September 24 to 30, 2007 to Chilliwack, BC

SEPT 24, Monday, sun and clouds

Went to Salmon Arm to pick up a parcel, our mail and some groceries. Stopped at the vet to pick up some 'Advantage' but he had to have an exam first so we gave to go ahead and found out that he had two very bad teeth and abscess on top of that. Decided to have them extracted otherwise we would have had problems on the trip. He spent the day at the Vet. The poor little guy was pretty sore and sad when we picked him up, but he's a trooper and recoup once home.

Started to reload all our stuff and get ready to leave. We went to Dan and Heather's place to say our goodbyes over a glass of wine.


SEPT 25, Tuesday, cloud and sun

Went to Chase to pay for our storage insurance then came home and wash the rig and the truck and the car. Put the car in the compound for the winter.


SEPT 27, Thursday, cloudy

Put a few more things away and brought out the kayak to be cleaned. Relaxed the balance of the day and it rained in the evening


SEPT 28, Friday, cloudy drizzle

Went to town and did the Internet thing. also took Tucker for a check-up. Went to our doctor's appointment and picked up our one year supply of meds.

Came home and loaded the kayaks on the truck, sat dish and the balance of small stuff. Ron and Theresa came over for a drink and stayed for dinner. We had a very nice evening.


SEPT 29, Saturday, sunny and cold

WE got up to -1C temperature this morning. Fall is definitely here. We left around 10:15 a.m. for Chilliwack for two weeks. Stopped in Kamloops for brunch and fuel {33.037L @.999} then onwards across the Coquahalla. The sky is now overcast. Arrived at Camperland around 3 p.m., unhooked and took the desk and shelves to Rochelle. What a beautiful little house they bought. Now Kevin has a big garage to work in and his dad is building an office attached to it. We visited with the girls as Kevin is at a retreat and Graeme has moved out on his own.
Came back to our site around 9;30 to a downpour.

ALT; 186'

Distance today: 316 KM

N 49* 11' 13" W 121* 44'29"

I POSTED NEW PICTURES IN PICASA ALBUM # 3

September 17 to 23, 2007, Return home

SEPT. 17, Monday

We drove over to Fleetwood only to be told that the axles wouldn't be here until tomorrow. I got quite angry but to no avail. We are stuck one more night.
It's cool today and drizzle for a while. Went over to the park to read. In the evening, we went to the movie theatre to see "The Brave One" It was pretty good.


SEPT. 18, Tuesday

After a restless night (very noisy in the parking lot at Fleetwood), I finally got up around 6:30 a.m. The workers are arriving and being noisy.
We are told that the axles are in so we went to Denny's for breakfast then drove around, read at the park and just plain bored! Around 3:30 p.m., Paul called to say the rig should be ready by 5. We finally left Fleetwood at 5:45 p.m. They have agreed to pay for our camping cost as well as the hotel and the fuel. At least, that helps. We now have 2 - 7000 LBS axles

Drove on to Pendleton where we spent the night at the Casino. Just before arriving there, I pulled at a Highway scale and this is the result:
Frt: 4750 Lbs; Rear: 6350 LBS; Trailer: 11750 lbs for a total GCVW of 22750 lbs. We have a pin weight of 2000 lbs

We went out for dinner at the casino and played a few machines. Called Terry and Glenda and made arrangement to meet them in Spokane at Bill's place, friends of theirs.

We fuelled before leaving La Grande 19 gal @ 3.039 then again at the casino 10.071 gal @ 2.979

ALT: 1450 feet
N 45* 38' 56" W 118* 40'20"
Distance today: 81 km


SEPT. 19, Wednesday

Left the casino around 9:30 a.m. Drove up hwy 12 and 195 north. Stopped for lunch at a road side rest area in Dusty, Washington. The sun is out and this is a very picturesque and easy drive. The hwy is really good.
We arrived in Spokane around 3 p.m., took on fuel: 23.742GL @ 3.159 then went on to Bill's place. They were waiting for us on the road ( we had called) then drove in their backyard. They have acreage so lots of room. We had a marvellous visit with Terry and Glenda and Bill and his wife Georgia. BBQ for dinner then more visiting and catching up to news from each other. Went to bed around 11 p.m.

ALT: 2079 '
N 47* 39' 17" W 117* 08' 08"
Distance travelled: 340 km


SEPT. 20, Thursday

We left at 9 a.m. after Glenda cooked us a nice breakfast and drove up Hwy 395 north all the way to the border. Another easy and pretty drive. Crossed the mighty Columbia River at Kettle Falls and crossed the border around noon. No problems crossing and from here we took Hwy 3 to Greenwood. We called Brenda and Al to let them know we would stop for coffee. Checked out the new RV lots in Greenwood and found them too small and too crowded. Drove on to the Al's place in Midway. The sun is still shining.
We had a nice visit with Al and Brenda and hit the road around 3 p.m. We fuelled at Rock Creek 73.60L @ 1.019 then turned north again on Hwy 33 to Kelowna and Hwy 97. We stopped at Enderby on Hwy 97 for dinner and drove on home. Arrived at 9 p.m.
A loooooong day and it's nice to be back "home"

ALT: 1190'
N 50* 54' 19" W 119* 33' 12"
Distance travelled: 586 km


SEPT 21, Friday

It rained all day so we stayed inside and read. Got a call from Kevin that Graeme blew the engine in Edmonton and would I go with him to pick it up...OF COURSE!


SEPT 21 & 22, Saturday and Sunday

Drove to Kamloops and opened a US account at my bank and got $500 U.S. for the cost of 11$ Pretty good. Met Kevin at the Versaille truck stop and we drove to Edmonton, approx. 400 miles. Arrived around 10 p.m. and stayed at a friend's house.
The next morning, we drove to Stoney Creek, just outside of Edmonton and loaded the car in the enclosed trailer. We were able to start it and drive it on so the engine is not blown but it does run extremely rough. Sounded like the water pump, definitely!?
We drove back and Kevin dropped me off in Kamloops and he went on to Chilliwack. I got home around 7 p.m., had dinner and then fasted for my blood test tomorrow morning.


SEPT 23, Monday

Went over to the clinic in Chase for my blood test then we went to Salmon Arm to shop for groceries,, checked the mail and stopped at the RV lot to check on the deal for the Carriage. They want 34K$ difference so we forgot that and went home. Now we can go on with our life, make this trailer "our Home" and get ready to leave next Saturday for Chilliwack and our trip south!
I stated to load our stuff and in the evening, we went visiting Dan and Heather to say our goodbyes over a glass of wine.

Life is but a journey filled with adventures

September 12 to 16, 2007

SEPT. 12, Wednesday, sunny

Val did the laundry today and we stayed home. Hoping that the axles will be in tomorrow



SEPT 13, Thursday, sunny and warm

I was up at 6 again today. Just can't sleep in! Wondering why!? Val went for a winery tour with our neighbor's wife, Cindy. I stayed home and read. Phoned Fleetwood around 4 p.m. and still no axles.
Got a call from my son Jeff tonight.... a pleasant surprise!



SEPT 14 Friday, sunny

Paul called around 8 a.m. to say that the axles are in Salt Lake, Utah and won't be here until Monday. DAMN! DAMN! THE DAMN! That means another bloody week-end here.
Went grocery shopping as we are out of about everything.
Called Rochelle, and our neighbors back home who have our meaty beef to advise them of our further delay.



SEPT 15, Saturday, sunny with some clouds

Rochelle called back this a.m. so caught up to more home news. We decided to go to Pendleton to the "Round-Up" festival; a big rodeo known throughout North-West America as one of the best.
We walked through the main street in downtown which was closed for the festival. We also went through the Underground City, build back in the early days to accommodate the Chinese. It was very impressive and informative. We also saw a whorehouse from the era which closed finally in the 1950's
Left Pendleton and got home around 6 p.m.. A quick dinner made of chicken and salad, then relaxed and downloaded all my pictures



SEPT 16, Sunday, sunny, cooler

We went for a drive on Hwy 203 through Union, a quaint little village then to the Interpretive Centre for the Oregon trail. Very impressive and took lots of pictures. (all downloaded to Picasa Web). From there, we went into Baker city and looked around. Another very historic town with lots of old buildings and very beautiful architecture.
Got home around 5 p.m. after having a beer in Baker city at the local pub and watching football. It's really windy here and the clouds have moved in....looks like it's going to rain. Quite cool too.

CHECK OUT THE NEW PICTURES @ the Picasa link

September 7 to 11, 2007

SEPT. 7, Friday, sunny and warm

Met with Paul again this morning. They (Fleetwood) have agreed to replace the axles with 7000 lbs axles. That means replacing everything including the spare tire. He asked to call him back around 3 p.m. to find out when we can have this done. We did and learned the bad news that he cannot find 7000 lbs axles anywhere in town or Pendleton. So they've asked the plant in Indiana to send two and they won't be here until next Thursday or Friday. That means we have to spent another week here. We decided to phone our friends, the Holder's, in Boise, Idaho. They are looking forward seeing us so we packed our clothes, got all the perishable from the fridge and after securing the Quantum, we headed out.

It took us 2.5 hours to get there and as expected, we got a very warm welcome. Chatted and caught to all the recent news and went to bed around 10:30 p.m. We will be here until next Tuesday. We also had to move our clocks one hour back, Mountain Time!

Distance travelled: 340 KM; Elevation: 247 feet

N 43*39'05" W 116* 15' 37"



SEPT. 8 to 10, sunny and warm

It was a very relaxing week-end. Went golfing on Sunday morning with Steve and a couple of friends. The girls went shopping. Friends of theirs arrived Monday evening from Nevada. Only spending one night. We went out to a Thai restaurant for dinner. It was very good and this was Val's first time trying out this food and she liked it. I also washed the truck which was in bad need....full of bugs. Our cell also kicked in on the North American plan Monday morning, so we can now leave it on all the time without fear of paying for roaming charges.



SEPT. 11, Tuesday, sunny and warm

We left the Holder's around 11 a.m. after saying our good-byes. We got as far as Nampa and had to return as we forgot our water bottle. Took on fuel: 15 gallons @ 2.99

We had a pleasant drive and arrived in LaGrande Or. around 3 p.m. We hooked up to our Quantum and went over to a nice little campground call Eagle's RV park for $26/night. We have full hook-up and also Internet which is great. Went to town to get milk and beer then relaxed for the rest of the day. Now we wait to hear from Fleetwood!

Distance today: 348 KM Alt: 2725 feet

N 45* 14' 42" W 117* 58'08"

Sept. 6, 2007

Well I did say we were in for a fight! Finally got the rig weighed and it came in at 13300 lbs. That leaves 1000 lbs payload including what we installed, which is 450 lbs.
He (Paul) is trying to say that with all the stuff we had installed, it took away a lot. My argument with him is that the sticker in the rig says the payload is 1800 WITH A FULL WATER TANK!!! So with an empty tank, I should have over a 2300 lb payload minus what we had installed. The other argument/concern for me is the load on the axles, which are sitting at 10 800 lbs leaving only 1200 lbs to play with.
Anyway, at the end of the day, no decision was made and we have to wait until he calls the shop in Indiana where the rig was built and see what they decide. No one wants to make a decision and they are very good at passing the buck around.

I AM TOTALLY DISGUSTED!!!

We did get some repairs done such as getting the doors on laundry replaces and a few other things but the counter top is still not repaired or replace....it has to come from Indiana.....Incredible!!!

It was a sunny and warm day today and this is our last night in the motel. We reloaded all our stuff back in the rig and will hopefully be on our way tomorrow.
Keep you all posted

September 1 to 5, 2007

SEPT. 1, Saturday, sunny/clouds

 

Cold morning.  Went down to 0 degree Celsius in Logan Lake.  We had a very nice breakfast, compliment of Lynden, packed and left around 10 a.m.  Drove down to Butler and picked up the Quantum which looks like new then headed back to Gateway.

Good to be back.  Left the truck hooked up as we are leaving tomorrow for Oregon.

 

 

SEPT. 2,  Sunday, sun & clouds

 

I got up at 5:30!?  Don't know why...maybe just anticipation.  Anyway, we got going by 10 a.m. and drove to Tappen where I took on 40.04L @ .999.  Stopped for lunch at a roadside park in Westbank around noon. 

Arrived at the border around 2:30 p.m. and after losing our sausages(contained beef) and dog food(made in Canada) we went on south on Hwy 97 to Oroville where  fuelled up $67. and then onward to Brewster then South East on Hwy 17.

We arrived in Soap Lake, Washington around 18:40 and since it is a W.H.R. park, we didn't pay anything.  A very nice place and friendly people.  We had western music to listen to as they were having a little party/dance in the park.  All are having fun.

I am tired....time for bed.

 

Travelled 330 miles today,               Alt:  1089 feet

 

N 47* 25' 23"      W 119* 29' 54"

 

 

SEPT.  3, Monday (labour day), sunny

 

Up early again.  20* C at 7 a.m.  It's going to be a hot one.   Left Soap Lake and drove on south on Hwy 17 to I-84 in Oregon.  Stopped for lunch at the State line then went on to LaGrande.  Climbed the hill outside Pendleton and had no problem....the truck performed at top notch climbing the hill.

Arrived at Fleetwood in LaGrande around 3:30 p.m.  We drove through town which is quite quaint and after getting directions, we parked in Fleetwood lot.  It is a balmy 35*C so decided to go to a park and get power for the A/C.  The park is called Rendez-vous resort and is a GOOD SAM park.  Paid our $23., had dinner and called it a day.  We fuelled in town: 14.249 Gal @ $3.03

 

Distance: 395 KM,             ALT: 2796 feet

 

N 45* 20'05"        W 118* 04'17"

 

 

SEPT 4,  Tuesday, clouds/ some rain

 

Got up at 7 a.m. and drove to Fleetwood.  There is already 3 rigs here waiting in the lot.  We met a couple who have a Terry Quantum and they are not very happy with their trailer.  They say they had nothing but problems since they bought it 2 years ago.

Paul Kristensen, the senior customer representative met us after waiting in the office for almost 15 minutes. We went over the list of problems that needed attention then discussed the weight.  We are definitely getting the impression that we are in for a battle.  He asked us to empty the trailer so it could be weight.  We knew that was coming and they gave us lots of boxes to pack everything.  All was put inside the shop out of the weather.  It took us two hours to unload then we went for lunch.  Fleetwood is paying for our motel which is great.  We are staying at the Sandman Inn.

I called Paul around 3:30 and he informed me that they will weigh the trailer today so I drove back to the factory ( 10 minutes away) and learned that a section of the scale could not take our heavy trailer so all was postponed to tomorrow when they will take it to a different scale.

Went out to a neat little restaurant called Ten Depot.  Very nice and romantic and good prices.

Time for bed

 

 

SEPT 5,  Wednesday, 

 

Cloudy in a.m. but the sun finally came out.  Went to Fleetwood at 8 a.m. only to find out they postponed everything to tomorrow.  They are working on the rig instead. 

We spent the day exploring the town which is very interesting for such a small place.  Saw the local museum and all the fire engines from the 20's, 30's and later 60's.

We went back to Fleetwood at 3:30 p.m. to inspect what they had done.  Good job on everything and we should be getting the replacement cabinet doors tomorrow morning.  We've also made arrangement to weight the rig in the morning.  Back to the motel in time for Oprah!

We are still thinking about trading in for a Carriage

 

Life is but a journey filled with adventures