Washington 2011 Trip begin

  Subject:  2011 travels Seattle and Lummi Island  #1 Finally I’ve got this new computer figured out....I think. Sorta. This is actually the second new computer. The first one went back as it had a very nasty personality. Anyway, I’ve been frustrated that I have not been able to document our trip and get out these updates. But I think it might work now.....hope so. We left Kauai on April 6th....so it’s been almost two months. Most of our me has been spent in Washington with a twelve-day Alaska trip thrown in. We had agreed to make ourselves available to help out with my grandson, Bryce, while my daughter and granddaughter took a modeling trip to New York. The attached photos seem to be all mixed up so I’ve got to work on that, but basically, we were doing a lot of family stuff and visiting a few friends for the month of April. Shown is Rachel with her prom date, Bryce playing baseball and eating pho, us at Lummi Island at Mary and Jim’s terrific home with a killer view of the San Juans. You will also see Mike walking in the snow at Crystal Mountain where we actually went camping for two nights and skied! Have I mentioned that the weather is very winter like? Skiing was great and we actually had sun that day. One of the few! The family shot of the Cook’s is at SeaTac airport as Rachel was leaving for Japan again. She was there during the earthquake and came home shortly thereafter. But she’s back there now for two months....home on July 2nd. She’s a busy girl. The tulips were very late this year and we got there at the very last of the blooms. I hope to get my pictures all loaded and get me updates up to date. I mostly do them for me to keep track of what we’ve done but I’m so behind that I don’t remember! Oh well. It will get better. More coming soon.....Gayle and Mike

Current Update 9/25

 The previous posts represent the longest trip we ever did take in our camper.  It was in 2009 and 2010. We had our camper for nine and a half years and spent four and a half years enjoying the mainland.  I had almost all of the emails I sent out during that trip.  Unfortunately, I'm missing quite a few on some of the upcoming trips.  My computer erased the collection of emails I'd saved, and I had to go and find what I could using searches through "Sent" emails, etc.  I retrieved a great many but there are some holes I'm afraid.  Perhaps I can find more or perhaps I'll fill in what I can remember.  Perhaps I'll just post what I have.  Off I go.............Gayle

Here I am again!! 

 I got back home to Kauai on October 17th.  Wonderful to be back.  But it was equally wonderful to be gone.  Mike and I agree that we love the traveling and being home equally.....which is way cool.  We can live in the moment (or at least the week!). 

 With Seattle being my home town and all, I really wanted to spend some time catching up with old friends and hanging out with my family.  Most of these photos are of people which is a departure from all my previous "trip" photos.  Not everyone I spent time with is included but many of you are.  

I mention Joyce a lot and she, along with Caren, Loch and Becky are shown down at Duke's Chowder House in Seattle.  It had been a long time since we had spent any time together.  Loch and Becky are Mexican cruising friends and Caren is Becky's sister.  Loch and Becky now live in Ellensburg and Mike and I had hoped to see them there but it didn't work out and it looked like we'd miss them this trip.  But fate intervened and we were all in Seattle at the same time for one night......so we took advantage.  Good to see you all! 

The next photo is of scenery and was taken at Paradise on Mt. Rainier.  My mother and I spent a great day driving up to "our" mountain.  Rainier was shrouded in fog most of the day, but the fall colors were georgous.  We had a great visit and drove not only to Paradise, but over Chinook Pass and up to Sunrise.  And we had a great visit.  Thanks MOM. 

 Next photo is of my grandson, Bryce.  He's got my teddy bear, Mingo, in a relaxing position.  Mingo travels everywhere with me.  Wendy gave him to me before she took off to be an angel and I promised her I'd give him an interesting life.  Bryce is 11 now and is a wonderful guy.  He plays baseball and we enjoyed seeing quite a few of his games this fall.  And intend to see more in the spring when we return to Washington.  Mingo is now home with his pals in our bedroom. 

 Next photo is of three of my old friends, Gerry, Peggy and Lee.  We used to get together a few times a year, then once in a while, and this time it had been five years since any of us had seen the other.  So it was about time!!!  Great to catch up with all the goings on in our lives!  Wonderful friends. 

 The next photo is me sitting on a rubber steer!  Do any of you have friends that own a rubber steer?  Well, I do.  His name is Mark Farley and he's a dear old friend that I hadn't seen since 1996.  We were in the mortgage business together.  He was originally a customer of mine and later was my boss.......always my friend.  We had a really fun day and I got to meet his many pets....three horses, a donkey (and I'm so glad to hear that Willis is doing well), a dog and a cat.  And, of course, the steer.  Mark does rodeo and the next photo is of him as he attempts to lasso the bull.  I was not sitting on the bull at the time this photo was taken!!  Love you, Markie. 

 Then there's a "cool" picture of my daughter.  We were going through the Halloween stuff with the kids.  They are really into Halloween at the Cook residence. Oh, and the lovely Rachel in her new dress.  Homecoming is this Saturday and this is her first High School dance.  Kristin, Rachel and I went shopping and found the perfect dress and get a load of the shoes!!!  They are perfect!!!  Have a great time at the dance, Rachel. 

 Next up is my cousin, Marv, and his new friend, Gail.  We three had a lovely lunch together.  I enjoyed meeting Gail and hope to see her again.  Oh yeah, I hope to see you again too, Marv.  LOL.  

Next photo is of me and Pete!  We figured it out that we hadn't seen each other for thirty years!  His family, the LaRock's, moved into the house next door when we were just starting Jr. High.  Our two families were the best of friends for the only two years we were neighbors.  Pete and I were together constantly as were our parents and siblings.  Gangs of us kids would "sleep out" all summer long while the neighbor across the street would spy on us.  I wonder what she thought she was going to catch us doing?  Seeing Pete was wonderful.....made my heart happy.  We won't wait another thirty years, right? 

 And here's Valerie!  She and I go way back as well.......old mortgage business pals.  She and I had lost touch for a bunch of years but we found each other on Facebook and got to spend time together finally.  So good to see you my friend.  And Jonathan too!  I love you very much. 

 Donna and I had seen each other about three years ago when she and her wonderful husband, Bob, came to Kauai on my 60th birthday.  But I had never seen her lovely home and though we didn't have a long visit, it was GOOD.  She and I were best friends back in the days when we we had babies.  What a time we used to have!  Lots of drama and lots of fun.  

We were tennis partners and all summer we'd load up five (and later six) little kids, two dogs and two playpens in my '66 Mustang and head to the park!  We were passionate about tennis......so fun.  Now life is a lot calmer for us all but the memories never go away.........So glad we're still friends, Donna. 

 Many, many years ago (1980) I lived in Honolulu and had roomates.  All younger than me so I was called "Mom".  Well, they're all grown up and all live in Washington and are all still friends.  The photo is me, Kristin, Pam, Diana and Mary.  Mary and Diana have daughters in college now.  Pam has a catering business and runs a place called Amy's Manor in Pateros, WA.  Diana is a chef and when she invites you to dinner, you show up!  Anyway, we all met at Diana's house and had a blast.  I love those girls so much.  And it was interesting to have Mary ride out there with Kristin and I and to see how lost it is possible to become.  Goodness.  Marzee, you know I love you.  All three of you girls are so wonderful.......who knew?  

Here's me and my Mom and daughter sitting on the bleachers watching Bryce play ball.  Go Bryce!  And the last shot is of the boy himself......intense!  Love it. 

 I also spent time with Ursula, Dave and Eddylee, Dave and Janet again......and previously with many more of you that were included in other emails.  The trip was great but the friends and family are the BEST.  I enjoyed every moment spent with all of you.  

All my love, Gayle

Seeing Friends and Family Before Heading Back to Kauai

 Hi, 

 Just a quick email with a few more photos. 

 I mentioned that we visited Dave and Janet and here they are having their anniversary dinner with, guess who?  Mike and I, of course.  That was fun. 

 A couple days ago we, along with Joyce, took the light rail down to Seattle to go to Pike Place Market.  When we got off at Westlake Mall, it was Aloha Friday and Miss Garden Isle was there doing the hula to "Hele on to Kauai".  Which is just exactly what Mike is going to do in 48 hours.  It was nice to hear Hawaiian music and be treated to Kauai Cookies and Kauai Coffee - both of which are from a few miles from our home.  Made me homesick for sure. So we walked down to the market and saw the sights.  Love that place.  

Bruce took the ferry over from Paulsbo and caught up with us.  We spent a few hours catching up on old, and new, times.  His girlfriend, Jocelyn, got off work and we had the pleasure of meeting her.  I really liked her a lot!  Happy for you, Bruce. Yesterday was a real beauty of a day.  Now it's raining again but yesterday was exceptional.  

My Mom picked us up and we all headed out to Black Diamond to watch Bryce play baseball.  Very cool.  I keep hearing about the games but this is the first time I've been around to view one.  Mt. Rainier was outstanding and the bakery at Black Diamond serves a great lunch.  And it was so nice to see my daughter and most of her family.  Bryce made some great plays and I hope I got at least one of them on video!  I think I did. 

 We paid for the first month of storage for our camper and tomorrow it's going there and that's that!!  It's been fun.  Lots of work to do right now but first we're going to breakfast with Valerie......haven't seen her for years and I'm excited. 

 Use 808-258-1230 starting Tuesday for me.  And email back quick cause tomorrow is my last day to have the computer.....how will I manage?  

I'll be home on Oct. 17th. 

 Aloha, Gayle

This Long Trip is Almost Ending

Long trip almost over! 

Hi, 

 Well, we're back in Joyce's driveway preparing to put this camper to bed for the winter.  Mike is leaving for Hawaii on the 28th and I'm sticking around until October 17th.  We got to visit with a few friends but there are so many of you that we didn't get to see for one reason or another.  But I am going to try and get together with as many of you as I can......that's why I'm sticking around.  And also to spend time with my Mother and my dear Kristin and her family, of course.  

I get to see Bryce play baseball on Saturday......yay! I'm going to send out some individual emails but want to mention now that on Tuesday, the 28th, when Mike leaves for Kauai, he is taking my phone (808-256-5252) and the computer.  I'll be using our alternate cell phone which is 808-258-1230.  And I won't have regular internet access so please call me at that number after he leaves and don't email me if you expect an answer back before I get home to Kauai.   

So for the last week or so of our trip, we first had an opportunity to visit Kim and Debbie in Ephrata.  They are the dear people that delivered our new wheels to Zihuatanejo last winter.  We had a delightful dinner and visit with them at their home.  It was great to see them and to remember all the fun times we had in Zihua.  Thanks you two.  Oh, and Kim, thanks again for the coolest wine opener ever.  I think it will become the one I carry in my purse!  Except not onto an airplane or those rats will take it away. 

Joyce finally got her rig ready to go, after having a prolonged air bag installation issue, and joined us in Ephrata as we were leaving town.  We took a peak at Sun Lakes State Park, visited Dry Falls and the Grand Coulee Dam.  We camped up the river from the Dam and went on a dam tour the next day.  It was very interesting and impressive.  

It's impossible to comprehend the massiveness and the amounts of energy produced.  I especially enjoyed hearing about how the fish enjoy their e-ticket ride through the turbines.  I guess it lasts about 30 or 40 seconds and 99 percent of them survive.  But, opps, there are ten more dams downriver!! 

We camped at Steamboat Rock State Park on Banks Lake and then headed over to Chelan.  My old friend, Jan Liberty, lives there and has for eleven years since retiring from teaching in the Bellevue school district.  She was born over there and went back "home".  

She and I met because we both belonged to a Jensen Healey car club back in the late 70's.  The first meeting she attended was at my house and we became close friends.  My Jensen was black and she and I drove it on a very memorable month long trip to California in 1979.  Since that time, we both learned to fly airplanes but, while I am no longer current (I went on to sailing, etc.), she has flown over 3,000 hours and has had her own plane for years and years.  The Cessna 180 pictured is a beauty and is actually the second airplane of which she has been the proud owner.  

She lives on a hill overlooking the Columbia River and you can see the little Chelan airport from her yard.  The view from her home is amazing and she loves it there......and we could see why. 

 We three girls went for a wine tour.  Chelan has some wonderful wineries......all new to me.  We only went to two wineries, but we took our time and had some good fun.  Mike was recaulking the top of the camper.  And, don't feel sorry for him, he was thrilled to have good weather to do the job.  He's rather drink beer anyway. 

 After a couple nights at Jan's, we drove the 20 miles or so up to Alta Lake State Park.  I used to go there with my parents and sisters while growing up.  My aunt and uncle and cousins, Marvin and Carolyn, would all be there and they had a ski boat and we had a ball.  After the cousins and I all grew up and had our own kids we'd repeat history and head for Alta Lake.  I remember doing this year after year......sometimes with a huge number of friends and all their kids.  Great memories and it was fun to just be there and remember it all.  Plus, we had a nice time ourselves this visit. 

 Jan came the second night, with her little pooch Sofie, and pitched a tent.  We had a big campfire that night.  We also had pouring down rain but sat under umbrellas and didn't even realize how wet our butts were until we got up to go to bed.  Oh well.  We're waterproof.

Sofie had a spa appointment the next day, so they left early.  We three headed over the North Cascades Hiway and, while we didn't have perfect weather, at least we could see most of the mountaintops.  We stayed in Rockport and sat under the awning while the fire burned (our last one!) and the drizzle drizzled.  We would have stayed out longer and done much more but the weather report was not good and Fall has definitely come early to the Pacific Northwest this year.  We made plans to meet up for one last night at the casino near Anacortes.  Mike and I had to head back up to Blaine to retrieve his shotgun from the storage locker and then to Bellingham to offload some boat items for consignment sale. 

We made our way back to the casino which was interesting, but smokey.   Joyce headed home and we went to Dave and Janet's for a couple nights.  They had fresh crab!  So we pigged out and had fun.  It was their wedding anniversary so we all went out to dinner at an Italian restaurant with their gift certificate.  Yum!  We left our dinghy and motor and Dave is going to put it on Craig's List for us.  We're lightening our load!  Though we do plan to get kyaks for next year's adventures.  

So now we're cleaning and sorting and hopefully having some fun in between.  Whew, what a trip!  Maybe I'll do a recap or something when I'm in the mood.  Meantime, I'm going to see lots of you, I hope.  Email me or call me at 808-256-5252 until the 28th, then 808-258-1230 and no email. 

 Love, Gayle and Mike who is working on camper projects outside......