Let's get this adventure started

Just returned from a 10 day trip to North Carolina and a chance to spend some much needed time with family, friends, and even attend my nephew's wedding. Congrats Simon and Lauren!! Beautiful ceremony. Lenny spent that time at Wag'nTails Kennel in Buffalo, WY (a little plug for ya Carol) and after a much needed wash in the tub, he's almost as good as new. The groomers will take it from here this week for the first of several summer cuts and putting him back into shape. During my trip to NC, I received several trailer build photos from Escape Travel Trailers and I am pleased to report that the process is almost completed.

Final pictures from Chilliwack BC are forthcoming in the next week or two. Delivery is scheduled for pickup on June 17th in Sumas WA. Prior to delivery, I will spend a day at the factory receiving some additional orientation prior to delivery. Lots to learn. After loading up the trailer, I've decided to spend a few days at a campground in Lynden WA checking out all the systems on the trailer, plus adding a few "enhancements" before beginning the trek home to Wyoming. Pretty exciting stuff, huh?? Once home, I will collect Lenny from Carol's place (once again) and we will test the new digs in the Big Horn Mountains at some remote location. (counting on your expert advice here AL) Lots of new equipment to put through the paces to determine what works and what doesn't. And on that note, a special shout-out to a YouTuber who provided me with several important upgrades to my 4 Runner and ancillary power sources for boondocking and going off grid. Thanks Cass, your help was invaluable!!! Ok, ok, here's a plug for Cass. Tales of Wanderlust on YouTube, plus she has several other media formats in case you'd like to follow her adventures. So until next time.............

"AND AWAY WE GO"..........JACKIE GLEASON AKA THE GREAT ONE

Well, after placing the order for my Escape 17B last year, from Escape Travel Trailer Industries, the big moment finally arrived. Having completed a thorough orientation and systems review in Chilliwack BC on June 16th, (thanks Dave, excellent instructions!!) it was time to return to Sumas Washington and accept delivery from the manufacturer on Friday, June 17th 2022. The moment of truth. Over the years, I’ve had some experience towing a utility trailer, horse trailer, and an auto on the back of a U-Haul truck, so how difficult could this be? After all, it only weighs 3200 pounds. Amazing, towed like a dream and in fact, did not even utilize the stabilizer…….yet. Saving that for the long trip back to Wyoming on the interstate. A special note of thanks to the Canadian Border officers in Sumas. Their assistance and guidance was very professional, informative and most appreciated crossing into BC.

After signing off on the customs documentation and hooking up the 4 Runner to the trailer, it was time to head for the campground at Oostemafarmstead.com. Unfortunately, my newly installed brake controller was not functioning correctly which resulted in a side trip to the Toyota dealership in Bellingham, WA. Within minutes, problem fixed (I hope) and no further warning lights to deal with. It’s a weird after market brake controller and when stepping on the brake and yelling a bit of profanity at the same time…..I’m here to tell you, that doesn’t work. Therefore, time to head for Toyota.

The campground at the farm is awesome. It is a working farm with all sort of farm critters, limited full service hook-up sites, showers, a cleaning area to wash kitchen pots and utencils, and of course, toilet facilities. Lisa and Glen are the owners and hosts and I highly recommend a few nights there if you like peace and quiet, and listening to the chickens and cows. A VERY SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to my dearest friends Rob and Kelly for sending a wonderful box of treats to enjoy during this inaugural camping experience. In my haste to get to the campground, I neglected to stop and get a bottle of vino to compliment all those wonderful tasty treats in the box. Note to self, put a bottle in the camper for the next trip. (Don’t forget the wine bottle opener either)

Relying on my Youtube lessons for newbies and rookies, I was able to level the trailer in no time, in spite of the ground/grassy areas which are very soft and wet. It’s the Pacific Northwest, you just have to deal with it however, on the plus side, the weather is very conducive for sleep during the night or even an afternoon nap for that matter. In fact, almost chilly to the point of having to crank up the trailer furnace and take the dampness out of the air. But, It’s also very mesmerizing listening to the light rain as you doze off into a deep, sound sleep.

Since I HATE the traffic in and around the Seattle area, I’ve decided to leave sometime on Sunday, June 19th, and begin the long haul back to Sheridan. Hopefully, this will allow me to avoid all of that Monday morning work related commuter traffic and congestion as I approach highway 405 to interstate 90. Since I will be traveling at a much slower speed on the way home, it will take me a bit longer to complete the journey allowing for ample stops to rest, put that liquid gold in my SUV and stretch these old bones.

And finally, I am so looking forward to picking up my furry companion from the kennel in Buffalo, Wy. The Lenny. I have really missed him and yet, I am sure he’s had a great time running around like the wild dog that he is, especially with a bunch of new found friends. Introducing Lenny to the travel trailer will be an experience. Thankfully, he is critter that adjusts easily to new surroundings, however, sharing this small space and bed with him will be tough, but somehow, we’ll manage.

So stayed tuned. The next road trip on the agenda will take us up into the Big Horn Mountains for a little off grid boon docking and perhaps a chance to do a little fishing. No Griz, but plenty of mountain lions and moose. Did I mention the occasional black bear?