South for the Winter - day 1 - Burnaby to Astoria

I woke in the darkness at 4:30. I’d done all the final details the night before. Early in the week I’d moved all I needed to the Adcventurer Camper and Ford F350 Truck.  With Dave’s help I loaded the Vespa for the first time on the front carrier.  

Laura left early boxin day after we’ enjoyed her family Christmas dinner , ham, turkey, mashed potatoes and green beans. John was up at 4:30, normally an early riser, but not to peel potatoes. He and Caroline did a magnificent spread.  John’s brother Rob provided all manner of tasty treats like candied citrus fruit.  I had a blue berry cup cake.  Rob’s son Randy, the railway engineer was there.  Carolin John’s daughter was there.  Laura’s daughter, Shannon and the granddaughter, Erie was a delight. Along with Bandit the big dog and Madigan the little dog. An unforgettable Christmas. I was so appreciative to be invited.  No white Christmas. Just pouring rain.  

Boxing Day morning when the light came up and there was a break in the rain, Laura headed home in her Smart Car.  She has to start and work in Vancouver.  Dave met me at  Chilliwack Storage where I left my car and was driven home by Dave.

Everything was done. The Passport, the Rabies, the new Vet requirement, the work items, lap top and printer and iPads.  I stayed up late reading a Tom Clancy then a William Black western.  I was ready to go but didn’t want to drive in the dark.  

It was dark when I drove out at 7 am. I’d thought to go to Aldergrove but found out that it was closed.  Sumas was open so I drove to Abbotsford and took that crossing.  A young man with a short hair cut, good looking, dedicated.  

Where are you going?

Astoria, and on to Yuma,

Why are you headed south.

For the heat and dry.  

There were a few more questions. Not so self evident.  Then I was through.  What a relief.  I’d gone through my camper and truck a couple of times trying to make sure I’d not had any ammunition slip out of my pockets from hunting season.  I’d passed on the opened meat and veggies and fruit. Still border crossings are a challenge, with a dog, and a moveable house.  It’s not like my normal travel with a single carry on bag,  I’ll be down south for a couple of months all goes well,

The first challenge was the truck fob not working. I fiddled with it and it worked but I was fortunate to get new batter in auto place like Lordco.  I filled up the truck there, $100 American. Trudeau money is $65 cents so my cost was closer to $150 Canadian.  At least I can afford to pay fuel and groceries. So many Canadians are resorting to the food bank.  My problems are Cadillacs problems.  

I was glad to get almost to Seattle before the skies opened and the rain came down.  Even with high speed wipers it was hard to see at time.  Driving down to Seattle i had many fond memories of time with friends and motorcycle excursions.  I always think of George when I pass Le Connor.  

I was going to stop in Olympia but there was a few more hours of light so I continued on to Astoria planning on staying at the place I’d recorded in my phone.  The phone died when I took the dog for a walk at a rest stop. I think when I dropped it earlier something went wrong because it overheated. Now it’s not taking a charge and I arrived in Astoria without a clue where the RV park was,

Thank God I saw the KOA sig n and end up in this really terrific Astoria Warrenton Seaside KOA resort 1100 NW Ridge Road Hammond, Or. 97121. 503 861 2606, astoriakoa@racpack.com.  The girl at the front was so friendly and welcoming. I was delighted to see the sign and follow the signs here and it’s just perfect.  

I’ve had liverworst sandwiches with peasant bread.  I’m planning on getting out the tv and vegging.  I’m so wiped from the long drive in poor conditions. I’d stopped in a school parking lot past Tacoma to make coffee and have a nap. Madigan and I had our Macdonalds’ Egg Sausages and he actually ate the sausage. I had to break it up in little pieces and hand fed it.  He doen’st need this for the burgers.  I’d planned to have burgers in the afternoon but a bag of chips and a chocolate bar sufficed.  I liked that I could make my own coffee in the camper.  I liked to that I had my own bathroom for pee breaks.  It’s a challenge but I’ve made it to the first stop and am looking forward to getting below the rain and chill into the warm and dry.  I’ll have to stop at Apple and thanks to Apple Care they’ll have a solution tomorrow for my phone.  I just don’t know if I’ll be in a big enough town for an Apple Store for a day or two. Thankfully I have the iPad with its Cellular and wifi link. Then I’ve the satellite phone for emergencies.

I have to charge up my camera I’m glad I remembered to bring. The phone is my camera as well.. I’ve redundancy built into everyone. My sailing and survival days but today I’m looking forward to being more laid back.   It’s all pretty exciting.