This morning I woke up to a weed whacker just outside my window at 7am. I took one whiff of freshly cut grass and went right back to sleep until 10am. So amazing. I took off headed north. After an hour I remembered I put water in the freezer last night – wishful thinking! But when I got them out they were frozen solid. I checked the thermometer and the frig was at 35 degrees! WTF?!? So the frig is currently working.
I pushed my luck and put my food in it. Fingers crossed that it’s still good in the morning. I drove up I 15 through Salt Lake City and Ogden. The traffic was so bad that I decided to get off and take backroads. That was a stellar decision. First I found a grocery store called Stokes. Had to go in – and glad I did. They had a guy in the bakery making fresh bread – artisanal style. He said he is known for his artichoke Parmesan bread so I bought a loaf. Literally the best bread I’ve ever eaten.
Then I noticed signs for a fruit drive – kind of like the fruit loop in Hood River, Oregon. But better. Fresh corn $3 for a dozen. Fresh peaches – ripe and juicy. I bought corn, peaches and blackberries. Then I noticed an antique store having a used book sale. Sale? I’d call it roadside robbery – by me! Perfect hardbacks for $1. I bought five. I’m halfway through one – yay reading! I also spotted a ceramic roadrunner and had to buy it for my friend, Kristi. It’s her spirit animal!
I’m camping for the night in a free campground in northern Utah called Franklin Basin. It’s pretty but a little noisy with 4-wheelers. I’m just glad there was room for me it’s a first come first served situation. I was happy to find something while it was still daylight. And it’s surrounded by huge aspen trees rustling in the wind.
Author: lew1994
1sept2016
I can’t believe I actually made it to Richfield Utah today. Last night I discovered Bird’s frig was 60 plus degrees. In case you didn’t know… Getting an RV fixed is no easy task. It takes days to get the dealership (Wagontrail RV) to call you back and then weeks for the part. I suspect it wasn’t working when I got it back the last time (early August). I called a mobile repair guy and for $210 he told me I need a new frig. FUCK. Waiting for it would mean at least a two week delay. Minimum.
It was noon before the repair guy came and went. I knew my entire trip was on the line. I’ve been planning this for so long. Fortunately I like shitty canned food. I decided to reduce my fresh food supply and fill up an ice chest. Larry was super helpful making that happen and with packing. I wonder why? Fox News + Roundtable Pizza – nagging wife = that’s why. Did I mention I lost my set of keys to Bird. I’m pretty sure Cooper stole and buried them! So, after locating the spare keys and five bags of ice, I hit the road very late.
I had to get my tire pressure checked at Discount Tire (love them) when Bird was fully loaded, fuel up at Fills and dump my black tank at Valero. I saw a gorgeous sunset passing through Cedar City but then had to drive in the dark. I hate driving in the dark – I always feel like I’m missing out on seeing something awesome. So I plugged in Walmart and headed to my current location for a good night’s rest.
I’m in bed watching Jimmy Fallon and drinking a Heineken. Yesssss. My plan is to make it to Wyoming tomorrow and maybe camp for a day or two. I’ll keep you posted.
The First One
I spent a great deal of my young adulthood following the Grateful Dead around the west coast. On Fridays I would load my car with friends and random camping gear and head out. We would land wherever and sometimes sleep on the side of the road. It was so much fun! There is nothing I love more than getting in the car and driving to a destination unknown. Unfortunately, Larry really, really does not. Larry was in the army for 20 years and said he did his camping there. He has no desire to ever camp again nor does he like road trips. He likes to fly to far away places and stay in swanky resorts. That is fun but kind of reserved for special occasions. I want to see every corner of this country and the best way to do that is on a Road Trip!
When I sold Jam part of the deal was that I got an RV. So in April 2015 we bought a class B Renegade Villagio and have since put on over 12,000 miles traveling around the West. And by “we” I mean “me”. After our first overnight trip, Larry was out. He does not like small spaces – so I was on my own. I won’t lie, I had a few panic attacks before my maiden voyage. But before I knew it I was rolling down the road feeling bad. Tunes and solitude… Two of my favorite things. In fact, after about 8,000 miles I finally decided on my RV’s name: Bird. Birdsong is one of my favorite Grateful Dead songs and I do love to get up and “fly away” on a road trip.
I began my travels while we were still in Portland heading to Long Beach, Washington. I stayed there a couple of days and then went north up the coast to Seattle where I caught a ferry (in Bird!!) to Whidbey Island and spent the day sightseeing. From there I made my way up to Anacortes, Washington and camped on the water. On my way south I went on a Twin Peaks pilgrimage to Snoqualmie Falls (RVs get front row parking FYI!) then got slice of cherry pie and a damn fine cup of coffee at the Double R Diner (now the Twede Cafe) in North Bend. Heaven, I tell you.
By the time I got home I was hooked on traveling by myself. Over the last year Bird and I have gone to Tahoe, the California coast many times, Zion, Dallas and everywhere in between. Now I am going for the big enchilada! The whole USA. I turned 50 a month ago and decided that this would be my present to myself. Fortunately I am married to the world’s most understanding man. I plan to leave on September 1, 2016 and be home for Thanksgiving.
I built this website for several reasons. First, because I am hopeful that people will want to hear not only about my trip but also the crazy notions rumbling around my head just dying to spill onto a page. Second, I hate when Facebook friends over-post – especially when doing fun things while I’m stuck at work. I don’t want to be that person. Finally, I really do enjoy writing and actually have the time and opportunity to do just that. So that is The Lolo Down. Hope you enjoy the ride!
The Lolo Down 