Adventures of Beth and Dan

Thursday, July 13, 2023

All that glitters is not gold and all gold doesn’t glitter!

Traveling the northwest can bring such beauty to the eye of the beholder. Each season has its own unique picture to paint for the viewer. That picture can change suddenly or linger on for days bringing subtle differences to leaves, flowers, fields, shadows on the backdrops of barns and homesteads. It never seems to get old or bore you whether you hike it, bike it or travel by car or coach. Everyone is looking for that flight of an eagle or a blow spewing in the bay from a whale! As we left Idaho we headed toward Twisp Washington which is along the Cascades. Sometimes you pass by dry, rugged, rocky desolate country but each has its own story to tell and if you don’t stop to absorb sone of the facts I think you miss out. Even these places have their wonder and amazement! I always learn or relearn something and everyone needs a bathroom break!! We spent several days at the campground which was a long a lake. Lots of families were there and many with tents. Everyone it seems has a dog and I love animals but when you get so many in a small place there is lots of barking and commotion. We explored the small towns and shops of both Twisp and Winthrop. Both were packed with visitors leaving sidewalks crowded and parking spaces full. We usually take our own lunch and find a nice area to have something to eat while taking in scenery, whether it be people watching or listening to a lazy flowing creek looking for something unusual. So take in some of the sights we appreciated and felt were noteworthy.

These are rape fields in their glory !! Also known as rapeseed and used in making canola oil or animal feed.

Up close…

A stop at Dry Falls which holds so much geological information and unbelievable history. The whole Missoula Region and valley was once covered in glaciers which then melted, shifted and move with immense force changing the landscape entirely. It wasn’t till later in the 50’s or so a man realized that all of this area was connected by this sheer force and was able to prove without a doubt what had transpired.

You can see the drought of the area , the sharp contours of the Ricky ridges and imagine how the water flowed over this area at one time.

I had to take this to show my granddaughter that a group of butterflies is called a kaleidoscope! And then all the other incredible fun facts about butterflies which were new to me!!! I hope you can share a few of these fun facts with a friend or neighbor.

Some of the history…at one time it was the largest waterfall in the world!

Here’s our stop for a bathroom break and learning new facts.

This is for my daughter Tessie who is an owl lover and overall bird lover. The photos are t too good but who knew owls are farsighted, are in every continent but Antartica , have three eyelids, cannot move their eyes and their eye color indicates hunting preference!!!

Big Twin Lake our campground. You can fish, swim or kayak. Lots of families enjoyed all of that.

Our grassy spot. Shade for us came later in the day and only 30 amp service.

A yellow headed blackbird in the reeds

Market day in Twisp. Sone music, food, art, and of course fresh vegetables and fruit.

Don’t know what these are but they look interesting!

Their little free library is in an old phone booth!! I just loved the idea and it seemed a wonderful way to recycle all the way around!

Hold the earth carefully ….

Majestic. A hike we took along the edges of the crevices full of awe and wonder…

Just stopping to check everything.

For real…..

There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Sone tunnels are longer than others that we must pass through but stay the course and you will revel on the other side.

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Ice Cream, Scavenger Hunts, Shooting, Early Celebration!

A little girl 7 who is about to turn 8 in July expects to celebrate everyday that Nana, Papa and TeeTee, otherwise known as our daughter Tessie, are with her. So that’s pretty much how it all worked everyday day. Zoey would wake up and be served her breakfast by mom and then watch her Roblox’s for a few hours with Nana while Papa helped Todd finish the wing roof. During the stay Dan was able to help Todd get the whole structure in place except for the tin roof because it couldn’t get there in time. He helped Todd string outdoor lights and put in another switch for the lights. Whatever needed done he was there to help. Krista made us a few breakfasts and Tess and I made most of the dinners. I had time to visit a few very close friends over lunch. There is never enough time to see all the wonderful people we know when we are north. But Tess was able to add to our festivities by coming for about a week. She slept in our camper and we tried our best to make her the most comfortable bed we could due to her bad back. She has severe arthritis and a few bulging discs so hopefully we didn’t make it worse. She brought lots of surprises for Zoey including an amazing scavenger hunt that she had prepared before she came. She used special paper, scissors to give it a unique aspect, wrapped each one like a scroll and then after she got there she meticulously hid each clue for Zoey. It was definitely a highlight of her time with Zoey and I think for Zoey too. Each day she and I provided small surprises twice a day for Zoey and she sure looked forward to those often reminding us!! Papa bought her a pellet gun and a bow and arrow to practice sone of her skills she had learned at Okra camp. They even dressed the part as you will see. We had a few games of Uno. She then took on the role of waitress as she began serving ice cream papa bought from the kitchen window. She even made a sign of the menu and had sone extra sprinkles and fruit her mom had on hand.

One day we enjoyed a rafting trip down the north fork of the Coeur d Alene river but quickly got off the river when we had crashing thunder!! Tessie treated the gang to hamburgers and milkshakes along with providing lots of cupcakes for Zoey’s birthday and then a huge cowboy breakfast before she left. That was the real thing with bacon, eggs, pancakes and gravy and biscuits!!!!! Thank you Tess for such an awesome meal and all that you provided. It was really appreciated.

And after two weeks it was time for us to head into Washington State for a months stay at Pioneer Trails RV Park near LaConner and Anacortes for sone cool weather and time to experience the ocean and lakes. Maybe even get in some kayaking and birding.

Zoey had an full afternoon at the water park in Kellogg which is all inside and fantastic.

Papa shared some cray story times with Zoey and hug time.

One of her surprises besides animal crackers and gum was very lovely barrettes for her hair

Time with Tess enjoying the scenery and reminiscing about old times

And one of Zoey’s favorite surprises was two puppets boy and girl that we got her. We had sone gut rolling laughs over those silly puppet conversations!!