July Celebrations

Sunday - Wed.   Work days - we did our first shift in the entrance fee booth on Sunday.  When the fee booth is not manned, visitors to the park are to pay a $5 fee at the self pay stations throughout the park.  Some do, some don't.  When the booth is open, they have no choice.  We saw many that were coming in without money, expecting to not contribute like usual.  We heard many interesting excuses.

Thursday - July 3  The holiday weekend begins.  Today we decided to hike the Boulder Ridge trail, which begins in our park.  We had read this was a tough trail climbing up the side of the ridge behind us.  It was!  It was a warm day and we gained elevation quickly each turn of the trail.  It was tough going, but we made it.  We found the ridge that gave us great views of Mt. Hood.  We stopped and ate our snacks and rested before heading back.  8.5 miles total. Back home, we cleaned up and then went over to the RV park next door.  Gary and Marilyn, their two boys and families were there, camping for the 4th of July weekend.  We had a great supper with them and enjoyed the campfire.

Up Boulder Ridge Trail

Our view on the way up of Mt. Hood

The trees went up and up

Hiking buddy

Our lunch view on the ridge

Someone has to make the trail wider!

The browns and greens

The greens and water flowing

Friday - July 4  Slept in and then made my desserts to share with the family that night.  We picked up Marilyn and Susan and went to the Estacada Timber Festival at noon.  They had timber events - ground logging, pole climbing, axe throwing, Jack & Jill bucking (man & woman cutting with the buck saw and log rolling.  We had a timber dog for lunch from the food stands, a grilled polish dog wrapped in bacon - it took a long time to make, but was delicious!  The weather was warm and sunny, we enjoyed sitting outside and watching the competitions.  Back to the park and then to the RV park for supper with the family.  That night, the kids put together teams for the bag throwing game, so we all participated.  Another campfire, this time with pie made with the campfire pie irons.  Yumm.

Timber Festival - pole climbing

Ground logging

Saturday - We worked on projects in the motorhome and then went and had supper with the Fredinburgs after they were back from the Alpine Hill amusement center.

Sisters - Scarlett & Gracie

Piper & Great uncle Gary