Oct 29, 2016
A long first day
It was an cold night plus I did not sleep well. It will take a while to adjust to a queen bed from a king especially with two dogs cuddling in the cold of the night.
We left the our house at 8:15AM and were hooked up and on the road by 8:35. Our first stop was only 15 minutes away as we needed to fill our propane tank. Expensive at .739/litre but it needed to be done. The girls were fed before we left but we needed food and stopped in Peachland to cut up some fruit and to make a coffee. The girls also needed to do their business.
It was an overcast and very cool morning but as we drove south along Okanagan Lake we saw a bright spot in the sky. An omen of good weather ahead or so we hope.
It seemed like we got to the US border very quickly. The Osoyoos crossing is always different. This time they only asked how much alcohol we had, where we were heading and how long we would be in the USA. Next we were boarded by the Agriculture Inspection Agent. No we don’t have meat, nor fruit nor peppers or tomatoes. Yes all our dog food is made in the USA. He did tell us that fish is officially considered to be meat in the USA!
It was a quick crossing and we actually drove past the You Ship Store, just across the border, where we were picking up dog food and a few other items we had ordered online. Went around the block easily enough. Another quick stop, made sure that we had 13 cases of dog food and stowed it away and once again we were off.
Last year we stopped just past Omak at a Tribal Fuel stop and the price was great, not so this year. First off we have to angle in to the one pump that has diesel and our back end sticks way out and then to have to pay 2.759 per gallon, not nice. We later discovered that diesel in Washington state is anywhere from 2.68 to 2.99 so I guess we did alright.
The fall colors in the orchards were stunning. It is so difficult to get good photos while speeding down a highway.
All day long we were treated to wonderful scenery.
The photo doesn’t do the actual scene justice.
Coming into Soap Lake.
We are taking a different route this year and instead of stopping in Moses Lake for the night we were going to spend the night in Ephrata but as we got closer we discussed a change. It was only 3PM and we didn’t want to sit in a Walmart on a very cool day and do nothing. We knew that the next day was a 400 mile day so we decided to carry on down the road. which would make tomorrow an easier day. So Colin drove while I scrambled with my paper maps and a few travel books to come up with plan B. That involved a further 102 miles.
We were heading south, then west and then east. Quite the drive, including a few 2600′ mountain passes. Here we are crossing the Columbia River on I90.
We arrived in Yakima about 5:35PM, perfect timing. Not the perfect Walmart though, not much parking for RV’s and where it was involved several semi’s.
There are many homeless living here in their vehicles. However it is a nice enough area and is well patrolled. I needed to pick up fruit, veggies, eggs, yogurt ( great Greek stuff at a wonderful price ) and of course some wine.
A rare glimpse of the sun at the end of the day just before we arrived here in Yakima.
A long day at 337.4 miles.
Time to have a shower and hit the bed. Tomorrow is another day with more new roads to explore.
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On the road…Yes!!…
I’m not sure if you know about the Canyon River Road from E-burg….Instead of climbing Manatash ridge, it’s a much nicer drive along the river.
The scenery is swell and several campgrounds or in the case of Big Pine C.G. there is a parking lot to fit any size rig…Camp for free or the one pull-thru.
Check it out for future use, nice and quiet.
It’s a BLM campground and they even have cell service up by the info kiosk, and my last trip a month ago, I was able to get Tracfone service several places in the campground..
I’m watching you….
David
Wow, how did this sneak up on me? I didn’t realize you were so close to departure. So exciting to be headed toward the Isla! Wishing you smooth travels…
Sure is nice to be on the road again, travel safe.
Sounds like a great first day and that everything went smoothly. Love the photo with the yellow leaves and them reflecting in the water.
Ruth
It’s so nice to see you’re mobile again. Looks like the bridge crossing the Columbia is a copy of the old Port Mann bridge. Safe travels!
Following along as you make your journey south. Enjoy and safe travels!
Great to travel along with you again – be safe and have fun. Your pictures always add the extra something to your travel log.
Wow, glad I came back to check comments. I could swear I left one yesterday! Anyway, just say it is great you guys are starting your winter trek to a warmer clime. I know it’ll be fun in fact, it already looks like it! I love traveling on wet, rainy and foggy days. It makes for great conversations, not sure why. Be safe.