Devil's Tower and St. Louis

Devil's Tower is a very unique mountain of volcanic rock that looks just thrust up in the middle of nowhere. It was the star of the movie Close Encounters of the Third (or was it Fourth?) Kind. No our RV is not a one-humped camel!

It's now time to motor home to get our current home (sticks and bricks) cleaned out and up for the new owners.
First stop was Rapid City, South Dakota to get driver's licenses. Then motored across the state to Sioux Falls. Then visited our mailbox in Madison, South Dakota and completed voter registration. We are now official South Dakotans.
Didn't want to get back too soon so played a round of golf at Prairie Greens Golf Course in Sioux Falls. Nice, fun layout.
A few days driving and we were "home" once again.

Glacier Park

Completed latest RV repairs and moved out of Oregon.
Since house finally sold we decided to head towards home. So itinerary is Glacier Park, Devils Tower, and travel through South Dakota towards St. Louis.
Started with a one night stand at Walmart in Kennewick, Washington. Windiest night e ever experienced in RV. Thought we would blow over. Not much sleep but it was exciting.
Next moved on to Glacier National Park via Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
Glacier Park is spectacular. Stayed at KOA West Glacier campground and took all day tour of the park on convertible red bus. Great way to see and learn all about the park.

 

 

At suggestion of Ed whom we met in Florida we stopped in Polson, Montana just south of Glacier Park. Great spot overlooking south end of Flathead Lake. Hanging out at Polson Motorcoach RV Resort we, as often happens, found people with St. Louis connections at happy hour.
Next destination, Medora, North Dakota and Teddy Roosevelt National Park. Attended the Medora Musical which has been putting on shows for about 50 years initially to commemorate Teddy Roosevelt's 100th birthday. Its a fun show in outdoor amphitheater. Toured national park and played golf at Bully Pulpit Golf Course. Fun layout with some great views of the Badlands on the back nine. Visited the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. Next stop Devil's Tower, Wyoming.

Photos

RV's require technical knowledge.

Nice downhill on the way out of Leguna Seca.

Wish we could have taken a lap around the track.

Trees are big in Yosemite.  

The Clothespin Tree

New friend...they had a petty zoo at Yosemite RV Resort.

So, we found another winery...Chimney Rock, Napa...Mary's wine is from a $150 a bottle...and yes,
there was a nice "revisit" for my complimentary pour.

Oregonians like their salmon.

Oregon Coast lighthouse.

The family spends time together outside.
 (ok, Lance would run away if we don't keep an eye on him)

Dogs, chickens, cats...they have it all at Carr Industries where we had new TVs and blinds installed.

Mr. Meow was almost a kittynapping incendent on Tour de RV...cool cat. 

Aaahhh...we now have satellite tv!

Soter winery in Willamette Valley, OR

Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge...scary stuff here.

Hiking the Pacific Coast Trail.

There's a lot of cheese at Tillamook!

Wine cellar...wine now, shower later.

Wild Goose Island is just right of my ear. Geologists say this island used to be on top of the
mountain to the far right....glaciers are amazing things.

Charlie

Mary

Oregon Still!

Stayed in Dayton, OR just south of Portland few nights in wine country.Willamette Valley specializes in colder climate grapes like pinot noir. Tasted several from Sotor, Elk Cove, Argyle, King Estates, Anne & Annie and several others. Found some good ones, bought several as usual.
Next moved on to Mount Hood. Stayed at park just outside Mount Hood National Forest. Spectacular mountain!

Mount Hood

Mount Hood from 22 miles

Hiked a few trails; Mary trying to kill me.
Played golf at Resort at the Mountain.
Next moved on to Troutdale, OR just outside Portland. Nice place right along Columbia river. Toured the Columbia river gorge toward The Dallas, OR. Beautiful scenery of river separating Oregon and Washington.

Of course we had to hike 1 mile up to the top. Did I say I think Mary is trying to kill me!
Also went on sunday bike ride in Portland including lots of local band support.

Moved on to the coast again staying in Nehalem, OR. Nice little RV park right on river. Visited Astoria, WA where Lewis and Clark wintered in 1804-05. Toured Tillamook Creamery. Imagine us touring and tasting at a facility not related to alcohol.
Next moved back to Eugene for some follow-up work on the RV, sun and privacy shades installed in front cabin replacing old curtains. Unfortunately had a problem with RV leveling jacks requiring ordering a part with several day delivery.
So went to Bandon, OR. Very cute little town. Visited couple nice restaurants. Mary claimed it was the best salmon she's had. Played golf at Old MacDonald course at Bandon Dunes. Very tough, windy, links style, tight lies, large rolly polly greens. Did I mention enough reasons to shoot a terrible score?


Tough up hill par 3 into wind!

Also played Bandon Crossings Golf Club. Nice course, with real grass and off the coast so less windy.
Back to Eugene, OR to get the new part installed.
Next stop, get out of Oregon and head toward Glacier National Park.