Tuesday – July 17, 2007 – Wenatchee

A day filled with mixed experiences – like most of life’s days! We had some successes – and some not so successes. The campsite by the Wenatchee River continues to be a pleasant experience. Driving in Wenatchee trying to deal with life’s challenges was not always pleasant. So what’s new?

This morning we signed up for another night – thru Wednesday night – but they could not take us for another night. Turns out a church group is arriving en masse Thursday evening for the weekend and taking over the campground. Should I tell them I need saving?

We drove into town this morning and found lots of things we needed (and some we didn’t). For starters, we visited the local Wal-Mart to pick up miscellaneous items. It wasn’t a Super Wal-Mart, but they had some of the things we wanted. We have found it interesting how Wal-Mart’s vary from town to town. Some have everything (well, almost everything) you want; while the next one is missing “essentials”. Strange.

For example: yesterday we picked up a can of Planter’s Deluxe Mixed Nuts for snacking. When we popped the top, the aluminum sealer foil had been opened. Not knowing what mischief might have been played with the can, we visited the local Wal-Mart for a refund. The sign over the counter said CUSTOMER SERVICE. It should have said, CUSTOMER DISSERVICE. There were three ladies behind the counter and five customers in line. Doesn’t sound like a problem does it? Unfortunately two of the three ladies behind the counter were waiting on the phone – on HOLD, for ten minutes. Finally, I arrived at the counter and successfully got a refund on my nuts!

We arranged for our mail to be forwarded to the local FedEx office today. It arrived right on time – thanks to our house sitter. But probably the most important item – our ATM Debit card – wasn’t in the package. More calls to Wachovia! Sigh…

Other surprises in the mail, but I won’t bore you with them.

Today’s other adventures included dropping the laundry at a local (Latino operated) laundry for Wash-Dri-Fold. A wonderful concept when you’re on the road. Rather than sit in a questionable Laundromat for hours; waiting for clothes to wash, finding an empty dryer(s), and waiting for ALL the clothes to dry; we love dropping off a LARGE bag of dirty clothes and returning 4 hours (approx) later to find them washed, dried, and neatly folded. We have attempted to do cost comparisons with Do-It-Yourself, but it’s hard to value the convenience of having them do it! So wherever possible, we let THEM do it!

Margaret retired to the motor-home this p.m. to catch up on reading and e-mail, so I ventured into town for the various chores. Thought I was going to be killed several times. I don’t know what gets into people, but this afternoon it was as though everyone was late for something. You’ve had those days?

We drove around the valley this morning looking for "action". We found more orchards. Actually found a Winery / Tasting room - but they were closed.

We have been intrigued by the young cherry trees - they look like young Triffid with their single "head" stalks, and their multiple arms. Hard to get a good photo but maybe today's will demonstrate.

After picking up the mail, laundry, and miscellaneous from the grocery store, I stopped off at the local river-front park for some photo ops. I found an example of why travel is so broadening (or educational). The first photo is of a “machine” designed exclusively to clean out waste from water-way inlets. A paddle-wheeler with a scoop on the front (and a dumper on the back). He was backing and maneuvering in the water-way to pick up algae and other debris from the Columbia River. Fascinating innovation.

There was a walking-bridge I thought might cross the river, so I embarked. Alas it was only across a number of railroad tracks. I thought this array of rail-cars waiting to be loaded was interesting. I have not idea what they might ultimately carry, but it was visually fascinating.

One of the other local signs of interest was the Bison Bagel shop. I've heard of Bison Burgers, but never a Bison Bagel. I don't think I want to know any more!

I also found wild raspberries growing along the river along with wild-flowers.

Yesterday, we realized we have driven / visited a large part of Columbia River – all the way from British Columbia to Astoria, OR. The current portion – from Brewster, WA to Wenatche,WA - new to us, but similar to the section around The Dalles in Oregon.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) we are heading to Leavenworth – about 15 miles NW of our current site. We visited Leavenworth many years ago, but are anxious to revisit it.

Thanks to all of you for the encouraging comments.

Wayne