Travel – Day 1 to Ripon California
This morning we entertained our twin grandsons one more time for breakfast in the fiver. I think this will be one of those experiences that they will be able to remember now that they are 4. Everyone really had a great time and it was nice visiting with Eric and Jeanne.
We completed travel day 1 of 2 without any issues. This leg was 424 miles and I was glad to see that I was able to go the distance with one tank of diesel. As I said before, that 45 gallon tank sure makes a big difference. We refueled in Grant’s Pass, OR at the 76 station that we stopped at last September when we came through on the way home from Winchester Bay, OR. Unlike last time when diesel was about $4.85 a gallon, this time it was only $2.39. Now $2.39 is still high but not like before. Course, in Oregon you’re not allowed to pump your own gas and when the kid filled us up he also washed our windshield. Not knowing what to do I asked him if I was supposed to tip him for the wash. He claimed that this is what people normally do so I game him a buck. Didn’t want him to retire on my wash …
We’re staying at a nice park here in Gold Hill, OR. It’s located halfway between Medford and Grant’s Pass. They have 45 full hookups and we have a 65 foot pull through which turned out to be comfortable with easy access. With the Good Sam Club discount, it only cost us $24 for the night. Found the facilities to be clean but it was a one-holer. Since we didn’t need to unhook it won’t take us much time tomorrow to get underway.
see photos of Cypress Grove RV Park, Gold Hill, Oregon
Prep day
Tomorrow we head back home after a pleasant 2 weeks on the road. Being able to spend quality and quantity time with our twin grandsons really capped off this trip. Now it’s time to start buttoning down the hatches in preparation for our 2 day passage home. I’ve driven from Port Orchard Washington to Ripon California in one day before but it meant getting underway around 5 AM and getting home late at night. Getting too old for that and of course, with a fiver it would be insane. After all, it’s not like I have to rush back and go to work …
Spent the last day visiting a local park that specializes in twister type rides. I for one would be very ill if I tries spinning like that. For a special treat, we had lunch at a McDonalds with a 6 tier playground. Ethan and Jack had a blast for around 2 hours. We even saw a bald eagle circling over the house. How cool is that?
See photos of twister park and bald eagle
See photos of Port Orchard and Bremerton Washington skyline
A day with the boys
Today is boy’s day. We started with the boys (Papa, Eric, Ethan, an Jack) doing some manly work at Lowe’s. Even though I’m not a fan of the NASCAR team and driver they sponsor, I must admit that they do a great job of providing projects for kids and their parents.
see photos of Lowe’s project
The boys then enjoyed visiting the Port Orchard Washington Kitsap Live Steamers. The Live Steamers offers a unique recreational opportunity that is not available anywhere else in this State. Members are outdoor railroad enthusiasts dedicated to railroading on 71/2 inch gauge track. They have constructed over 5,000 feet of track in a wooded area where 11/2 to 3 3/4 inch scale trains run and provide rides for the public.
see photos of Kitsap Live Steamers
We topped off boy’s day with a long spirited visit to McDonalds and their playhouse. Tonight the boys will join us in our 5th wheel for the night. It’s something they have been looking forward to. It’s actually going to be the first time we open our couch hide-a-bed. Oh to be 4 again …
see photos of evening with Grammy in the 5th wheel
Out for a drive
Took advantage of a beautiful day to take a short drive up the coast of Puget Sound and visited some of the local communities. We visited the communities of Poulsbo, Kingston, Hansville, Port Gable, crossed Hood Canal, and gassed up in Sequim where I found a Safeway that had diesel for $2.29 a gallon versus $2.69 in Port Orchard.
see photos of Puget Sound communities
It is Spring out there … So they say!
Woke up to 38 degrees this morning. According to the local forecaster, this should be it for rain for the rest of our stay. Stand back … it’s going to be 54 degrees today so I guess I better watch out for that global warming stuff !! Two hours later and it’s pouring rain again. Like a said – If you don’t like the weather then just wait an hour. So much for the local forecasters.
Another day of frolicking with the twins. They showed up for breakfast before pre-school and enjoyed Gammy’s wonderful scrambled eggs with all the trimmings. Pre-school was followed by lunch in the fiver as the boys once again brought out their chow. Just a wonderful day of grandparenting.