends. Since we are traveling "by the seat of our pants" without any specific destination or schedule, we also turned South a couple of times and missed seeing folks.
I have (too) many pictures but the laptop is not indexing them (they are all jumbled up) so it is going to take some time to find and upload some of them.
Tahoe tomorrow.
MM,
I hope you took the old highway 40 and did the scenic route! Quite a view from above Donner Lake. You were within a few miles of my cabin property! Where are you going in Tahoe?
You must have came through Redding and Anderson today or yesterday! We are just three or four min off of the freeway by the river. Wish we could have connected. You caught the cooler days just after the rain thankfully. The valley is supposed to be heating up again in a few days. Watch out for the one armed bandits in Tahoe.
Quote from: Left Coast Chris on September 29, 2014, 11:02:42 PMWatch out for the one armed bandits in Tahoe.
No danger of the "Bandits" getting to me. We bought a shirt in K Mart and a box of Raisin Bran in Safeway. :D
We have now headed East on Hwy. 50, and are stopping in Fallon for the night. I am gonna try to figure out how to get the pictures on the SD card to index on the PC.
Tahoe holds a special memory for us because our oldest Daughter made the 100 mile bicycle ride in ~2007 for the Lymphoma Foundation. She had to raise over $1000 to be able to participate and we were there to watch her ride and cross that 100 mile finish line. smiley_thumbsup
I created a new file on the laptop and indexed the pictures. ;D
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN0474.JPG)
Our visit with @hardtailjohn (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=19418) began with an introduction to the Clydesdales. :)
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I do not remember the names, but that black guy was HUGE.
Next we made a tour of John's shop and saw the carriages and sleds that he and Kate are restoring.
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Here is the circle mill that he has and is setting the foundation for.
Next we had an enjoyable lunch, moved cattle from one pasture to another, and then it was time to harness the Clydesdales for a ride.
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John and Kate harness the second horse while Pat holds the other.
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All hitched up and John works the kinks out before we climb on.
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Kate drives the team as we take off.
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Later John allowed me to take the reins.
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Pat and I showing off John's two beautiful horses, Daisy & Lilly. (but maybe spelled with an "ie")
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Later John threw some HUGE steaks on the grill.
Our thanks to John, Kate, and John's Mom for their hospitality. They were wonderful hosts and provided memories that we will always carry with us. ;)
I edited a bit and added the videos. The first is of Pat and me leading the two Clydesdale horses to the wagon.
http://youtu.be/Yl04wUmygA8
And the second is of me with the reins driving the Clydesdale team.
http://youtu.be/7gpzngjmTC8
Thanks again to John and Kate. :)
That big black horse reminds me of Harley!
WHAT A STEAK!!!! :o :o :o
His name is Butch....and he weighs in at about 2300# right now...he's down a couple hundred from his prime. Lynn did a great job of driving...in fact the girls worked better for him than they did for me!
Lynn and Pat, the pleasure was ours!! We always have fun having wonderful people visit, and you two sure fit that bill!! We hope to see you again!
Poston, those steaks came from one of my wife's "favorite" steers.... she says they taste better every time she thinks about fixing the fences he tore down!
When we left hardtailjohn's place we entered Alberta, Canada. We drove to Banff and spent the night before heading North.
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We saw several "overpasses" for elk migration.
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Pat and I at Lake Louise.
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The Columbia Icefields.
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One of many waterfalls that we have seen.
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A mountaintop sticking through a cloud.
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An upside down picture.
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We found Pat's Street in Jasper. :)
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We found Poston's Mom, two Brothers, and his baby Sister grazing along the roadside.
:D :D I know that road well.
After visiting with Paul_H and Carla in Revelstoke, we turned South toward Rossland for a visit with @Brucer (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=1885) and Barb.
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On the way we had to take a ride on a ferry.
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Two Forestry Forum Friends meet.
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Barb prepared a wonderful meal that Bruce described above and here is the group picture.
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Barb gave us a jar of Raspberry and Huckleberry jam that we began enjoying the very next morning.
Thank you Bruce and Barb for your wonderful hospitality. Our visit with you was very nice but much too short.
Lynn, it was a pleasure and a privilege to meet you and Pat.
I'm surprised you didn't get a picture of the hill you had to drive up to get to our place -- it had your name on it :D :D,
I was too busy giving 'er gas. I missed the name, but it was either up or down......steeply. :D
After we left Bruce we traveled South following the Columbia River. We camped at Hood River and crossed the river and headed South toward Eugene, Or. We did not go West and missed visiting with @mad murdock (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=8691). :-\
We got a nice view of Mt. Hood, but there was no place to pull off and take a picture.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN0593.JPG)
The closer view did not show the entire mountain plus clouds had moved in. :-\
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We chose to travel on Forest Service road 42 which was many miles of sometimes only one vehicle wide. The scenery was beautiful. It took us to Detroit, Or.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN0589.JPG)
I had never seen "Cow Pie" on a restaurant menu before so I ordered it. Cut potatoes with browned burger, corn, mashed potatoes, and gravy. It was quite good.
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Yes, that is a 1957 T-Bird in perfect condition. :)
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We camped in Paradise and that picture of the river was taken from inside of the camper.
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The sound of the water was good sleeping music. There were also several Redwood trees there,
Where is @Burlkraft (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=2905) when you need him?
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This Redwood burl was amazing.
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Sadly thieves had sawed 5 burls off of this treasure.
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There is no way to get enough of admiring these giants.
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Maybe @Tamiam (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=1461) needs to get Kevin to upsize the Logrite fetching arch ???
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This is supposedly the largest Redwood Tree.
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Pat measured and said that it would fit on the LT264. ;D
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Another view of the Redwoods.
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The Forestry Forum hat and a Red T Shirt at the Pacific Ocean. (Tribute to Tom)
QuoteTahoe holds a special memory for us because our oldest Daughter made the 100 mile bicycle ride in ~2007 for the Lymphoma Foundation. She had to raise over $1000 to be able to participate and we were there to watch her ride and cross that 100 mile finish line. smiley_thumbsup
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN0687.JPG)
So this picture of Lake Tahoe is for Donna. Pat sent her the picture and she was thrilled, but said that that (Tom) ride was a "once in a lifetime" experience for her.
This was our third time to travel Route 50 from Carson City East across Nevada. For a Mississippi boy accustomed to seeing trees, it is a long drive and there are no trees.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN0691.JPG)
It is labeled as the loneliest highway in Nevada and deserves the title.
Southeasterly across Utah tomorrow.
Great travelog Magicman. Nice pics. You have been privileged to be able to see some extremely choice country. We will meet around the board sometime, I am sure of it. Thanks for sharing your travels with us!!
Great photos MM. I have photos of us when we were at that same tree a week ago past Sunday. Don't those trees make you seem small? bg
Looks like you two had an amazing trip! Well Done!
Quote from: ashes on October 02, 2014, 12:23:23 AM
Looks like you two had an amazing trip! Well Done!
He ain't home yet. ;D
Any trip across Utah means seeing red rocks and cliffs.
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And yesterday was no exception.
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Something different around every turn.
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Every park seems to have a "Chimney Rock".
Today was Mesa Verde. We have passed this National Park several times but never took the time to visit.
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Cliff dwellings from a distance.
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Maybe ceremonial?
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Tunnels connecting the "circles".
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Up close nd personal.
Santa Fe tomorrow. :)
There are so many beautiful photo's, I can't pick one single favorite.
It's a scenic 'overload'.
Great pictures and a great trip, thanks for lettings ride along too Magic. Could those circles at Mesa Verde been for water storage? They look like they run down hill from one another, guess it wouldn't explain the odd shapes in the bottom though.
We started this morning with our coldest temperature at 27°. Our destination for today was Santa Fe, NM, and to meet our friend......
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@Burlkraft (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=2905), except he had no idea whatsoever that we were coming. He looked up, saw me, saw the FF hat, and then Pat. :) We had a very wonderful visit. His life is good and the smile was genuine. We really enjoyed the visit, Steve.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN0732.JPG)
We visited the "square" where the Native Indians lay out their wares on blankets. :)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN0733.JPG)
That Green Sauce on the left is what Atomic Bombs are made of. :o
We have visited Santa Fe many times, but had never seen the Spiral Staircase at the: Loretto Chapel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loretto_Chapel)
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NOTE: The Loretto Chapel link above has some interesting history. Here is a link to: Pictures (https://www.google.com/search?q=spiral+staircase+santa+fe&client=firefox-a&hs=1Dx&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=sb&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=UKAwVLTINoP4yATRo4CgBA&ved=0CDkQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=588)
We head toward Amarillo tomorrow.
Glad to see you caught up with him. 8)
When you mentioned going to SantaFe, I wondered if you would be seeing Steve. smiley_thumbsup
Quote from: beenthere on October 04, 2014, 09:54:17 PM
Glad to see you caught up with him. 8)
When you mentioned going to SantaFe, I wondered if you would be seeing Steve. smiley_thumbsup
Surprise visits are the best.
That chapel is breathtaking... sounds like that green chile was too! ;D
Great pictures. :)
Nice to see Steve also. Time for him to update his member map. :D
That place you were at sells Poston Cheese. Said so on the wall!
Great pics Lynn. Glad Steve is doing fine. :)
Quote from: Mooseherder on October 05, 2014, 09:39:24 AM
Great pictures. :)
Nice to see Steve also. Time for him to update is member map. :D
That place you were at sells Poston Cheese. Said so on the wall!
Just now saw that Glenn. :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Glad to see you finally got into the chapel. It was a huge surprise and a wonderful one for sure to see you guys. The pics from the trip are amazing. It seems like a great trip even though it cost a pig roast and elk hunting trip.
Lynn and Pat have been the first members that I have seen in quite some time. It was great to see you and it was made even better that it was a total surprise. My work at the butcher shop is about done and I have another job as well........I'm getting paid to turn wood!!!
The new job is at dc10audio. Very high end speakers. I turn the horns for the speakers.
Great to see you guys. I hope you have a safe trip back.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
After our traditional stop at the Big Texan in Amarillo, we slept in our own bed last night.
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Prime Rib is a favorite of mine.
Some things that you see while traveling are just too funny.
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Like this horse hitched up to a Handicap Sign at a gas station.
Trivia: We traveled over 4K miles and averaged exactly 12.0 MPG. The highest gas price was in California @ $4.10 per gal. and the lowest was in New Mexico @ $2.97. I did not worry about Canadian gas prices. I just bought it when needed and kept going. The worst highways were in Louisiana and the best were everywhere else. The coldest was 27° in Colorado. We had only one day of rain and we were traveling that day. We traveled into twelve states and two Canadian Provinces. We visited with six FF members. The residents most proud of their state were in Texas. The least likely to look you in the eye and speak to you were in California. The biggest "beauty surprise" was Oregon. If I had a sawmill in Nevada, I would still be looking for my first log to saw. I have absolutely no idea how much money that we spent. When I speak, folks ask if I am from Texas. In Texas, they ask if I am from Louisiana. People "not from Mississippi" talk funny. :)
All of my sawmill blades came back from Resharp while I was gone. I got three cell calls for sawing while I was traveling, (one while visiting with @blackfoot griz (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=11659)) and the phone has already rung once this morning. I told him Thursday.
I should be unloading the camper, but I am sipping on a cup of coffee instead.
Glad you had a great trip MM and Pat. When we were in Victoria about 3 weeks ago, gas was $5.20 per gal. The highest I saw in the states was in Needles and it was $4.10. Didn't buy any of that stuff. I bought gas in Barttlesville, ok Saturday and it was $2.839 per gal. Wish it would stay at that price. bg
Very rewarding to follow your trip. Many pleasant memories stirred. Can I ask how much your camper weighs? My F350 has a lot of good miles on it yet hopefully.
~2000 lbs. loaded & with water. It was too heavy for the Toyota Tundra which is why I had to replace the axle bearings. I have air bags which do not increase the carrying capacity, but they do level it up. I am about ½" above the overload springs.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1070_28Small29.JPG)
Traveling mode.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN0082_28Small29.JPG)
With the top cranked up.
NOTE: This last picture was taken in Colorado in 2012. I only added it here to show the camper popped up. Pat and I did not tow a trailer on our PNW trip.
Nice pictures. Looks fun.
Glad you made it home safe...and double glad we got to meet you!! Thanks again, MagicMan!
Wow looks like you came thru my backyard, sorry I missed this post, great pics, and I always make time for FF members traveling thru NCW! BWW
I know you had fun and I KNOW you are glad to be back in your own bed. The best thing about trips is coming home.
QuoteI have absolutely no idea how much money that we spent.
I did not then, but I am fairly accurate at projecting traveling expenses. My Visa statement through Oct. 2nd came today. We were well within our budget, and in fact, ~$700 under. 8)
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The camper is unloaded, the truck washed, and the tool box and sawing gear loaded for tomorrow's sawing. It seems that the good times just do not last long enough.
Quote from: Magicman on October 08, 2014, 07:53:52 PM
The camper is unloaded, the truck washed, and the tool box and sawing gear loaded for tomorrow's sawing. It seems that the good times just do not last long enough.
If you saw real slow the good times will last longer. ;)
That is why the pigman was pumping up that tire "real slow" (avatar) so those good times would last... and it was certainly a good time.
:) I have watched the video. smiley_thumbsup
Looks like you two had a great journey. :)
Quote from: Magicman on October 08, 2014, 09:22:23 PM
:) I have watched the video. smiley_thumbsup
That's one that deserves a home in the grey gray box. :)
I cant get tired of the one in there now though. :D
That all makes me happy, MM. So glad you had such a good trip
glad you made it back Lynn
I know it is good to be back around your mill. Glad you had a good trip.
Good to be back, I bet, Now Back to work :D :D :D
Thanks everyone for their nice comments and well wishes. :)
Yup, I sawed today. ;D
Now, is Colorado on your mind? bg
Colorado is always on my mind, but no Colorado hunt this year, only work.
That plus an Addition to the "Cabin Addition". :)
janna and I offer our condolences for returning to the real world. Glad yall had a great trip,while being safe to boot. More trips are still available for you two.
David G
carry on
I edited Reply #118 on page 6, and added the Clydesdale videos. :)
MY wife and I are planning a similar trip two years from now when she retires. I would like to get a camper like yours as we have a dog that will travel with us. She is worried about showers(probably mine) if we stay in the camper every nite. Does yours have a shower? I'm thinkin we may have to stay in a hotel about every third nite, and the dog can stay in the camper. Any details on your camper would be appreciated.
Yes, we have a shower in the camper, but we still spent several nights in a motel or a lodge.
Quote from: Magicman on October 21, 2014, 09:41:20 PM
Yes, we have a shower in the camper, but we still spent several nights in a motel or a lodge.
I took a tour of the camper.....has everything you could ask for. :)
What brand and model camper is it?
Outfitter Apex 8. They are custom built by Outfitter in Longmont, Co.
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The top lowered for traveling.
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Top raised up.