Our first day was heading from western Washington near the Canadian border out to Central Oregon. We had planned to camp in a dispersed camp area in the Blue Mountains. It was a very hot at around 95f across southeast Washington and our tv had some trouble with overheating. BTW- I weighed at a truck stop along the way, and was saddened to get the results. 3100# fully loaded. I had anticipated far better. The little suv had trouble in that heat. Of course no AC that day.
We made it to Pendleton, Or, and decided to stop for the night at the Wildhorse Casino in their free rv parking lot. It was nice and quiet, and was really pretty comfortable.
We were however a fish out of water!
The following morning, we left early to catch some cool air, climbing the pass with little trouble. We made it to Southern Idaho with no more issues.
We stayed with my folks for a few days, then headed to Montana! Took a wrong turn along the way. I’ve been on this road many times, and it saves many miles and one huge climb, but it’s about 40 miles of dirt. Rougher n’ a cob! We made it through to the other end fully unscathed short of a few items falling out of the cabinets and fridge.
We hit Ennis, Montana in the middle of huge thunder storm. It was raining sideways from the roadside. Every rv or semi that past left me blinded by spray that had been nearly atomized. We arrived at the wedding venue to find that the roadside cabinet, wall, and sink area were soaked by a fine mist. I can only guess that the water was forced by air pressure from the semis, found its way through the window drains. Quick wipe up, and no more troubles.
We set up camp and got very comfortable for a few more days!
We packed her up and headed back home Monday morning. 16-1/2 hrs behind the wheel, but all went well. I’m pretty comfortable now with the cars limitations, and understand how to manage it. It’s slow going up the big hills, but hey!, we’re on vacation!
One fun fact we learned along the way- When purchasing store bought RVs, you have unlimited choices! “Would you like that in the brown taupe with swooshy stripes, or white taupe with swooshy stripes?”
Every stop, every gas station, neighbors, passers-by, fellow campers... everyone wanted a closer look! Got lots of compliments on the build.
