GEG Selah Jane’s Birthday & Stuff

Its off to Spokane via Selah for Jane’s Birthday.

Had Day I: GREAT!! drive over. With the low light on a totally clear day the sights were outstanding. Nothing but color and contrast. I saw so many things that I have never noticed in the countless trips across Snoqualmie pass. Did dinner with Larry and Jane at the Olive Garden for Jane’s birthday.

Day II: Up at 0500 to catch the sunrise. It’s now 0715 and the sun is just starting to say “Good Morning Tommy”  After some breakfast and a walk around the spread. We were off to Spokane. Arrived around 2:30. The drive was sunny and bright but not as beautiful as the day before.

Day III: It’s around 6am. And everyone is still sacked out.

Day IV: FOOTBALL Saturday!! Dawgs 

Day V: I was dreading the drive west. 287mi of rain and traffic! We got off around 10 or so. And much to our surprise. The drive was (sunny) all the way to the pass. Where we picked up a little . We took a side trip at Vantage. And ended up in Ellensburg. Never knew that road existed. It took us thru all the windmills in the Wild Horse electric wind farm. Also happened upon some beautiful Donkeys. Yes beautiful! The road continued thru the town of Kititas. I never knew there was such a place. Anyway it was a great find and well worth the time off I-90. Made it home to see the Seahawk's make their only touchdown in their drubbing by New York

North Cascade Day Trip

Took advantage of a normal Northwest beautiful fall day. We packed up our overnight supplies incase we wanted to keep heading east. Headed out around 10 am. The drive was great. Especially passing thru all the small towns and farm areas on the back roads. The one big observation I made especially in the Skagit valley to Rockport (the last town before entering the North Cascade highway (20) was the amount of properties for sale. It seemed like every other property was for sale. But I think conservetly  I bet 20% for sale. Really sad and a sign of the economy. We arrived at Washington Pass. The weather was perfect. And the State has expanded and made many improvements to the overlook area. If you ever have the chance to drive the north cascade highway. DO NOT pass this over look without checking it out. It was now about 3pm and we had to make the decision to go east and spend the night somewhere. Or head back the way we came. We decided the latter. Just after heading back we hit rain. Still the drive was good. Especially with Anita at the wheel.
Made it home around 8pm. All in All a GREAT day!

Desert Southwest 2010

 A road trip to southern Utah. Caravanning with Everett and Barbara Chun and meeting up with Dennis and Connie Figueira who will be driving in from Las Vegas.
Trip Details:
Distance: 2,657 mi  Not counting side trips and wanderings. (probably closer to 3,000mi)

 

Day I: Tue: On our way !! Bellevue to Twin Falls Idaho. On the road at 0705. Drove to Snoqualmie Pass to meet Barbara and Everett for breakfast. The lodge was closed for renovations. So we headed to Cle Elum to have our breakfast and morning meeting. The drive went great with Anita and I taking shifts. Sunny all the way. Arrived in Twin Falls 12hrs and 629mi later. GREAT day!! Looking forward to tomorrow as it will be the first time on this road and all new scenery and adventures.  Hopefully tomorrow will bring some more and better pictures. Today was spent trying to cover some distance. I just had to do the motorcycle and sidecar picture. The folks had crossed the country a couple times in and on that rig.

Day II: Wed: Twin Falls Id. / Moab Utah  An 0830 departure and after a 470mi adventure we arrived in Moab, Today's drive was interesting and a little more relaxed (not quite as far to cover) It did get a little interesting as we drove thru Salt Lake City we got hit with a major rain shower.  Had a picnic on the shores of the Great Salt Lake. It was a little too cold to take a dip but I did taste the water and it was surprisingly not as salty as I thought. Arriving in Moab. It was just like a story book. After seeing lots of beautiful country we rounded a bend and imidatily we were surrounded by mega clifs and beautiful rock formations. Tomorrow it is off to Canyon Lands and Arches national parks.

Day III: Thur. Sun and Fun! We all jumped on the Rav 4. And were on our way to do some park exploring. Started in Arches National Park. WOW! 3mi up the road from our digs. I would try to describe this place but that would only repeat what every brochure says. We drove, hiked, and were in constant ahhhhh in every bend of the road and turn of our heads. Oh yes there was not much time without laughs and sharing our day with great friends. After Tommy’s legs felt like they should fall off and I finally caught my breath from hiking around at 6000 feet. We headed up the road to Canyon lands Park. On the drive to the park entrance I could only think I had better check in on Sparkey! Then as we rounded the first bend into the park itself all that tiredness vanished and once again I was taken by ahhhhh. The late afternoon sun was warm and the still air was cool. “Just how I like it” You could just sit on the edges of thes canyons with magnificent views and only think “What could be better than this” Perfect. As the sun was setting, 150mi and 8hrs of wonderment behind us we headed back to the hotel and out for dinner at the Moab Brewery. I only wish those who did not join us and those who will still join us could be here now.

Day IV: It’s Friday morning. And I am hanging in the hotel lobby having coffee and taking advantage of good WIFI as the room WIFI sucks. It is fun sitting here listening to all the chatter from the breakfast area filled with excited voices from many lands, There are people from 20 to 80 dressed in everything from hiking gear to there PJ’s. When we get rolling this morning we are going to tour our way south to Bluff Utah. 2hrs from here but I am confident it will take most of the day as driving in this part of the country is totally filled with unbelievable sights. Oh yes It’s around 50degrees out now and should be in the mid 80’s and sunny for todays highs.
  I was right. It did take all day to make it to Bluff. About 1/2 way down we headed back into the south end of Canyon Lands. Here were were pretty much down in the canyons as opposed to being on top yesterday at the north end. It’s now a little after midnight and I am sitting out on the porch of our digs. The room is still a little hot. So I came out to cool off and check out the stars. Well its cool out here under a star filled sky. We did not make plans where day five will take us as yet. But as it stands we will venture somewhere in the general direction of Mt Carmel. To meet up with Dennis and Connie. on Monday Day six. From there we will venture out on daily adventures for the next four days. Well I am getting cooled down so I think I will call it a night.  186mi 7hrs

Day V:  Saturday This morning we got a early start. We left Bluff and headed north and Barb and Ev started a little later taking a southerly detour to Monument Valley. Once again it took us 8hrs to cover 231mi. For me the highlight of the day was the Mokie Dugway.  That is a gravel road switching back and forth up the sheer side of a mesa some 1500ft Very Cool. Other than that it was just another day driving thru a postcard. What could be better. Its now 10pm and we are waiting to see B & E. They should be arriving here in Torrey 

Day VI: Torrey to Mt. Carmel. GOOD MORNING TORREY!!! Its 6:45 The sun is just coming over the mountains . Everyone is sacked out and I am sitting in the car listening to Pandora,  playing with my computer. Also waiting for the coffee shop to open. Anita and I should be out of here sometime after seven. Stopping in Bolder for breakfast at a highly recommended place. Then continue on thru Escalante and on to Mt Carmel where we will meet up with the Figuearas and hang out for the next 4days.
We got out at 0800 and drove to breakfast. And once again a 35mi drive took over an hour and a half. Just too much beauty to make any time, After breakfast Anita and I headed on. Barb and Ev stayed back to take in some Anatzi Indian culture. We arrived at Mt Carmel and the Sugar Knoll B&B around 4:30. Yet again another 191mi day took over 8hrs. This is sort of our average speed 20 some MPH over great no traffic highways. I guess that says it all. Barb and Ev showed up around seven and Connie and Dennis arrived around 8. We spent the rest of the evening hanging around the campfiere, catching up and planning our next day.

Day VII: Monday Zion Park. Breakfast served at 8am. Off to Zion with the whole gang (Anita Tommy, Barb ,Everett and  Connie & Dennis) After arriving at the visitor center we all boarded the park bus’s (the only way other than on foot to check out the park) Connie Dennis Anita and I found the easiest hike and spent  2hrs laughing and pushing ourselves up the trail. Barbara and Everett went on a three hr Big Boy hike. Hey it was 100 degrees at 6000ft plus! Hey wimpy is a good thing. All in all. Another GREAT day.

Day VIII: Tuesday SLOT CANYONS.

WOW oh WOW!! This was the one thing I really wanted to do. Connie and Dennis headed off to Brice Canyon National Park. The rest of us with our trusty Inn keeper/ Guide. Jumped into our 4 wheel vehicles and headed down the road behind our B&B. Not 200yds down the road we were crossing a stream. We continued up a ATV trail for a mile or so and arrived at Red Canyon Slot Canyon. By this time after bouncing over rocks and ruts our wheels were in 9in deep soft sand and we were moving like we were in deep snow. Mike grabbed his trusty old aluminum ladder and we headed into what looked like a cave in the hillside. As we entered the slot canyon the opening may have been about 8ft wide and the walls 50ft high of beautiful sculptured rock. For the next two and a half hours we proceeded through the canyon climbing over piles of rocks, small areas of water from the last flash flood and areas that you had to turn sideways to squeeze through. Every turn and twist was an “Oh My God Look At This !!!!” experience. And no way one could get over some of those rock piles to another level. Without the help of all of us and the trusty ladder. We sweated, Laughed and experienced contorting ourselves like pretzels. I just can’t put into words how great this was even after standing on the edge of 1000ft cliffs and looking over  unlivable landscapes painted with all colors and shapes. The only thing I can say. If you EVER get the chance to visit a slot canyon JUST DO IT!! That evening we all went out to dinner and came back to the B&B.  Sat around the fire and shared our experiences.

Day IX: Wednesday Mt Carmel Idaho Falls. Anita and got up early and at day break we headed north. After 10hrs and 500 plus miles. We ended up in Idaho Falls. Made quit a few stops. Including 520 I street Salt Lake City Utah. My birth place and first home. We also stopped by the Hill air force base museum where they have one of  the two remaining C124 globe masters. The aircraft I spent my Air Force days on back in the late 60s. Had a good dinner and went for a walk along the Snake river in the still warm evening air. Yet another great day. 

Day X: Yellow Stone  Out early from Idaho Falls on our way to Yellow Stone National Park In hopes of catching a glimpse of some critters and a geyser or two. Well we were not disappointed. We first happend upon a bull moose munching some goodies in the reeds. We then came upon a bunch of stopped cars full gawkers. There were a bunch of buffalo. Then out of nowhere came one monster  buffalo out of the trees and he was running down the side of the road along side the car. You could hear him breath he was so close. Very cool. Finally as we were nearing the north entrance of the park there was a road sign saying no stopping. Not a hundred yards went by before everone was stopped. I thought there must be a accident but no. It was a large black bear feeding just off the road.  We also spotted a number of elk. A couple cyotes and various other critters. It was a true success. The weather has been record breaking. Just plain GREAT. Well after 10 fast hours on the road we called it a day here in Anaconda Montana. “Anita’s birthplace” Sometime tomorrow it will be off to Spokane. Oh yes it was a 224mi day.

Day XI: Off to Spokane. Had a good breakfast at Donavan's and did a quick photo shoot around Anaconda. Somewhere around 8 we headed out for Spokane. As normal we just dilly dallied along checking out things and places. Made it to Spokand around 5pm and immediately gave the RAV-4 a much deserved bath. Stopped by Mary’s. More or less just said Hi. Then off to the hotel for our overnight.

Day XII: Spokane. Anita’s Mom’s Memorial 

Day XIIl: Sunday Oct 3rd Spokane - Home. Hung around Mary’s until noon. Then headed back to Bellevue in an uneventful nice drive home. All was well with the house other than some signs of a mouse house sitting while we were gone. Oh yes I flipped on the hot water circuit breakers in hopes that we would have hot watter in the morning, But was presently surprised when the water was hot with in the hour.

Steph’s & Tony’s Wedding Weekend

Day I: It’s Wednesday and we are taking off early for PDX (Portland) due to grandmas health . Aside from the Carolyn health issues we are looking forward to the BIG Event. The wedding of Stephanie Zimmer and Tony Secretario. Also the gathering of the Zimmer clan from far and wide. And meeting and welcoming the Secretario clan.
After a leisurely drive we made it to PDX. First stop grandma’s (Carman Oaks) Anita spent the rest of the afternoon tending her mom. I headed out to check out some of the places in the area. And ended up at Steve and Liz’s. Now we are hanging in Liz’s friends house that they so graciously offerd of some of the wedding party to stay. Tomorrow we will be moving to Chez Zimmer as the brides maids will be having a little pre wedding party here. See ya all in the morning.

Day II: Sunny and bright!! As expected people are going this way and that way. With everyone on the mission of utter chaos. Or at least it looks that way from my “fly on the wall” observations. Hey it is a wedding. I checked into the Crown Plaza hotel and spent the afternoon trying to chase down a wifi signal.

Day III: Ahhhh grounded! Sitting in a Starbucks with a Giant cup of Hot Black Coffee and WIFI!! What more could a boy ask for:)
  Let the Games Begin !! Great Rehearsal dinner hosted by the Secretario family. Steph is a lucky girl marring into such a great family. Tomorrow the BIG day!

Day IV: The WEDDING!! The day started off normal. Coffee, Breakfast at the hotel, & running into the Secretario family having their morning meeting. As the day went on Anita and Mary went to visit grandma and I wandered around the hotel area. “This time they had the car”
Around 4 something it was time to suit up and head to the chapel for the ceremony. Looked like around 200 people were attending. It all went off without a hitch. Now with that said and done it was off to the Lake Oswego golf and country club for the reception. And what a reception it was.  The place ROCKED til after 11pm. And I do mean ROCKED!!

DayV: Headed home. Got up , Packed up and headed to Steve & Liz’s for a continental breakfast ,say our good buys. and help send Tony and Steph off on their future. “Starting with a round of golf in Astoria” What can I say it was PERFECT!          GOOD LUCK AND HAVE A GREAT LIFE Mr & Mrs Secretario!!!!!!

     CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE PICTURES

 

 

GEG Aug 2010

    Day I: Here we are once again at Chez Frey. The BBQ is a heatin up for some inland empire salmon. Had a very good ride over today other than the heaviest traffic on I90 that I have ever seen. All the way to Moses Lake area then it thinned out to more normal. I guess every one was heading to the Pot Holes ect. Had hundreds of cycle headed west. “who said motorcycle people were crazy?” Actually we did not pass or were passed by one motorcycle. Althought we passed quite a few peddle powered cycles.
It’s a beautifull day here around 80degrees. Who would have thunk we would head to eastern Washington for cooler weather. Tomorrow morning we wll head up to Diamond lake.

Day II: Picked up my morning Starbucks and headed down to Riverside park on the Spokane river . Really made me wonder just why anybody would stay in bed and not get an early start out to enjoy the BEST time of day here in the  Spokane aummer. The only sounds in the park were those of birds starting their day and the sound of the river from compleatly silent to the sound of rushing water over some rappids. The air was cool and the sun filtering thru the trees was warm. It just does not get any better than that. “You, Nature., and a hot cup of Starbucks!!” 
Headed out to Diamond Lake around 11am. A beautiful day hanging at Mini Chez Frey. Did a little swin, do a little nap and BBQ tonight.

Day III: Off this morning for Starbucks and a drive to Mt Spokane. Only about  1/2hr drive and this time of year you can drive all the way to the top. The air was warm and no wind.” Perfect!” We spent about an hour exploring around the area. A Great morning. The Picture on the left is from the top looking North East. You could spot all the srounding lakes including Coeur d'Alene. Off in the distance in this picture. This evening Anita, Mary and I once again checked out Riverside park for a short hike.

Day IV: How the time fly’s! This morning the little black Rav4 will be heading west. And life will be back to normal here at Chez Frey.

Seafair Weekend 2010

The Annual Seafair weekend has begun. We started with a experimental dinner. I had been wanting to cook a whole beef tenderloin roast style. After some fumbling around it WORKED!! We shared this fine meal with Mike and Vicki, Bill and Robin, And John and Barbara. John was kind enough to stand in for Everett. Who was on his way home from China. As always Everett was missed. But what the heck more meat for everyone. Mike and Vicki spent the night. I the morning it was off to the old hood to scope out the Seafair activities and check out my old stomping grounds.
Saturday it was off to Jim and Bet Schuler’s for their annual Seafair/Blue Angles party. The weather did not co-operate this year, But it paid off in a much more intimate gathering where everyone got a real chance to have a good visit and enjoy Jim’s great BBQ. I think everyone enjoyed the event to the max. I know Anita and I certinly did.

Sunday I am off to my Evergreen Safety Counsel motorcycle course. Hopefully I will have pictures to follow. Wish me luck!

Tada!! After a long day in motorcycle school I am now officially endorsed to ride any two wheel motor powered vehicle. The day started out with an enjoyable class followed by a written test. After lunch we met up at the riding area. We then spent the rest of the afternoon practicing required maneuvers followed by a practical riding test. The afternoon got very long and thank God it was not hot out. By the time it was over my butt and back had enough!! I think I may wait a day or two before I climb on another bike. But I am GOOD TO GO!!! By the way brother Bill is off today to take his course.

Mt Rainer (Sunrise) Day Trip

Drove up to Mt. Rainer for a hike. After one heck of a time trying to score on some fresh hot traveling coffee.(took 3 stops) we were on our way. Stopped by the Black Diamond bakery for some goodies to go along with our coffee (the cake donuts are the best). We made it to Sunrise on Mt. Rainer in a little over2hrs. After downing my new hiking / Cycling boots. We were on our way for couple hr. hike. The weather was perfect and the trails down hill were great. Up hill, well what can I say. They are not quite as much fun. Stopped by White River Campgrounds to check it out. The video shows our courageous crossing of the river. Had lots of laughs and I am ready to once again don those boots. Click HERE for more pictures

4th of July Weekend

This weekend started by a short adventure to Whidbey Island to spend the 3rd of July (thats when Freeland Wa celebrates the 4th.) with Jim and Bet. Toured the island that afternoon then joined friends for a BBQ and watch he fireworks display. Sunday the 4th had a leisurely breakfast with Jim and Bet then headed back home to gather out thoughts and head to Key Center for a 4th (on the 4th) BBQ at Billy’s. As usual BBQ Billy’s Gathering was great complete with some down home cookin and Believe it or not. Everyone left with all their fingers!

Back In Portland(PDX) Moving Granma to Her to NEW Digs

Sat: Headed south to help move Carolyn into assisted living from independent living at Carman Oaks. A one bedroom to  a studio.

Mon: Carolyn is settled in and enjoying life

Portland for Grandma, Bill Dresser, & Michael Zimmer

   Thursday June 17th: Leaving early for Portland for the Bill Dresser (Liz’s Dad) funeral and Michael Zimmer graduation gathering. Got a call yesterday that Carolyn ( Anita’s Mom) went to the hospital. So it’s a quick turn and off to PDX this morning rather than Monday.

It’s Saturday already. Anita and I are hanging out at Steve and Liz’s. Anita has been busy running back a forth to the hospital to check in on Carolyn. Grandma is not in the best of health, But her spirits are Great!!

 

 

Sunday: Today or late tonight The Steve Zimmer family will be returning from Maui and their annual family vacation.

Off to visit the Zimanators in Sacramento

Day I: Headed to SMF(Sacramento) for a couple days to visit Anita’s younger brother Jimmy and wife Karen. No problem getting to SMF . Hung out for the day cetching up on life in general. Actually made it to almost midnight solving all the family dramas.

Day II: Up at 6 and having that obligatory cup(pot) of coffee. Spent most of the morning doing computer training. Jim has the BBQ fired up and we are doing steaks. It’s Been Very nice weather wise. Not tooooo hot for a couple of tenderfoots from Washington.

Day III: Went for a good walk. Followed by playing off the rubber from the phenoiclle game from last night, And as predictibal Karen and tommy kicked A$$ :) Shooting for the 4:10pm flt on Alaska back to Seattle.
Once again hanging at the SMF airport waiting waiting waiting. Had a GREAT 3day midweek weekend.

Adam’s 25th Birthday

Went to Bill and Robin’s for a BBQ/Adam’s Pre Birthday/Bon Voyage for Adam. A good time was had by all topped off by the great Oz hat gifts from the Chun’s. Sort of a bitter sweet evening knowing that Adam would be leaving in the morning to take care of the last min provisioning of his boat and be off to Alaska. All in all. Great evening with a lot of hidden emotion’s

Happy Birthday Adam and Enjoy a safe journey to Alaska followed by a successful season.
Love Tommy & Anita

Checking Out Adam's Boat

Thur June 3rd: Bill and I shot up to Bellingham to check out the progress on the MAX POWER Adam's new boat. We stopped off in Edison at the Longhorn saloon for some lunch.

By the way those two beautiful rides in front of the saloon do not belong to Billy or myself. “Darn It!!” Edison is on the south end of Chuckanut Drive. After a couple of great burgers we headed off to Bellingham. Where we found Adam hard at work (fiber glassing) the good ship Max Power. Spent a couple of hr’s giving Adam our crappy advise and installing his new radar. All in all we had a great brother bonding day and I was able to set foot on Adam’s new boat. Looks like he will be ready to head north around the 9th of June

Spokane /Yakima 4 Memorial Day

Day I: Good but WET drive until we reached Thorp. From there on it was a mixed bag of WX. Rain Sun Ect. Arrived at Chez Frey around 2pm with lots of sun.

Day II: Headed out to Diamond Lake around 11am. Hit rain during the drive but it was dry at the lake, But cold!! Did some munching and headed back into town.

Day III: Today we will be heading west. Stopping of at Sowder Farms and Smoke House for some Memorial day ribs. Looking forward to that!! Made it to Sowder Farms for an Excellent BBQ. It was great to see Rich and his growing family. And the BBQ. Ribs “What can I say” After dinner we headed out to finish up our journey. Made it home around 9:30pm. Fat Dumb and Happy!