HALLOWEEN WINDOWS !!

             Yesterday was a very busy one for us.   First,  there was alot of commotion, etc coming from the Men'S side of the Park's bath-house.   Norm came out screaming like a little girl !!  "What on earth is going on?" I asked.   "Group shower !"  he pants back.   Turns out it was Norm and three frogs !   This man is soooo funny !

       We had an appointment with a guy who fixes 'creepy' windows.  AKA...Halloween Windows !   He drove to our site about 9:30 am  in a truck pulling a smaller, nice, work trailer.  He and his helper immediately began removing all the windows of our coach on the passenger side.   We were impressed with the efficiency and the care that was taken reguarding our house.   One guy on the out side and one on the inside.   In no time at all they had removed the inside levelor blinds and valances and placed them on the clean drop cloths they brought.  OOOooooo....this is scary !  Our house looked so.....busted !   The windows were wisked into the trailer and some pounding and banging began .   Our thought was this must be some kind of secret formula that cannot be revealed to anyone !

       I decided, since the blinds were out I would use the time to clean them.   I forgot...each slat has to be cleaned ...on each side.   My back was killing me by the time I finished one and I had three 72" x 33" blinds to do.   Should never have started that project !  =(     Norm held the lawn chair down and supervised.

      A couple of hours later the windows were brought out and carefully put back in place.   Outside guy put them in the gaping holes as inside guy screwed them in .  When each one was back where it belonged outside guy put a neat little bead of silicone around each window, to keep the rain out, and inside guy had the task of putting the rubber seal around them and replacing all the blinds and valances.   They worked very well and efficiently.  We were impressed with how quickly and meticulously they did their jobs.  Whew ...

      Norm called the friend who recommended this company to us earlier in the day...no answer.    When Norm called later to tell  'friend' how pleased we were with the job...low and behold....'friend called back !  He must have thought Norm wasn't happy and wanted to wait until it was all over and done well before he answered !  HA  =)

      We can't believe the difference this makes. Check these pic's.  We knew our view and some light was obstructed..but now we almost have to wear sunglasses !  COOL......VERY COOL !

       Sooo.....one more project completed and on to the next.   I'm pushing, hard, for a new couch ! Yay !!

(Just a note:  that is Norm's kayak on top of our Jeep, outside the window,  I knew somebody would comment !)

BEND, OREGON

      After spending time with family and friends in Idaho we ventured on into Oregon.   It is approximately 320 miles from Boise to Bend and it is more than we normally like to travel but we pulled into the  CAT Service place by 4:00pm.   Monday morning Griz went in for new fluids, belts and filters.   Big smile on its front bumper when we returned !

       We are now at the Sunriver, Thousand Trail RV Park and Wednesday, tomorrow,  Griz gets it's windows de-creeped.  (The seals around the insulated glass are no longer staying in place....looks like they are 'creeping' toward the center.)   Soooo,  Mr Dave is coming to repair them.   We're hoping for....fabulous results !  

      This morning we drove to Bend.   It has a great waterfront park along the Descutes River complete with bike/ jogging trails, pic-nic areas and large manicured lawns and natural gardens.   We happened to  noticed a group exercising  in a covered gazebo and dogs playing in a dog park near-by.  Statues and creative sculptures dotted  the parks.   My favorite is this kayak sculpture.  These are Eddyline Kayaks.....just like the ones we have so we found it very fun !

     Norm and I come here almost every summer to kayak and enjoy the warmer weather.   In October, we are usually back at work, driving school bus, so we are feeling like we are playing hookey !    I keep telling him we just finished working so, now, it's our summer.   The problem is...the weather is cool.  Fall has definately arrived !   (Whole different place when it's not hot.)  

      We did get one very important thing done today.   I was finally able to get my SENIOR PARK PASS !
This enables the holder to enter any National Park, BLM area, US Forest Service or Fish & Wildlife area, free and only costs a one-time ( in your lifetime) $10.00.   Everyone who turns 62 should get one.  It's one of the few benefits us "old" folks still have to look forward to.   Rumor has it, the Government is talking about 'adjusting" this which would mean some kind of additional fee would be charged at each park, maybe 50% etc .   Anyone who already has one would be "Grandfathered" .   Soooo...go get yours !     My only complaint was....I was expecting a marching band, balloons, trumpets and maybe ice cream !!   All I got was a grumpy, heavy-set, older woman gruffly asking to see the ID of the purchaser.    Hmmmmm........just not what I envisioned !    Oh, well....Ouuuuuu....Norm said we'll celebrate with a teriyaki burger at Carl's Jr !!
YEAH !!!   Now, for a little chocolate cake !  =)

FAMILY

     Meet my Aunt, Bonnie !  She is my Dad's sister and my last remaining relative other than my own family.  

     We left West Yellowstone on Tuesday.  It rained from the time we left and continued until today, Fri.  Tuesday evening we just happened to cross paths with our friends from Lk. Havasu.  They are returning after spending the 'summer' at their place at Longbeach, WA.   Time seemed to fly by and we ended up having breakfast together the next morning!  Finally broke away after lunch and they went East...we went West.  Having time to stop for awhile and visit friends is a real luxury for us.   In the past, we were always pressed to arrive at a given destination by a particular date and/or time.  Love being able to "stop and smell the roses" as it were !

      Boise was our next stop, all of 130 miles away.   Our exterior 50 amp plug had worked it's way loose from the cord leaving a myriad of wires exposed to the elements and Norm's fingers.  Camping World was just off the freeway so....RRRRRRR!!!! we hustled to get in brfore it closed.   They could maybe get us in the next morning so we camped out in their parking lot for the night.  Couldn't plug in so no heat except the furnace which would run almost all night.   Snuggle time !

     The plug was installed and away we go again.....found a small campground for the night.   I called my Aunt and she was so tickled to hear from us !  She didn't know we were just down the road.....I love to 'drop in' on folks !  =)   Her son, Vic, my cousin, was able to stop in briefly as well.  Again, the time just flew  and before we realized Bonnie had missed her dinner.  Hmmmmm.......gee golly.....guess we'll have to take her out.  (She's in a very nice assisted living facility here in Boise and not far from Vic's house).   Going out was a treat for her...so off we go to the GREAT WALL Restaurant.  Chinese buffet !   GAD'S !  

     This morning another trip to Camping World !  New step covers for the outside retractable steps and a new roof vent cover for our Fantastic Fan over the kitchen.  My tiotty has been ordered and now I'm on the lookout for a new couch !  :)    Griz needs some sprucin'up, inside and out. 

     Tomorrow we hit the road again heading for Bend,OR.  Our windows are "creeping" ( I hate it when they do that!) so we have an appointment to get them fixed. 

     Right now, however I am being pushed to "Get Going" !  Cabela's is about 5 miles up the road and somebody in this house thinks it would be a SUPER idea to go and "check it out !".


    

GRIZZLY GOODBYE'S !!!

      This was our last week at Grizzly RV Park and it's been a busy one !   Last week-end the park roads  (here at Grizzly)  were seal coated.   What a pain !! We had to move reservations to sites that would be done later and still keep access to their rigs.   You would have thought those of us in the Office were out to "get" our guest campers.   Men would come in and complain about how they couldn't walk the 50 ft to their rigs because of this or that.  They yelled at us, even swore, threw tantrums and threatened to drive over the seal-coat if they were blocked in !  GOOD GRIEF !!   The manager would step in and offer to refund their money but they had to leave NOW!   Since there isn't another place like this one closeby they would huff off but never would leave.   (Darn)

      At the end of each workamper couple's contracted stay the manager's have us come in and they give  their evaluation of our job performance and ask for suggestions of how to improve things.   We must have done okay because we were invited to come back next year.  Hmmmmm........?!

       Fall doesn't last long here.   Two days ago the Aspen and Cottonwood trees were all green.   Now they are a beautiful amber color and I noticed the leaves have fallen considerably.   Nightime temps are below freezing even though the days continue to be warm and sunny.   It has been absolutely wonderful all summer long.  Snow is predicted Thurs or Fri so Norm wants to get moving way before that.    It is going to be difficult to go back to Seattle and the rain if only long enough to get our medical/dental done.

       It's interesting to see the beginning of the season, last May, and now the end of it.  Many of the facilities in YNP closed right after Labor Day which surprised us.  The only campgrounds open now are Madison, Mammoth and two very primative campgrounds at the far north of the Park.   We've noticed alot of younger retiree's have been traveling since Labor Day and our park has remained busy,  and about 90% full every night.   Many of the stores in town are having sales and will be closing this week.

      We spent the day today cleaning inside and out and Griz is looking pretty sharp!  The kayaks and the bikes are on the Jeep and all looks ready to go.   I wish I could accurately express how weird it feels to know we are heading off to another adventure and not know what to expect.  We have no timetable , no adjenda and no clue what we'll find around the next turn of the road.  Exciting...Yes.... but kinda SCARY, too !

      Norm came in and asked if I wanted one last buzz into YNP.    You bet !... so off we go..  We just can't get enough of this place !


     

FAVORITES !!

        The summer has just flown by !   This is our last week of working here at Grizzly and it's almost bittersweet.  On one hand it's nice not  to be going to work each day but we are definately going to miss  Yellowstone.  

      I thought I would tell you some of our favorite places  in town and in YNP.   One morning a week we'd walk the four blocks to our favorite coffee shop, THE BOOK PEDDLAR .   As we enter the store we are greeted by the fragrant smell of fresh brewed coffee.   A rustic western interior with rough hewn shelves on the walls, holds a variety of books filled with the local history, tales of cowboys, ghost stories to be told next a crackling campfire, local flora and fauna and everything you could ever want to know about Yellowstone.  Toward the back of the store is a slightly raised wood plank floor, enclosed by a pine rail fence, with knotty pine tables and chairs.   The barista gives us a hot mug and we pour any of the specialty brews sitting on an old  kitchen wood cookstove.    It's always busy !   Inevitably, we find ourselves visiting with the folks at the next table only to end up exchanging business cards.   Some people are so interesting.

      The CANYON STREET GRILL is a fun place for lunch.  Big red booths line two walls as the decor is  kind of retro 1950-60's, with an old car front in one wall and posters of James Dean, Betty Boop, Elvis, etc. 
It's a Mom & Pop store run by local residents.  Quite a number of the college aged students hoping to make it in Hollywood work there during the day and act at the evening performances at the PLAYMILL THEATER.   Their menu includes Wolfman Jack sandwiches, (one of many) and a great burger with fries or green salad.   I like their chicken strips.

      THE HOMEROOM is our favorite Gallery.   The building used to be the school gymnasium and now has beautiful paintings, pottery, furniture and artistic accessories.  We never get tired of browsing here and almost always walk away with some little ' find'.

      The IMAX, aside from showing films about YNP, Amazing Caves and Tales of Lewis & Clark on a 60' - 80' screen, has the best  a 50 cent ice cream cone in town.  Not too big...not too small !  :)

      In the Park we enjoy the drive to CANYON VILLAGE.   Fabulous Visitor's Center!  Lots of displays and Rangers to answer all our questions,  a really nice outfitter store in case you need outdoor wear, sandals, boots and even fishing gear.  Artist Point is just down the road and that's where the best views of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone can be seen.

      LAMAR VALLEY is in the NE corner of YNP.  Herds of bison are grazing on the grasses across many acres of meadow.  The wolves that were introduced back into the Park in 1975 can sometimes be seen in the distance.  People from all over set up chairs and huge spotting scopes along the banks of the road and wait all day for glimpses of the wolf packs.  If asked they will give you more info about them than you really wanted to know!   This is Norm's favorite spot. He'll spend all day walking along the banks of the Soda Butte & Lamar River's fishing  thinking  he's gone to" hog heaven" or in this case "fishing heaven" !   I do have to say, it is a thing of wonder watching how, with the sunlight behind him, he casts that fishing pole, the line forms a consistant 'S" again and again until  finally  the line goes taut and you know there is a gorgeous trout fighting on the other end !   With great care, not to overly tire the fish, he reels it in.   The barbless hook is carefully removed and then Norm cradles it in his hand under water so Mr Trout can rest, get it's bearings and swim safely away.   AAHHHH !!!   What a sight !     Now, Norm's down the river a ways searching for his next catch !

      On our way back to West Y.  we like to go through MAMMOTH.   As we enter the village, Elk can be seen grazing or just laying on the well manicured lawns.   There are two nice gift shops here and a Grill that serves a decent, reasonably priced burger.   The highlight here are the terraces of alkaline that cover one hillside.  Apparently,  however,the area has been hit with a slight drought.  Water would cascade down these terraces leaving the alkaline deposited on the 'shelves'.  This year they aren't quite as spectacular because of the lack of water but......Still, pretty impressive!

      These are just a few of our favorite things (Oh...I should break out in song !) 

     

JUST STUFF.........!!

      Labor Day is past and we expected things to quiet down a bit so we could relax... but Oh No!!....it's been as busy as ever! The place is booked every night!   Those (in the office) who have been here before say now the "Gray Hairs" are out !  They are right...mostly retired folks arriving and are they ever demanding!  Holy Cow, Batman!!!    First off, they don't like to make reservations so they just show up.  Sometimes we have space for them and sometimes not.  Boy, do they have a fit when it's full.

     "This is the time of year when Campgrounds slow down,  what do you mean there's no spaces left for us?"

      It takes twice as long to get them registered (we have to get all their info while they stand there) and often they walk around looking at the  merchandise and don't pay attention to us.   OR......they see someone they met at another place and  have the 'down home reunion' right there in the office!  Sheesh!

      I loved the lady who came in to get a refund on her site for that night because she forgot the KOA (5 miles West of town) was having a one free night if you pay for two campaign !   Or...the man who wanted his money back because he didn't see ANY animals in the YNP (Yellowstone Nat'l Park).  >_<

      The weather is changing quickly, now and our nice warm 80* days and 40* nights are cooling off.   It rained Sat. and the whining we heard from campers was crazy!  Many of them shortened their trip because it was too wet, or it got too cold and we didn't bring clothes for this.   (Why wouldn't anyone who is going to the mountains , 6,666 ft altitude, in the Fall, at least bring a jacket ?)  I really think I liked the vacationers better.  They came, with money to spend and only a few days to see everything , then went home.  

       Walking thru town today we saw the businesses are putting up Christmas trees and outside lights!   We asked why so soon and they explained the snow could arrive any time and it's easier to put them up now instead of trying to thread lights on a tree covered in snow and ice.  Makes sense, just felt weird!   We're still in summer mode.   The weeks have just flown by and we're not even ready for Fall let alone the Holidays!! :(

      Last week the couple who lived next to us went home to Puyallup.  We liked them alot and it was very hard to say Goodbye.   Another couple leaves this coming Wed. so we'll be down to just the last 3 couples.   (We're  next to leave but our departure date isn't til Oct. 5th. )  SAD....SAD   Despite  a rather rocky beginning we have really enjoyed our time here.

      Oh......for those of you who saw the camera pic I posted on FB the other day.....Norm has grumbled and squirmed about getting a new ..BIGGER....BETTER... camera all summer long.  I keep saying "Get the darn thing so you'll have it here!"   He has procrastinated forever!!!   Now  he orders it, 3 weeks before we are leaving, right?   The store won't deliver it to an RV Park!  He re-orders it and tells them this is our residence, which is true.......they aren't sure if it can be sent or not ...check after the week-end.   He finally got through to them this evening and it was just shipped.   Guess we'll see how long it will take to get here!

      We actually saw that camera and it belongs to the man in the photo.  He is a professional photographer and takes and sells wildlife photos to magazines.   We expected to see a fabulous Elk, Moose or Bear on the other side of that lens.   Turns out he's getting shots of rodents burrowing in the hillside.   The native Pika, which is a cute little mouse-like creature has diminished in numbers over the last few years.  They aren't on the endangered species list yet but studies are being done to prevent that.  

      We have two more days off and the plan is to go up to the Lamar Valley and Norm's favorite fishin' hole.  I'm going to take my little "Point & Shoot" camera and see if I can get some shots of ALL these fish Norm is catching!               Think I'll take a good book along...just in case!    :)