Oregon Living 2025 – Blog #29 – More Travel and Trying to Get Home

 

Sunday, July 27^th., 2025……  This morning we broke up the gang. Shaun and Lila were headed home. Nate and Lizanne would be going on to visit friends/family? Mike and Cheryl and us were headed back down to Pendleton to the Casino RV park for two nights. We got out of the fairgrounds and made our way through Spokane and south. I don’t think we stopped until we got to Wildhorse Casino RV. We would not be together in the park but we were not too far away. After getting set up, we spent the afternoon in the pool. Later, we played cards and had dinner.

Monday, July 28^th., 2025…… This morning we had reservations for the Pendleton Underground Tour. We had been before but Frank and Maryanne had reservations with Mike and Cheryl but weren’t able to go on the trip. So we took their place. The tour was better than before!  Our guide said when he was a kid, he used to sneak down with his friends and play and explore the tunnels. He also shared info we didn’t know – about how the miners would come in to the bar with gold dust to pay for their drinks. The bartender would pour the dust into a scale for payment. But he would be sloppy and spill a bit on the counter. When you always see the bartender wiping the counter, it came from these days  - when the guy would sweep the gold dust on the floor, to pick up later by getting his shoes muddy and walking in it. He said they panned the mud and made some good money. Also interesting was the fact that spent rifle and pistol shells would also be used as payment for drinks. You would stand the shell up next to the glass and be poured up to the height of the shell. The larger the shell, the bigger the shot. This is where ‘having a shot’ was started!  The rest of the tour was interesting as well and we learned about the life and times back in the day, especially the 17 brothels in town!   

We came back home and relaxed for the day. We visited with our neighbors who had Rylee's brother!  Not really but I have never seen an English Cream that looked so much like Rylee than Sonny!

We are finding leftovers to clean up before we make it home.      

Tuesday, July 29^th., 2025…… This morning we checked out and drove the short distance to our next (and last) campground for this trip. We are at Peach Beach RV Resort in Goldendale WA. It was right off of US 84, just over the bridge on the Columbia River. We had never been but we heard it was nice. We already had sites reserved and found them and got parked. It was super hot today. We heard it was the highest temp in Goldendale this year!  Temperature would get to 97° today! I went back to the back thermostat just to see if I could get it to work. In the past, I have struggled with this one and could only get the heat bar to work. Didn’t need that! I did something (needed to set the time I think!) and managed to get the system on cool!  Boy, did that help!  Poor Rylee has been hot and was panting. Hope this will help. After a bit, we left and headed to Stonehenge. Yes, that’s what I said! It seems that local magnate, Sam Hill, decided to build a memorial to the local soldiers lost in the war. He based it on the original structure in England – full scale! It was very moving. We learned it was very controversial and thought of as a folly. It coined the term, ‘What in the Sam Hill are you doing?  Didn’t know that! 

Afterward, we drove the short distance to Maryhill Museum of Art. This was the majestic home on the hill that was also built by Sam Hill for him and his wife and named after her. Today, it is a magnificent museum of art. There are countless rooms of paintings, dioramas, and sculptures, even one wing with nothing but Rodin´ items. We also both enjoyed the massive collection of chess sets. Here are pics from there….

 

After that, we stopped by the Gunkel Orchards

 

on the way home. Cheryl told us they always try to buy their peaches there when they can. They bought 2 cases, we bought one.

We will pit, peel and slice and then freeze them for either canning or pies. We got back home and rested for the day. The air was working well and it was pleasant inside. We were parked under trees so no satellite reception, but we were able to pass the evening by watching what we had taped. We leave tomorrow for home.    

Wednesday, July 30^th., 2025……  We were up and had a bite to eat and then got the rv ready to go. Mike and Cheryl left and headed to get gas. We left shortly after that. We made it about 25 miles or so and then BAM! We blew a tire! I was able to get safely pulled over. We were in Celilo Park and I found a nice level spot out of the way of traffic. It was the rear inside passenger tire that blew. I called Good Sam and they made arrangements to get me a tire and the guys in Biggs (25 miles away) were out in about 1 ½ to get it changed. Problem started when they rolled the new tire out. I checked it and saw it was the wrong size. It was about 2 inches shorter. So, they had to find another.

After several calls, long story short, it would be tomorrow morning when they could get one to us. So, we were here for the night! We were able to walk the dogs and enjoy the area. Beautiful sunset too!

I opened up one slide and started up the generator. That gave us the a/c we needed for the day and night. We were lucky to be parked where we were and no one bothered us – except maybe the folks coming and going who were noisy. Cathye went back to the bed and I stayed out and slept in my chair. Rylee struggled with the heat but after giving her ice water and ice chunks,

she finally settled down. We did have some folks who came in around 1:30am and were right outside for 30-40 minutes, but we all managed to sleep some. 

Thursday, July 31^st., 2025……  We were up and ready this morning. Cathye made breakfast and we settled in to wait. They told us yesterday that the tire would be coming in a truck from Portland to Biggs and then to us. They expected it around 9-9:30am. About 9:30 they called and said the truck was on its way. This time they had the right tire and got it mounted and we were good to go. I had given them the extension stem to put back and luckily the guy noticed that it was leaking. That was the reason that the tire blew! 

We left the park at 10:45 and headed back and made it back home at 2:15. It took a while to get everything unloaded and the rig parked, but aside from laundry, we were done for the day! Penny came by and visited and we spent the rest of the day relaxing and watching tv. We went out to Dos Arbolitos for dinner, then watched a little tv before going to bed early.   

Friday, August 1^st., 2025……  Nothing on the agenda today. We spent the day just relaxing and catching up on taped tv shows. Cathye left to go to Detering Orchards with Lyn and Judy. They didn’t find too much and she only brought back some zucchini. But they had lunch and visited and had a great day!  

Saturday, August 2^nd., 2025…… Today was mowing day! Penny came over and we got started around noon. The grass in the field is pretty much dead so it didn’t take too long to get things done. We came in and rested for a while, then Cathye got started on the peaches. She asked for her sous chef and we pitted, blanched and peeled and sliced 42 peaches in about 45 minutes. After that, we showered and got ready for the evening. We were going over to the church for a wedding. Robin’s granddaughter was getting married. It was a little warm and they had the ceremony outside but it was short and sweet and we were back inside in no time!  After a bit, we left and came home for the day.  

Oregon Living 2025 – Blog #28 – Getting Ready and Then ‘Road Trip’!

 

 

Sunday, July 20^th., 2025……  Nothing on the agenda for today except more prep for tomorrow. I got all of my clothes loaded and worked on my meds and stuff to go out tomorrow. Cat has all of her things out there except for her meds. We will load the fridge tomorrow morning. So, we had a chance to relax for the day. Randy texted later to say that Steve and Monica got back home in Scottsdale and he was doing ok.  

Monday, July 21^st., 2025…… This morning the plan was to meet up with Mike and Cheryl at the Chevron station on hwy 20. I had ¾ of a tank which would get me all the way up and back, but I wanted to top off beforehand. We got on the road about 9:30am and made the drive up through Portland and then along the Columbia River, past Mt Hood and made it to Wild Horse Resort and Casino RV park, just outside Pendleton OR. On this trip, we will hook up with three others to go on to Spokane for the USA West Square Dance Convention, starting Wednesday night. Right after we got in, Nate and Lizanne pulled in. We will be here for two nights. Cheryl and Mike and Cathye headed over to the casino and got players club cards (Cat already had one). I stayed home and talked with Nate and Lizanne, relaxed, took care of the dogs, watched tv, then went to the pool for a bit. Later, Cat came back a winner!  She started out with $100.00 in and came back with a slip for $100.87! Yaay! Hey, 87 cents is a winner! We played cards with Mike and Cheryl and then settled in and watched tv and went to bed.    

Tuesday, July 22^nd., 2025…… I remembered a nice place we went to for breakfast last time we were in Pendleton, (called The Saddle), so the six of us went there this morning. Still good. After that, we drove into town and went past the entrance to the underground tour we will be going on when we return here on the way home next week. Well, I made the right turn to go there only to find it was one street short – and was a ONE WAY STREET! Yep, I went the wrong way! I scooted ahead and made a quick left into a parking lot and escaped danger. Phew! After a lot of joking, we made our way over to the Pendleton Wool Factory. This was Cathye’s and my second time there. But this time, we were able to go on the factory tour. We saw how they load the wool from spools and get them to the looms and we also saw how they weave the patterns and produce the beautiful product from there! Here are pics, including the world’s largest blanket…..

 

After the tour, we went past the rodeo grounds (famous for the annual Pendleton Roundup) then headed back to let the dogs out and rest for the afternoon. Temps are in the 90s this week with no plans to let up, so we want to keep the dogs cool. I only have one roof air going right now (more on that later) so the rv is still a bit warm for the girls. Jama does ok but we like to hose off Rylee when we can to help keep her cooler!  Later in the day, Mo and Toni got into camp. They are on the other side so we didn’t visit with them too much. Even later after that, our caller, Shaun and wife Lila (Nate’s daughter) got into camp. They are right next to us. That makes 10 in total. 

We will meet up with Tim and Melissa later in Spokane when they get in by car. That will make 12!  Most everyone went over to the casino. This time Cathye did win…

Wednesday, July 23^rd., 2025……  All 5 rigs pulled out together this morning and caravanned to Spokane. We stopped a few times so the rest could get gas, plus one more stop at a rest area for lunch. When we made our way into Spokane and found the fairgrounds, we got checked in and parked. We have large, flat grassy spaces. Plenty of room!  We set up a central area and ate and played cards. Later, we headed over to the trail-in dance. This was in addition to the convention (and cost extra $$) but was put on by the three headliners for the weekend. We enjoyed dancing to Adam Christman (my favorite caller from last year at Seaside), Dan Preedy, and Doug Davis. 

They were among the 33 callers and cuers scheduled on the docket for the three day festivities, which will begin tomorrow morning. Here is a flyer for most of them…

 

After the dance, we came back to the rvs and settled in for the evening.

Thursday, July 24^th., 2025……  Since we had 3 days of dancing, I knew we had to pick and choose what we did and when we danced. Each of us would be able to go on our own schedules and for us, today was spent shopping and waiting for Shaun to call. I think he had 4-5 time slots over the duration of the convention and we made sure to be there to dance to him and support him for all of them.  He did an excellent job!  After he calls, we try to speak to other dancers on the floor. None had never heard of him but all really liked him!  He is up and coming for sure!  During the dancing, I was able to touch base with California and former California callers, Andy Allemao, and Mike Sikorsky. Mike taught me A1 back in the day and remembered our group from his class back in 86. I also got to visit with Jim and Judy Smith, caller and cuer from SoCal.  Nice to catch up with long-time friends!  

So, all day and evening was spent in the halls, walking the pups, eating (lunch and dinner) and playing cards. We were tired when we got back and went right to bed!  

Friday, July 25^th., 2025……  More of the same today. We watched the 4 remaining traveling exhibition groups (who were all here at the same time!) do their special shows for the crowds. Here are some pics from the weekend….

                                         One of the dancers taller than me! He is 6'8"
 

Later, we all left and caravanned to dinner at Outlaw BBQ. It was excellent!  Cat and I split a rib dinner, with enough for leftovers! The rest of the group all said they enjoyed their meals as well.

We got back in time to dress for the evening’s festivities. Days are casual dress and nights are square dance clothes. We brought different outfits for each day.

Saturday, July 26^th., 2025……  Last day for the convention. We all went in to dance to Shaun and then spent time in other halls and with other callers. We started out on Thursday with Hex Squares with Andy Allemao, who went over the basics for this new to everyone type of dancing with six couples instead of four. Knowing Andy from SoCal, I knew this from back in the day, but it was fun to do it again and help the others. Today was full on dancing the new style. It was one of our highlights for the weekend! Later, we said goodbye to Mo and Toni, who were heading out to meet friends. The night’s highlight was the grand parade. We found our Oregon group (31 in total but only 12 or so in the march) and went in with all of the states in attendance. The USA WEST consists of 8 western states, but we had visitors from a dozen more (furthest was from New York!). We danced our fill, and stayed until the end of the night. We got in one giant circle and thanked everyone for the weekend. Next year the convention is in Loveland, Colorado. Don’t think we will go but you never know! Here are pics from the weekend. There are videos on Cat’s Facebook page if you want to see more. Lizanne taped Shaun doing The Crawdad song and got all of us dancing. Cathye added it to her FB page. It turned out well – go check it out!

 More on the rest of the trip next time.....

Oregon Living 2025 – Blog #27 – Fun Times With Family and Painting is Done!

 

Sunday, July 13^th., 2025……  Like I said last blog – stay tuned!  I had a terrible night and woke up sick this morning. I wasn’t hungry and was sweaty and had a temp of 100.2. We have covid tests and I tested positive!  Ok, so I need to stay isolated for a while. I stayed in bed all day and slept off and on. I ate a little and drank water and electrolytes and slept some more. Cathye stayed in the guest room and gave me space. But I did have both dogs who wouldn’t leave me!  I don’t have too much more to add but I know Cat looked in on me a lot and took good care of me!  Thank you sweetie!

Monday, July 14^th., 2025…… Today was a better start!  I felt like I had rested enough and wasn’t running a fever nor was I weak so I decided to get up and spend the day in my room watching tv and resting in there. I called my doctor’s office. My pcp has moved but I asked anyway for someone there to phone in a prescription for Paxlovid.  No word yet today. Jose came by and we discussed final payment. 

As per the contract, the work on the front door was time and labor above the original agreement. After a bit, we wrote out the check and he was on his way. I have paint leftover for the house body, the trim and the clear coat. Next step is to reinstall the patio lights and put back all of the furniture, but that will wait until we feel up to it. I need to note that I am worried about Cathye!  She wore a mask all day and washed every time she left me, but she is a little raspy and says her throat hurts. Tv and separate beds again tonight.  

Tuesday, July 15^th., 2025…… I am feeling much better today. I am not even going to try to fight anymore for the Paxlovid!  I will need to call my medical insurance provider to check to see if she is still in my plan and then get switched over. Then I can make an appointment with her.  Cathye is worse!  No fever but she is sick to her stomach and has a headache. I am now watching out for her!  We both stayed in all day and rested. Randy is headed back from Washington but we’re not sure if he will come later tonight or tomorrow. The way we are going, I’m sure they will skedaddle out in no time!  

Wednesday, July 16^th., 2025……  Randy and the guys got home late last night and went riding this morning. We hung around the house. Both of us tested negative this morning so we are good to go. When they got back, we learned that Steve took a pretty hard crash and was hurting. He said his neck was tight and he couldn’t get comfortable. He went to bed early.

Thursday, July 17^th., 2025……  When we got up this morning, Randy checked in on Steve, who wasn’t doing well. He took him in to the er here in town.  Penny came by and we mowed the lawn and field. So that was done!  Later, we found out Steve has cracked a C1 (or something) in his spine. They would transport him to Corvallis later and then after more tests there, we found out they would be keeping him there for observation for swelling. Randy called his wife, Monica, who flew up from Scottsdale and got in late tonight. We picked her up at the airport and took her to the hospital. She ended up coming back home here and stayed in the motorhome.   

Friday, July 18^th., 2025…… The final diagnosis was ok. No surgery but it could happen in the future. Steve is claustrophobic and won’t fly, but the doctors gave their ok for him to ride back home with a body brace and Monica driving.  Randy kept the bikes so they wouldn’t be bothered with them and they headed home. The boys left right after that. Later, we heard that they took turns and drove straight thru and got home early Sat. morning.

Saturday, July 19^th., 2025……  We have a bunch of things to do today and tomorrow in prep for our trip Monday morning. We needed to clean up the motorhome and get clothes packed for our trip. Steve and Monica got to Randy’s house late in the day and stayed the night. They would load up the bikes and continue home from there.