Back in the USA

Back in the USA!
We left the Clearwater KOA, filled up with Canadian fuel for hopefully the last time, and headed for the border near Bellingham, Washington. The drive was another beautiful one—through the North Thompson and Fraser River Valleys. Lush green mountains and forests looming protectively over broad rivers bordered by farms. We saw horses, dairy cows, and an occasional llama. As we crossed a little bridge on the edge of the town of Chilliwack, a black bear burst out of the undergrowth on the side of the road and loped across the road right in front of us. Steve slammed on the brakes as the bear hurried off down the bank on the other side and disappeared. Despite the farms and semblance of civilizatin, It’s still wild country.

We crossed back into the States without incident, except for having a half a kilo (about a pound) of ground beef purchased in Canada and intended for supper that night confiscated by the Agriculture inspector. They are worried about Mad Cow Disease. He was very nice about, though, and apologetic. We then drove about 20 minutes to fuel up, asked about nearby campsites, and were directed to the Lynden KOA. Another very nice facility with lots of shade, although not as private as our last site. Our spot was on a little lake—more of a pond, really; kids in surrounding campsites were having a great time paddling inflatable boats around it. In the evening a little flotilla of Canada geese floated over, and yesterday morning as we were packing up to leave, we spotted a muskrat swimming and feeding in the middle of the pond.

Since Steve brought up the idea several days ago of spending some time in the San Juan Islands, we started researching it via internet. We got a list of campgrounds, started calling around, and ended up being frustrated and disheartened. The public campgrounds—state and county—had very limited hours to call for reservations, and every time we tried, it was either the wrong time or the lines were busy. The private resorts, besides being very pricey, were equally difficult to reach. We were told that people make reservations up to nine months in advance. It seemed hopeless. So we phone Steve’s brother, Frank, who lives in Poulsbo, on the Kitsap Peninsula, and decided to hang out there a day or two while we figured out our next move. After a pretty drive through farmland and a short ferry ride, we arrived at Frank and Judy’s. They had gone out to do some shopping, and we beat them home, so while we were waiting, I dug out the cell phone, and tried one last to rech a couple of the San Juan Island campgrounds I hadn’t been able to connect with. I finally reached one, and, to my utter amazement, when I asked, without much hope, if they had anything available at all anyhtime in July for two nights or more, she replied that the county park on San Juan Island had a two night opening for the 16th and 17th. I couldn’t believe it! Before I could give her any information—disaster! I lost cell phone reception and the line went dead! It took me ten minutes to regain a signal, and many busy signals and redials before I was able to connect up again. BUT, the good news is, she dug a little into her computer and came up with a FOUR day slot instead of two days! So wse are now booked into San Juan County Park from July 16th to the 20th. It’s right on the ocean, and lots of kayak tours leave from that very park, so we ought to have a great time. We’re hanging out with Frank and Judy today, exploring Port Gamble, and tomorrow we’ll head off to check out Olympic National Park