Twin 1000 yr old Douglas firs in old growth rainforest
After spending a couple of days in Missoula, we once again hit the road to our next stop in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. Leonard has an old navy buddy who lives there and we were able to spend a couple of days with them and their family. It was fun reconnecting after several years and we unknowingly timed it just right and were able to watch Steve and his band play great blue grass at our RV resort. We really liked Coeur D’Alene, a pretty little mountain town on a beautiful lake.
No reflection seen on Reflection Lake!
We even went to Paradise and all we found was snow!
The interior of Paradise Lodge built in 1917 with its rawhide lampshades
The Grove of the Patriarchs-old growth forest
Can you see a face in this stump in the old growth forest?
As we headed west we drove out of the Rocky Mountains and into the dry, arid leeward side of the Cascade Mountains. Orchards prevail in Yakima and we were able to get fresh cherries and blueberries from a roadside stand. I love seeing what the local roadside stands have to offer. Before we knew it, we were in the moisture-laden rain forest of Mt Rainier, where we found a campsite at the NPS Ohanapecosh campground. This is completely dry (or should I say wet) camping, no hook-ups of any kind and only basic toilets. All I can say is I’m glad we were in an RV and not a tent, as it lived up to it’s name and poured almost the entire 2 days. We had a great time and slept like babies as the pitter patter of raindrops put us to sleep both nights. I’m full of admiration for those hardy people in tents, I would have packed up and left or never gone in the first place!
Sun and Sand Travelers 
Grand adventures, even if some were a bit soggy. I especially like the idea of stopping roadside for fresh fruit. I do not remember much about Paradise other than ogling mountaineers on the side of Rainier. Now as for your campground… looks like I made a lucky guess… it’s oh-HAN-ə-pi-kosh. Looking forward to a note from Olympic and hoping you get less rain there.
You are getting closer! Watch out for the border line ups tomorrow – Canada Day! All the Canadians will be returning home after the extra long weekend.
I thought of that so we are going to cross over on Wed. Happy Canada Day!!!! We know we’re close when we can see Mt Baker and there is a Victoria radio station playing in the convenience store.