Silver Gypsy: Special Times

I left Creston and eventually turned south on Hwy #17 through the channeled scablands of eastern Washington beside Lake Lenore and its huge basalt cliffs.  It is fascinating country with a fascinating story.  After one of many times crossing the Columbia River, I left Yakima and headed west along Hwy #12, one of my many favorite roads.  “They” had put some new bridges in, messing up one of my Boondocking spots but since the whole route is beautiful, I forgave them.

            Many stops for photos later, I rounded a corner to see Mt. Rainier reigning over all.  Clouds obstructed a lot of it but the rounded top peaked above.  That view is always startling.  I took R#25, a forest service road, along the east side of Mt. St. Helens.  It, too, was hiding a lot of its beauty behind clouds, but I remembered it from previous trips.  Continuing south along Rs #51 and 30, it was a beautiful and colorful fall day.  My eyes were keeping close watch on the gas gauge.  I thought I had plenty but it was getting closer and closer to the empty mark when the Astro finally pulled into Carson.  There just ain’t much out there ‘cept beauty and trees.  No cell phone service nor gas stations.

            Sunset and the Bridge of the Gods across the Columbia River came at almost the same time.  It is always fun to meet up with Bill and Shirley Boyce at their cozy house in Portland but Bill had offered to put a small vent in the roof of the Astro.  Thanks to Bob at RV Parts Outlet in Portland, who seemed to have all the installing paraphernalia, Bill had it all installed by late afternoon.  This quick time frame included cutting into two of the ribs and using some old vent parts to complete the job.  This was sooo needed as I reached the desert.  At some point I’ll need to hang a battery-operated vent for a little more comfort in the high heat.  Bill & Shirley left this week for an RV adventure somewhere.  They hadn’t tossed a coin yet when they pulled out of the driveway.

            Friday night was very special because it included taking MBG (My Beautiful Granddaughter) Becca to dinner in Vancouver.  She didn’t get to eat much because I kept asking questions.  I don’t see her very often.  Having just graduated from Western Washington University in the spring, she now has an apartment and a job in her chosen field of teaching.  I listened with rapt attention to every detail.  It will be a long time until I see her again.

            Next week I’ll fill you in on my trip cross lots continuing south.  God Bless until next time.

Web site:  www.full-time-rver.com 

Sharlene Minshall - The Silver Gypsy

At 45, Widow Minshall began 20 years of solo full-time RVing throughout Alaska, Mexico, and Canada. Sharlene canoed the Yukon, mushed sled dogs, worked a dude ranch, visited Hudson Bay polar bears, and lived six months on a Mexican beach. She lectured at Life on Wheels, published six RV-related books and wrote a novel, “Winter in the Wilderness.”