A week before we left on our long trip, we were able to spend several days in southern Oregon at Diamond Lake, at the cabin of our daughter-in-law Nikki's parents. Mark and Nikki's dad Artie fished in vain for two days before Mark finally snagged this 16-incher. He was a very chubby fellow (the fish, not Mark!), and, once baked, easily fed the four of us. VERY yummy!
Nikki's mom Radwyn is snapping a picture of the fish before we devoured it, while Artie looks on in anticipation of the great meal. Their cabin is so cute, and we had such a nice time with Artie and Radwyn. Thanks, guys!
There is not much that is better than fresh-caught fish for dinner.
Diamond Lake is so very beautiful.
A week later, we hit the road for our long journey that would take us almost 4,000 miles. First stop was Fort Vancouver, Washington, where we toured the fort and learned about its history. I didn't take any pictures there for some reason. Suffice it to say that it was fascinating, and you should go there if you haven't already had the opportunity.
Next stop was Dayton, Washington, just north of Walla Walla. Above are some wild turkeys that descended into Mark's aunt's and uncle's front yard. They were fun to watch, but Uncle Bud soon unleashed his dog to scare them away, as they will eat everything in the garden if allowed to roam.
The next morning was Mark's birthday, which he enjoyed celebrating in the city of his birth! Here he has just opened a gift from Sarah, which consisted of two great books and all the supplies needed for dipping bread - the olive oil, the spices, and the dipping bowls. We have used them since arriving back home, and it is sure yummy!
We lived in Dayton for five years early in our marriage, and Sarah and Jake were born there. While we lived there, Mark worked for the City of Dayton as Park Superintendent. He made several signs at that time, and it is funny that this sign that he made still adorns the entrance to the City Park all these years later.
At church that morning, Uncle Bud led the signing (while Aunt Marilyn played the piano), and then called to the front all those celebrating birthdays that week. Of course, it being Mark's birthday, he had to go up front so they could sing their version of the birthday song to him.
Next they sang another birthday-related song.
And finally, they brought out a birthday bank, and Mark deposited coins equal to his age - 57 in his case - to be sent to missionaries. Have fun with your 57 cents, missionaries!
Aunt Marilyn baked Mark an angel food cake for his big day.
Dear Uncle Bud and Aunt Marilyn - we love you both sooooo much!
We spied this barbeque outside a hardware store in a neighboring town.
"Oh beautiful, for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain." The wheat was ready to harvest, and looks so golden and beautiful, especially when the wind gently blows the crop -it truly does look like waves.
Mark stands on a street corner in downtown Dayton.
The city was dedicating a memorial to all war veterans the last night we were in town, and we attended the festivities. There were speakers, singers, and refreshments. Great small-town American patriotism. We loved it.
Above is the new memorial. And below is a quartet that bravely sang their hearts out!
The next morning, Aunt Marilyn cooked us a huge farm breakfast before we hit the road to our next destination. I did the eggs. Very fun times in Dayton.
Next stop on our trip was my cousin Adalaide's cabin on Cascade Reservoir, near Donnelly, Idaho. Over the years, Adalaide and her husband Steve have repeatedly invited us to visit them at the cabin, and this year we made it happen. The "cabin" is in reality a very nice home on the lakefront, where Mark and I had our own luxurious quarters upstairs, with a private balcony overlooking the water. Steve and Adalaide are such kind and generous people, and they treated us to a lovely time. There is a sign hanging in their garage that says "Camp Never Rest," a nickname the family has fondly given their lake home. The reason is that there is so much to do, so many things to try, that one hardly has time to catch one's breath! All in the name of good fun and fellowship, of course! The picture above shows just the cabin, while the one below shows the garage as well.
The morning after our arrival, Steve suggested that we go golfing. Fun, you say? Well, while Mark has been golfing many times, I have never even attempted the sport. But did that stop us? No - after all, we were staying at Camp Never Rest, so they all talked me into trying golfing for the first time. Was I any good at it? Not hardly, but I must admit that I had a lot of fun making a fool out of myself.
Above, Mark takes a nice smooth swing, and below you see me botching my swing, while Adalaide watches with amusement. Steve kept encouraging me to "hit the little ball, not the big ball" (the little ball being the golf ball, and the big ball being the earth, of course).
Later, we went around the lake on a big boat. Lots of fun - and gorgeous scenery.
The next morning, Mark enjoyed a lesson in rowing a scull. There is a couple that live across the lake from Steve and Adalaide, and the woman has coached scull teams at several colleges and for the U.S. Olympic team. She graciously taught Mark the basics, and he picked it up like a pro. Very fun for him. He also got to kayak during our time at Cascade Reservoir.
Below, Steve drives the boat on our last day there.
Then, in the name of trying yet another thing I had heretofore never done, Steve had me take the helm of the craft. I was freaked out, but reluctantly got behind the wheel. Then he told me to push down on the lever that makes the boat practically fly over the water. I gulped, did as I was told, and found that I didn't die after all. In fact, it was a blast. Thanks, Steve, for pushing me out of my comfort zone several times while we were with you. I gained some confidence that hopefully will translate to other areas of my life where I need to conquer my fears!
Finally it was time to leave. Thanks, dear cousin Adalaide, for hosting us at your lovely cabin. It was such a blessing to be with you guys! We love you so much.
And don't worry - we'll be back!
Time to head on to our next destination - Colorado!
On our way, we stopped in Boise to take a peek at Steve and Adalaide's new home. It is a beautiful Tuscan-style house on a hill overlooking the city. Lovely!
We then stopped by Guerdon Homes, the company that is building my mom's new home (which will be shipped to Santa Barbara when completed). We had hoped to take some pictures of the work in progress, but unfortunately they were not allowing visitors. At least we tried, Mom!
Then, I stopped to do a workout at Curves in Boise before we headed east. I actually visited six different Curves on our two-week journey. It was fun to meet and visit with many different women along our way. Everyone was so kind and welcoming.
Next - Colorado!!!
