PNW RV Trip

July 23-September 25, 2024

This 62 day summer trip will be an exciting journey traveling in the Pacific Northwest including California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah and Nevada. Some of the highlights will be seeing friends all along the way, visiting Glenna’s family in Canada, wine in Napa, golfing as much as possible, fishing in Alaska and Montana and yachting in Canada.

We left home in 108* heat and headed to central CA for the first night then into Napa Valley for the next three nights. Hit a few of our favorite wineries including Hall Winery, Sherwin Family Vineyards, Vinatieri Winery, Oakville Cross Winery and of course, Silver Oak. Had a few meals at Gotts and Model Bakery and enjoyed some down time at the RV parked over at Skyline Wilderness Park near Downtown Napa.

Saturday July 27th we headed up the I 5 and past Lake Shasta driving thru all the smoke from the Chico fire still burning out of control. Spent the night in Klammath Falls then arriving in Crooked River RV Park near Bend, Oregon to visit our friends Patrick and Dee. Took a tour of their property, new home just about completed, drove around town and off to the golf course for our first round of the trip. Crooked River Golf Club is nestled in a valley with spectacular views of mountain tops and gorges with the river running thru the bottom of the gorge. Dinner at the Pump House in Redman was a real treat, dining on the outdoor patio we had a few delicious entrees that did not disappoint. The topper was the half baked chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge on top, this was a special treat for Dee since she has never had this epric dessert before. Breakfast the next morning at the One Street Down Cafe served us one of the best Huevos Rancheros we have ever had.

Tried to do a little sight seeing around town and Smith Rock but it was so smoky that we decided to hit the road heading North to Washington. Only had one issues along the way, during the slight rain on of our wind shield wipers flew off onto the side of the road. Glenna was able to find it but it was broken so we went into Camping World close by to get replacements and back on the road.

Arrived at our next home for a bit in Ferndale, Washington just North of Bellingham. Set up and had dinner over at our good friends Karla and Roz with awesome bluefin tuna, wine and some cards after dinner.

Next stop is Alaska

After spending the night near the SEATAC airport at the Hilton we jumped on the early morning shuttle to catch our flight. Ontime and good seats, the flight to Juneau gave us a spectacular view of the Canadian and Alaskan landscape from our side of the plane. Green everywhere, remote hidden lakes and gorgeous glaciers made us think we were watching a National Geographic broadcast.

Landed are were promptly greeted by our host Erin, off to the hotel for an early checkin and time for lunch at Deckhand Dave’s for some Halibut fish and Chips. Hank was working at the fish processing plant so we will hook up with him for dinner. We decided to go on a whale watching tour that Erin had set up as an option. Saw lots of whales and had a great boat ride, always fun to be out on the water. Drinks with Hank and Erin at the Squirez Bar across the street from the Fishermans Bend Marina then dinner at Forbidden Peak Brewery in Auke Bay.

Glenna’s bucket list item was quickly comming for fruition when we boarded our friends fishing boat (Island Vibe). Ran out to one on Hank’s favorite fishing spots and dropped some bait. Well, it didn’t take long before Glenna was reeling in her first Salmon. Way to go Glenna……..We caught lots of fish but not many keepers and still had a blast, the weather was perfect with calm seas. Dinner at Hank and Erin’s condo overlooking the marina and the many eagles flying by that gave us a impromptu air show from Mother Nature. Hank made some sockeye salmon with all the fixings and Glenna brought a nice bottle of Silver Oak to share.

Day two of fishing was even better, lots of fish and some great Coho (Silver Salmon) keepers. Two fun days on the water with great friends and their dog, Annie who loves it when you catch a fish. Thanks to Hank for cleaning all the fish and getting them ready to be processed, packed, frozen for the trip home. Dinner at The Hanger right on the water and overlooking the Sea Planes arriving and departing with new passengers. Final day was for more sight seeing with Erin as our guide around Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier, The Shrine and lunch at the Flight Connection where Hank met us for thier favorite place for fish and chips. Lunch on the patio was great but the record heat of 85 degrees for the second day in a row was a lot for the locals to handle. Around six, we walked into town and visited the famous Red Dog Saloon and so did all the cruise folks trying to get in before they had to reboard thier ships for the night. Fun bar with live music and wonderful staff to make you feel welcomed.

Tuesday we flew back to Seattle, hit Pikes Market Place on the way home to pick up some peaches and heirloom tomatoes. Yes, these are the best peaches I have ever had and a must stop for me when in the area.

Next Stop is Yachting in the Gulf Islands in Canada:

Thursday, August 8th we crossed the border and headed towards the ferry in Tsawwassen in British Columbia. Boarded and made the 1 hour 40 minute ride thru the Gulf Islands and landed at the Long Horn Marina on Salt Springs Island for our meet up with our friends Tom and Greg. Loaded our luggage, wine and some food on their 56 foot Meridian Yacht. Spent the evening catching up with them and some of their friends, jumped in the pool overlooking the beautiful marina before Greg cooked us a fabulous dinner with the salmon we brought from Alaska.

Friday morning we drove into the little town of Ganges, had a nice walk around town checking out the cute little shops, Bakery and cafes. Greg gave us the tour and history then shopped at the local Country Grocer for a few supplies. Back to the dock, left Long Harbor and enjoyed a terrific ride around the islands towards Genoa Bay where we docked at the Genoa Bay Marina for two nights. Tucked in the back of the Bay, these secluded docks gave us plenty of shade in the mornings with afternoon sunshine.

More to come……