La Push baby......it's La Push

Photo courtesy of the Village of LaPush

      Very much the same line used in the movie 'Twilight' we felt our destination deserved it's use as the title for this little get away.  We just came off a successful 2 day clam dig at Ocean City so we headed North for a bit.  60 clams in the freezer.

      This is a spectacularly beautiful Native American beach community located on the NW Washington Olympic Peninsula about 14 miles west of (yes, that's right) Forks.  We have been here once before, but only to play tourist and always wanted to come back.  What better place to decompress for a few days.

      Here Washington's typical flat, sandy beaches change into a seascape that consists of rocky shoreline, seastacks, ridges, and mile upon mile of driftwood.  Winter storms here can be spectacular.  Located 166 miles from mom's house in Tumwater the Quileute Tribe has a beautiful  rustic resort here right on the coast next to the harbor with great RV sites for a decent $30/night.  https://quileuteoceanside.com/  They have full hookups, as well as showers, laundry, and a small store.  It is only 14 miles into Forks for other supplies.  They also offer cabins and resort hotel rooms depending on your preferences.  Verizon provides a very nice 4 bars of LTE here.  There is , however, NO TV reception, DUH.  You are miles from anywhere.  Our plan was to relax, walk the beach with the furbabies, scour the driftwood for souvenirs, photograph spectacular shoreline and waves, and enjoy a few campfires while catered by yours truly.

Resort Cabins and Main Lodge

      As I said this coastline is rocky and incredibly treacherous for any type of boat, let alone the small fleet of fisherman that routinely navigate it's harbor.  There is a long jetty that each boat must time the incoming tide swell to enter and that is after picking their way through the entry islands, tricky tides, waves, and seastacks.  Charter boats here go out after some pretty large halibut, cod, sea bass, and salmon in these waters.

Photo courtesy of Quileute Tribal Office

       There was very little 'winter' here this year so the resort and camping areas have stayed pretty busy throughout.  There were very few empty camping spots.  Our arrival day was simply set up, unpack, and veg out.  Barb took a stroll around to check out the bathrooms, showers, and laundry.  One of the dynamics of traveling is the changing prices of campgrounds, diesel, propane, and even laundry.  Washing clothes in this park is $3 a load with dryers at 25 cents for 10 minutes.   Bones slept on the couch while Roux checked out all the evidence of previous canines.  I sat on a log and watched the ocean enjoying a Barley Pop.  Mexican was the entrée of the day for dinner.  Mission accomplished.   The following days we walked the beach, watched the seals, explored incredible driftwood, and drove over to Rialto Beach.  

LaPush Harbor entrance

LaPush Harbor entrance

Seastacks to the north

Seastacks to the west

That was a BIG TREE

Rialto Beach

LaPush sunset

LaPush Harbor Seals

     During other times of the year there many other tribal activities and festivals in the area, including the Annual Welcoming of the Whales in late spring celebrating the return of the Gray Whales to the north from their winter homes off Mexico.  thewhaletrail.org/la-push-2  There is a healthy population of Orcas and seals in the area year round.  There is even a dedicated group of surfers that visit the local beaches when the 'waves are right'.  I was looking for a place to purchase fish, but the only vendors were either local tribe fisherman selling Steelhead from their nets or smoked salmon from other locals as well.  I did purchase a couple of very nice fillets of smoked salmon from a local; incredibly friendly folks.
    While here I prepared Queso Fundido,  Estrellita Sopita, the BABS, Nachos, and Basque Oxtail Stew.  Great food on pretty cool coastal evenings.

 Queso Fundido w/chips n vegees

The BABS (Bacon, Apple, Blue Cheese, Swiss grilled cheese)

Photo courtesy of Tillamook Cheese

Oxtail Stew

      It was only 7 days, but it was the perfect getaway.  Lots of time to relax, enjoy each other, and reflect on all that we have to be thankful for.  Roux and Bones gave the week a big THUMBS UP as well.  Joie de Vivre......bark and meow.  

"Take only memories, leave only footprints"  

Chief Seattle

WiFi courtesy of Verizon MiFi

Miso.....learning a new condiment

     During the past two trips home I have learned to cook with another new ingredient I had no experience with, but learned to love the flavor.  Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting soybeans with salt and the fungus koji and sometimes rice, barley, or other ingredients.  The result is a thick paste used for sauces and spreads, pickling vegetables or meats, and mixing with dashi soup stock or to serve as soup called misoshiru.  This condiment is high in proteins as well as rich in minerals.  I originally investigated this for a recipe of Razor Clam Po Boys, but Barb and I also loved the the taste as a side dressing for salads.  Typically Miso is salty, but it's flavor and aroma depend on various factors in the ingredients and fermentation process.  Different varieties of Miso have been described as salty, sweet, earthy, fruity, and savory.  This can be adjusted to suit your individual tastes when you combine it with other items for use.

       As I said I have only worked with Miso for a couple of dishes and so I am including the recipe for working up a batch for simple use.

Miso Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 teaspoons of Miso
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
1 teaspoon Lemon Juice

      Mix very well and taste.  I find that I often prefer more Miso and less Mustard  I place this in a squeeze bottle and use when I wish.  You can use this for salads, sandwiches, finger food etc.  When you buy Miso you will find that is often comes in a much larger container than what you will immediately use.  As long as you properly seal and store Miso it will last in your refrigerator indefinitely, but I prefer to restock every year.
      I look forward to using this condiment now that I know exactly what it is and how to prepare it.  I have heard it is delicious in soups, mixed with rice, on crackers, bread chunks such as Crostini or Bruschetta, and even potatoes so I guess we'll see.

Razor Clam Po Boys w/Miso Dressing and Slaw

"Luck exists in the leftovers"

Japanese Proverb

WiFi courtesy of Mom

Alligator Etouffe

      This appears to the be the 3rd installment on the "What I cooked for mom while we were home" series.  What trip would be complete without my bathing the entire house in the aroma that is Cajun Cooking.  I wanted to do something a bit off center this time, but still using Louisiana's Basic Best;  Alligator.  This dish uses many of the same ingredients as any other etouffe adding a bit more tomatoes and pepper.

      I always use about 1 pound of good alligator tail meat which I stock up on while down south each winter.  The only other item I adjust is to use brown rice rather Arborio white or Basmati.  

INGREDIENTS

1 pound alligator meat, sliced into either thin strips or chunk (your choice)
2 green onions chopped
2 cloves garlic chopped
1 chopped green bell pepper
2 stalks chopped celery
1 can ROTEL (I use the regular mild type) you can always add Tabasco later
2 sticks butter
1/2 cup green onions
1/4 cup parsley
salt and pepper to taste
2 teaspoons Tony Chachere's Seasoning
2-3 cups of cooked brown rice

DIRECTIONS

      Saute' onions, garlic, and celery in butter till just soft. Add ROTEL and simmer for 20 more  minutes, covered. Add alligator meat, parsley, salt, pepper, and Tony's and cook over low heat till tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.  If sauce is too thick you can add a bit of chicken or shrimp stock, but never water.  This is served with rice and it is your choice to mix the rice into the etouffe towards the end and control the thickness or serve on top of rice with green onions and cornbread (and of course Tabasco) on the side.

"You don't need a silver fork to eat good"

Paul Prudhomme

WiFi courtesy of Mom

The Pros and Cons of the New Ultra Lite RVs

      As much as we enjoy our RV we have had our experiences with the ultra lite construction of these new models.  Our previous RV, a 31' Keystone Cougar was GVWR rated at 9000 lbs, but built with solid oak cabinetry and construction throughout.  Our current RV, the Rockwood Windjammer is 4 feet longer at 35', but 1000 pounds lighter.  That has to come off somewhere........which we have been discovering for the past two years.  First of all you DO NOT travel while hauling tanks of grey, black, or fresh water........too much weight.  The most I've risked is maybe 13 gallons (1/3 tank) of fresh water so as to have flush and dishes water for an overnight boondocking or till set up.  This rig is GVWR at only 8000 pounds.  The issue here is that this GVWR is based on a lower overall frame support weight.  

      The first year or so went by uneventfully with little or no maintenance issues.  I did replace the factory tires after 10 months as they were a lame "C" series tire, a 6 ply tire with minimal sidewall.  We experienced sidewall leakage after the first winter south.  I upgraded to a series "E" tire which is 10 ply and holds 85 psi, but I fill no further than 65 psi due to the factory wheels are NOT rated higher than that.

      Additionally on several occasions we have had to repair the hinge mounts on cabinet doors.  These are 'cam type' lever latches screwing into particle board.  With even normal wear and use they become quite loose.  I learned quickly that to repair these I needed to use either wood glue or Gorilla Glue and one size larger screw.  The factory mounts are just secured with 2 screws so as we encounter these we replace them with 4 screw mounts when able.  This has worked well, but the process is continuing.  

      Our latest adventure (and here is where the fun begins) was when we discovered we had a soft spot in the kitchen flooring near the oven/counter/sink area.  Over time this area grew and I realized that the top laminate flooring was fine, but badly flexible due to damaged under flooring.  It began to grow also as time went by.  We (finally) made an appointment at a highly recommended RV Auto Marine Repair Fabricator in nearby Tacoma to get repaired, WesCraft RV.  www.wescraftrvrepair.com/ When I delivered the RV for work they provided me with an estimate I was not only a bit surprised at, but a cause for repair I was not expecting.  Apparently it is a common practice with the newer ultra lite RVs to build a single layer sub floor that is a 1" layer of Styrofoam surrounded by two 1/8" layers of plywood all glued together.  This is then topped with whatever laminate flooring they choose to install.  The framing underneath for this floor is NOT welded steel, but aluminum with very no cross supports.  At least it's not wood so there was no water damage.

 Highly rated, but didn't hold up

     The repair will consist of removing the upper super structure from the lower frame, separating all the electrical, heating, and water fittings as necessary.  Once they repair the sub flooring they will reinforce it with another layer of plywood and install several cross members in order to shore up the entire floor.  Then they put the entire RV back together, resealing any and all necessary fittings as well as the Polar Package insulation.  The parts requirements are minimal, but the labor comes at a mind boggling cost of $120/hour.  Still cheaper than a new RV, but doesn't really help the OMG OUCH PUCKER FACTOR when the wallet comes out.  Here is the caveat.  They fix an average of 3 of these floorings a month!   Hello Elkhart, Indiana!!!

      I am thoroughly disappointed with Forest River RVs as well as well as Rockwood as I held them in such high regard throughout my research before purchasing our first RV.  I do plan on contacting them regarding this on our return.  In all fairness, most RVs are purchased by families who will use them about 45 days yearly for about 5 years......maybe.  We have had our current rig since August 2015 and have accumulated approximately 45,000 miles while traveling/living in it 22 months.  We are not hard on our equipment, but it does make you wonder.  How much do I have to pay for the quality I was able to once expect?  The industry has adapted very well over the years when gas prices nearly crippled recreation, providing a product that would still allow folks to get out and travel/camp while maintaining reasonable costs.  I do believe that overall quality has suffered considerably in the long run.  
      I would be very remiss if I didn't mention the 'Pros'.  You can read the original blog at richhilts.blogspot.com/2015/09/   We love the floor plan, there is plenty of room for Barb and I as well as the furbabies in all of their lounging glory.  There is plenty of storage space in all the rooms and the improved roof system drains water quite efficiently.  It is completely outfitted for solar so that we only 'plug in' when we boondock.  We both LOVE the Queen/King size bed which even more comfortable than ours at home.  Finally, the 'wedge style' front is so much more aerodynamic resulting in improved gas mileage from 25%-60%, depending on driving conditions.
      WesCraft RV did high quality work and delivered our RV in 11 days and at the estimated price.  I'm not going into total $$ specifics, but suffice it to say it was cheaper than a new RV.  We love our rig and return to the road looking forward to many more adventures.  Joie de Vivre!  Notice I didn't ever use the phrase "Bite me" or "MOFO" once?  

"Once you're retired when life gives you lemons, seriously question it and then remind them it was YOUR hard earned dollars and their previous reputation that brought us together in the first place"

Rich Hilts

WiFi courtesy of Mom