THE FIRST DAY

Our FIRST day........ only one of those - right?!

And good thing to because it sure didn't start out all that well - Houston we have a problem.

Oh - it all started out fine - we woke, we packed and said a sad so long to Derek's mom. We stopped and picked up Roofous and we were on our way - all in good time.

We didn't even mind - too much - the 45 min or so wait at the border because, well - we were ON OUR WAY.

But mere seconds after Derek stopped in front of our border crossing guy things took a definite turn for the worse.

I KNEW we were in for a lengthy border stay when the officers eyebrows went up when Derek mentioned how long we were to be away from Canada. And his face only became more twisted as he tried to figure out how we were paying for all this.

So - when he handed us an orange piece of paper and said "Park over there and go inside" we couldn't say we were all that surprised.

I'll save you all the details of the next 1 1/2 hours spent in the Customs Office - although it does make for a lively story. Short version? We stood, we waited, and we listened. We were entertained by all the other detainees as they told their stories.

Do those border guys and gals - smile - EVER? 

Glad to say that after all the eyebrow raising and grilling we were finally free to go with a "Have a good time." Only 2 hours gone out of our life.

Sorry no pictures of that adventure - I doubt that would have gone over well - right?!

Glad to be in the USA we headed to Bellingham. We had two stops to make. The first - for a solar panel part which we found at a marine shop and second - Trader Joe's. 

YUP! A trip to Trader Joe's right off the bat - was I HAPPY or was I HAPPY! Border problems? What border problems?

As always we could go seriously CRAZY at Trader Joe's but we were conservative - again. Our must have's for today were olive oil popcorn, coffee, greek yogurt, almond and coconut milk, beer and coconut oil.

And these! Something new - and both very good I might add.

It was late in the afternoon but with still some sun we quickly continued on our way south on the I5. I don't know WHAT I was thinking when I mentioned earlier that we were going to Portland and then east. I think it was because Derek said it and I believed him. 

WAIT, WAIT, WAIT!!!!

Look at I90 that heads east at Seattle and over to Ellensburg and down - THAT's the way to go. 

Mountains? We can do mountains - right?!

So with just a little rush hour traffic, which Derek handled very well by putting us in the HOV lane, we were on the 90 in no time. 

After stopping fairly early for dinner we ended up driving a few hours in the dark - in the rain - before settling on a rest area just west of Ellensburg for the night.

Ahhhhhh REST AREAS ....... oh how I've missed you. 

Too dark to take a picture when we arrived so I took one just before we left Wednesday morning.

Sadly, as we readied our bunk bed we realized that we had a serious leak up there. Thankfully after Derek flipped the cushions and we salvaged the dry blankets and pillows we could still put a bed together for the three of us. 

Yes, we all FIT in the bunk bed - and hey - who needs to actually MOVE while they are sleeping anyway - right?!

And so went DAY 1 - a bit challenging, a bit stressful, and a bit tiring.

But boy did it feel good to be ON THE ROAD AGAIN. Which just got me singing along with Willie Nelson in my mind ......

Teresa

TODAY'S INTERESTING LINK: Do you need another travel blog to follow? How about The Long Way South with Nate, Sarah and Brady who have just completed their first 30 days on the road of their Pan American adventure. I'm excited for them and can't wait to see how it goes for them through Central America - fingers crossed that they'll be going through before we do.

AND ...... WE'RE OFF!

YUP

That's right - well, off tomorrow that is. Tonight we are still sitting comfortably on Derek's mom's couch watching TV ---- ahhhhhhhh ----- we sure have enjoyed the comforts of homes these last few weeks.

Because we work some pretty long hours during the summer we don't see our family as much as we would like to. And so - the spring - when we return and the fall - just before we leave - we get most of our family visiting in.

Cassia and I had a lovely time with my mom, sister and brother in law on Vancouver Island last week. Since my mom lives in an independent seniors building all of our meals are cooked for us and served in the dining room.

NOT having to meal plan or cook for one week = PRICELESS!

I also spent a few hours touring downtown Victoria BY MYSELF - you just have to LOVE having Oma's and Grandma's to babysit.

While we were gone Derek had a chance to visit with his family and spend some time in his sister's garden as he did in the spring.

And so - that is what we have been up to since we left the park a short two weeks ago. And as sad as we are to leave our families we are anxiety filled happy to be on our way.

Yup - a little bit nervous over here with Derek and I. We have a bit of trouble getting going - just a small case of the jitters.

Do any of you fellow travelers get that too?

We like being ON the road and we like being OFF the road -- but the IN BETWEEN? -- not so much.

Darn but it's hard to get ourselves going again. Not to worry though, some time around Pendleton we'll be back in the groove - just in time to stop again for a week or so at our friends place in Nampa - which if you've been following for a while, you'll know that we stopped in there on the way down south last fall and on our way north last spring.

Today, we caught up on our paper work, renewing our vehicle insurance and purchasing our medical insurance. A few years ago I searched around for the best deal for medical coverage for our trip. I found that at BCAA (our provinces Automobile Association) -- this is the third year we have gone to them for our medical insurance - $867.00 for our family of 3 for 6 months.

Good, but it still hurts. This is the time when ALL our money starts going out with NONE coming in. Something to get used to.

And so - tomorrow we bid adieu to Canada for awhile. We are headed due south - first stopping to pick up a part for our solar panel (more about that later) and then down to Portland. We will then take a left heading towards The Dalles and then to Pendleton. We have done this route in its entire length or in pieces several times now. From Pendleton to Nampa. Should take us a couple of days.

So - we'll see you down the road........

Teresa

TODAY'S INTERESTING LINK: We are ready to head out but I see that the Bayfield Bunch have to put the breaks on their departure for a few days. We wish Kelly the best in feeling better so that her and Al can get on the road south to their new pad at Congress. 

FALL AT SKIHIST AND GOLD PAN PROVINCIAL PARKS

While we are busy packing, cleaning and finishing up here at the Parks - here's a look of where we spent our summer.....

SKIHIST PROVINCIAL PARK

GOLD PAN PROVINCIAL PARK

SUNDAY COOK: PUMPKIN BREAD TOPPED WITH PUMPKIN BUTTERCREAM

All I can say is.....

I DID IT!!!       I DID IT, I DID IT - I DID IT!

I made something fall and pumpkiny before we left our little cabin here in the woods and more importantly - the OVEN.

And I went out in style if I do say so my self. I KNEW that I HAD to make this bread when I came across it on pinterest a few weeks ago - not only did it SOUND good but the pics from over at NancyCreative just make you want to reach through the screen for a piece. 

My pics just don't come out the same with our eight year old little coolpix, but it sure did come through in taste and richness. If you are looking for a easy dessert or something to go with your coffee - or how about a creamy pumpkin latte - then this is the recipe for you!

So, here we go..........

*** Just a quick note - Nancy's version of the recipe came from the cookbook Great Coffee Cakes, Sticky Buns, Muffins & More --- she adapted it a bit and posted her changes on her site NancyCreative -- I made further alterations. The recipe I used is below - if you want to check out the original see either of the two links above. Definitely take a look at Nancy's pics - it's worth the trip over to her site.

PUMPKIN BREAD WITH PUMPKIN BUTTERCREAM 

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp each of nutmeg and allspice - I omitted these - I don't have them here in the forest with me and I doubt I'll need them for the next year so I didn't go in search of them.

2 large eggs

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup oil (I used grapeseed - it was either that or Olive - the only two oils I keep on hand - well beside sesame ....)

1 1/4 cups canned pure pumpkin puree

Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 tbsp canned pure pumpkin puree

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp vanilla

3 cups powdered sugar

2 tsps half & half or milk

1/4 to 1/3 cup chopped nuts - pecans or walnuts 

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a 9x5" loaf pan; set aside.

Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices in a medium bowl and stir until well combined; set aside.

In a large bowl, beat eggs on medium high speed for two minutes or until lightened in colour. Add the brown sugar, mixing for about 2 minutes, then the granulated sugar, mixing for about 1 minute. Scrape down bowl as needed. 

Drizzle in the oil with the beater on medium-low. 

Reduce speed to low and add the pumpkin puree. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Nothing magic about the pumpkin I chose - I just thought it would be nice to have a picture of a pumpkin since we are talking about them! Sure wish we' grown pumpkins this year - even just so I could have a pic here of the real thing!

OH WAIT!!!  I DO HAVE A PUMPKIN PICTURE!!!!

  

ahhhhhhhhhhh Cassia's 1st fall - just about this time in 2009 in Keremeos, BC.

 Add the dry ingredients in two additions and blend for 10 - 15 seconds just until incorporated. 

Shows you how out to lunch I was - I thought it was add wet to dry like 1000 other recipes so I had my bowls switched. Well, I just went ahead and added wet to dry and it worked out just as well.

Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 - 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes our clean. It was about 55 minutes for mine but as I've mentioned my oven is on the hot side.

Cool loaf in pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

Another indication that my mind was elsewhere (as in on all the other stuff I have to get done in the next two days!) I forgot to take pictures of the buttercream making process. But - pretty straight forward - right?

Cream the butter, pumpkin puree, cinnamon and vanilla, blending well. Add the powdered sugar a cup at a time, blending well after each addition. Add half & half or milk and blend well.

Nancy noted that it was a very think frosting and that was no understatement! I ended up adding about double the cream to make it a little easier to spread - it was STILL very thick.

Sprinkle with chopped nuts.

VERY VERY PERFECT FOR FALL!

One thing I HAVE to mention! The buttercream is VERY VERY sweet - and that's from me - the only one in the family that LOVES sweet icing. I somehow missed Nancy mentioning this before her recipe - darn - she suggested halving the recipe. Boy - I should have listened.

So here's the scoop! DON'T make all this icing unless you have sweet TEETH not just the TOOTH. My suggestion?! At the max make half and spread it thin - or go without icing or go find yourself a cream cheese icing perhaps. 

How can you tell I am trying to get as much baking in as possible. This morning we started out with these.....

Carrot Cake pancakes with Cream Cheese from Joy the Baker's cookbook I told you about a while back. I notice it isn't on her blog.....

And yes - the cream cheese was a bit lumpy - no time to care - they tasted just as good!

Well, that's it for me.

Sadly - for me - this is the last Sunday Cook. There is no way I could even THINK about promising recipes from on the road - let alone on Sundays. I'm not even sure at this point if we will have internet on demand. 

There was a whole list of recipes I didn't get to this summer like homemade marshmallows and pretzels, and the list goes on -- sigh --. 

We will of course be post about the food we find down south after all the FOOD is one of the best things about traveling - right?!

Later,

Teresa

TODAY'S INTERESTING LINK: This link is totally unrelated to food but I was thinking about it again as I was driving home tonight from Gold Pan. I found it through another travel site -- it is called HelpExhange or helpx -- I even signed us up just in case. Take a look around - the idea is that you stay and work at a place for room and board. A little different for us since we don't need the room - well except for that to park our van. I thought it might be a neat experience for us - especially if we can find a place centered around animals - I think all three of us would enjoy that!

TOO MUCH STUFF!

I'm sure you could all see THIS post coming!

If I know one thing for sure -- it's this --

WE HAVE TOO MUCH STUFF!

Yes, us, the Wood Clan - the live simple on the road most of the time and now in a teeny tiny camper van - Wood Clan.

And by the way, WHAT were we thinking to believe that we could easily move ourselves - and all of our STUFF into a CAMPER VAN! I'm mean - really.

Who would every think that two adults and more importantly, one three year old, could possibly put all their worldly goods and all the things they need to live for the at least the next seven months in the size of many couple's master walk in closet!

Well, yes, obviously we did.....

Is this me talking or the anxiety that has built up over the last few days as I try to

SQUEEZE,

PUSH, 

JAM, and

BEG

all of our stuff into submission!

YES YOU WILL FIT IN THERE!

Case in point..

Yesterday Cassia took out what was LEFT of her stuffed animal collection. Imagine my surprise when that took up the entire front of the bunk. 

Strange how spaces seem so much larger when they are empty - I could have sworn that ALL of Cassia's toys would fit up here. 

Sadly, no.

And yes, the top picture is 1/2 and this one is the other. 

Anyone know exactly how to downsize a three year olds stuffed animal family? They become part of the family - right?! I don't even think I can part with any of them at this point.

I always try to pack our RVs with the idea that when you start out EVERYTHING must have a home - behind a door that is. It is the only way to maybe guarantee some sort of livability because, trust me - if something doesn't have a home (and even if it does) the chances of it being left out to clutter up an already cramped space, IS guaranteed.

And so - as we each ask ourselves (well, Derek and I at least - Cassia isn't really getting much of a chance) what we ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO HAVE - the amount is slowly decreasing. I am proud to say that we have two huge garbage bags full of clothes to go on to the thrift store once we leave here. And a few weeks ago Derek's mom was nice enough to take a car full of Cassia's stuff to be recycled, with her.

With only three days left here at the Parks we are definitely working on believing that the time has come for us to pack it all up and move out.

Somehow we'll get it all in - I know we will - but probably with a sense of wonder.

Funny how stuff just seems to stick to us as we travel through life - do you know what I mean?

For any Sunday Cook fans out there I'm really going to try to get one last bit of baking done if I can .... something pumpkin.

Thanks for sitting through my stuff rant!

Teresa

TODAY'S INTERESTING LINK: You may or may not know that I link lots of interesting things on facebook - I'm a real fb 'like' junky - I have over 500 likes that keep me up to date on all sorts of pieces of information. Today I linked a neat little house on wheels. For those of you not connected to a life made simple's facebook page I thought I would add it here since I am so impressed with this cute little place - The Bayside Bungalow- about perfect I'd say - for a little house. 

Teri from The Zen of Sweeping also added a link to some mighty fine looking tiny Texas houses. Y'all  probably know how much we LOVE Texas.

HOME RENOS - VAN DWELLING STYLE

You may recall that when we brought our new (to us) camper van home back in July, I mentioned that I would keep you all up to date on the renos we were planning.

BOY! We had some big fancy ideas then!

Well, we've gone on without you -- sorry!

Here is the update - AFTER they are done. We are now on to FILLING the van.

To say that our plans have been scaled back would be an understatement. As it stands now - we hardly did any renos at all. But we did do a few - one being a MAJOR CHANGE.

The two things that most bothered us about the van were a) the window treatments - we just weren't fans of all the blue curtains and white lace blinds and b) the dusty rose velour fabric on EVERYTHING!

BOTH - GONE (pretty much)!

All the curtains have been removed except for the long one that divides the main living space from the 'bathroom' at the back.

Most of the velour fabric is gone except for that on the cushions which will have to be a work in progress and that in behind the upper cabinets - yes, you read correct BEHIND THE KITCHEN CABINETS - I did say that it was EVERYWHERE - right!

The velour.....glued onto the interior of the fiberglass shell.

With the velour removed! Not so nice - Cassia was not overly impressed with her bunk at this point. 'To scary'..... she certainly had a point.

Scary indeed.

Once the velour was off we had to decide exactly what to do with the fiberglass. Derek spent a lot of time on the internet - in the end we decided just to paint it. Particular products are suggested for fiberglass but it does depend on the use - since most boats are fiberglass that was the application we were finding. In the end the company we called recommend an acrylic paint. Because we are rather limited around here - one of our campers actually purchased the paint and brought it up to us from the Vancouver area - if you can believe that! Ahhhh - there are some generous people in the world. 

The worker working. Derek put a lot of hours in for the sanding, cleaning and painting of the shell.

And after all that and four coats a much improved bunk area. We ordered the paint white since we didn't have any samples. It's good - nice and bright - but looks a bit to much like primer. So - while Cassia and I are vacationing at my mom's next week Derek is going to be doing what again - yup - painting.

The velour was also ALL OVER the interior of the doors....

Once stripped, we were planning to paint the wood panels and reinstall but have since decided to leave the metal - not as fancy but clean.

So - those are the big changes. We've pretty much stopped there. I had dreams of painting all of the cabinetry - recovering all of the cushions. But - a few issues with those thoughts. First, all those changes cost money - are they really worth it? We've decided no - or - not now anyway. And second, since we don't leave the park often and when we do just go to Merritt we were very limited with getting our hands on stuff. Therefore, any further changes or additions will have to take place once we leave here and are able to hit some stores and thrift shops.

We have a neat little bunk over the toilet. 

A great place for more STUFF. 

Here my designer self is having it out with my frugal self. 

Nice, new, fancy - matching - baskets?...... OR free - good enough - cardboard boxes? 

Fingers crossed that one day I can find a set of new baskets for 50¢ each - so that they are both happy.

Ok - you may laugh - but this drawer liner HAD to go! 

Ahhhhhh - much better - right!?

If you can believe it's already completely filled. If you don't know where to start loading - start with the cutlery drawer....

Of course in a small space like this you need to make use of ALL the space you have. Over the large dining room window was a long - covered with velour - valance. Once the velour was removed the frame remained - and has to since it holds up the bunk. There's another one on the other side. Our first thought was to recover it - but LOOK! 

More storage space. 

I found this clear container in the cutlery drawer and it fits perfectly. Now we just need a bunch more and a good way to hold them in place.

Hard to believe that something small like that has got me feeling pretty good about things.

And last but not least - not a reno - but a really good storage device. This blue hanger comes from the trailer where it was very helpful. I'm glad that it works in our one and only closet in the van. I also reinstalled our hanger shelf. I'm not really a fan of this one - it doesn't work very well - so it's days are numbered to when I can find a stand of plastic drawers.

Well, those are the van renovations to date. 

There will be more for sure - I'll keep you updated. I'm really hoping that along the way I'll be able to make adjustments here and there. Ultimately I'd be pretty happy if the whole interior could be painted but that's a tall order for this year. 

A trip to the thrift store anyone? Sharon are you with me?!

Teresa

TODAY'S INTERESTING LINK: I see that we are not the only ones working on fixing or redecorating our home. Check out fellow traveler and blogger - Teri over at The Zen of Sweeping. Although with a bit larger area to work with Teri and her husband are working on renos themselves. While you are over at Teri's site also give their travel blog a visit Flip Flop Vector. Yaaaa another travel blog to get hooked on!