Summer Showers??

I hate summer showers, I think that summer is for the sun. Maybe the sun will come back someday soon.

Mt Si Hike

Today, Terry and I conquered Mt Si. We decided to hike Mt Si with Marc, Jen and their boys as a preparation to Mt St Helens. I figured if I couldn't make it up Mt Si, there was no way I would be able to do Mt St Helens. Mt Si was 4-miles each way with an elevation gain of 3600 feet. Terry and I took turns carrying my new pack and walking Zeus.

On the trail

Almost to the top, only 1.5 miles to go

We got lucky with the weather and had amazing view at the top. Terry, Marc and Gage scrambled up the Haystack at the top for more great views. We hung out at the top for a while and had some snacks before heading down. The coolest thing was watching an airplane fly by and actually having be below us.

We made it

The Olsens

Haystack

Terry, Marc and Gage

Can you see the airplane

Going up turned out to be easier then going down. I think the trail was longer on the way down and I must be getting old as my knees ached on some of the steep sections. Overall, I was just amped to complete the hike (and I didn't even cry, even when I did take a little tumble). After the hike, we fueled up at North Bend Bar and Grill. Leaving the restaurant, it was hard to imagine that we actaully hiked to the top of the peak.

Looking at Mt Si from North Bend

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Are you ready for some football

Terry and I got tickets to our first Seahawks game for next Friday. It should be interesting since they are playing against the Raaaaaaiiiiiiiidddddddddeeerrrrss. It is weird, the last football game I went to, Terry and I were sitting in the Black Hole at a Raiders game in Oakland and this time, we will be sitting in the Hawk's Nest in Seattle. Should be fun, but I will leave my "Real women wear black" shirt at home.

Some Garden Shots

Okay, I am super excited as my lilies are finally blooming. I waited for a break in the rain to take some pictures of them today. While I was out in the garden, I noticed how much my tomatillo has grown. It's huge, I can't wait until the veggies are ripe as I just found a Chicken with Tomatillo and Cilantro Sauce recipe I would love to try!

My tomatillo

Quick and Easy

So, I have my new favorite quick and easy dinner. All you have to do is add chicken and voila, you have an amazing meal. I absolutely love the flavor and for the most part, it is low calorie and low sodium. Who could ask for more? Last night I made it with chicken and added zucchini and it was amazing. Check it out sometime, I got mine at Wal-mart.

Twin Harbors State Park

A heat wave was expected for the weekend, so Terry and I agreed it would be nice to find a place to camp that wouldn’t get too hot. We were lucky and got a last minute reservation at Twin Harbors State Park, which is located on the Pacific Ocean in Washington, a little south of the town of Westport. We had the camper ready to go, and left our house around 3:00 on Friday afternoon.

It was a nice drive to the coast. The temperature was about ninety when we left our house and by the time we got to the campground, it was foggy and in the low seventies. It took us about 2.5 hours to get there, which wasn’t bad considering there was a little slow down on I-5 around Fort Lewis. Once we arrived at camp, we got the camper set up and I started on dinner.

For dinner, we barbequed hot dogs that we ate with chili and Fritos. Most of our meals were planned around food that was leftover from our Eagle Lake trip. Once we were done with dinner, we decided to take a quick walk on the beach. Our loop wasn’t the one closest to the water, so we did have to cross the main highway to reach the ocean. It was quite foggy and windy near the water, so luckily there weren’t many people out so we were able to take Zeus off his leash. It was cute to see him frolic in the sand.

After our walk, Terry made a fire for us to enjoy back at camp. The temperature had dropped, so it was nice warming up by the fire. I made s’mores for us both and we relaxed a little before heading to bed.

On Saturday, we slept in until about 8:00. It was chilly in the morning, but luckily, the fog started to slowly lift once we got up. I cooked bacon, eggs and toast for breakfast. After Terry finished with our breakfast dishes, we loaded up my waist pack and took off for a little walk. I had noticed on the map that Westport Light State Park and Westhaven State Park were not too far up the coastline from our campground. So, we decided to take a walk on the beach to see the area.

It took us a little over an hour before we hit the jetty at Westhaven State Park. Zeus ran without his leash most of the time. Westhaven was the surfing destination in the area. The water was full of surfers and brought back old memories. From there, we walked along Half Moon Bay until we found the small town of Westport.

We were lucky, as it happened to be the annual Westport Art Festival so there were vendors in tents set up along the marina. It was nice walking thru the area and the vendors gave us stuff to look at. We were able to get a small, collapsible water bowl for Zeus and Terry also picked up a CD.

Terry didn’t realize I had never had fresh crab before, so he made it his mission that I try some. We were able to find a seafood market that sold us a little cup of fresh crabmeat. To my surprise, it was really good. For lunch, we found a little café and had some fish and chips. It was okay, but we both have had better. I think we always expect a lot of our fish when we order it at coastal towns. After lunch, we walked thru the festival a little more.

While I was eating my ice cream, we went onto one of the docks and bought a couple fresh crabs for dinner. It was nice, they were already cooked and cleaned and placed it a bag with ice. We eventually made it back to the trail to head back to camp. This time, we walked along a small asphalt path that connected Westhaven State Park to Westport Light State Park. The brochure I had said it was a 1.3-mile path connecting the two parks. Once the path ended, we cut back down to the beach and walked in the sand the rest of the way.

When we got back to camp, Terry but a plastic garbage bag on the table and we started eating the crab. It was really good and we had fun pounding on the shells to crack them open so we could find the meat. It was a little messy so it was nice we were outside. After dinner, we took a quick walk through the campground and noted a few nice sites we would take if we were to come back. This trip we were in site #51, but we also liked site #77, #78, #81 and #188. After the short walk, Terry made another fire that we enjoyed before taking showers and heading to bed.

On Sunday, we decided to take a walk first thing in the morning to the jetty at Westhaven State Park and back. It was a little chilly and foggy when we left our campground, but as we walked, the sun slowly started to poke thru. It took us about 2.5 hours to walk there and back and I figured it was about 6-7 miles on the beach. It was a nice walk and felt good to do it so early in the morning.

When we got back to camp, I made breakfast while Terry slowly started to pack up our gear. For breakfast, we had Terry’s favorite of eggs, biscuits and country gravy. When we were done eating, we finished packing up our gear. We left the campground around 1:00 and started the drive east. As we drove, the weather got warmer and it was a muggy 90 degrees when we got home. It was hard returning to the heat after having such a nice weekend on the coast.

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A Game of Hide and Seek

So, last night Terry and I decided to leave Zeus home while we went to church. It was still in the nineties out, and we thought that having him home would be better than leaving him in the car. After church (and ice cream at Dairy Cream), we headed home. Zeus had been home alone for about 4 hours.

It's amazing what a dog can do in 4 hours. Apparently, he was able to open my hiking waist pack. In it was a bag of bars that I had packed so we would have some snacks while on hikes. For the next several minutes, Terry and I hunted through our house for the hidden bars. It started with a Cliff bar and the empty baggy on our bed, then as we searched, we would yell back and forth, "found a Fiber One bar behind the curtains" and, "found one under your pillow." It was fun, but not something you want to do at 10:00 at night. And, the little bugger is smart, even this morning, there is still a bar missing.

Weekend Preparation: Twin Harbors State Park

This weekend Terry and I are heading to the coast. The weather is suppose to be in the nineties at our house, so it will be nice to head somewhere a little cooler. We are getting things packed and will leave when Terry gets home on Friday and head towards Westport, WA. Our goal is to walk up the beach on Saturday to Westport Light State Park and Westhaven State Park, which are both day use areas. It will be about a 2 mile walk on the sand, so may be tough. I am defiantely looking forward to the weekend.

Eagle Lake Camping

Since this was our longest trip yet in the camper and we were bringing gear for Josh, Jake and Brittany, we borrowed Marc’s small trailer for the week. We had the camper and trailer loaded and ready to go a few days ahead of out departure. On Thursday, when Terry got home from work, we had some minor packing to complete before hooking up the trailer and heading out. We ended up leaving out house around 2:45 for our long vacation.

Our drive was very pleasant. We decided to head east to Yakima, WA, and from there cut south eventually making it to Eagle Lake. It took us about 3 hours to reach Yakima. The drive over the Cascades was gorgeous. It was 86 degrees when we got to Yakima and from there we turned and headed south. We crossed the Columbia River and entered Oregon around 7:30. As the sun set, we got to see some amazing views of the desert of eastern Oregon. Our goal was to make it to Bend, OR, before stopping for the night.

I looked at map and found a state park about 23 miles south of Bend just a couple miles off the highway. Since it was a Thursday night, we didn’t have an issue finding a spot. We pulled in around 11:15 at LaPine State Park. We hung our park pass in the window and quickly cleaned up before heading to bed.

Terry was up early on Friday and had some coffee while I slept. I eventually got up and took a quick shower before we hit the road. It was nice starting the day feeling fresh. We were on the road heading south at 6:45. Part of our plan was to hit Crater Lake on the way to CA. I had never been there so was excited to see it. We pulled into Crater Lake National Park around 8:30. It was nice being there so early on a weekday as it wasn’t crowded at all. We drove around the western rim stopping often to take pictures.

After getting some scenic shots, we hopped back in the truck. We left Crater Lake around 10:00 and continued our drive. It was a nice ride the whole way. I have to be honest, Klamath Falls was not what I was expecting. We stopped there for gas and I was very disappointed to learn there were no falls associated with Klamath Falls just a town that reminded me of Barstow. From there we continued south and made it into California. It didn’t seem to take too long except I never got my promised cheeseburger for lunch as there were no burger joints between the California border and Eagle Lake (at least the way we went).

We surprised Terry’s family by pulling into the campground a day ahead of schedule at 2:30 on Friday. The Wubbel’s clan was setting up their site as we pulled in as they got there about an hour before us. Their site was right next to Terry’s parents, while our site was across the way. Terry and I took our time unloading the trailer and setting up camp and the camper. We took turns giving tours of the new camper and everyone seemed to like our investment. Zeus even tried out his new chair that I got him in hopes he stops stealing mine.

For dinner, Terry and I opted to have chicken Caesar salad. It was yummy and definitely nice after some of the unhealthy meals we had, or didn’t have, over the few days of driving. (During the drive, we basically ate Cliff bars and a gas station burrito.) After dinner, Terry made a fire for the family to enjoy. It nice to see him get to spend some quality time with his family and it will be even better when the boys show up Saturday afternoon. After a long day, we headed to bed around 10:00.

We were able to sleep in until 7:30 on Saturday. I decided to go for a little jog first thing in the morning. When I got back to camp, Terry and Zeus were having coffee outside with ReNea and Carole. We all sat around and enjoyed the morning together while the rest of the family members were on the lake fishing.

After the rest of the family came back, Terry and I made a light breakfast. After eating, we set up the rest of the boys’ tents and bedding so it would be ready for their arrival. Once that was complete, we decided to ride our bikes into the marina for ice. We loaded up an empty ice chest and Zeus in the bike trailer and rode to the marina with Lauren, Megan and Patrick. It was a nice ride there. Coming back was harder since I had about 70 pounds in the trailer I was pulling. Luckily, the ride was only 2.75 miles each way so I was able to make it. Once back at camp, Terry and I relaxed and talked with Paul and ReNea.

Jeremy, Alba and family arrived in the early afternoon as well as Nancy and Lenny. Josh, Jake and Brittany finally arrived around 4:15. Once they were here, they unpacked their car and got on bathing suits and we headed down to the lake. The water was warm and we all got a little swim in. The water level is fairly low, so you are able to walk quite a ways out before having to actually swim.

After a refreshing swim, we headed back to camp for dinner. I made taco meat and salad that we ate with the homemade tortillas and salsa that Brittany brought. It was yummy and luckily we didn’t have any leftovers. When we were done eating, we walked over to the Wubbel’s site and made a fire and chatted with the other family members.

On Sunday, when we got up, I went on a little jog. When I got back, Terry and the boys were up talking. After a while, I started breakfast. I made country sausage gravy and eggs while Terry helped with baking the biscuits. It seemed to be a success as it all got eaten. After breakfast, Josh, Jake and Brittany took a bike ride to the marina to get ice. When they returned, we packed up some gear and went swimming in the lake. It was nice relaxing and enjoying the sun.

For dinner, we headed down to Susanville. Terry and I had a few things we wanted to pick up at Wal-mart and we wanted to spend some alone time with the kids. We ate dinner at Black Bear Diner. Jake treated us to dinner and it definitely hit the spot. Once back at camp, we made a little fire and then decided to play the game Apples to Apples. I won the first two games and Brittany won the last one. It was fun and definitely a good bonding experience. After three games, we headed to bed.

We woke up around 7:30 again on Monday morning. After coffee, I made bacon and egg burritos breakfast. It was a hit. Once the dishes were done, we loaded up our gear in the pontoon boat and headed to the lake. Terry was able to beach the pontoon boat and we spent the day relaxing in the water. The boat was close enough to shore that we could walk back and for the when desired.

After spending the day in the sun at the lake, I made spaghetti for dinner. I used Terry’s favorite Italian sausage in the sauce and also cooked some garlic bread. It was very yummy and definitely hit the spot. After dinner, Terry and I took an evening boat ride. I got to captain the boat back to the marina where Jake was there to load up the boat and bring us back to camp.

Once back, we played a little guys vs girls game of Taboo. We stopped after a couple rounds as the women were winning by a lot. We played Apples to Apples again before heading to bed.

On Tuesday, Terry and I both slept in until after 9:00. The kids were already up, so I started getting breakfast together as Terry made coffee. For breakfast, we had sausage links and pancakes. It was nice since we were able to give Terry’s parents our extra pancakes so his mom didn’t have to cook. Once breakfast was done, we decided to pack up and spend the day by the lake again. This time, we parked the pontoon boat a little farther out, but still only thigh deep. Nancy and Lenny took turns pulling the kids on tubes behind their boat, but I stayed floating around the pontoon boat the whole day.

When we got back to camp, we warmed up chili and had chilidogs and Fritos for dinner. It was good. We all took showers, and after the long day in the sun, went to bed early. In the middle of the night, I woke up to thunder and lightening. It also rained a little. It was our first time in the camper during a storm and I am glad there were no leaks.

Terry and I decided to fish on Wednesday and Thursday. We bought 2-day fishing licenses so headed out early Wednesday morning to fish. Only Paul, Josh, Jake, Brittany, Terry and I went out. As soon as we dropped anchor, Brittany had a fish on, however, her drag was set too tight, so she lost it since the line broke. Soon after recasting, she had another fish bite. At the same time, Terry caught a fish. So, within a few minutes of fishing, we already had 2 fish on the boat. After that, I caught a little fish and Brittany caught another one. We continued fishing and tried to troll a little, but for the day, we only brought four fish back to camp.

For breakfast, we had bacon, eggs and hash browns. It all turned out good. After breakfast, Terry’s mom wanted us to come over for some family pictures. Jeremy’s family was heading home, so they wanted to take some group pictures before they left. Once that was done, I headed back to our camper and tried to clean up a little.

Terry ended up taking an afternoon nap, while I enjoyed the sunny weather and sat outside reading my book. There must have been a fire started by the overnight lightening storm as for a few hours a helicopter kept flying by getting water from Eagle Lake. In the afternoon, Zeus and I took a quick walk. The kids all went out on Nancy and Lenny’s boat and took turns riding Big Bertha around the lake. Terry and I had some errands to run in town and took a quick trip to Susanville. While we were there, we stopped for dinner before heading back to camp.

When we got back to camp, the kids were still not back from tubing. We went over and hung out with Terry’s parents and waited for their arrival. Once they returned, we barbequed hamburgers for them for dinner. After eating, we headed over to Terry’s parent’s site and watched a slideshow of the pictures that Nancy and Brittany took over the past few days. When that was over, we sat around the fire that Heather made and enjoyed some s’mores before heading to bed.

At 4:00 on Thursday morning, there was a knock on the camper door. Apparently, Jeff and Norma decided not to go fishing, so there was room on the boat for Terry and I. Jim took us out to the secret fishing spot and we were lucky with the bites. Terry was the first to get a fish on the boat. For the morning, Brittany and Patrick both ended with one fish while Megan, Terry and I ended up with our limit of 2 fish and Jake didn’t catch any. We would have stayed out longer and gotten more fish, but we ran out of worms. It was fun because I caught my second fish using Paul’s Fennewick pole that he hadn’t been able to catch a fish with yet. Once back at camp, everyone gave him a hard time about my catch.

For breakfast, I made my specialty biscuits and gravy, which as always was a hit. After that, people went their separate ways for naps after getting up so early. Once Terry woke up, we took a quick bike ride to the marina and got seven bags of ice and two blocks. The ride back was a little more difficult as there was a lot of weight in the little bike trailer. Paul took Terry and I down to launch the boat so we could beach it near shore for the day. Then he took the kids out to go shooting. It was nice relaxing with Terry on the boat. It was cute to see Terry and Zeus napping together on the boat. Eventually, ReNea and Lauren came down to enjoy the sun with us as well as Megan and Patrick.

For dinner, Carole wanted to make something special since it was Josh’s birthday. She made a roast with potatoes and gravy. I grilled some chicken, onions and bell peppers and made a big green salad. It was good. After dinner, Josh opened some gifts and we sang “Happy Birthday”. I made a little no bake cake that we lit candles on for him to blow out. When we were done eating, we took a sunset cruise on the boat. Terry and I launched the boat from shore and headed to the marina where we picked up Jake, Brittany, Paul and ReNea. Jake and Paul went fishing since they were upset about not catching anything previously. Paul was the first one to get a fish on the boat and soon after that Jake caught a fish. It was nice to see them both catch one. After they both had fish, we headed back to camp. Once we got back to camp and unloaded the boat, I was ready for bed.
On Friday, we got to sleep in. Terry and I didn’t get up until about 8:15. We had a relaxing morning. I made eggs, sausage and pancakes while the kids played the card game Phase 10. Terry had noticed on out drive down that the trailer lights weren’t working, so he spent the morning doing diagnostic on the trailer lights. It turned out one light was burnt out and some wires were broken. After breakfast, the kids helped with the dishes and then continued their card game. I tried to clean up a little and baked some snicker doodle cookies in our oven.

After working on the trailer for a while, Terry and I took a quick bike ride down to the marina in search for new light bulbs for it. Unfortunately, they didn’t sell the ones we were looking for. It was quite windy riding back and luckily we both made it. Once back at camp, we started slowly packing out gear. We spent most of the afternoon slowly loading the trailer and getting ready for our departure. Our plan is to leave fairly early Saturday and head home. While Terry was packing, I pre-made breakfast burritos of sausage, egg, hash brown and cheese. The hope is to warm them up Saturday morning in the oven and not have to worry about making breakfast.

When it came time for dinner, I made a big batch of spaghetti and a green salad for the family. It turned out well and everyone enjoyed it. After dinner, Terry and I loaded up a little more gear and then took showers before heading to bed.

On Saturday, we woke up fairly early and finished packing up our camp. The breakfast burritos I made were a hit and it was definitely nice to have a quick meal in the morning. We ended up leaving camp at 9:30 to head home. We drove home a different way then we came. We stopped in Adin at 10:30 and got some new light bulbs for the trailer. From there, we headed east on Hwy 299 before cutting up to Hwy 89. We finally hit I-5 in Mt Shasta at 12:15. From there it was a straight shot north.

Once in Oregon, we stopped for lunch. We found a good Mexican place in Ashland called Miguel’s. Terry ordered fajitas and they were amazing. Whenever we cross exit 14 in Oregon, I want to make sure we stop there. We thought about stopping in central Oregon for the night, but agreed sleeping in our own bed was a better idea. We made it to Portland around 7:45 and decided to stop at a Sheri’s for dinner and gas up one last time. We finally made it home at 11:15. It took us about 14 hours to get home, but we did stop twice for meals and at several rest stops for potty breaks. It sure was nice to finally make it home!

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