Monday, October 24, 2022

Hit the road just in time! Snowstorms on the way.

Weather around home in Alberta during most of early October was more like August!

Although there was no rush to depart, I took advantage of the good weather to check all the tires, batteries, move the heater from the truck camper and begin the transition.

IMG_9692IMG_9693

Nice to be able to do that without tracking snow in and out, and dealing with everything being frozen.  Even found time to discover what was lurking in the backs of most of the cupboards too!  Sat out on lawn chairs in the sun with my neighbour on the last day, enjoying a cold one or two in shirt sleeve weather – while Ms Hailey did her best to keep the mice under control.

But she kept giving hints by going to the trailer door instead of the house!

IMG_9708

The week before, it was time for some new rubber on the truck, so we got that out of the way.

IMG_9720IMG_9723

Slept in the rig for the last night at home, as the water in the house was off, the heat turned down, and sadly – the hot tub drained and winterized.  We headed out, and locked the high security gate behind us!  Stopped briefly at the vet in town, so Hailey could hiss at them – and get her required vaccination.

IMG_9753IMG_9754

After a couple of nights in southern Alberta visiting friends (and watching the approaching weather), it was time to head for the border.  There was no vehicles in line and after the quick usual questions, we were on our way.  It was overcast and raining much of the way, but started to clear up a bit as we passed Sandpoint, ID.

IMG_9756IMG_9757

Road-side sign wavers were out along the highway in Coeur d’Alene.  It must be election season!

IMG_9760

We headed west on I-90 through Spokane, then veered south on the 395 down through the tri-cities area.  Fuel prices were pretty scary all along, but if you just don’t look, it doesn’t hurt quite as much.

IMG_9761IMG_9763

 

IMG_9764

The first crossing of the Columbia.

IMG_9765IMG_9767

Strangely, because of the way the river curves, we crossed the Columbia River while southbound, but then got to continue west on it’s northern (Washington state) shore.IMG_9768IMG_9769

IMG_9772

Overnight parking is no longer allowed at our old favourite spot at the John Day dam, but some previous scouting found a very nice alternative – without all the train and highway noise, or wind.  I was very surprised to find a decent cell phone signal, and was able to spend the night online.

IMG_9775

In the morning, we continued on westward along the river – while getting reports and photos of all the snow that had fallen in Alberta – in places we had only recently departed.  Our timing this year was impeccable!  I have yet to see a snowflake!IMG_9779IMG_9780

At Biggs Junction, we crossed the Columbia again, and continued west on I-84 on the Oregon side.

IMG_9782

 

IMG_9789IMG_9790IMG_9793

Mount Hood. (I guess distant snow doesn’t count?)

IMG_9794

 

IMG_9796IMG_9798

With some luck (or was it planning?) we passed through Portland mid day on Sunday, so traffic was only moderate with no delays.

Before long, we hit the coast!  Now we can slow down and start enjoying ourselves.

IMG_9800

It might rain in a few days, but you don’t need to shovel rain Winking smile.

IMG_9801

Stay tuned …

3 comments:

  1. Glad you missed the snow. Love the high tech gate, it always gives me a chuckle. Safe travels.

    Deb

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous9:55 am

    Looks like your timing was impeccable!!! Enjoy!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice to see you guys on your way to the Southwest again. I'm interested to know if you find and changes down there from previous years. Thanks for the two emails you sent us regarding Live Writer. I've got used to the inferior Blogger so I guess I will just stay there for now.

    ReplyDelete