Day10: Morning routine of prepping food took place in the street in front of our motel room… I could not be inside any longer. Today is a recovery day, only 4 hours driving time. Never thought I would say this!

We headed out of Wyoming and into Idaho where gas prices jumped 50 cents per gallon literally as we crossed state lines. A pleasant drive with an amazing view of the Rocky Mountain range with snow covered tops.
I drove the first 2 hours not a bird in sight. Victoria took the wheel and birds begin dive bombing our car! Victoria is an animal lover and drove like a pro avoiding the 10 plus bird encounters. May I mention this was not only today but every time she has driven on this trip except the snow storm. It appears Victoria is a part of the divine.
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We had an unplanned stop at the Craters of the Moon National Park and the Three Buttes caused by the lava. An interesting phenomenon. 
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Random thought…Passing through a small town a boy riding his bike on Main street with his dog by his side waved at us  making my day better…love America!
I thought I would sleep/do work while Victoria is driving but I want to watch as the miles pass along and admire America and enjoy sweet moments like “the boy and his dog.”

Are you wondering how we have traveled so far in 10 days? Preparation and planning with a little flexibility and a great travel companion…and yummy snacks!
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I have fallen in love with Idaho, beautiful views, hikes, skiing opportunities in winter and the winding river Salmon.
May I also add the choice of the Limelight Hotel in Ketchum Idaho instead of camping may also have added to my love of the state and desire to return. A Welcoming staff, clean and spacious luxurious rooms, mini bar area with a sink, microwave, refrigerator, silverware, Keurig for my tea and hot chocolate and clean laundry facilities not too far from our room. And…a restaurant with an outside patio and a mountain view, coupon for pizza (which of course we enjoyed) and two giant hot tubs by the outside pool along with a YUMMY complimentary breakfast and free parking one block away and it is an art museum! One of my favorite hotels!!!
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We drove along the Salmon river on our way to Montana and our destination Glacier National Park. Many stops for “Historic Points” of interest along the way arriving after to 7:00 to set up camp. 15 Minute tent set up, within 30 minutes fire going, table and chair and dinner ready! Only our second camping day and I think we have it figured out! We then went off to watch the sun set along “Going to the Sun Road” on Lake MacDonald.
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 15 Minute tent set up, within 30 minutes fire going, table and chair and dinner ready! Only our second camping day and I think we have it figured out! We then went off to watch the sun set along “Going to the Sun Road” on Lake MacDonald.
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  I will admit I actually enjoyed last night camping. We played checkers and a rub off book of questions (thank you, Linnea and Micah.) So peaceful and quiet except the moment we thought someone was in our campsite but it was just sound traveling from the campsite next to us. All the prep work and proper equipment has made a difference and the temperature being above 45’ is key!! I actually woke up around 3:15 and felt cozy and comfortable! We have now begun rating NPS bathrooms. Yellowstone by far had the superior bathroom and dish cleaning station. I was afraid to use the bathroom at Glacier National Park, and did only out of necessity…no shower this morning…yuck!!

Day 11: We were up early this morning and on the road by 6:56 AM. Teamwork!! The Bruins are a factor again on our departure time. An 8 1/2 hour drive today to Fall City, Washington. Any ideas why this location…for two nights? Hint: Do you know “Tree House Masters?”

Day 12: 9 hour drive to our next location in Washington State.  A quick stop along the way at a scenic overlook created by basaltic lava, Victoria of course went right to the edge! In the distance you can see a the Ginkgo petrified forest state park. Now…

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“To the Trees!!!”
Wow!! Victoria got this right!
Welcoming staff, delicious breakfast, included and we stayed in the cutest tree house called Upper Pond. It is set among small ponds and waterfalls. There is a main lodge for gathering, a fire pit for smores and they provide the supplies! Hot chocolate and microwave popcorn for a cool night and yummy did I say yummmmmmy …cookies in the afternoon. No cooking in the room but it all worked out because the first night we went to the North Bend Bar to watch the Bruins. Enough said here!!!
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​Although I am happy for my friends and nephew in St. Louis:)

Back…”To the Trees!”
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Day 13: Today we headed off to Seattle to Pikes Market. Luckily I put the parking lot for the market in the GPS bc it was a bit hidden and parking in the city is tricky. We had such a wonderful time shopping and wandering through the market. We wanted to support the local merchants and we did a very good job! Why is shopping so satisfying??? I am trying to downsize not add to my belongings…sorry George I will try to do better on this trip but so many fun things to remind me of the trip!
Pikes Market is not complete without leaving your mark on the Gum Wall!! YUCK!!! 

                                    But Victoria just had to do it!
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Hunter enjoyed Pikes market too:)
We also walked over to the Seattle Needle and soaked up a bit of the city flavor.​​
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The second night in the tree house was fun and relaxing. Microwave popcorn and smores for dinner. I am like a kid at camp. Sometimes you just have to do it!
​The internet connection is HORRIBLE…but this is a good thing. I slowed down and read my book by the fire.
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Day 14: We started today with another delicious breakfast at Tree Point and then packed up to leave to drive 31/2 hours to Lake Crescent Lodge in Olympic National Park. Victoria was so excited! She had found her “Happy Place!” I asked where our room was because it was a bit early and it wasn’t ready. We were directed to the MOTEL looking building not the cute cottages we walked by, with rocking chairs facing the lake. We walked over to look at the MOTEL, yep…not going to do! I went back to inquire about an upgrade.
YAY!!! They have one room available for an additional $30. We will take it!!! $30.00 well spent!!
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We had time to enjoy the beautiful lake and took a hike to a spectacular waterfall before dinner.

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We then spent the evening on the rocking chairs LOOKing at the lake having dinner and playing the “Camping Question Game” (Thank you Micah and Linnea.)
No money for dinner at the lodge after the upgrade:) We dined on smushed up avocado known as guacamole , pretzel chips, potato chips, PBJ and tomato and mozzarella sandwiches available from our cooler.
Thank goodness Victoria is a vegetarian! 
Much easier to keep and prepare food!! 

Day 15: Portland, Oregon and one of my favorite hotel chains, Kimpton Hotels.
It is almost like going home, the smells and the happy hour from 5-6 with complimentary wine and a nibble. Each hotel also features an independent restaurant and the food is always fantastic! 

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If you made it to the end of this blog I am impressed!! Stay Tuned for more camping but no seedy motels,
I hope!!