June 10, Our Anniversary!

All I seemed to talk about yesterday was that fire in Bend. I totally forgot to mention the town of Prineville, Oregon. It is in a very picturesque valley, very green for the high desert. We were going to drive backwards to Prineville and stay at the Crook County RV Park. It had all the services, and was a modern little park. However, things didn't work out that way.

There was another county park right on the highway about 5 or 6 miles out of Prineville. It was on a lake with a boat ramp, and several nice little RV spots. No hook ups, though. However, that is where Jeff decided to knock off for the day, and we drove through looking for a spot. There were plenty, although the park manager said he had been full last Friday night, and only had one spot open on Saturday. We had a nice conversation with him. His name was Wally. He was bent over and walked with a cane, but he could move pretty fast! He said he had been the summer manager there for a number of years. The really great thing about that RV park, was the modern, clean restrooms and showers! They were awesome! Since we wanted to conserve our own water, we both showered in their facility. I was impressed. So, if you ever find yourself looking for a spot to camp just outside of Prineville, I recommend the county park on the little reservoir there. He also had a bunch of "pet" chipmunks, which I assume he fed, as he had several bowls sitting on the ground. They were still not very tame, and wouldn't come right up to me. Perhaps if I'd had some food???

As mentioned above, today is our 8th anniversary. We sort of knew that we might be spending it on the side of the road, and we were right! Our phone service went away just a couple miles down the road from the camp ground, and there has been nothing ever since. It is very rugged out here. But quite beautiful! I keep thinking of the Ponderosa ranch in the old TV show, Bonanza. Although we have left most of the Ponderosa pines behind us. This is truly high desert!

Jeff did a good day today, even though his foot started to blister. We taped it up and he went on. It doesn't bother him now! Thankfully. I spent most of the day reading on the side of the road. And scouting ahead for an appropriate wide spot on the road. Not too many of them, actually! I went all the way to Mitchell, which sort of made me think of a Stephen King novel! Or something straight out of the old West. They did have a "camp ground" in town, but there were no services or hook ups, and Jeff didn't want to run that far today. I found a very large gravel area where I think the highway department stores their gravel. It is relatively flat, and off the road. We will have our anniversary dinner in the gravel lot!

People are very friendly here, too. I had several different folks stop to ask if I needed help while I was sitting on the side of the road waiting for Jeff. Not a heavily travelled road, but it was nice to know that people were concerned. I have not seen a sheriff or any kind of cop since leaving Prineville!

Speaking of our anniversary dinner, the outdoor kitchen and grill are working out great! And, surprise, the freezer is keeping things frozen! The dealership sort of indicated that it only worked well while hooked to electricity, but it seems to be doing a great job. So, we have rib eye steaks, a potato to grill, and some fresh asparagus from the valley. All in all, so far, we are having a great time!