20090528 – to Great Falls
I left my private campground after a quiet morning walk. The maps of the area were in some disagreement about the Wildlife Management Area, so I decided on Brown's Lake Fishing Access. Only 3.5 miles from the cutoff from MT200. Almost immediately I came across Mountain Bluebirds and a Bald Eagle so I knew I had made a good choice. I spent ~three hours birding and taking bird pictures along the road and at the lake. There was a busy, but attractive campground on the lake and a lot of fishermen meditating on chairs next to their pickups and cabovers.
Heading East again on MT200, there were a few more campgrounds and fishing accesses in the National Forest then, at Rogers Pass private property took over and campgrounds were no longer available. I took the Stearns-Augusta road North for a few miles toward Bean Lake seeing some nice birds in the fields, probably because I could drive more slowly without highway traffic urging me along. Returned to MT200 for more Big Sky type views, cattle grazing and irrigated hayfields. Some of the rolling hills morphed to mesas and small rocky cliffs as I approached Great Falls.
I caught up with Patt, made some plans for her arrival, downloaded and organized the photos I've taken so far, and spent the night at Dick's RV Campground.
Birds: Common Raven, Spotted Sandpiper, American Robin, Song Sparrow, Yellow Rumped Warbler, Pine Siskin, Mallard, Red Breasted Nuthatch, Canada Goose, Kestrel, Osprey, Red Winged Blackbird, Mountain Bluebird, Red Tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle, Yellow Headed Blackbird, Red Necked Grebe, Lesser Scaup, Brewer's Blackbird, Tree Swallow, Black Tern, American Coot, Bullock's Oriole, Great Blue Heron, Bank Swallow, Vesper Sparrow, Sharp Tailed Grouse, Long Billed Curlew, House Sparrow, Starling.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
National Bison Refuge
20090527 - National Bison Refuge
I got an early start heading North from Missoula on US93 toward the National Bison Refuge. Good thing it was an early start, because at least half of the ~40 miles was a major highway construction zone. Slow going. Wonderful big sky open rolling hills, mostly cleared, with a lot of lodgepole pine up toward their tops and farther in the distance. Even farther in the distance was Glacier Park, and the mountains in that were clearly visible, creating beautiful scenery. Leaving US93, signs pointed me around the South end of the refuge, then North for a few miles. I kept seeing birds so stopped for a while and looked down on some fields and shrubbery from a railroad track. Got a few nice ones and some of the urgency out of my system, and a mile or two later came to the entrance.
The refuge was beautiful with great vistas and very few man-made artifacts visible (fences and roads excepted) or audible. Visitors can take a ~12 mile one way loop. Today the buffalo were at the far end of that. Before seeing the buffalo I saw a couple of deer, many antelope, a Black Bear and a bunch of birds.
About 1:30 I headed back to Missoula to pick up MT99 for Great Falls. I'm spending the night as the only occupant of a Fish & Wildlife campground and river access, 40 miles from Missoula. No cell signal.
All the rivers here are high, just like those in Idaho. There are some flood watches in effect for parts of Missoula.
I used the part numbers that I got yesterday to try to schedule service for the refrigerator. VW dealer could not make an appointment less than 3 weeks out, but referred me to Martin's RV in Great Falls. Martin's ordered the parts, expect them in by Monday, and will call me when they arrive.
There is a Wildlife Management Area near my campground. I plan to check that out in the morning, then continue East.
Birds: Black Billed Magpie, Killdeer, Eastern Kingbird, Wilson's Snipe, Song Sparrow, Osprey on nest with chicks, Red Winged Blackbird, Grey Catbird, Western Meadowlark, Lazuli Bunting, Brown Headed Cowbird, American Kestrel, American Robin, House Wren, Mountain Bluebird, Canada Goose, Spotted Sandpiper, Common Raven, Starling, Red Tail Hawk, Yellow Rumped Warbler, unidentified Sparrow, unidentified Hawk.
I got an early start heading North from Missoula on US93 toward the National Bison Refuge. Good thing it was an early start, because at least half of the ~40 miles was a major highway construction zone. Slow going. Wonderful big sky open rolling hills, mostly cleared, with a lot of lodgepole pine up toward their tops and farther in the distance. Even farther in the distance was Glacier Park, and the mountains in that were clearly visible, creating beautiful scenery. Leaving US93, signs pointed me around the South end of the refuge, then North for a few miles. I kept seeing birds so stopped for a while and looked down on some fields and shrubbery from a railroad track. Got a few nice ones and some of the urgency out of my system, and a mile or two later came to the entrance.
The refuge was beautiful with great vistas and very few man-made artifacts visible (fences and roads excepted) or audible. Visitors can take a ~12 mile one way loop. Today the buffalo were at the far end of that. Before seeing the buffalo I saw a couple of deer, many antelope, a Black Bear and a bunch of birds.
About 1:30 I headed back to Missoula to pick up MT99 for Great Falls. I'm spending the night as the only occupant of a Fish & Wildlife campground and river access, 40 miles from Missoula. No cell signal.
All the rivers here are high, just like those in Idaho. There are some flood watches in effect for parts of Missoula.
I used the part numbers that I got yesterday to try to schedule service for the refrigerator. VW dealer could not make an appointment less than 3 weeks out, but referred me to Martin's RV in Great Falls. Martin's ordered the parts, expect them in by Monday, and will call me when they arrive.
There is a Wildlife Management Area near my campground. I plan to check that out in the morning, then continue East.
Birds: Black Billed Magpie, Killdeer, Eastern Kingbird, Wilson's Snipe, Song Sparrow, Osprey on nest with chicks, Red Winged Blackbird, Grey Catbird, Western Meadowlark, Lazuli Bunting, Brown Headed Cowbird, American Kestrel, American Robin, House Wren, Mountain Bluebird, Canada Goose, Spotted Sandpiper, Common Raven, Starling, Red Tail Hawk, Yellow Rumped Warbler, unidentified Sparrow, unidentified Hawk.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Beyond the "check engine"
Bretz RV did not have the equipment to plug in to the Rialta . They recommended calling Mountain Imports. Mountain Imports said they are fully scheduled till June 4. They said "unless the light is flashing it is OK to drive--just get it checked out when you can--like when you get to the VW dealer in Billings. Often the issue is minor, like the gas cap is not on correctly--check that." I asked about the VW Dealer here in Missoula, and they thought that this one does not have a hoist to work under the rig. I called them anyhow and got an appointment for 2:00.
Bob left a voice mail, also saying that the issue may be minor. He recounted how they had a 'check engine' one time which coded to that a spark plug had misfired. I realize now that this blog has the potential to create sort of a support community for me. Thanks Bob.
Driving and walking around Missoula, I reflected on how these sights might have been very familiar if Edna and I had made different choices some 35 years ago. We took a train ride here then to check out the city and see if we wanted to move here. I'm not sure now what we were looking for then. Certainly some opportunities to use our degrees plus some alternative lifestyle. But what specifically I wanted, how we chose this place to check out, or why we did not select this after visiting is not clear to me now. I think I did not actually know what I wanted, and Edna may not have either, or perhaps she was just caught up in my confusion for a while. Soon after this we moved to San Antonio.
I wrote the above at the VW dealership while waiting for results. They are that a valve had been stuck on a preheater for the gasses arriving at the catalytic converter. Ordinarily this has to operate for only a short while upon starting the engine. This coded as an intermittent problem, and they could not get it to repeat while I was there. If it happens again, it would suggest that the part should be replaced. But even this would not have to be done immediately and I could drive all the way to Minnesota without harming anything. Anyhow, they do not have the part here. So, I'm going to wait till later. I have the part numbers to order, just in case.
With a little time left in the day, I stopped at another place for advice on the refrigerator which sometimes turns itself off while operating on gas. They looked at it and think the issue is with the thermocouple interrupter. Not available here. I'm going to call ahead to Great Falls, to ask them to order it and schedule an installation, probably on June 8. Or even May 29 if they have the part in stock.
So, it appears I will not be stuck in Missoula after all. Hopefully Jim and Mary's RV has seen the last of me. Tomorrow I plan on looking at the National Bison Preserve, ~35 miles North of here. Then head toward Great Falls, perhaps stopping overnight near the Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
Birds: Western Meadowlark, Common Raven. In town today: House Sparrow, Northern Flicker, Common Raven, Rock Dove, Starling.
Bob left a voice mail, also saying that the issue may be minor. He recounted how they had a 'check engine' one time which coded to that a spark plug had misfired. I realize now that this blog has the potential to create sort of a support community for me. Thanks Bob.
Driving and walking around Missoula, I reflected on how these sights might have been very familiar if Edna and I had made different choices some 35 years ago. We took a train ride here then to check out the city and see if we wanted to move here. I'm not sure now what we were looking for then. Certainly some opportunities to use our degrees plus some alternative lifestyle. But what specifically I wanted, how we chose this place to check out, or why we did not select this after visiting is not clear to me now. I think I did not actually know what I wanted, and Edna may not have either, or perhaps she was just caught up in my confusion for a while. Soon after this we moved to San Antonio.
I wrote the above at the VW dealership while waiting for results. They are that a valve had been stuck on a preheater for the gasses arriving at the catalytic converter. Ordinarily this has to operate for only a short while upon starting the engine. This coded as an intermittent problem, and they could not get it to repeat while I was there. If it happens again, it would suggest that the part should be replaced. But even this would not have to be done immediately and I could drive all the way to Minnesota without harming anything. Anyhow, they do not have the part here. So, I'm going to wait till later. I have the part numbers to order, just in case.
With a little time left in the day, I stopped at another place for advice on the refrigerator which sometimes turns itself off while operating on gas. They looked at it and think the issue is with the thermocouple interrupter. Not available here. I'm going to call ahead to Great Falls, to ask them to order it and schedule an installation, probably on June 8. Or even May 29 if they have the part in stock.
So, it appears I will not be stuck in Missoula after all. Hopefully Jim and Mary's RV has seen the last of me. Tomorrow I plan on looking at the National Bison Preserve, ~35 miles North of here. Then head toward Great Falls, perhaps stopping overnight near the Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
Birds: Western Meadowlark, Common Raven. In town today: House Sparrow, Northern Flicker, Common Raven, Rock Dove, Starling.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Stuck in Missoula?
20090525 - Missoula
This AM I started the rig, intending to head for the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge to the South of here. Unfortunately the 'check engine' light stayed on. So I spent a while tracking down some places that may be able to diagnose this, thinking that I would prefer not to get stuck in the backcountry on some National Forest road or similar. But...being Memorial day....... I returned to Jim & Mary's RV Park. Did laundry and read (starting The Kingbird Highway by Ken Kaufmann).
So, I will be at Bretz RV tomorrow as the place open up, hoping to get them to (at least) plug in and retrieve the code to tell me what the issue is. Hopefully minor, so I can continue.
More tomorrow.
Birds: House Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, American Crow, Starling, Great Blue Heron.
This AM I started the rig, intending to head for the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge to the South of here. Unfortunately the 'check engine' light stayed on. So I spent a while tracking down some places that may be able to diagnose this, thinking that I would prefer not to get stuck in the backcountry on some National Forest road or similar. But...being Memorial day....... I returned to Jim & Mary's RV Park. Did laundry and read (starting The Kingbird Highway by Ken Kaufmann).
So, I will be at Bretz RV tomorrow as the place open up, hoping to get them to (at least) plug in and retrieve the code to tell me what the issue is. Hopefully minor, so I can continue.
More tomorrow.
Birds: House Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, American Crow, Starling, Great Blue Heron.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Hello Montana
20090524
The Clearwater River was even higher this morning. A tree I had noted on the shore at the campground last evening was out in 1.5 feet of water this morning.
I took off without breakfast, and stopped for that a short time later where I could watch some vigorous rapids. Then drove slowly upstream, stopping often to look at the river and some cool suspension bridges the Forest Service provides for access to trails on the opposite bank. I used one of these to access Trail 49 along Warm Springs Creek. The springs were 1.5 miles upstream--a nice walk among old growth cedar, spruce, fir and lodgepole pine. Many signs of work by Pileated Woodpeckers, but I could not pick any up. The springs were very warm, as warm as a hot shower, but the pools were small and not very deep. A few folks were enjoying them, and ~15-20 were coming up to the springs as I walked back down the trail. As I descended I saw two larger hot flows steaming out of a rock, but could not reach them since they emptied directly down the rock face into the creek, which was also very high.
By early afternoon I was at Lolo Pass. The descent into Montana was via a much wider valley, eventually reaching Lolo. At Lolo I regained wireless phone signal which had not been available since entering Idaho. There I turned North to Missoula. Am spending the night in a commercial RV Park. Caught up with Patt on the phone, email, and uploaded blog entries.
Birds: American Robin, American Dipper, Osprey, Yellow Rumped Warbler, Wild Turkey, Common Raven, Western Meadowlark
The Clearwater River was even higher this morning. A tree I had noted on the shore at the campground last evening was out in 1.5 feet of water this morning.
I took off without breakfast, and stopped for that a short time later where I could watch some vigorous rapids. Then drove slowly upstream, stopping often to look at the river and some cool suspension bridges the Forest Service provides for access to trails on the opposite bank. I used one of these to access Trail 49 along Warm Springs Creek. The springs were 1.5 miles upstream--a nice walk among old growth cedar, spruce, fir and lodgepole pine. Many signs of work by Pileated Woodpeckers, but I could not pick any up. The springs were very warm, as warm as a hot shower, but the pools were small and not very deep. A few folks were enjoying them, and ~15-20 were coming up to the springs as I walked back down the trail. As I descended I saw two larger hot flows steaming out of a rock, but could not reach them since they emptied directly down the rock face into the creek, which was also very high.
By early afternoon I was at Lolo Pass. The descent into Montana was via a much wider valley, eventually reaching Lolo. At Lolo I regained wireless phone signal which had not been available since entering Idaho. There I turned North to Missoula. Am spending the night in a commercial RV Park. Caught up with Patt on the phone, email, and uploaded blog entries.
Birds: American Robin, American Dipper, Osprey, Yellow Rumped Warbler, Wild Turkey, Common Raven, Western Meadowlark
The Clearwater River
20090523 - Lowell, ID
Poked around Orofino, then explored upstream to the Dworshak Dam. A Corps of Engineers project that created a very large reservoir. These massive structures are always impressive so I checked out the visitor center. That had a truly remarkable 3D map highlighting all the rivers of the whole Columbia River drainage system including parts of Canada, going as far South as a part of Utah. I spent almost an hour with that.
Campsites were available in the area, but few birds were showing, and it was early in the day, so I headed upstream. Eventually reached Wild Goose Campground (Forest Service) that had two open sites. This is a mile short of Lowell, ID. The Middle Fork of the Clearwater River is very high, creating wonderfully powerful rapids and flowing over grass and shrubbery at the banks. Since this is part of the Wild and Scenic River System, the high water must be the result of Spring runoff rather than some management decision upstream.
I could not pick up any birds, only hearing Western Tanagers high in the cedars or pines. A pair of Common Mergansers were hunting in the fast water on the opposite bank. Six Canada Geese flew thru, going downstream, probably just to legitimize the campground name. That's about it.
Poked around Orofino, then explored upstream to the Dworshak Dam. A Corps of Engineers project that created a very large reservoir. These massive structures are always impressive so I checked out the visitor center. That had a truly remarkable 3D map highlighting all the rivers of the whole Columbia River drainage system including parts of Canada, going as far South as a part of Utah. I spent almost an hour with that.
Campsites were available in the area, but few birds were showing, and it was early in the day, so I headed upstream. Eventually reached Wild Goose Campground (Forest Service) that had two open sites. This is a mile short of Lowell, ID. The Middle Fork of the Clearwater River is very high, creating wonderfully powerful rapids and flowing over grass and shrubbery at the banks. Since this is part of the Wild and Scenic River System, the high water must be the result of Spring runoff rather than some management decision upstream.
I could not pick up any birds, only hearing Western Tanagers high in the cedars or pines. A pair of Common Mergansers were hunting in the fast water on the opposite bank. Six Canada Geese flew thru, going downstream, probably just to legitimize the campground name. That's about it.
Into Idaho
20090522 – Orofino, ID
Left Lewis & Clark Trail State Park for Dayton ~ 9:00 and walked the streets, got coffee, hopped on an available network and posted yesterday's blog. Soup at a “Beer and Books” restaurant for lunch and waited for a call from the Cristine Reiser, PA re results of my recent sleep study.
Leaving Dayton the rolling open hills of the Palouse gradually became less open, with more interruptions by tree lines along draws, then gradually some rocky bluffs started to show. By the time I got to Clarkston the Palouse had yielded to smaller fields with cattle grazing the places they could not grow hay.
US12 follows the Clearwater River upstream from the Snake. This is a narrow and winding channel with few vistas. I arrived in Orofino ~4:00 and with some difficulty located the Clearwater Crossing RV Park, a sparkling new facility for geezers with big rigs, nice showers, bathroom, internet and all the amenities. I liked the shower. Surprised to find that there was no wireless (phone) signal in town so could not call out.
I finished the day by organizing the photos I have taken since (including) the Dungeness trip. Not many.
Birds:
Lewis & Clark Trail State Park: Yellow Warbler, Robin, Grey Catbird, Western Tananger, Black Billed Magpie, Starling, Canada Goose, Northern Flicker, Cliff Swallow.
On the Road: Cliff Swallow, Rock Dove, Ring Necked Pheasant, California Quail,
Left Lewis & Clark Trail State Park for Dayton ~ 9:00 and walked the streets, got coffee, hopped on an available network and posted yesterday's blog. Soup at a “Beer and Books” restaurant for lunch and waited for a call from the Cristine Reiser, PA re results of my recent sleep study.
Leaving Dayton the rolling open hills of the Palouse gradually became less open, with more interruptions by tree lines along draws, then gradually some rocky bluffs started to show. By the time I got to Clarkston the Palouse had yielded to smaller fields with cattle grazing the places they could not grow hay.
US12 follows the Clearwater River upstream from the Snake. This is a narrow and winding channel with few vistas. I arrived in Orofino ~4:00 and with some difficulty located the Clearwater Crossing RV Park, a sparkling new facility for geezers with big rigs, nice showers, bathroom, internet and all the amenities. I liked the shower. Surprised to find that there was no wireless (phone) signal in town so could not call out.
I finished the day by organizing the photos I have taken since (including) the Dungeness trip. Not many.
Birds:
Lewis & Clark Trail State Park: Yellow Warbler, Robin, Grey Catbird, Western Tananger, Black Billed Magpie, Starling, Canada Goose, Northern Flicker, Cliff Swallow.
On the Road: Cliff Swallow, Rock Dove, Ring Necked Pheasant, California Quail,
Friday, May 22, 2009
A Day of Birding (mostly)
Left Horn Rapids County Park ~ 10 after a walk around for birding and a shower. A short drive to Pasco WA, on WA240 and US12. Birded at Hood park, on the Snake River, then a mile later at McNary National Wildlife Refuge. I finally had enough of that, and proceeded East on WA124 to just West of Dayton. Camped at Lewis & Clark Trail State Park.
Horn Rapids Park produced a surprise this AM. I thought I had heard a Great Horned Owl as I began wandering around, and 15 minutes later I spotted it perched ~ 50 feet away on a tree branch. Got wonderful views of it. After I moved on I say it fly farther off the trail. I got lucky there for sure.
Hood Park and McNary were sites Patt & I had visited on an Audubon trip last winter. Hood Park was less productive in this season, but is an attractive and open place to camp, although geared for bigger rigs, not tents and bikes. The large grain piles on the ground across the Snake that were covered with tarps had been moved, and there was some interesting barge traffic.
McNary was much more interesting than in the Winter, perhaps because I could spend more time there. I walked the full loop and got a longish bird list (below).
Drive on SR124 was through many wheat fields that have an open, rolling feeling. Some winter wheat, green and knee high, some spring wheat, just sprouting. Long vistas. Some breaks for vineyards and cottonwood groves at stream crossings. Many old barns and outbuildings, remnants of bygone days, when the farming operations were family based, rather than corporate. Some of the buildings were tempting for photography, but the narrow shoulders and limited turnaround space helped me to keep going.
Lewis & Clark Trail State Park is very nice. Not overused, it has large campsites, with privacy between sites afforded by cottonwoods and much shrubbery. The Touchet River is providing a nice sonic backdrop as I finish this.
Birds:
Horn Rapids Co Park: Am. Goldfinch, Starling, Bullock's Oriole, Mourning Dove, Western Meadowlark, Killdeer, Ceadar Waxwing, Am. Robin, Great Horned Owl, California Quail, Song Sparrow, Red Winged Blackbird, Barn Swallow, Song Sparrow.
Hood Park: Canada Goose, Double Creased Cormorant, Am. Robin, Song Sparrow, Spotted Sandpiper.
McNary NWR about noon: Yellow Headed Blackbird, Red Winged Blackbird, Great Blue Heron, Mallard, Canada Goose, Great Egret, Double Crested Cormorant, White Pelican, Song Sparrow, Cinnamon Teal, Black Billed Magpie, Marsh Wren, Mourning Dove, Bullock's Oriole, Violet Green Swallow, Black Crowned Night Heron, Eastern Kingbird.
Horn Rapids Park produced a surprise this AM. I thought I had heard a Great Horned Owl as I began wandering around, and 15 minutes later I spotted it perched ~ 50 feet away on a tree branch. Got wonderful views of it. After I moved on I say it fly farther off the trail. I got lucky there for sure.
Hood Park and McNary were sites Patt & I had visited on an Audubon trip last winter. Hood Park was less productive in this season, but is an attractive and open place to camp, although geared for bigger rigs, not tents and bikes. The large grain piles on the ground across the Snake that were covered with tarps had been moved, and there was some interesting barge traffic.
McNary was much more interesting than in the Winter, perhaps because I could spend more time there. I walked the full loop and got a longish bird list (below).
Drive on SR124 was through many wheat fields that have an open, rolling feeling. Some winter wheat, green and knee high, some spring wheat, just sprouting. Long vistas. Some breaks for vineyards and cottonwood groves at stream crossings. Many old barns and outbuildings, remnants of bygone days, when the farming operations were family based, rather than corporate. Some of the buildings were tempting for photography, but the narrow shoulders and limited turnaround space helped me to keep going.
Lewis & Clark Trail State Park is very nice. Not overused, it has large campsites, with privacy between sites afforded by cottonwoods and much shrubbery. The Touchet River is providing a nice sonic backdrop as I finish this.
Birds:
Horn Rapids Co Park: Am. Goldfinch, Starling, Bullock's Oriole, Mourning Dove, Western Meadowlark, Killdeer, Ceadar Waxwing, Am. Robin, Great Horned Owl, California Quail, Song Sparrow, Red Winged Blackbird, Barn Swallow, Song Sparrow.
Hood Park: Canada Goose, Double Creased Cormorant, Am. Robin, Song Sparrow, Spotted Sandpiper.
McNary NWR about noon: Yellow Headed Blackbird, Red Winged Blackbird, Great Blue Heron, Mallard, Canada Goose, Great Egret, Double Crested Cormorant, White Pelican, Song Sparrow, Cinnamon Teal, Black Billed Magpie, Marsh Wren, Mourning Dove, Bullock's Oriole, Violet Green Swallow, Black Crowned Night Heron, Eastern Kingbird.
I'm Off
20090520 -- I'm Off
The air conditioner repair went well, so I got the Rialta back yesterday evening. I reloaded the toys, Patt helped me stock up on food, and I cleaned up a few items around the house. Patt had a vet appointment for KaseyJones at 1:00, so I left about noon to clear the decks for her. Driving out I felt a bit apprehensive and homesick already. But Patt will join me in 10 days; she reminded me I had to get to Great Falls so there would be someone there to meet her.
South on I5 to US12. US 12 across White Pass, bare and dry with only traces of snow left in shaded areas. Descended to Yakima and continued along US12 into the Tri Cities area and the wine country around Benton City. North from Benton City to Horn Rapids County Park on SR225. ~248 miles total today.
I was directed to Horn Rapids County Park by the host at a commercial RV Campground just off US12 in Benton City. Only one other customer here although it has ~40 campsites. The county also has a shooting range and an airstrip for a radio controlled airplane club, and probably some other amenities here too. The Park borders the Hanford Reservation which is just to the West. It is mostly an open field with Cottonwood and Locust tree border. Nice (free) showers and clean restrooms.
I'm looking forward to Sunrise and some more Eastern WA birds tomorrow.
Birds: Killdeer, Black Billed Magpie, Bullock's Oriole, Western Meadowlark, Starling, Western Kingbird, Common Raven, Mourning Dove so far.
The air conditioner repair went well, so I got the Rialta back yesterday evening. I reloaded the toys, Patt helped me stock up on food, and I cleaned up a few items around the house. Patt had a vet appointment for KaseyJones at 1:00, so I left about noon to clear the decks for her. Driving out I felt a bit apprehensive and homesick already. But Patt will join me in 10 days; she reminded me I had to get to Great Falls so there would be someone there to meet her.
South on I5 to US12. US 12 across White Pass, bare and dry with only traces of snow left in shaded areas. Descended to Yakima and continued along US12 into the Tri Cities area and the wine country around Benton City. North from Benton City to Horn Rapids County Park on SR225. ~248 miles total today.
I was directed to Horn Rapids County Park by the host at a commercial RV Campground just off US12 in Benton City. Only one other customer here although it has ~40 campsites. The county also has a shooting range and an airstrip for a radio controlled airplane club, and probably some other amenities here too. The Park borders the Hanford Reservation which is just to the West. It is mostly an open field with Cottonwood and Locust tree border. Nice (free) showers and clean restrooms.
I'm looking forward to Sunrise and some more Eastern WA birds tomorrow.
Birds: Killdeer, Black Billed Magpie, Bullock's Oriole, Western Meadowlark, Starling, Western Kingbird, Common Raven, Mourning Dove so far.
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Spit
20090517
Left Sequim Bay Campground to bird the Dungenes Spit early this AM. Parked at a picnic area to take the Bluff Trail. Bluffs are ~100-200 feet above the Strait. Very soon I saw RVs and tents showing thru the trees inland. Clallam County Campground was open per some folks I met. I decided to move there for the day—an easy task since upon my return from the hike, I just had to drive another ¼ mile. It is a beautiful campground that Patt & I had resolved to return to sometime in the future. This place is definitely one to return to again. Reservations needed in the summer.
Continuing with the hike, there were a pair of Bald Eagles showing off over the water. I saw a feather come off one, I thought due to the windshear from the wild acrobatics they were doing, but then the eagle dove and snatched the feather from the air. I think this was a display of prowess to impress his mate. A short time later, I saw the pair perched on the sand, a yard from the water (which was very calm) staring out.
A lot of other birds, listed below. I hiked ~4 hours around the park and refuge, total for the day.
Also went into Sequim to test the Magnum WiFi booster I had purchased for the roadtrip. At one point I saw 6 networks, 3 with 3 bars of signal with the Magnum, 4 networks, only one with 3 bars without the Magnum. I conclude that it works. Updated the blog from a coffee shop (I thought--it did not post. I had saved the draft in the wrong format)
Rialta works fine, I have a short list of minor additions to the setup for the roadtrip. I'm glad I did the shakedown—I can go with more confidence, having found no major issues (so far :-)).
Birds: Oregon Junco, Am Crow, Spotted Towhee, Rock Dove, Bald Eagle, Pigeon Guillemot, Cedar Waxwing, Townsend's Warbler, Black Headed Grosbeak, American Goldfinch, H-Winter Wren, Northern Harrier, Wilson's Warbler, Killdeer, Red Winged Blackbird, Tri-Colored Blackbird, Mallard, Brown Headed Cowbird, Mourning Dove.
TODO: Check out Salt Creek Campground per suggestion from a DSNWR volunteer.
20090518
Returned home after a morning walk in the Clallam County Campground and the Dungeness Spit. No issues with the Rialta. At home I learned that the air conditioner part has arrived and I am scheduled for installation tomorrow at 8:00
Birds: Am. Crow, Robin, Chestnut Sided Chickadee, H-Winter Wren, H-Mourning Dove, Bald Eagle,, Pigeon Guillimot, Northern Harrier, Starling, Forster's Tern, Mallard.
Left Sequim Bay Campground to bird the Dungenes Spit early this AM. Parked at a picnic area to take the Bluff Trail. Bluffs are ~100-200 feet above the Strait. Very soon I saw RVs and tents showing thru the trees inland. Clallam County Campground was open per some folks I met. I decided to move there for the day—an easy task since upon my return from the hike, I just had to drive another ¼ mile. It is a beautiful campground that Patt & I had resolved to return to sometime in the future. This place is definitely one to return to again. Reservations needed in the summer.
Continuing with the hike, there were a pair of Bald Eagles showing off over the water. I saw a feather come off one, I thought due to the windshear from the wild acrobatics they were doing, but then the eagle dove and snatched the feather from the air. I think this was a display of prowess to impress his mate. A short time later, I saw the pair perched on the sand, a yard from the water (which was very calm) staring out.
A lot of other birds, listed below. I hiked ~4 hours around the park and refuge, total for the day.
Also went into Sequim to test the Magnum WiFi booster I had purchased for the roadtrip. At one point I saw 6 networks, 3 with 3 bars of signal with the Magnum, 4 networks, only one with 3 bars without the Magnum. I conclude that it works. Updated the blog from a coffee shop (I thought--it did not post. I had saved the draft in the wrong format)
Rialta works fine, I have a short list of minor additions to the setup for the roadtrip. I'm glad I did the shakedown—I can go with more confidence, having found no major issues (so far :-)).
Birds: Oregon Junco, Am Crow, Spotted Towhee, Rock Dove, Bald Eagle, Pigeon Guillemot, Cedar Waxwing, Townsend's Warbler, Black Headed Grosbeak, American Goldfinch, H-Winter Wren, Northern Harrier, Wilson's Warbler, Killdeer, Red Winged Blackbird, Tri-Colored Blackbird, Mallard, Brown Headed Cowbird, Mourning Dove.
TODO: Check out Salt Creek Campground per suggestion from a DSNWR volunteer.
20090518
Returned home after a morning walk in the Clallam County Campground and the Dungeness Spit. No issues with the Rialta. At home I learned that the air conditioner part has arrived and I am scheduled for installation tomorrow at 8:00
Birds: Am. Crow, Robin, Chestnut Sided Chickadee, H-Winter Wren, H-Mourning Dove, Bald Eagle,, Pigeon Guillimot, Northern Harrier, Starling, Forster's Tern, Mallard.
Shakedown
20090515
Mechanic completed work on air injection in fuel system. Finishing that, they noted freon leakage at air conditioner and asked if I wanted that fixed. I declined, then discussed with Patricia and ordered this done. It was later in the day, so compressor and associated parts will be ordered Monday; and should arrive and be installed Tuesday.
Facing another weekend with me, :-) Patricia suggested I take advantage of the beautiful weather that was forecasted and go for a shakedown cruise locally. Great idea! So I'm spending the evening at Potlach State Park, about 1.5 hours from home. The park straddles US101, with the picnic area on the East and with frontage on Hood Canal. The West portion is ~90 campsites, ~30 with hookups. I chose full hookup for initial shakedown.
Moving tomorrow, the park is not all that interesting serving mostly fishermen and shellfish collectors. Fresh and only 25% occupied now, I expect it would be quite shabby later in the season.
Checked wifi, none available. Minimal trails.
Surf Scoter, Song Sparrow, White Crowned Sparrow, American Robin, Crow, Gull. Heard Killdeer, Rufous? Hummingbird.
20090516.
Had breakfast at the Hood Canal frontage, then headed North. Left US101 just South of Brinnon, heading West ~5 miles to Collins Campground in Olympic NF. A beautiful primitive campground on Duckabush River. Somewhat slow going with the Rialta for the last 2 miles due to potholes in gravel road. TODO: return to Collins Campground someday.
Returned to US101, heading North to Sequim Bay State Park. Hookup. Some shorter trails in the park, with good views of Sequim Bay. Phoned Yvonne, Tim, Patt, Stephan to catchup.
Mechanic completed work on air injection in fuel system. Finishing that, they noted freon leakage at air conditioner and asked if I wanted that fixed. I declined, then discussed with Patricia and ordered this done. It was later in the day, so compressor and associated parts will be ordered Monday; and should arrive and be installed Tuesday.
Facing another weekend with me, :-) Patricia suggested I take advantage of the beautiful weather that was forecasted and go for a shakedown cruise locally. Great idea! So I'm spending the evening at Potlach State Park, about 1.5 hours from home. The park straddles US101, with the picnic area on the East and with frontage on Hood Canal. The West portion is ~90 campsites, ~30 with hookups. I chose full hookup for initial shakedown.
Moving tomorrow, the park is not all that interesting serving mostly fishermen and shellfish collectors. Fresh and only 25% occupied now, I expect it would be quite shabby later in the season.
Checked wifi, none available. Minimal trails.
Surf Scoter, Song Sparrow, White Crowned Sparrow, American Robin, Crow, Gull. Heard Killdeer, Rufous? Hummingbird.
20090516.
Had breakfast at the Hood Canal frontage, then headed North. Left US101 just South of Brinnon, heading West ~5 miles to Collins Campground in Olympic NF. A beautiful primitive campground on Duckabush River. Somewhat slow going with the Rialta for the last 2 miles due to potholes in gravel road. TODO: return to Collins Campground someday.
Returned to US101, heading North to Sequim Bay State Park. Hookup. Some shorter trails in the park, with good views of Sequim Bay. Phoned Yvonne, Tim, Patt, Stephan to catchup.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Hopeful again
Some developments:
The mechanic said the part has arrived and therefore I will be there tomorroow at 8:00 AM to help open the place up. If the installation does not take too long, I'll be off tomorrow in the PM. Else Saturday AM. I just need to put the toys in and load the refrigerator. I'm planning to head South on I-5, then over White Pass and East on US12 and would probably stop for the day just short of Yakima at some campgrounds I am familiar with there.
Patt firmed up her plans. She will fly to Great Falls on May 30, and return from there on May 8. We spent a while last night looking at good drives in the area for a week or so and found some promising ones. Then this AM I spotted an announcement for "Wings across the Big Sky", a birding festival in Great Falls running from June 5-7. It has some great trips and speakers (including David Sibley). Info at http://mtaudubon.org/birdwatching/festival.html#reg. Patt is attempting to reserve space on some of the choice field trips.
Given that, I need to contact Tim and arrange for him to join me on June 9 at Havre rather than Wolf Point.
So, I'm hopeful again that I will get off on this trip. Soon.
The mechanic said the part has arrived and therefore I will be there tomorroow at 8:00 AM to help open the place up. If the installation does not take too long, I'll be off tomorrow in the PM. Else Saturday AM. I just need to put the toys in and load the refrigerator. I'm planning to head South on I-5, then over White Pass and East on US12 and would probably stop for the day just short of Yakima at some campgrounds I am familiar with there.
Patt firmed up her plans. She will fly to Great Falls on May 30, and return from there on May 8. We spent a while last night looking at good drives in the area for a week or so and found some promising ones. Then this AM I spotted an announcement for "Wings across the Big Sky", a birding festival in Great Falls running from June 5-7. It has some great trips and speakers (including David Sibley). Info at http://mtaudubon.org/birdwatching/festival.html#reg. Patt is attempting to reserve space on some of the choice field trips.
Given that, I need to contact Tim and arrange for him to join me on June 9 at Havre rather than Wolf Point.
So, I'm hopeful again that I will get off on this trip. Soon.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Status: Waiting
I pestered the mechanic today and was assured the Rialta part will be delivered tomorrow and that they will call me to come in immediately. In the meantime, I rechecked the toys, charged batterys and did some cleanup around the house and yard. I have not loaded the toys or cold food in the Rialta yet, prefering to keep the toys from visibility to the mechanic and possible overnight in the mechanic's parking lot.
I thought I had solved a problem -- trying to connect the sound recorder (firewire) with my laptop, which has a newer (and smaller) firewire socket. When I got back from the store, I found that there is another version (newer yet?) that is even smaller than the one I bought. I'll work on that more tomorrow, else downloading from the recorder will be cumbersome.
Tim has purchased his Amtrak ticket and will be at Wolf Point, Montana on June 9. He will jump off the train at an earlier stop if necessary, based on phone communication. Patt is exploring options including train and air to join me farther West in Montana on May 30.
I thought I had solved a problem -- trying to connect the sound recorder (firewire) with my laptop, which has a newer (and smaller) firewire socket. When I got back from the store, I found that there is another version (newer yet?) that is even smaller than the one I bought. I'll work on that more tomorrow, else downloading from the recorder will be cumbersome.
Tim has purchased his Amtrak ticket and will be at Wolf Point, Montana on June 9. He will jump off the train at an earlier stop if necessary, based on phone communication. Patt is exploring options including train and air to join me farther West in Montana on May 30.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Planning
Hopefully leaving this week on an extended drive thru Montana and North Dakota. Will visit the family in Minnesota, then drive back. I have 6 or 7 weeks to do this. Then I will want to be in Olympia in early August, for visits with Tim & Karen and following that with Audrie, Leif and Stephan. My departure has been a little delayed for service to the Rialta. Patt has help me stash a lot of food in there, and I have all the toys selected: Camera and sound recording stuff along with a bit of reading.
Patt plans on joining me for a week or so on the eastbound leg. Then Tim and I will connect somewhere in Montana. To do this, I'll need to pick up and drop off folks at Amtrak, which mostly parallels US Hiway 2 in Montana. So, I'll be on a northerly route going east, and a more southerly route for return.
I'm holdng open the option of leaving the Rialta somewhere,then going back to pick it up after the August visits.
Patt plans on joining me for a week or so on the eastbound leg. Then Tim and I will connect somewhere in Montana. To do this, I'll need to pick up and drop off folks at Amtrak, which mostly parallels US Hiway 2 in Montana. So, I'll be on a northerly route going east, and a more southerly route for return.
I'm holdng open the option of leaving the Rialta somewhere,then going back to pick it up after the August visits.
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