Employee, James controlling his section of the operation via his computer. Les, being a retired Systems Designer was especially interested. It was fascinating to see what this man can do from his desk right in the middle of the plant!  

Joy and Gloria bagging up some "samples" as Rex critiques our technique ... we failed ;-) ... just too darn slow! 

Bearded Iris blooming everywhere in Quincy, WA! 

9:17 AM Thursday May 19, 2005

As we begin this newest leg of our adventures, my first thoughts this morning are to say "thank you"--again--for all the kind words and encouragement from my readers through e-mails and comments on the blog. Of course, my most vocal reader, Margie in TN tops the list of new friends and I can't forget George, "Gloworm", Patty in CA, "Deb" and so many more over the past few months. Our immediate family, except for a few faithful readers of the blog that send e-mails (you know who you are), rarely share their comments online, relying for the most part on private communication to chastise me for not posting to the blog often enough. That's okay ... it lets me know they're watching our progress as we roll down the road (or don't whichever the case may be) , albeit silently. Again, thanks so much to all of you and keep those comments and e-mails coming ... we love them!

It's cool ( 56') and a bit windy here in Moses Lake this morning. Les and Phil have taken the boat to the lake for some fishing if they don't get blown off or swamped by the white caps. They have been anticipating this for months so I hope they catch something! We connected and locked on to both our satellites so we have TV and Internet. Les took their motorhome in to have the hot water tank repaired and had to replace some kind of switch. Phil followed him in and they went exploring in town while the work was done. His coach was repaired and back to the park after only a couple hours. While they were gone, Gloria and I went for a walk and enjoyed the opportunity to share some girl-talk.

Our plans are totally flexible with one exception, a 10 AM appointment tomorrow with Double Diamond Apple Orchards in Quincy for a tour of the packaging plant. Rex, the brother of my brother-in-law, Walt, is the semi-retired owner and he has agreed to give the four of us an inside look at the operation. Apple lovers all, we're looking forward to learning the process and maybe taking home a few samples ;-).

Canine Chronicles: Gloria and Lester's puppies, Zena and Wookie although a bit frightened by the traffic noise while riding in the coach down the freeway appear to be adapting well to their new lifestyle. Yesterday, while on their regular walks, the new sights, sounds and smells here at the RV park are stimulating and great fun to explore!

Les and Gloria leading the way at Vantage, WA as we cross the mighty Columbia River.  

Little Zena getting her first look at the inside of her new home for the next year or so.  

Almost ready to hit the road! Les and Gloria's coach is on the left and our Pace is on the right.  

Gloria saying goodbye to her youngest son, David. 

11:00 AM Wednesday May 18, 2005

We are sorta settled in at Moses Lake. We left about 11 AM and arrived at 4:30 PM. We stopped for a half hour at the Fort Lewis weigh station and had lunch, provided by Gloria who had the forethought to cook a beef roast and some chicken the day before in her crock pot. The problem is that Les's hot water heater has decided to malfunction and they are unhooking now so it can be driven to the RV repair facility. Let's hope it's a quick fix

Our new Kargo Master and boat ... ready to travel.  

My beautiful granddaughter, Megan with me beneath a magnificent Wysteria tree after a lovely dinner at Alderbook Inn. 

10:14 AM Monday May 16, 2005

All systems are nearly go and as of this minute, it appears tomorrow is THE day! Les and Gloria's motorhome is at the garage for some last minute tweaking (they think it's the alternator) and Phil is reloading the back of our Ranger. His new outboard motor is padlocked to the bed of the truck and his new 12' aluminum boat is padlocked to the Kargo Master on top of the truck. He's considering a padlock for the canopy door but there doesn't seem to be a way to do that without defacing the truck. I guess we can take as many precautions against thievery as possible and hope for the best beyond that. Our friends, Ardella and Don have been held up in Arizona but assure us they will catch up ... probably somewhere in Montana. Since we'll be moving very slowly it should be fairly easy for them to find us.

We feel much loved and our hearts are filled with joy from all the family gatherings and visits as we count down to this departure date for our next trip. As excited as we are about leaving, we can't help but think about how much we will miss everyone but we will stay in touch via cell phone and e-mail. Also, our family and friends can ride along and share our adventures via this website, "Backroad Chronicles", which is the primary reason for creating and maintaining the blog.

I'll do my best to write at least a couple times a week, more if I have time. Here we go ..........

Bob from HQ Electronics in Shelton installing our new "Dish" TV systerm. 

The Pace with her "ears" up ... "Dish" Satellite TV and Data Storm Satellite Internet. We are really connected now!  

Camera shy (since when?) great granddaughter, Carly and her grandma, Bobbie (Joy's youngest daughter) came to visit at our motorhome. 

My great granddaughter, Carly and her "little grandma", my daughter, Bobbie.  

Three generations: Joy's daughter, Bobbie, Bobbie's daughter, Auntie Sara (Class of 2005!) and Bobbie's son Joe's daughter, Carly (Joy's great granddaughter).  

Joy's daughter, Bobbie and Bobbie's granddaughter, (my great-granddaughter ;-), Carly out to lunch at McDonalds. 

L-R: Joy's sisters, Dixie and Robin and Joy 5-12-05.  

L-R: Joy's daughters, Bobbie and Violet; Joy's sister, Robin; Joy; Joy's sister, Dixie and Dixie's daughter, Tammy 5-12-05.