100824 - Woodburn, Oregon

August 24, 2010
Woodburn, Oregon
On the highway, some hotshot trucker creeps into our lane in heavy traffic just south of Portland and rips off our right front mirror. I tried to run him down but he got away and his license plate was too dirty to read and there were no markings on the side of his truck (18 wheeler). Even if I could have caught up to him it would have been impossible to prove with no witnesses any way. Finding a new mirror is going to be tough.

Later that day, at twilight –a young guy wearing a New Zealand shirt befriended Danny (or visa versa) as we overnighted at a Wal-Mart. He and his friend have been touring the United States for 12 months from coast to coast and were just getting ready to return home this month.
He offered to take Danny for a walk. He seemed OK but after about 20 minutes I was getting a little nervous as the sun was setting. However, 10 minutes later they returned and Danny was tired but apparently happy.

100822 - Gig Harbor, Washington

August 22, 2010
Gig Harbor, Washington
Since our plans had not been well defined, it was on short notice that I told Mort we were heading his way. Mort Altman and I did our surgical residencies together in San Francisco a long time ago. My timing to visit turned out to be bad because he had just been diagnosed with prostate cancer and had undergone Divinci Robotic surgery successfully just a few weeks ago. In addition to that, he had just sold his house and bought another one and was in the process of moving, although he admitted he was actually doing the directing instead of lifting. We spent dinner bringing each other up to date on our lives and events. He took me to this great BBQ rib place.
That was all the time he could spare and I know he was still worn out recovering from the surgery.

While at the RV Park in Gig Harbor, one of our neighbors, Steve, saw us scootering around and offered to wash our RV windows. I thought that was a terrific offer and the next day, bucket and long handled brush in hand, he showed up and scrubbed us clean. He did all of the windows and body in the front and along the sides as well.

I love RV people. Thank you Steve.

100818 - Bellingham, Washington

August 18,2010
Bellingham, Washington
When we get to the Northwest, we love visiting with my old friend Joe. We both practiced in the Los Angeles area and often assisted each other in surgery. He is now retired in Bellingham with his beautiful wife Penelope.
Unfortunately, she had a family emergency that took her out of town so for a week it was just the boys – Joe, Steve and Danny. We conveniently parked The Beast in Joe’s driveway which served as the guest house. Winning over Penelope Danny can do with one paw tied behind his back but Joe is another story. For this Danny went all out. Nuzzling, and begging and insisting on being petted and responding to commands. Joe even tried to teach him to fetch but he failed like so many before him. We hit a few restaurants (seafood, steak and pizza) and even found a dog park for Danny to run free with other dogs for a while. With Penelope gone, we did miss her excellent cooking and great hospitality, but Joe held up well and we all had a wonderful time.

100801 - Yakama Nation, Toppenish, WA

August 1, 2010
Yakama Nation RVP
Toppenish, Washington

After a couple of days and about 60 gallons of gas, stopping at Boise and Pendleton, Oregon, we arrived at a campground we have been to before and enjoyed it. The grounds are grassy and well kept and the interior roadways are paved and scooter friendly. There is also a restaurant on the property. It is not actually in Yakima, Washington and for some reason spelled with an “a” instead of an “i”. It is officially Indian land.
Usually when we check in, besides verifying the rate (which was $30/day or $32 with cable), we ask about the weekly rate. Most times campgrounds will offer 7 days for the price of 6. Initially we were planning on 4 or 5-day stay but when I was told the weekly rate was $75 we were surprised and interested. I asked again to make sure I was not hearing wrong since I expected to hear $175. Nope, $75 it was and that included cable. On top of that, my Good Sam discount of 10% brought it down to $67,50 and there was no tax. We are really going to enjoy our week here.