We generally started our day with coffee from the coleman stove and a plan for the day. Phone or 3G service is often times sketchy in the woods, so we rely on our Rand McNally Atlas to check out our timing and miles. Once we get on the road, we continue to use our atlas but also use the iPhone for other needs.
There are a few apps that are a must for us while we are on the road:
For the dogs we use the Dog Park Finder. This App lists over 5000 parks across the country. It has proven invaluable for us as our dogs love to retrieve a ball, but also love to chase a squirrel or other critters and not stop. The dog parks we look for have fences that limit their proclivity to wander off. The parks also often have water for the dogs, poop bags, picnic tables to relax at and sometimes other dogs to play with.
The Weather Channel app also is a necessity. Where is the weather? Storm brewing? Where is it headed? Clear skies? Hot? Cold? (not on this trip!)
People who know me, know I am thrifty (cheap). GasBuddy is app that allows me to find gas near me either by distance or by price. I have rarely used it by distance. Locally, our gas prices range from $4.09 to $3.79 today (as listed on my GasBuddy app). This app helped me find that cheaper gas that I love to fill up on.
There are many other apps that I used: News, my financial institutions, Google, Yelp, Units as well as the standard Maps app. Traveling in the 21st century can be as easy as a swipe, some input, result.
We headed to the local dog park, Shastice Dog Park although our maps were a bit off or maybe we were, but we never found the off leash area. Instead we found an old baseball field with fencing.
A bit of dog play ensued.
Which leads to sleepy dogs for another day of driving.
We proceeded up I-5 passing through Portland, Oregon. All was going well until I noticed our blanket and sleeping bag flying behind us landing on the highway behind us. A quick stop to realize that the tube on the car had blown open. We borrowed the tube from our friend Joan, who misplaced the key. I thought it would be fine since the car would be with us at all times or at least the dogs would be in it. The directions for the tube was "3 Clicks." I remember only hearing two in the morning. "It'll be OK." Oops.
We picked up our items and stuffed them back in. The trip to Walmart was going to happen sooner than planned. Back to iPhone. Walmart a few miles ahead. We purchased a few ratchet straps and a blow up air mattress. Shoved the mattress in the back and tied down our tube. Away we go, again.
We decided on stopping at Millersylvnia State Park on Deep Lake just South of Seattle, Washington. It was a good place to stop as I wanted to enter into Canada the next day refreshed and early.
The campsite was in a wooded area along Deep Lake. I wanted the dogs to have an opportunity to swim while they joined us on our trek. We came to found out that dogs were not allowed to go swimming in the swimming area.
Deep Lake Swimming Area
It was getting late, and after setting up our camp, we bought some wood from an overzealous scout and lit our first campfire.
First Fire
BuddyJack was a bit skittish of the fire and Luther was more interested in the dinner that was being prepared by Chef Tom. Tom bought some Spam for props at concessions at the PAC when Spamalot was playing there. We've had them for over six months and were packed in our food bag.
Making Dinner
Tom fried that Spam up and mixed it up with some rice. Spambalaya! I must admit, I had Spam as a kid but never as an adult. I would not recommend it for anyone on a low sodium diet, but it was tasty. Clean up time was a favorite time for the dogs. Leftover Spam was a very special treat for them.
Night came and the stars were out. The fire was dying out and we were sleepy and anxious for the next day to start. Canada! Unknown territories across the continent. The looming question of whether we could enter the country with some past indiscretions in the states. Until tomorrow.
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