Trial Run - Cowlitz Falls Park

Memorial Day Weekend, 2014 - Cowlitz Falls Park

We headed for a wonderful campground just outside of Randle, WA.  The setting couldn't be better.  It is nestled in the Cowlitz valley between Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens.  You won't find this campground on any state or federal park listing as it is run by the Cowlitz County PUD. You also cannot reserve a spot via the internet.  You must either call or mail in the request.  Long story short, this is what greets you as you drive up.

Summer view of entry (summer 2013)

Goal: set up Lucille for a shake down.  This was the opportunity to set up the new awning, use the little kitchen and in general, just see what we should have included in the trailer.  And due to the weather, to find out what works and what doesn't. 

Item missed: firm footings for the trailer jacks.  To remedy the situation, we ran to the local hardware store and bought 10" square patio bricks. The bricks are now on the camping checklist and stay in the back of Tiny as standard equipment. 

Tree covered camp spot

Discovery: A better system for holding up the awning is essential.  The awning is 14' wide.  We thought 3 poles would hold it up nicely.  Not.  In a rain and wind storm an independent 3 pole system is anything but sturdy, as we found out Sunday night.  A pole failure (more like a failure of the tethers securing the pole to the ground..the ground was saturated) caused part of the awning to come crashing down, partially blocking the door.  Not good should an emergency exit be necessary. The remedy is of Dave's creation.  He put together an interconnected 1/2 pipe pole system that provides support between the poles to hold up the awning.  I am 99.9% certain that it will take a typhoon to make this pole system fail.  The test run is coming up.

The view

Camp spot with a view: Our camp spot was set back in the trees.  The appeal for this particular spot is that it opens up into a wonderful grassy area providing a view worthy of setting up the camp chairs.  We also get to see the campground kids having a great time on the playground equipment. If so inclined, this would be a great spot for badminton.

Other signs made by Sarah

Once camp was set up, we were free to roam about the area.  So off we went to Packwood for the Memorial Day Weekend flea market.  This "little" event over takes this little town twice a year and provides a great opportunity for people watching, meandering around a ton of junk and treasures, as well as the discovery of interesting local businesses and artists.  We found this little jewel in the booth for Sarah's Signs.  She makes them herself.  Her home business is located just outside of Vancouver, WA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sign we bought....says it all

Exploring is also the other reason to go to this area.  Unfortunately, we were not able to access Windy Ridge on the East side of Mt. St. Helen's due to snow closure.  However, we were able to enjoy Iron Creek Falls in its full glory.  This little jewel is located along the road to Windy Ridge and is just a short walk from a roadside pullout. 

Iron Creek Falls

We look forward to another visit before we leave Western Washington for good.

Who are Tiny and Lucille?

It is more a matter of "what" are Tiny and Lucille. 

First, I have to tell you that I had no idea how important it is to name your car, trailer, motorcycle....anything that is motorized.  So it goes that Tiny and Lucille came to be. 

Tiny is our Dodge Ram 1 ton dualie.  Tiny was the truck that pulled the Coney Mobile for 3 1/2 years and is a work horse. She is also Dave's first truck.  Long story short, when we sold the Coney trailer, we kept the truck.  Now Tiny pulls our travel trailer.

Lucille is our travel trailer.  She is named in honor of Lucille Ball.  Lucy and Desi did a film titled "The Long, Long Trailer" back in the 60's (or maybe it was 50's).  Dave found the movie on one of the vintage trailer websites. Of course he had to order it and we watched it as soon as it arrived.  It is about the misadventures of Lucy and Desi as a newly wed couple, pulling their 40' (yes 40') trailer to Colorado.  The car they used was definitely smaller than Tiny, but hey it was a movie. 

Here is Tiny and Lucille on our first camping trip of the year over Memorial Day Weekend.  Now you know who are Tiny and Lucille. 

Here we go!

Retirement provides the setting for a new set of adventures.  While retirement is not quite here yet (August 1.....6 short weeks away!), the plans are in motion for camping adventures.  There's the 2 week pre-retirement adventure to Northern California, the day follow retirement 2 week excursion to Montana, and the Labor Day follies in Baker City, OR for the Sumpter flea market.  That is just what we know about for 2014.

For 2015, we are already booked in June for camping at the Lake of the Ozarks.  This an opportunity for Penny (me) and her two sisters to enjoy each others company and to have our children and grandchildren join in the fun. 

Lucille, our 1975 23' Terry, is ready to go, well almost.  Never having owned a trailer before, it has certainly been a learning experience.  New mattress as nightly comfort is essential, stereo speakers for a few tunes in the campground, new tires with baby moons to get us there safely, and a fully stocked kitchen (better than our home kitchen at the moment) so that we can cook and eat in a manner in which Dave has become accustomed to achieving.  So what's left?  Just a few minor adjustments to the propane tanks, a small generator so we can dry camp in comfort, and a portable compressor for the water tank. 

We are excited to share our adventures with you as the story unfolds.  Stay tuned.