Travel from Gig Harbor WA to Fort Belvoir Va - Sailarmy Family

Ohio !

Sailarmy Family — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Whew, we made it to Ohio and lost an hour due to time change. We are just two states away from our new home. We do know that "home" is really where the Army sends us, but for now home will be in Va. We started out the day with Thunder, lightning and as we drove out huge drops of pouring rain. We made it just up the road and waited it out at a gas station. The storm quickly passed and we continued on to Ohio. The traveling was good for a few hours, until we reached Ohio. There was an emergency message on the radio about severe thunderstorms and baseball size hail headed our way. God must of sent his angels to clear the skies above us. I looked at the radar on my phone and the ugly storm was behind us and ahead of us, but as far as we drove we were in a pocket of calm..not even a drop of rain! We pray and thank God everyday for a safe journey and we have been blessed this trip. We are staying at The Lazy J camp. Its a nice quiet area and they have a pool and the.most awsome large Jumping Pillow. Imagine the bottom of a bouncy House! The kids love it. The owner and is wife are wonderful people they make you feel like family. He gave us tips on how to avoid the turnpike tolls and we plan on making it to kust outside Pittsburgh today. The weather has given us a break and is cool(er) mid 70's.

Two States Down!

Sailarmy Family — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Yeah..two states down. We cruised through Illinois and made it to Michigan City Campground, IN. We decided to take our chance here, the reviews not beimg great. Upon arrival the people at the desk were friendly and we were able to get a spot. They were very busy and apparently they had a kids baseball tournament locally. This campground was a mix of full timers (trailer homes and 5th wheels) , seasonal people (park models) and the transients. The facilities were nice and worked. We thought there was a problem with Yellowjackets, which I told the kids were dragonfly ..they were that big! They were actually sand bees..they didnt bother us but sure looked scary! As far as the reviews go..its a work in progress..we can see improvements being made but the full timers septics are not fully capped and you do get a whif every now and then and Dave tells me the mens shower water is a little smelly. All in all it was good for the night. OHIO TOMORROW!

Still in Iowa!

Sailarmy Family — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Well we are getting close to Illinois ..not quite there but tomorrow we will tackle 2 states! We were getting to the end of a long hot day and anything that had electric would do. The kids were restless today and we had two "bathroom accidents" due to the fact they didnt tell us until it was an "I gotta go right now ". Miles and Miles of corn, corn, cattle, and corn, didnt leave many pull over opportunities! We arrived at Interstate RV park not expecting much. The clerk was friendly and we got full hookups in a shady level spot. We were across from the pool and park. It was one mile off the road so no imterstate noise here. We were able to do laundry..CHEAP! 1.25$ will get it washed and all the way dry. They had movies we could loan out and books for the kids. This was another nice Surprise campsite. We are learnimg that names can be deceiving ..Interstate RV is not ON the Interstate!

Where are we?!

Sailarmy Family — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We have been on the move everyday now for a few days and the states and places blend together! Today we stayed at Lake Manawa State Park. Its a large State Park located within a residential area. With the heat being in the 90's we didnt care where to stay as long as it had electric. We found a shady spot. We found a back in with electric and water. It backed up to the woods with a large shade tree. The tree didnt help but to keep the heat in
.there was no breeze and over 100 degrees in the sun. Thankful for the a/c! Dave went to Walmart, not a task really, but time to shop in peace! The constant moving is starting to take it's toll and the heat leaves us cranky and restless. We woke the next morning to blazing heat but nature brought us something to smile about. Just outside our window were 3 rabbits jumping and playing. Next came a black squirrel, the kids have never seen those. Next up was a Doe that came walking out of the woods to get some grass. It eas nice to sit and take a minute to relax instead of the daily cleaning and hook up routine. Time to hit the road!

Nebraska!

Sailarmy Family — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Nebraska! This is a huge state! I thought that it would be all flat and farmland. Just outside of Wy we got to Nebraska and the wind started to howl. This made the driving difficult and the semi's flying by didn't help either. We stopped at a rest stop about Halfway through and had a snack and the kids got to run. We are traveling around 260 Miles a day from here on out, so the driving is difficult when the winds are powering and the weather has been blazing hot, 99 today. We pushed on through and made it the Gothenburg, NE. We were hot and decided a pool and hookups would be great. We arrived at the Gothenburg KOA. We made reservations on the way and the person taking the reservations was really nice and helpful on the phone. Located just a block off HWY 80, we drove up to the KOA. We drove up the the registration desk, that is located next to the gas pumps, the "office" is the convience store next to the gas pumps. We didn't know what to expect. We just wanted a pool and a/c ! We were given our spot and directions. What a nice Surprise..! We drove around the back of the gas station and over a little bridge that spans a creek and back into the woods. The campsites are large spaces with green grass and tall shade trees! This is great. The only sound you heard was the wind in the trees and it had a large thick border of trees that blocked the hwy noise and view of traffic. The pool was clean and the restrooms were spotless. We don't have one complaint, this is a little hidden gem off the HWY!
The kids swam and played in the park. After dinner they went back to the park and played till dusk. Dusk and time for sleep came an hour early as we now are in MTN time. Off we go again tomorrow for another 260 mile trek, we hope the wind will die down and the driving will be easy.

Terry Bison Ranch

Sailarmy Family — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Well, we hauled it today over to Cheyenne! We made it over the highest point on HWY 80, over 8300ft. Luckily there was a rest stop just over the top. It was a nail biting climb and the little GMC made it! Whew! This is the last of the big moutains we will have to climb! We decided to stay at the Terry Bison Ranch. Based on the website, it was a working ranch and had kids pony rides and a "carnival" type rides and playgrounds for the kids and a steakhouse. This seemed really fun and a different thing to do. We arrived to the ranch. It was just off the interstate and yes it was a Bison Ranch. The ranch was lacking life. It was more of an off the interstate RV park. They did offer pony rides $8.00 for 15 minutes around a little Circle. I saw the corral, but no ponies. All the activities and "life" was missing. The playsets were old and the slides were metal and by the afternoon came, they became to hot to play on. The sites were in an open gravel parking lot with no trees and at night you could hear the drone and the lights of the semi's buzzing by. The bathrooms and laundry areas were clean. They did have Bison roaming the fields. I guess at one time this used to be a busy place and as much fun as the webpage, but now, its more of an RV park.

Grand Tetons

Sailarmy Family — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We left Yellowstone through the south Entrance. We want to travel through the Grand Teton National Park. The drive south was an easy one and we got to see the south end of Yellowstone. We easily could of spent a week in Yellowstone, but now its time to get moving as our date to be in Va is quickly approaching! The moutians were beautiful and snow capped. We stopped in Jackson, Wy at the visitors Center. It was a nice stop, they had displays on Wy wildlife and things for the kids to touch and listen to. It was a good break to get out and the kids got a break from the driving. Its been really hot and the driving hard through all the moutians. We decided to push it and get to Rock Springs, Wy. It was a haul, but we made it and stayed at the Rock Springs KOA. We needed to do laundry and it would be nice to have hookups after 5 days. The Rock Springs KOA was OK. It was not like the webpage. The webpage said, "you may see a band of wildhorses from your lawn chair." I don't see this happening. It was a large gravel parking lot behind a power plant. The game room was small and half of the 5 games didn't work. The pool was not open due to cleaning. The people were nice and they escorted us to our site, but the park was not like the web description of the camp. We did get our laundry done and cooled off with the hookups. It has been blazing hot, 90 or 100 degrees for days now.

Yellowstone!

Sailarmy Family — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We traveled down hwy 191. The drive into Yellowstone was beautiful. The towering mountians and rivers. We were headed south into Yellowstone and the rivers were flowing North, we found this odd. The rivers we found out do flow North for awhile and then flow south. We were lucky to find a spot at Bridge Bay campsite, across from the Yellowstone Lake. This is an old camp and the spaces are odd and hard to get in and out with a camping trailer. We were able to find a nice double wide space were we could spend 3 days. As soon as we got settled we headed to the Marina. They were boarding for the Lake Queen II. We took a lake tour, it was very interesting. Yellowstone lake is at 7700ft elevation and the whole lake freezes over, up to three feet, in the winter. Dave booked a fishing charter for the next day. We woke up early the next day and headed out. We drove the Grand Loop and saw bison and more bison, they seemed to be everywhere, even in the road! This place is like no other, towering mountians, waterfalls and sulfur springs. Dave and Dawson went on the fishing charter that evening and came back with 9 lake trout! After catching his first fish, Dawson shouted, "yeah baby!" They had a blast. The next day, our last day, we visited the mud pots. It was bubbling muddy water and Dawson said, look its like Shrek! Megan saw a smaller mud pot and said, look mom, its like Shreks hot tub! Its amazing to see so much diversity in one place.
That evening the sky went from Sunshine to windy in a second. Dave and I scurried to put the awning up and put things away. The wind kicked up and large drops of rain started to fall. The rain came down hard with thunder and lightning. The kids were scared, I don't think they have ever been in a thunderstorm. We distracted them by making popcorn, the old fashioned way... on the gas stove with a large kettle. This camp does not have utilities. Off to the Grand Tetons tomorrow.

Almost to Yellowstone

Sailarmy Family — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We arrived at the last stop before Yellowstone! Missouri Headwaters State Park. This park encompasses the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers. The Lewis and Clark Expedition anticipated this important headwaters all the way up the Missouri River in 1804 and 1805. We stayed at a "dry" camp, we had only one other camper in the park. The weather was dry and we found a nice site under some trees. The site backed to a large feild and Dawson and Megan went exploring. We took the car down the the "Three Forks" and went for a walk. The River was Crystal clear and cool. Dawson, Dave and Megan went swimming in this historic River. Later that night, Dave took the kids for a walk down a trail. They all came running back, after turning a corner, a swarm of Mosquitos! The "fun" thing on the hike was the "bunnies" they saw.

Heading to Yellowstone in the morning!

Montana !!

Sailarmy Family — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We made it over Lookout Pass and into Montana! We are staying at the KOA in Missoula. After the last experience, we were going to swear off RV parks! But this was on the way and we thought it would be nice, if just for one night. We arrived to smiling happy people. Ahh.. nice for a change. The spaces are large enough and easy to park. We took the kids to the pool, outside the gate was a smiling person who held open the door for us. The pool is nice and clean as the rest of the facilities. They have free wifi, that really works "everywhere" in the park. We enjoyed the drive over here, for the little we saw of Montana so far, its beautiful. The winding rivers are Crystal clear and the mountains are beautiful. We passed several towns that had populations of less than 1000 people. We head out tomorrow for the big haul to Bozeman Montana or farther if the kids patience holds out! This is more than a "Summer vacation" but a life in transition. For the kids, their home is part of their security and that has been stripped away. All the things that they called home were put in a moving truck and hauled away. So, to pack up and keep moving every day or every 3 days is hard on them. We are trying to pack some fun, but even if they know we are going to the "new House", I don't think they really know what that means. I don't even know what that means. So, tomorrow we once again, pack up and move on. We hope to be in Yellowstone by early next week.

Laundry Stop- RV Park !!!

Sailarmy Family — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We Made it to Coeur d Alene, ID ! After camping with no services other than the 12 volt battery and a tank of fresh water for over a week. We were looking forward to full hookups, a pool and laundry! We arrived full of good feelings, to Coeur d Alene Camping resort. It is located on a hillside and the sites are stacked one on top of the other. We were escorted to our site, wow, how nice of them. Then we found out why.. our site was a back in with a sheer rock cliff to the rear and a drop off of about 4 feet on one side. We had to be guided in as not to fall off one side or scape the utilities on the other side or back in to the rock wall. Well, we got settled and wanted to catch up with family via the internet. They promised free wifi. When I couldn't connect, I decided to do laundry. I went to the office and asked if the wifi worked in certain areas of the park or should I be doing something I am not. The response I got was not one of concern, but annoyance. I was told, "It works everywhere!" I told him, that I was having a hard time getting it to work in my site. He said, "oh, well, when the big rigs and hardsided motorhomes are on the hill, it may not work." Ok.. well that answered that, I think?! I could go on and on about how I would not recommend this place, unless of course you don't have kids, dogs, trash..! Kids: They must only play in certain areas. Right next to the pool is a shower, perfect for the rinse off after the pool. But if you have kids, don't leave the swim diaper there! No, those must be carted up the hill to a "proper" trash can. Really, there is a sign in the bath, next to the showers, no swim diapers or "household" trash, those must be put in the north end trash cans. So haul it up the hill, people!. Dogs, not pet friendly. They must walk in the dog loop, and even if you clean up after your pet, there is a special trash can for that, yep, north end of the park, up the hill. We got the laundry done and had the full hookups, but we would not stay here again. Staff was rude, no one smiled, no one.. ! so much for hospitality!

Happy 4th of July

Sailarmy Family — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Happy 4th Everyone! Today was picture perfect ! Sun was shining and it warmed to at least the mid 70's. We took advantage of the beautiful weather and went for a hike. I realize how much of this beautiful state we havent even touched on. Yes, I do admit I am a Sunshine girl and the rain and cooler temps put a damper on my spirit at times, but days like today remind me how much we didnt do in the 6 years in Wa. We geared up and took at least a mile hike with kids and dog in tow along the Wenatachee Lake. We climbed over downed trees and the kids chose "budda" sticks aka hiking sticks. We stopped along the bank for a break and Dawson and Dave skipped rocks and Ali, the dog, even waded in. After a quick lunch at the trailer we headed to the beach. The Lake is Glacier fed, so yes, a tad chilly!! I was watching the kids splash around and the run up the beach to warm up. The sun was bright and warm. The kids found little places in the sand and dug a hole to lounge in and warm up. We are grilling hot dogs and sausages by the fire. Last night in WA. Tomorrow over to Couer DAlene, ID.

The beginning.

Sailarmy Family — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Thought we should start where our journey started.

PCS to VA

Sailarmy Family — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We are a military family and were stationed in WA. Having lived arounf Fort Lewis for the past 6 years, we were given orders to Fort Belvoir, VA. We stayed the first two nights at Penrose State Park. It was a nice park and the sites spaced so you could enjoy the tall pines. It had lots of easy walking trails. Very nice and true to Wa, damp and wet even in early July. We then traveled to Eastern Wa and drier and warmer temps. We arrived at Lake Wenatchee Lake State Park late yesterday. This morning, I was reminded I still was in WA, it was rainy and cool, 56 degrees. To get here we drove over Stevens Pass and Blewett Pass, elev 4100 ft! The snow capped mountains, with waterfalls, even in July, are beautiful. We dropped down into Leavenworth, WA. This Storybook town is full of Bavarian hotels and Shops. We drove along the Icicle River. We are staying at the State Park here. The park is nice and well kept. The spots are not on top of each other. We are staing in the North loop. The South Loop is crowded and all the spots are tight. Today we went to the Fish Hatchery. We grabbed some groceries and headed back. The kids met someother camper kids and were running for hours. It was good to see them having fun. So far we are getting this camping thing!