The First Week

Today marks our first week on the road.
We began our journey at the coast with Jeanne's folks: Papa and Mama Jensen. This used to be an annual trip for us however, it has been 2 years since we have been to Kalaloch. This place is magical! If you have never camped on the Washington coast you owe it to yourself to spend a few days at either Kalaloch campground, South Beach, or the Lodge.

From here we scaled Mount Rainier with Ernal and Edna (our trusty tow vehicle and his 35' girthy wench); spending the night at Rimrock lake just east of White Pass. The lake was half drawn down (it is a reservoir) and it would have been a long hike for a swim if you were so inclined.

Traveling east on Highway 12 is a great route into south-eastern Washington if you have never traveled it. Far better than I-90 for scenery. This took us to the Snake River where we spent the next night at a park just west of Clarkston right on the river. This park is reminiscent of the PUD parks on the Columbia just North of Wenatchee and is operated by the PUD in this area. The camp sites are right on the water with their own docks and boat ramps. This would be a great location for folks with boats.


Today we continued east on highway 12 through Idaho and up to Missoula, Montana. It's cold! They are expecting snow and other people in RV's are heading for the lowlands. We are currently parked in a KOA and it is full (this KOA has about 200 sites).

We have been immersed in home schooling this week. It is very time consuming! But, I can tell you the kids are thriving between whining fits. I can understand how home schooled kids receive better educations. More on this later.

From here we are headed to Yellowstone; unless we get snowed out.

Our best to everyone.

The Paton's