Our Journey Living In Nature – Part Eleven

“The greatest delight which the fields and woods minister, is the suggestion of an occult relationship between man and the vegetable. I am not alone and unacknowledged. They nod to me and I to them.”

– Waldo Emerson

April 3, 2018 – Tuesday – Memaloose State Park, Columbia Gorge, Oregon

We had a long drive ahead of us, about a 5 hour drive. We took Hwy 20 east from Newport, and it was a nice drive through some beautiful country side. We then connected to Hwy 34 that took us to the Hwy 5 interstate. We then got on to I-205 to bypass most of Portland, then to I-84 that took us into the Columbia Gorge, and the great Columbia River. This will be my first time in the gorge.

Many of the places we drive through or stay for a short while, would have been nice to stay longer, but we are on of a schedule. This would be a nice place to spend some time at it seems. It is a nice and quaint campground for the most part.

I-84 is a busy road connecting east to west through the Columbia Gorge. Most of our trip so far, traffic has been minimal and relaxing to drive. Traffic really never existed until now.

We found the campground with no problem, but getting to it was another story. It was across the highway with a concrete barrier dividing us. I was not sure how far we would have to go before we would find a place to turn around. I thought, “Who the heck designed this layout anyway?” We had to go further on the highway to get access to the other side of the highway where there was a rest stop, then back track 3 miles to the campground entrance.

Entering the campground, I was not to impressed with what I saw. The campground was small and we didn’t have very many choices that would work for us. I stopped by the Camp Hosts trailer to hopefully give us a helping hand. She directed me to a site that she thought might work for us. We took the site. I found out the next day, from a different Camp Host, that the site we had taken was the worst site for flooding. She recommended a site next to the river, and when I checked it out it seemed it could work. My other concern was taking a site that was next to the river, and if someone reserved it I would have to move. Most people will reserve sites next to water. I have to check-in everyday to reserve my site which is a pain in the rear.

This current site we chose had no flat areas to set up a tent. The only area for a tent was sloping in two different directions, 90 degrees from each other. It sounds like an uncomfortable night of sleeping.

The weather today consisted of high clouds, some blue sky, and winds.

I was trying to get the tent up quickly while fighting the winds that was making it a challenge. If it was cold outside, I didn’t notice while I was using a lot of energy putting up the tent. I was shedding off clothing from over heating. Once I got the tent up, the winds died down and I got to relax a bit and start to notice my surroundings. The first thing I noticed was the traffic noise from the cars and truck, with the campsite being right next to the highway. I would quickly find out, it was continuous during the day and night. We also had two busy train lines on both sides of the river. One on the Oregon side where the tracks were very close to the campground, and below us. This helped to muffle the sound a bit. And tracks on the Washington side of the river. The trains at night often ran about every half hour. I wasn’t paying too much attention how often the trains ran during the day. I didn’t mind much with the trains coming through because I enjoyed watching them. I have alway had a thing about trains at a very young age. Much of the loads the trains carried was coal and oil. The noise from the trains were nothing compared to the traffic noise. I had my doubts we would be staying at this campground long. I was ready to leave the next day for another campground. We had a small window of good weather supposedly on Wednesday, and more rain the rest of the week. It is all about the weather.

As in the last campground we were in, the trash cans are located by the entrance, which means we have to drive to them. The restrooms were also a bit of a distance from us.

The campground is overall a nice campground with beautiful features like being close to the river. That is if you want to call the Columbia River, a river at all. It just looks like a continues stream of dammed lakes. Looking across the river to the Washington mountains gave us a nice view. the nice trees sparely spread out on the grounds, the grassy areas, and vegetation, but for the actual campsites, in my opinion they are bad for tent camping.

We have the City of Hood River to the west of us 6 miles away, that has a Safeway and Walmart. And we have the town of The Dalles east of us about the same distance as Hood River. Either way I go I have to deal with a backtracking to get back to camp.

There is a lot of bird activity in the area, and Nanook and I just saw a gray squirrel. These little creatures of nature adds wonder to our experiences.

I also found a piece of birch bark on the ground from a birch tree. I will keep it for a good fire starting tinder. Knowing the resources that nature provides to us is good and valuable knowledge to have. With a small spark to the shavings made by the scraping of a knife to this bark, it brings the beginnings of a fire easily. For me, it bring me ever closer to the natural world. It gives a kind of kinship between man and nature that most of us have lost. It not only gives confidence in ones skills using what nature provides to us, we can bring a deeper relationship with nature. Nature is not something we must conquer, but a friend to be respected, and to be grateful for all that she gives. Without the many forms nature provides, life could not exist. But it seems most of us have forgotten this fact, with being consumed and lost in our modern, and materialistic world.

Evening Entry

We went to the grocery store in Hood River for a few things, and to also find a Wi-Fi for possible alternative campgrounds. I found a Wi-Fi at Mc Donalds, and no luck in finding an alternative campground.

After returning to our campground, I was talking to the Camp Host, and she told me to just look for another campsite here, and recommended one next to the river. I would have to think about my options.

With the long drive, being tired, and the frustrations I was having, it turned out to be a nice day with the sun shining in the late afternoon. There were signs of rain approaching with clouds beginning to roll in from the northwest, with a sense of rain not far away.

The Ranger dropped by our camp, and she blocked out the camp I picked by the river. I would not have to deal with making reservations. It is a nicer campsite then the one we are in now. So we will move to the new site tomorrow. It is a hassle moving camp, but it might be worth it. Monica, the ranger and I talked for a bit, and we have a lot in common, especially with the native people. We talked more when she was working at the kiosk this evening, while I was walking the boys.

After we got back to camp darkness was settling in. I decided to do some reading before turning in. The boys are just hanging out, checking the new environment out for any critters that might show up near camp. The campground was nearly empty. Before we turned in, I spent a few minutes enjoying the darkness of night, feeling at peace from this hectic day.

I have been thinking about where to go next to avoid this wet weather. The new tent is obvious not good in wet weather, since the last one only lasted a month. We will see how long this one lasts.

The night time temperature feels comfortable, as with the feelings of being peaceful. Enjoying the silhouette of the trees against the dark night skies. For a minute I thought I actually saw stars. Not too long ago the skies looked like they were preparing for rain. And a couple of hours later the stars are out. The ever changing fickleness of the weather. These times make it special to be in nature, to experience nature fully with everything she brings to us. These little things, when fully aware, makes these moments special. And they are even more special experiencing them with the boys.

April 4, 2018 – Wednesday

It seems I must have slept fairly well, even though I was leaning in two different directions with the slopes of the land underneath me. I continued waking up with those continued doubts if I will make to Alaska, and will I survive financially? But when I think about Alaska, I think of the beauty, and the wildness of the place. I think about the Movie “North To Alaska,” with John Wayne, and the theme song playing in my head.

We didn’t get any rain last night, or this morning. It is overcast with some low dark rain clouds creeping in, yet it doesn’t feel like rain. It is actually a beautiful morning in nature.

On our short morning walk, the boys and I walked by our new campsite we will be moving to today. It looks small, very small, but has a great view by the river, and the mountains on the Washington side. I hope it works out. The site we are moving to will be our smallest site we have been in. Very little room for the boys to move around in. We will also be further away from the restrooms. I will have to sneak a pee when no one is around, since I really don’t have any privacy.

Afternoon Entry

The move to our new camp went quickly and with no hitches. I was hesitant about the new site. It felt like the size of a postage stamp. One has to sacrifice space for prime waterfront property, even in campgrounds. The people that would have been to the left of us, had left, leaving us with a much nicer view of the gorge. It makes our site look bigger. The boys settled in quickly to their new surroundings with many more things to look at. It doesn’t take much to please them. I believe they really like this life style we are living. I have a good view of Memaloose Island – “Island of the Dead,” which I am told is a sacred burial site for Native Americans of the Columbia River, that were known as the Chinook Indians. The name, Memaloose is derived from the Chinook Indian word Memalust, meaning “to die.”

On October 29, 1805, Lewis and Clark called Memaloose Island “Sepulchar Island.” It was one of several islands that Lewis and Clark commented on that had burial vaults of the remains of Indian tribes that lived along the Columbia river. Many of these islands are now covered by the backwaters of the Columbia dams. Only one-third of this particular island can be seen above the river today.

Until recent times, the Indian peoples of the Columbia River did not bury their dead. Instead, bodies were wrapped in robes or tule mats and placed in cedar vaults on islands such as Memaloose Island, as one form of placing the bodies to rest. There where thirteen such vaults on this island that were noted by Lewis during their passing of the island.

A collector of Indian artifacts, James Hartley, looted and destroyed many burial sites including the one on Memaloose Island. He was found dead in September 1896 in an old canoe on a small island in Deadman’s Lake (Cowlitz Co., WA). In the canoe, his hands and feet were bound by writhers of hazel and fastened to the stem and stern of the canoe. A stake made of hazel was driven through his body just below his breast bone. Torture and death was done to those who disturbed these burial sites of the Indian peoples. These burial grounds were seen as sacred to the Indian people, and death for those who showed no respect for them by destroying, looting, and showing disrespect for the resting souls. At one time in the early1980s there was believed to be 30 Indian grave sites on the island.

When I first saw this monument I knew it was not placed on the Island for the dead souls of the Indian people, but rather for some white man that carried a big ego with him by displaying such a monument resting upon his grave. His name was Victor Trevitte. He put in his Will to be buried on the island with his Indian friends. It was very unlikely that Trevitte or his family ask permission to have his grave site be placed on this sacred island of the dead, by the Native peoples in the area. It is something Native people just did not do.

His memorial was on March 10, 1883. He was a pioneer printer, businessman, state legislator, and supposedly a friend of the Indian people in the area. Trevitte requested burial on the island to be among the people he supposedly loved. Due to the rising waters of the dam, relocations of most of these Indian graves were relocated during the 1930s. Victor Treville grave site, as with his monument remained. And with some Indian burial vaults that were placed on higher ground of the Island.

Memaloose Island is one of several “islands of the dead” sacred sites once found on the Columbia River. And now erased from the past that some white settlers only saw as relics to collect, or destroy. Would they do this horrific act against their own? Would we do this? Many acts of genocide, atrocities, and hatred against these indigenous peoples, on this land, and other lands sadly still occurs. And many still have not learned from our dark past. With our cloudy vision of hatred and fear, and greed, we still cannot see what we had done to a once thriving peoples. A peoples that lived with the land for many thousands of years, that saw this land as sacred to their very existence. And for the European settlers, land and natural resources were just to be taken for their own use, and self-indulgence. Even if it required destroying a whole race of peoples to get it. A model that still exists today. And even worse, we celebrate it through a strong sense of nationalism. Of who we are as a people.

In North America, there was a very rough estimate of 60 million to a 100 million native people living here for tens of thousands of years, prior to the arrival of the Europeans coming here. If we think about it, each foot step we take on this land, their were many foot steps from the native peoples, imprinted on this very land. Where they may have slept, had camp fires, and where their children had ran and played. Do we ever think about them? For me, there is a deep sadness, and loss I feel in what we had done to these original peoples.

My whole view of this area, now has a much different meaning to it. I see it as a sacred place, not just a place to camp. A place to show respect to.

I find that once I get settled into our camps, and begin to look around, I see the beauty of my surroundings and feel a gratitude in those experiences. I feel grateful that I have the boys by my side on this adventure. It would not be the same without them. It is hard to explain the beauty in nature that I see and feel here. It cannot be explained enough in words.

Looking across the Columbia River (that now seems like just a series of damned lakes, of this once great river), over to the Washington side, viewing the spectacular scenery of the mountains and plateaus rising above the river, imagining what this place must have looked like when only the native people were here, and the land untouched by modern day man.

I hear in the near distance Canadian geese honking away, and the echos against the steep walls of the gorge.

There are plenty of freight trains on both sides of the river, carry freight, oil, and coal. I was watching a very long train on the Washington side carrying oil tankers. I was thinking about the possibility of a derailment of coal or oil, and the environmental consequences of such a disaster? With the health consequences to human life and animal life?

In June, 3, 2016, a Union Pacific unit train carrying nearly three million gallons of oil derailed by the Oregon town of Mosier. Of the supposedly safer tanker cars on the train, 16 derailed, spilling 42,000 gallons of oil. The volatile Bakken crude ignited, causing a fire that took14 hours to put out. It sent up a plume of toxic smoke and ash that could be seen for miles. It contaminated the Mosier water system, and oil spilling into the Columbia River for miles. How clean is the Columbia River? Today, toxic contaminates are mercury, DDT, PCBs, and PBDE flame-retardants, PAHs, arsenic, copper, lead, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. The dams along the Columbia River also pollutes the river with oil spills. If you think we have clean water in our fresh water creeks, streams, and river systems, you better think again? And it is all human created since the Europeans first stepped on this land we call North America. (To this day I am writing this on November 11, 2023, oil and coal are still transported by rail along the Columbia River Gorge).

The Camp Host said it was okay to pick up twigs, so I am picking up some twigs from two dead downed trees nearby camp for a fire.

Midday when I was getting our camp set up and almost complete, it did begin to lightly sprinkle. We then headed for the grocery store, still sprinkling. On our return to camp, the weather turned absolutely beautiful. A gorgeous day along the Columbia River. Most of the campers at the campground had left. The traffic noise at our new site seems to be a bit quieter. The only place for the tent was right next to where the camper’s parking is at the site to our left. Hopefully we will get lucky and have no neighbors in that site.

In the area we are camped, there is a slight drop off where there is a grassy area, then a large patch of blueberry bushes. I was told there was also poison oak. There are lots of ground squirrels in the grassy area that Nanook is observing, while Tokata is napping from the busy day of setting up our new camp. It is hard work supervising me.

Two storms are projected for the weekend. We plan to leave on the first part of next week. I wanted to spend a little time at the Columbia Gorge, so I can scratch that off the list for things to do. It is amazing here. I was seeing this area with child’s eyes, so wondrous, magical, and beautiful. This is a childhood dream of mine to live in nature. It only took me many decades to get here.

April 5, 2018 – Thursday

Last night at about 8:30 pm, we went to bed. It was a beautiful evening, and with no rain. The temperature was around 60 deg. I could barely hear any traffic noise from the highway, but the trains heading east were very loud, almost scary sounding. Sounding like they were right on top of us. The bright train light beams would light up the whole tent. It was like in the scenes of a movie, when one would open the door of their house, and the train would be barreling down on them. The trains going westward weren’t as loud. I could also hear the trains across the river.Last night we also had a river paddle boat come by, that was cool to see. Then an occasional barge. I saw the one last night, and one this morning making things pretty exciting. Very few small boats have used this stretch of river for fishing. This river would be the last place I would fish in with it’s toxic laden soup. I think of the poor creatures who really have no place to get clean water that once were pure of man’s toxic waste.

The winds were blowing, coming and going, and with little rain falling. There was a light rain during the night. I had the window covers open, occasionally checking for any wetness coming in the tent. The fir trees helped block the rain next to our tent. Then the rain was beginning to come down a little harder, so I thought it was a good idea to close the window flaps. It was hard getting out of my nice comfortable sleeping bag to close the window covers, but much better than waking to a wet tent inside.

This morning we got up at 9:00 am, took a short walk, and paid for another night. The temp. was 50 deg., overcast and misty. I talked with the Ranger at the kiosk while paying for the night, and he asked how long I was going to stay? I told him possibly Tuesday. He said he would work with me on how I wanted to pay, and he would block out the site until Tuesday. A very nice guy and found the Rangers in many campgrounds very helpful and workable with the campers.

Our walks are somewhat short due to the lack of trails here. The only place to really walk is along the campground road. It is a beautiful morning walk enjoying the views along side the Columbia River.

A Tug and barge came by this morning, moving slowly down the river.

It is raining now, but just with a light sprinkle. I did put up the canopy yesterday, so we have some protection from the wet weather. If one has the room for a canopy, it is well worth having both in the winter and summer. One just has to be aware of winds. The canopy is nice to have because it gives one the experiences of being outside much more, as with being a necessity for doing the cooking, and as for me, writing in the journal, or just reflecting or observing, in listening while in nature. But I also enjoy the openness of not having it. I find it to confining at times. Both the boys are under the canopy with me, then Takota moved to huddle against the tent. His way of saying, “let me in the tent, please.” But not when he is all wet! He is getting some protection from the fir tree canopy.

I said a prayer to the spirits of the area today, and gave an offering of tobacco. In this prayer it is simply asking for allowing us to be here, asking for the protections for me and the boys, and any wisdom and knowledge the spirit beings can bring to me in having a better understanding of the natural world, to be a better steward of the land, of the air, of the water, and the respect of fire. The four elements of life. On our travels from camp to camp I also ask my spirit helpers to give us protection, safety, strength, support, and wisdom. And to provide us with a nice campsite. So far we have gotten these things provided to us.

I have been saying this for a while, but it is now time to toss the air mattress in the trash, and replace it with the new one we have. I tend to keep things as long as I can before they no longer are functional. This mattress has been a stretch.

I am finding my way around my Smart Phone and I am realizing it is pretty smart after all. It is a useful tool when it works. And I am finding it actually takes pretty good photos. It is easy to carry around vs. carrying a camera around, and much easier to photograph with the two boys.

This morning by the river, I thought I saw a young osprey. Other birds I have seen here are the junco, Steller’s jay, robins, crows, the gray heron, and I thought I saw two bald eagles flying along a ridge line to the south of us. Also I saw a woodpecker, and doves, and heard Canadian geese. I have been hearing a bird of prey calling each morning.

One of the priorities in a good camp, is a good place I can pee in privacy. I found a spot in our new camp as along we have no campers next to us.

Mid-Afternoon Entry

The rains have seemed to stop for the moment, but looking towards the west, more is to come. Because I am not familiar with the area, it is hard telling how much rain will actually fall. Will it be heavy downpours, or light rain that we have been getting mostly in Oregon? The light sporadic rains I can handle. The on and off rains (although somewhat light) we had for four days, consecutively at Harrison Beach was a bit to much with having a leaking tent, the boys and I being constantly wet did become a bit overwhelming, in pushing my limits of tolerance.

Although camping has it’s undesirable limits at times during the late fall, winter, and early spring months, seldom does one have to deal with crowds of people, the campgrounds are usually peaceful and quiet, and there is always the beauty of the changing weather with her many moods during these times.

We are suppose to be experiencing high winds through the gorge from the west of 20 mph. I hope the tent survives. I will lower the canopy.

The roaring winds we had during the night last night, that came from the west didn’t seem to bother the tent much. We have no protection or wind blocks for the tent. Most of the morning has been beautiful out.

Not many campers here, one guy just came in and camped three sites from us to our left.

Besides the highway noise it has been quiet here, and peaceful.

Afternoon Entry

On the Washington side, I counted 97 oil tanker cars on one train.

A little bit ago it was lightly sprinkling. So both Nanook and I were under the fir tree staying dry. Takota was next to the tent in the open. Then the rain got a bit heavier, dropping rain drops on my book I was reading. Then a steady rain began falling. Our only option now was to climb into the tent.

April 6, 2018 – Friday

We got up at 9:00 am after spending some special time with Nanook, when he climbed up onto my bed with me. His heavy body lying on top of me, while I gave him loving scratches. I was only able to take so much of his weight, then I booted him off of me.

I heard from the Camp Host this morning that we are going to get some sunshine today, and no rain.

It was 54 deg. It rained lightly off and on through the night.

The river was covered in a blanket of fog this morning giving the river a mystic feel and beauty to it.

It was a lovely morning indeed as it is every morning waking up to nature with her ever changing moods. This is why I enjoy camping during this time of year. So far on our journey, we haven’t had to get up in a heavy rain. It has always been a light rain, or even a pleasant mist.

Last night I was thinking of our next move. I was thinking about heading to Brooks Memorial State Park, but it is at an elevation of 3,800 feet with a possibility of snow. I wasn’t ready to drive in the snow with hauling a trailer. I have to think about this a bit more. Mike (our camping friend) was telling me we should camp at Wenatchee Confluence State Park. That can also be an option.

This morning on our walk we saw two children, a boy and a girl, and their parents camping in a RV. I was thinking, this is how these children learn about nature. It is not so much camping in a RV, although I don’t like them in nature, but it is about what the children will learn from the parents about nature, in experiencing nature. They won’t learn about nature playing with their toys, and electronic games, or watching TV in the comforts of the trailer with all the niceties of a kitchen, toilet and shower, and a warm place inside. In all the places we have camped, I have never seen the parents teaching their children about truly experiencing and being in nature, in learning to truly appreciate nature, in the beautiful wonders of nature. There are exceptions to this, usually when the children are camping with their grandparents. Or the parents themselves had grown up in nature, and they understood the value that nature can bring to children in their learning that goes beyond the material world. Because most parents have grown up in this material and synthetic world, they know nothing about teaching their children about nature. This is very sad to see, because they are missing out on the very beauty nature brings to us in the plants, the trees, and wildlife. The parents can also open the children’s minds with the old adventure stories like Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer. And the sad thing is, mostly likely these children will carry on this tradition of their disconnection with nature.

One of the reason we took this journey, is to get closer and deeper into a relationship with the natural world. I knew, if I was in nature 24/7, spent silent moments watching and listening to nature, experiencing a beingness or presence in nature, to feel nature within through breathing deeply the cleansing air, my awareness would deepen my experiences with nature, and within myself in ways I could never imagine. It was an awakening in this relationship between me and nature.

I had learned through my reading, and from my experiences in nature. And learning much from the indigenous peoples of the world, and how they related to the natural world. In my practicing bushcraft skills that brought me closer to all things nature provides to us, with respect and appreciation.

Before the Europeans took a single step on this land, the indigenous peoples who had lived here for thousands of years, lived in harmony with the land, and to all life. They saw all life as being sacred. They took from nature only what they needed, and nothing. Since the native people did not write in words, they used their language in story telling, with their songs, in their ceremonies, their dancing, their prayers, and writing on rock faces in pictures and symbols, in their spiritual reverence for Mother Earth. For over four hundred years since the Europeans had arrived here, they have tried to eliminate these native peoples through greed and the theft of their lands – always wanting and taking more.

Genocide was not taken off the table, to rid these savages from the earth. They did not understand or see that these savages were more of the earth than the Europeans. Throughout the world, Modern day man has decimated the indigenous peoples everywhere for riches from the land. And it still continues today. We have learned nothing from the wrongs we have done. We don’t realize these indigenous peoples are here to teach us their wisdom and understanding of nature. We continue to push against the planet until she begins to rebel. And the Earth is now rebelling through climate change to teach them, or rid the planet of the human species. The humans will be part of the Sixth Mass Extinction.

“Imagine, if, they had listened… we’d all be sitting together around the fire today, listening to the sacred stories, respecting the waters, honoring the land, honoring one another…”

– Siksikaitsitapi, Blackfoot

Yesterday while talking with my oldest sister on the phone, a young bald eagle flew to a nearby pine tree, perch upon a branch looking for a meal in the river. He or she is just beginning to get the white on it’s head. The simple beauties in nature. I also got a glimpse of the elusive bird that never gives me a good enough look to be able to Identify it. It has a rust color under its wings, and a white tail that is visible in flight. Can you give it a guess? And a scrub jay is flying about our camp.

Evening Entry

Today was a nice day, with temp. at 68 deg., mostly cloudy with no indications of rain. The sun was visible a few times during the day. The evening is very pleasant with temp. at 63 deg., at 9:30 pm.

The light reflection of the river and the sky gave off a dark silhouette of the tree against the little light there was, giving a beautiful image for the eye to see.

I opened all the window coverings in the tent to get air circulating in the warm tent. Hopefully I won’t have to get up in the middle of the night to close them if rain comes in tonight. It is suppose to rain all day Saturday.

April 7, 2018 – Saturday

Last night it began to rain around 12:45 am. It seemed like it was not that much rain, just the light rain we usually get. But it went on and off for most of the night. I did have to get up to close the window coverings so me and the boys, and our bedding wouldn’t get soaking wet.

We got up around 9:00 am from being nice and comfortable in our warm beds. I was thinking today I will change my air mattress today.

The boys and I had our morning greetings with a “happy good morning.” I could not imagine them not being here with me. They are such a joy to be with. The rain had stopped, and it was much lighter in the tent then usual, which means the sun is shining.

It is 55 deg., mostly cloudy with those beautiful billowing clouds filling the morning sky, with a bit of the sun shining through the few openings between the clouds. I felt the sun’s warmth upon the earth. It was a glorious day to be in nature. It was nice seeing the blue sky, if only peeking through the mostly cloudy covering. The air smells fresh after the rain, and the birds are singing with delight. It feels so peaceful out, with the calm river nearby. Last night we had very little wind.

The campground is mostly full, maybe 3/4 full. There are a few tent campers, and the rest camping, if you call it that, in their trailers or RV’s. Most of the time it feels like camping in a glorified RV park with their generators cranking on, masking the sounds of nature.

One of the tent campers were setting up last night in the dark a couple of site from us. And they are gone this morning. One of my rules I have is never set up camp in the dark. My tent is always the first thing to get set up so we have protection from the weather if it comes. And one can see what they are doing. One couple spent a long time setting up their camp. They had a simple old fashion two person A-frame tent, and an elaborate tarp covering that attached to their truck. When they were finished, their truck looked like one big tarp. They packed up today. All that time and work to set up a camp to stay only one night. I don’t get it? The two pair of teenagers are packing up as well.

Preparing my coffee, I open the coffee packet, and smelled the wonderful aroma of the coffee blend. Too bad it doesn’t taste like it smells, but it is tasty none the less.

I had to chuckle in disbelief right now with me and the boys living in a tent, experience nature everyday, looking out towards the Columbia River, the mountains on the Washington side, writing in my journal, and drinking my coffee, next to a nice fire. It can’t get much better than that.

The winds are really beginning to pick up. I opened all the window covers to air out the tent. And hopefully equalize the pressure in the tent, with the winds blowing. My tent does not seem to be able to take a lot of wind. My canopy is toughing it out as well. I was just told we may be getting 30 mph winds tonight. I think we will have to cancel our dinner reservations tonight. No cooking tonight.

I saw an osprey flying by camp against the strong winds. I wonder what they think about that?

Afternoon Entry

I removed the canopy cover this morning when the wind was blowing. I did not want to take a chance of the cover ripping or the frame bending. I also put stronger stakes in for the tent.

I found our new tent was leaking in the same areas of our last tent. I will call Fred Meyers in Dalles or Yakima tomorrow for a replacement tent. Not having much luck with that tent.

April 8, 2018 – Sunday

We got up late this morning because of the rain at around 9:30 am. At 11:00 am, the winds began to pick up again. The skies are clear, but cold out. Two of the boy’s beds are soaked because of the leak in the tent from the rain last night. We also had a nice puddle forming inside the tent. We got a little break from the wind.

I will call Fred Meyers for a replacement. The one in Dalles didn’t have any, but they did have one in Yakima, so I had them hold it for me. I also called Columbia to complain about their poor quality in tents. The first 8 person tent lasted a month, this one a couple of days. But it gets much worse!

Afternoon Entry

The boys and I are inside the truck getting away from the wind. And the wind is getting much worse. A couple of hours ago, half of our tent collapsed and I am not sure how long the other half will remain upright. The guy lines are helping a little, but not much. Well, the tent failed the wind test and the leak test. A “Falure” for this tent.

The winds are suppose to stop around 5:00 pm this afternoon. I hope the other half of the tent survives. The winds are slowly settling down a little, but still having strong wind gusts.

Evening Entry

Most of the day we had brutal winds with half of our tent collapsed. Once we got a break in the wind I was able to get the tent upright, but the frame was weakened by the wind. Then the wind began again, and again half the tent collapsed once more, and then again it collapsed. I was getting frustrated and pissed off. I thought we were going to have to sleep in the truck tonight. The winds finally calmed at 7:00 pm, and I got the tent back upright. And at 7:50 pm, we went to bed. While I was getting into the tent I tripped over the entry threshold, and I lost it, kicking the tent and putting a big rip in the seam. The winds did finally stop, and the tent surprisingly did stay up for the night. We were very lucky.

April 9, 2018 – Monday

We got up at 7:00 am. The tent stayed up without collapsing on us during the night. We were very lucky the winds had stopped, as with the rain, or it would have been a very uncomfortable night.

I told the Camp Host we were leaving. She said, “why don’t you stay?” I told her we were out of here! And we packed up.

We stopped at the Fred Meyers at Dallas to see if they had a tent, and they didn’t, so we headed for the Fred Meyers in Yakima and to a new camp.

We crossed the border from Oregon to Washington State a short distance away from Memaloose State Park. It would take us about 21/2 hours to get to Yakima, Washington. I was thinking about camping near Yakima if we could find a campground.

In Washington, we found ourselves driving in the desert. It reminded me of the Nevada desert, at least in the beginning. Then to a place that was nothing like what I had experienced before. It was just very barren. A landscape that really didn’t interested me at the moment and just wanted to get through it.

We arrived in Yakima in 2 hours. It was a much bigger city than I expected. I am glad I had my smart phone for directions because it took some time to find Fred Meyers. I picked up our replacement tent, and drove to Yakima Sportsman State Park. I wasn’t to impressed by the campground, so we moved on. I looked at my smart phone once again for guidance to our next destination, Wenatchee Confluence State Park. Our camping friend Mike from Washington, suggested it. It helps having people who can recommend campgrounds when I find myself wandering blindly in new lands. Every campground is a surprise, and one never knows what they will find, in the good or in the bad. So far we have had pretty good luck in finding nice campgrounds on our travels. To bad we didn’t have better weather. If this one doesn’t look like a place we want to stay at, we will just take it for one night, and move on. It is getting too late looking for an another campground today. I am tired from the long drive, and I just want to settle in and relax.

The weather was good with mostly clear skies. Once we got into the mountains outside of Yakima, it cooled off quickly, and was hitting scattered snow in places. When we reached the mountain pass we were at 4100 ft elev. It was a beautiful drive through the mountains and seeing the snow on the ground. The air was refreshing with a cold mountain feel to it. Even with the phone guiding me, I wasn’t sure we were going in the right direction.

I had a difficult time finding the campground with all the streets and highways that were very confusing, that we had to weave through. But we were close to the campground, approx. 7 minutes away.

Continues in Part 12