Northern Washington and British Columbia, Canada – Monday, May 23, 2011

We started our day at a KOA park south of Seattle, and so far, we’ve done absolutely nothing but move northward. Okay, we stopped for lunch at a turnout beside the Frasier River and Gorge. After seeing the churning waters of the river I decided that it would not be wise to either fall overboard or jump into that water. Made my skin crawl. We followed the gorge for what seemed like forever and on occasion it was beautiful. The Canadian Rockies impressed me – just like they were last year.

We bought a few supplies at a really nice Safeway (it was Publix-quality) in Bellingham and some Washington wine a lot cheaper than at home (yes, again). Wish we could have visited the vineyard for Chateau St. Michelle near Yakima but it was not on the schedule. The Safeway had a deli display of olives and other goodies which we availed ourselves of and they made up a large part of our lunch on the gorge. Greek olives, Greek olives with feta cheese, with pickled garlic – you’ve got the picture. It was all very delicious and we savored each and every bite.

We made it through the checkpoint at the Canadian border, probably because we look like old farts. Now, we have to sweat getting back into the good ole US of A. Passports are in order. But, unlike last year when we took the northern route and crossed into Canada at this same port of entry, we saw none of the other folks renting RVs for Great Alaskan Holidays. 

On the road north we saw the RV park were we stayed last year near Cache Creek but proceeded up the road to another park. We are backed up to Lac la Hache, a beautiful sight to see. It looks deep and probably has the coveted walleye in it. 

Canadian gas comes in liters and costs $5.00 a gallon and we have filled up once and still have at least three days before we are in Alaska. The good news, like last year, is that our gas mileage has improved and is now up to 8.2 miles to the gallon. Breaking in a Ford 350 is painful at the gas pump.

Although Cliff went in person to our Wachovia/Wells Fargo bank before we left and told them that we would be on the road and not to block our cards, we still encountered their rejecting of our card at this park tonight. After my call to the “Customer Service” person, I found out that they blocedk it after we bought gas after entering British Columbia. It seems that one must pay before pumping so the card has to be approved for a guessed-at prepaid amount (to avoid drive offs) that you think you might need. Well, that pre-approval process lead to the blocking. Thank you, Wells Fargo, for looking out for our best interests. Apparently, the computer has more power than the human Cliff talked too. It’s no surprise since it happened last year too. It’s true, it’s always something.

We have been amazed at the fields of dandelions along our route.  I noticed it last year, but the route we have taken this year has many, many more fields.  It appears that they grow in the crops that get harvested for wintering the livestock. 

Slow WiFi tonight.  Will catch up posts later with better speed.