Chapter 10 September 29, 2009

We had a great time in Seaside with everyone. Norm and Cheryl fixed their spectacular crab chowder for dinner Tuesday night and then we all went to Camp 18, a very good steakhouse, Wednesday to celebrate Dennis and Darlene's anniversary. Actually, their anniversary was Tuesday BUT the finale for "Big Brother" was on Tuesday night and Cheryl, Darlene, and Diane didn't want to miss it!!!! Besides, we all wanted the crab chowder!!!

The last 2 weeks at Willamette Mission were pretty uneventful. We did have a horse escape from the horse camp, an erratic driver, and a missing grandma and grandchild, but all ended happily.

We left Willamette Mission, where it was and cool, Monday morning and drove to Centralia, WA where it was and cold. We arrived at Brazel's RV Performance to have the alignment checked out. In and out, right NOT We now need to replace the front disc brakes Looks like we will be here at least one more night When we leave here, we will head up to Enumclaw, WA to visit our friends, Conrad and Gwen Rich and Conrad are hoping to paint the front end of their motor home if the weather will cooperate (But, remember, we are in WASHINGTON and the weather forcast is ).

October 8th thru Oct 11, the 4 of us will be going to Prosser, WA for an RV rally with the Olympic Snowbirds at Wine Country RV Park. From there, Rich and I will start our trip back to AZ. Of course the in AZ will determine how fast we try to get back to Happy Trails

Until Next Time

Rich & Dorothy

CHAPTER 9 September 9, 2009

Hi There!!

08/29/09 Just want to let you know not much happening. We did make it to the Oregon coast where the weather was BEAUTIFUL! We went whale watching, and even walked on the beaches. 1st of Aug we arrived at Willamette Mission State Park near Salem where we are volunteering thru the end of Sept. Weather was VERY WARM, if not HOT, the first couple of weeks but it has FINALLY cooled down. In fact, we had the Staff/Volunteer Appreciation picnic yesterday at 5:00. It rained from 11 to 4 but by 5 it was warm and sunny again

09/08/09 Well the Labor Day Weekend just ended. We had the SCA, a Medieval Age Reenactment group, reserve a majority of the park for 4 and 1/2 days. They were expecting close to 2,000 members UNTIL they saw the weather report..RAINRAINRAIN ALL WEEKEND!! So, 900 to 1,000 members and vendors attended. It POURED EVERY NIGHT and hours at a time during the days, but it didn't seem to slow down their enthusiasm at all!!!

We also had a Church Youth Group reserve another small area of the park. They, too, had fewer than expected due to the weather, but they still set up about 15 tents. They didn't let the weather ruin their weekend either, but they did come over to us, since we were the Camp Host on duty, to let us know they were having problems with yellow jackets coming up out of a hole in the ground. Rich and one of the Park Rangers went over there to locate and spray. They located 2 nests and began spraying. Once they got to the second hole, they SUDDENLY realized there were MORE when they got swarmed by more yellow jackets coming out of 3 more holes. Unfortunately, Rich got stung 6 times on his legs. But even this didn't discourage the youth group!!

We also had a small wedding reception held at another area. They planned ahead. They stapled plastic all around the shelter to protect them from the rain.

All in all it was a good weekend. I think it would have been ALOT busier if it hadn't rained. DUH!!! However, the weather did cooperate whenever it was time for us to go out and check on the grounds and activities.

We suspect Labor Day weekend to have been the LAST hurrah in the park so we don't expect anymore EXCITEMENT!!!

Darlene and I will continue to play cards. The guys don't like to play cards anymore because Darlene and I USUALLY whip their butts!!! The 4 of us are going to Seaside, Or next week for a couple of days to visit with friends from AZ and celebrate Dennis and Darlene's 45th anniversary.

Miss you all

Rich & Dorothy