Departure time Kalkaska, MI to points west. It's been nearly 20 months since we've been able to dig razor clams due to the COVID Pandemic. We made a pretty good haul that year (nearly 275 clams), we hope our luck holds this year. The Washington Department of Fish/Wildlife recently posted their tentative digs for this fall as well as RAISING THE LIMIT TO 20 CLAMS PER DAY. I can't remember when diggers were allowed this many clams, but it also raises concerns about the crowds. With these seasons for the fall the beaches could be crowded beyond belief. We'll see, but we're patient because we don't get to dig every year and do love the bivalves.
We did get out of town after getting a few estimates for a new roof next spring and before snow which is forecast next week. It was getting much cooler though. At departure I gassed up my truck to the tune of $90.90 @ $3.58/gal. I pray for some price stability this trip.
We make our pilgrimage west stopping along the way in.....
St Ignace, MI Kewadin Casino Boondock electric $0
Ironwood, MI, Walmart Boondock $0
Fargo, ND, Red River Fairgrounds electric $35
Beach, ND, Pilot Flying J Truckstop Boondock $0
Great Falls, MT, Dick's RV Park full hookups $130 for 3 days
Haugan, MT, Lincoln's 50,000 Casino Boondock $0 w/electric & water
Unfortunately, our first 4 days on the road were greeted with either unopen camping areas or power only: no water. Also, our first day was seriously shortened as Barb became ill. Online sites for these places and sometimes even signs indicated otherwise. Combined with our last shower on Monday, shutting off the pump and draining the water and winterization....we were forced to wash ourselves daily with just bottled water. No real shower for 5 days. Not perfect, but to the minimums. Neither of us complained because I think we could only smell ourselves. Only the furbabies looked at us skeptically. Thankfully Dick's RV Park in Great Falls solved this problem. Sweet, sweet hot water and soap! Such are the travails of late fall traveling.
We'll stay in Olympia for 11 days to visit our children, grandchildren, and friends. This year will be a bit different as my wife brought along her own vehicle, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, aka 'Barbicus'. Better mileage, but still more gas $$$. She says she'll handle the budget so at this point I exercise the "Yes Ma'am" clause. We'll still get to Rotodome Ranch in Texas about mid-December.
Along the way I took advantage of 5 On the Road (OTR) meals such as Venison Barley Stew, Venison Sheppard's Pie, and Smoked Pork Shoulder. Simple reheats are always so easy when traveling. We also ate at Howard's Pizza in Great Falls, MT. Diesel prices are a virtual crap shoot this year. We paid as little as $3.58 in Kalkaska, MI and as high as $4.30 in Lewistown, MT. We averaged 12 mpg towing for the trip. Barb averaged much better at 27.7 mpg in Jeep Barbicus. Total camping costs to this point: $165 for 8 days. Boondocking pays with the battery bank getting a workout. We did burn 3 gallons of gas (15 hours) on the generator for topping off the bank as well as primary power. The trip was tough on Barb though as she has never driven this distance before as the sole pilot. We refilled propane in Great Falls at $2.90 per gallon.
Upon arriving in Olympia we set up our base camp at Lucky Eagle Casino south of town. This would be our base camp for the next 11 days while visiting. RV Parking | Lucky Eagle Casino $36 per night. Satellite setup was easy here as well. Welcome home to Rainier Beer!
While in Olympia we visited mom's neighbor and our friend, Rosalie as well as our very good friend Wilma. After reconnecting in 2015 after 44 years we boondocked with her and husband, John several times before his passing in 2020. We miss him so very much. A lifelong logger, hunter, and conservationist, his loss is felt throughout Western Washington. We also got together with our son, Joe and our Grandson, Brock. I brought along several items and boxes of reloading supplies and hunting gear to give to Joe. I'd rather do this while I'm still.......well you get the idea. I also stopped by the Tumwater Historical Society to visit with old friend and director Don Trosper and pick up his latest book, autographed of course.
Don Trosper, Tumwater Historic Society, Earl of Quatsch
While here we dined on UP Shepherd's Pies, UP Pasties, Beer Batter Fried Perch/Walleye, and Boudin/Eggs w/Cheesy Grits among others. We did, of course eat at Eagan's Big Tom in Tumwater just to enjoy a Big Tom Burger, Tater Tots, and GOOP.
Avocado Chicken Salad
Fried Walleye w/garden salad
From here it's on to the beaches 60 miles to the west at Ocean Shores for a week of (hopefully) good razor clam digging.
"You only live once, but if you do it right once is enough"
Mae West
WiFi courtesy of AT & T Wireless
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