Northwest GTG 2012 - Sept 27-Oct 2

[ellenw]

Beth - I sympathize. I have the opposite problem. I've decided I need to leave a day early and break the drive back to Spokane into two days. So I need to get online and cancel Monday night. It'll cost me $8, but the way I read it, I'll get a $20 refund. Then I need a spot halfway home, and I've identified where, the same place we're staying on the way down, the Milo McIver state campground outside of Portland, but I'll be gosh-durned if they're getting another $8 fee PLUS the overnight fee. I figure I'll just show up and see what's available and pay the person at the gate. Karen, am I being naive? It'll be a Monday night after all.

[OregonLuvr]

Ellen you should be fine this time of year. I think breaking the drive home into 2 days is very smart. I made it to Spokane in one day but I was driving my Tahoe. (with radar detector on). In an RV would be a long tough drive . Besides you will be camping on the way home too. Fun fun fun

Karen

[Bethers]

Ellen, you shouldn't have any problems. Too bad where I'm at is off the highway further than you'd want to go - I'm paying $10 for water and electric - and I like it here. I do recommend, if you can, to pick a different place for on the way back. I mean, even if it's just an overnight - why not check out another state park? Or campground? Just for fun? There are so many places to stay (and so little time!).

Karen, I'm kicking myself now that I made reservations for later this week. I picked 3 days because of the friend I'm meeting up with. AFTER I made the reservations she let me know just Saturday would be good for her - so I have 2 nights before that - which I could have just stayed where I am longer. Oh well - it's a state park and gets good reviews, but right next to a train track? Luckily I'll be in the Columbia River Gorge with much beauty etc to see during the days - and hiking (well, walking) for Peaches and me.

Ellen, this just emphasizes why I rarely, rarely make reservations - especially when there's a fee involved, or a fee to cancel. GTG's are about the only ones I usually make - or holidays.

[ellenw]

Great ideas, Beth. I can listen and ask during the GTG to find a place to explore about halfway to Spokane. Laura had some outstanding ideas if I can get as far as I-84.

[snowball]

I'm still considering coming to the gtg talked it over with dd tonight to see if I can use her car which she is ok with although gs wasn't ok with his grandma
driving by herself well there is now one that can go with me I'm sure he would be all for it but he is in school...I just need to decide if I can afford it
would think I would have to have a night stay somewhere before I get to Seattle then a night at least between Seattle and home but sorta thinking I would extend the trip and continue on out to SD and get the new drivers license decisions.
so what night or is it more for the pot luck? might have to borrow someones kitchen
will let you know what I decide...
sheila

[Lynn2]

I'm like Beth I thought I had to leave on Monday but looks like I can extend a day so will wait until I am there. BTW re the potluck what day/night is that, or is it each night? Any thoughts or requests? Will have to shop when I get back there. Still having computer problems. Seems I have lost all my bookmarks. Darn!

[Cougarfan]

Sheila that would be great if you could make it!!! Not sure where you're coming from so can't help with logistics on that.

I think the best night for a potluck will be either Friday or Saturday since that's when everyone will be there for sure. I don't think a potluck is a mandatory function for a gtg but it is fun to get everyone together at least once or twice. There is a lot to do in the area so people may be coming and going.

Lynn and Beth, it would be great if you both could stay an extra day! And Ellen, I think taking two days to get home is a good idea. Its a long drive in a motorhome. Heck, its a long drive in a CAR!

I have to make another run to Idaho this week to take care of more family business so not sure when I'll be able to get the trailer into the shop for the recall work. I won't get home until Friday. I guess I'll just take my chances that they can get it done without me standing there watching them and drop it off on the weekend so it can sit and wait for the mechanic next week. Then, I'll just pick it up and bring it home so I can load it. I had planned to take all weekend to get it ready for the trip but I'll just have to do it after work next week. I have my list so shouldn't be too tragic but I'm glad there are stores near the campground

Laura

[ellenw]

Darn! Too bad you couldn't drop it off as you leave for Idaho.

[OregonLuvr]

Lynn, re: Potluck. We were thinking Friday or Saturday would be good nights as most will be there for sure those nights. Hey we do NOT have a potluck every night..OMG I am struggling for an idea or two already for just one or two. This will be very casual for sure and all our plans are in jello as usual. Some nights I am a cold cereal kinda gal or peanut butter or ????? I figured some snack foods and beverages (adult or not) would probably be on the agenda in the afternoons,(if people are around and not out exploring) another good time to get to know each other better, and of course tell our "tall tales" in the RV world. Was also thinking maybe Sunday would be good for a community breakfast. We can figure all this out once we get there I am sure. Stores are not very far away so there will be time to coordinate our food groups ha ha

karen

[ellenw]

And some of the best potlucks I've been to are the kind where literally everyone just brings something. Sort of a "come as you are" in the gastronomic world. If we end up with 3 pans of baked spaghetti and 7 desserts... oh well! Or "bring something that begins with an R or a V" - get it? (I apologize.... )

[womenwanderlust]

Looks like a lot of fun. I wonder whether I could make it all the way to Rogue River. I will keep in touch if it looks like a go. This is my first time trying to GTG like this. Do people keep in touch with chat rooms,Skype, cell phones, email addresses. . . . smoke signals?

[Cougarfan]

Darn! Too bad you couldn't drop it off as you leave for Idaho.

We're leaving before they open because we have to be in Hayden by early afternoon. I could've taken it last night but by the time I got home, I barely had enough time to get Harley to the kennel before it closed and that was more important than the trailer.

It will be fine. If we can get back early enough on Friday, I'll get Harley and then grab the trailer and drop it off at the dealer. If the parts come in this week, they should be able to work on it on Monday and I can pick it up after work and just bring it home. That will give me 3 nights to get it packed. Not what I wanted but will make it work.

Laura

[BirdbyBird]

Most of the GTG potlucks I have attended....started with one "sort of planned" potluck and the second night was leftovers with maybe some else thrown in to be sure everything stretched a second day for those that were interested...... Finding enough to eat was never a problem....

[Bethers]

Sheila, sure hope you can make it. Friday or Saturday would work. I'll have to hed go sd next may before heading back too AK. Heck, Sunday would work, too. Just bring yourself and don't worry about food. We'll make sure you get fed.

[WickedLady]

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