In the interim time between the last trip, and departure, I was able to work a few days on a project at work which was interesting, and frustrating at the same time. I was basically doing consulting for another company, but between the short time that I had to work, and some missing something on their side, I ended up not even getting the hardware that I needed until Monday, and I had to leave by Noon on Tuesday - just didn't have enough time to finish. Oh well, at least got them some good leads to look at, and other things to look out for.
Tuesday the 3rd, headed home at a bit after noon to pack the RV for afternoon departure. During the prep phase, I quickly discovered that the refrigerator wasn't working when running from gas (LP). I ended up spending most of the time that I had intended for packing and organizing, on trying to diagnose the thing - and since I haven't ever actually worked on this type of fridge before, the idea of using a lighter as a diagnostic tool just seemed wrong, but ended up being exactly what I needed. I isolated the problem to either a thermocouple (I have know idea what metals they are using, but the 30mV output when held to a match seems low, and should the case really be grounded?) or the control board (which would be the BAD answer)... No time left to fix it now, and won't need the fridge while on the cruise, so for now, it's back to the ice chest, and eating out.
Barbara had similar complications, and our supposed 3PM departure (with plenty of time to swing by Kim's to pick up the spare set of keys that had hidden in her purse) worked its way to a 4PM departure on the day before the 4th of July - no time for a stop at Kims, and barely made it to my parents for their 5PM sitting for dinner. As was the way of the day, the service at their place was the slowest ever, and finally the dog sitter arrived later than expected, so it was a bit after 7 before we finally pulled out of town. From there, smooth sailing ensued. We made it up the 5 to about the level of Bakersfield and stayed in a little hotel that we had made the mistake of staying at once before, and somehow had forgotten.
The day of the 4th was spent driving up to Redding, a long and relatively unattractive stretch of the 5 that someone had the gall to call a "Scenic Highway". The only thought was that they must have driven the stretch in March (just after a rain, during the few weeks of the year that this stretch has any natural green), and further must have driven it MANY years ago, prior to the advent of mass cattle farming along the way. Getting in to Redding, we went to find just some Green Salads, and somehow ended up at "Cattlemens" which was easy walking distance, but ended up getting beef with our salads, which was more than a bit heavier than we were hoping for. Would have been good food if you were in the mood for meat, but ended up being an expensive salad and leftovers. We were able to see the fireworks show from our 3rd story room, and were delighted at the length and content of the Redding fireworks - I think it was the longest, and most impressive city show that I've ever seen. After that we ate a wattilermelon that we had been saving, and off to a late bed for D (particularly since the show didn't start until 10PM with the later darkening up here).
On the 5th, we continued towards Eugene, Or, driving along the beautiful mountain and lake views there, and stopping in Ashland for a little walk, and then meeting up with Ken and Ann in Medford area for lunch. Things with them are progressing apace, Ken having to have a hip injury looked at, but overall both were in good spirits, and fun to see again. Then continued up to Eugene, where we stayed for the night with Suzie, Brian, Kolbie and Lydia. They always make us feel so welcome - the kids make great drawings, and they decorate the room with chocolates, cookies and fruit, it' like staying at a B&B whenever we visit. Had a nice dinner, and a bit of chatting after a quick run in to town to replace B's ailing sandals, and a nice nights sleep, until the sun popped up at 6 something and flooded the room...
On the 6th, managed to get up to Seattle in preparation for boarding the ship tomorrow. Got in to the hotel after wrestling with traffic for too long, and then mom watched Delilah as Barbara and I visited with our friends Mike and Pam Wall up here. Went out to dinner (a great Thai place), and then B and Mike did another recording in his home studio of a self improvement audio, while Pam and I related our recent adventures. Finally pried B out and wandered home, and after a bit of being lost, were able to relieve mom from her sitting duties not too long after midnight (how did it get so late??)
Tomorrow, we will hang out in the morning, and eventually make it over to the Cruise terminal around noon. Not sure from there when I will be able to post again, but will certainly have some stuff afterwards.
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