Welches, Oregon: When our tech, Brian Van De Walker, suggested we needed a front-end alignment, Dave called several places. Several said they could not service our vehicle (too long/tall) but one said they could. Dave discussed our needs and made an appointment. When we arrived (15 minutes early), they said they were running late and we would have to wait. Thirty minutes later they said our rig was too tall and also said we did not need an alignment. Dave was told to “just keep checking the tires" and if they are not wearing evenly, have them switched (rotated). I always just believe Brian, so we will try to have an alignment somewhere else along the route. (Never mind that we do not have route.)
Now it was way too early to check-in to our Portland campsite, so we found a large parking area with a Cafe Yumm! and had a very long lunch. Tired of seeing this photo yet?
We seem to be consuming a lot of pretty "bowls" of food these days. It's good for us.
While we were parking the RV (and I am following in the rental car) into our campsite, we ran into old neighbors from Motorcoach Country Club - Karen and Steve. They came by later in the afternoon (during the UK v Norway World Cup game) and had a little look at our teeny RV as they are thinking of downsizing from their motorcoach. We told them how much we loved this RV, but also about the useless Barbie Easy-Bake Oven and how stressed we sometimes get finding #2 diesel, bio-diesel with less than 5%, or regenerated diesel - the only fuels this engine is supposed to drink. Still, way more positive than negative - especially since we had the suspension beefed-up. Such an improvement in the general ride and so much less rocking when going over a speedbump or any unlevel ground.
While in Portland a few days, we met one of our oldest friends for dinner Saturday night. All caught-up with Dr. Lisa. She lived in the same apartment building Dave and Red had their sophomore-senior years, and we have been friends ever since - even though we have all lived all over the world.
We also had brunch with (our daughter) Lisa's godmother, pizza with our Family of Friends, and dinner with Marie and Matt. Dave spent a day golfing with old friends and cousin Jim, and we had dinner with Cousin Jim and Nancy. Too much good food.
Today we arranged for a late checkout at the RV park to watch the UK v Argentina World Cup match. Oh, was I sad at the outcome, and now have no allegiance in the final game.
Rental car returned, we are now up in the Cascades, near Mt. Hood, camping in Welches. We have a big weekend ahead: golf tournament, baby shower, and birthday party. Lots of excitement ahead the next few days. But as we left hot and sunny Portland, we were driving into a foreboding scene:
As we pulled into our campsite, the sky was completely dark. Thunder. Lightning. Huge raindrops. We did put out the slide room and dropped the leveling jacks, but just stayed inside until it blew over. Such a change in the weather in a one hour drive.
There were tomatoes getting soft, a few strips of turkey bacon that needed to be used and a little sliver of red onion languishing in the fridge. I had a three-pack of individual sized frozen pie shells (dreaming of berry pies). Quiche to the rescue.
(Obviously served on the fine china again, presented in sterling silver.)
A busy time of year for My Driver. He doesn't care so much about World Cup, but he tries to watch every moment of the Tour de France and the British Open is this weekend. (YouTube has a quick recap of the bicycle racing every day, so that helps.) Maybe a good thing the weather will be stormy until the festivities begin tomorrow?
Until my next update, I remain, your mountainous correspondent.
Campground Information: Mt. Hood Village RV Resort. (This park now is owned by Thousand Trails.)