Day 2: Ben and Jerry's Now We Know, Republic, WA near Curlew State Park

Smokey sunset at Curlew State Park in north/central Washington State. 

Today we have one full day at Curlew State Park which is just south of Midway and Grand Forks, BC.  Small detail - no cell service in or near this park.  We did manage to get a text message out to family last night while standing near a particular picnic table in the swim area. It was a fluke - just a whiff of a signal and poof the message went. Nice, because we didn't want anyone to worry with all of the reports of wildfires in the area. Nothing too close to us; however, the smoke is thick. 

We began our day with a walk around the park checking out the fledging osprey, chipmunks, and Eastern Kingbirds. This lake is full of small perch. Grandparents sit on the dock with grandkids riding up in swim trucks and lifejackets to check out the happenings. The boat dock is complete with a handy fish cleaning station and garbage facilities. 

Checking in on work is a necessity yet for a few days so we unhitched Mr. Thirsty from the Gypsy Wagon and drove south about 10 miles to Republic, WA where we heard there was a strong cell signal. We took this opportunity to check in with family and friends and look up some google reviews to assist us in choosing a place for lunch. There were 3-4 equally good choices but we ended up at Steve-O's. The outside does not recommend it; however, the number of trucks and cars parked outside confirmed that this was a solid choice. We were not disappointed. Friendly folk and delicious home-made food. 

We ended our day with another swim and gave in to the ice cream sign.  The camp hosts have a small ice cream stand were proceeds go to a local 'friends of the park' society. Well, we have to support the park! This was our first time having Ben and Jerry's ice cream.  We have been ruined. 

We started off really well with our nutrition today. It only went downhill - in the best possible ways. 

Osprey Nest. 

We think they are fledging. Notice the one on a lower branch at the left? 

I had to be quick to capture this feisty fellow. 

We think this is an Eastern Kingbird. 

 A walk to the swim area. 

Quality control . . . . one of these things, is not like the other. 

Would you eat here? Google reviews said this was a winner. Thankfully, we listened. 

General Store - time for gas. 

Supper!

Dessert. Ben and Jerry's.
now.we.know.

Day 1: We'll Just Call This Trip - Plot Twist

Hmm, I think our destination is on fire.  West Glacier National Park, Howe Ridge Fire, August 2018.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/08/14/fire-forces-evacuations-in-busiest-area-of-glacier-park/ 

Months before our departure day the coveted campsite reservation for five nights in West Glacier National Park had been secured by a keen-clicking Heather. Phew. 

We'll be hiking, we'll be taking photos of breath-taking scenery from every possible angle, we'll be watching the treasured Visitor Centre movie, choosing a magnet. . . . or, not.

This was to be an epic sister trip on the Going to the Sun Highway. Fast-forward to two days before our departure.  Heather unsuspectingly checks the park website to make some hiking plans only to see - fire. While our specific campsite is still open driving into a park on fire with limited roads no longer seems like a prudent thing to do. 

Plot Twist

Reservations are cancelled at three parks and new reservations are made down central Washington. OK, we can do this!

My trusty assistant! We are ready to go. Happy highway, here we come. 

First stop, Beaverdell for wraps and an ice cream sandwich from the general store. Wow, we made it 45 minutes from home without stopping. We are getting places!

Roadside parking in Beaverdell, BC. 

Snacking on the porch, chatting with some tourists, petting the local dog. 

One of three bucketing helicopters seen immediately upon entering Washington State at the Midway crossing. And, we said, "Pardon!"

Crossing the Kettle River, near Toroda, just south of Midway on the Washington State side. No one around so I parked it and hopped out to snap a few shots. 

A field of pup-tents at a local school = fire camp. 

We are barely backed into our spot in Curlew State Park as three military helicopters fly overhead to the Curlew Airport behind us to refuel. 

We have a lovely spot under a large tree with power and water. Nice!

Swim #2 to cool off before bed. 

 

Day 12: 75th Birthday Sail and Assorted Shenanigans

Calvin, Jordan and Alex take a twilight paddle in search of the 'big one'. 

Today Dad 'levelled-up' as we celebrated his 75th birthday. 

This was a hodge-podge of a day as we all did different things on no particular schedule - just how we like it. 

There were plans to sail the Lady Jayne; however, the wind was lack-lustre in the middle of the day so we all stayed put. 

The day started out cool, had a warm and sunny middle followed by a gusty evening which contributed to the demise of Marianne's awning. 

Early open office time followed by a few tutorials, in style, on the desk of the cabin overlooking Lee Bay at the mouth of Pender Harbour.  A warm blanket that my students can't see keeps me toasty in the morning chill. 

We spotted a Western Skink, not sure, on the way up Pender Hill. It was not interested in sticking around to be identified. 

Mark, Shawn and I did an 'up the hill from the south side, down the north side' and then up and over again on the way back. 

Dad is out for a lazy float in Puffin II. He silently slipped around the dock. This was the year of the floaties at Hotel Lake. 

Jordan is cruising along quickly. 

Oh, the elusive Lavender Crowned Fresh Water Mermaid, aka, Marianne was spotted sunning on the tippy dock. 

Mark saves the beach ball that blew away in the breeze. Everyone cheered. 

Ah, a puff of wind. 

When the breeze blew itself out, Jordan tows Grandpa in for dinner. 

Calvin keeps us entertained practicing his rolls. 

Birthday dinner for Dad at the cabin. No pictures - how can that be!?  This hummingbird is having dessert. 

Alex, Jordan and Calvin head out to the lake to fish. 

The late evening is brisk!

Moments after I leave the picnic table to put my awning in - Marianne's tenttrailer awing flips over their roof and Mark's awning begins to lift, too. We all hung on to it until it could get rolled in. Here we are still scrambling to secure things. 

The gang reconvenes in the Gypsy Wagon, the Rummoli game must go on. 

Day 11: Morning Glory

Being forced to get out of the trailer to visit the biffy has its rewards. Mist swirls on the lake in the morning breeze.  

A gentle day at camp. I can't remember what we did.

It must have been a busy work day :). 

Stepping out of the bathroom building is a treat for the eyes. 

Yummy!

Balancing the camp food with a brisk run. Hills are not my jam but up and down I went. 

Finn's first swim. 

Luna's turn. 

Mom saved me a delicious plate of supper after a long evening open office time. 

Dominic and Alexandre head out for an evening paddle. 

The tell-tail V of the beaver.