1-2 October 2013 On to Republic

October 1 Tuesday  Today the wind finally subsided to the point where we could move to Republic, Washington, from the H2H Bison Ranch near Worley, Idaho. We will be visiting our two sons Kent and Kriss and their families during the next 4 days. Before we left H2H Patrice took a picture of the beautiful white horse that spent much time near our rig.

Some light rain fell during our move with some cross-wind but not enough to really bother our drive. We stopped in Chewelah, Washington, for a great lunch at El Ranchita Mexican Restaurant. The proprietor said that he eats huevos rancheros every day (like we ordered) and never gets tired of them--obviously he attributed his robust health this daily habit!

Crossing Sherman Pass was uneventful (thank goodness we missed the rainstorm) and the scenery was awesome. Arrived at Winchester's RV Park, set up, then drove to Kent's home near Malo.

Kent's wife Arleen made us a great dinner. Kriss's wife Julianne and son Kleyton joined us; Kriss works in Spokane during the week and comes home for the weekends--we'll see him Friday.

Kent and Arleen have their dream retirement home on the hill that they built from the ground up--punched in the road, dug their own well, brought in the electricity. With a 360-degree view of wooded hills, their 80 acres also has a huge shop, woodshed, and other outbuildings.

Kriss and Julianne own the adjoining 80 acres, and they have been remodeling home that was on the property when they purchased it. This week all the windows in the house are being replaced with modern, energy-efficient widows. They have three horses, four dogs, one cat, three banty chickens (one is a gorgeous rooster), and three ducks--occasional deer, bear, coyotes, and even a moose. A barn is in the planning.

October 2 Wednesday  Got the tires rotated on the truck this morning then went to Malo to visit Kent and Arleen. They have a 2-year-old dog we met yesterday--Mali, a female from the Curlew shelter, part pit bull, part husky, part other breeds--48 pounds of energy, love, and exuberance. Carlos (about 11 pounds) met Mali today, and stayed out of reach, although Mali would have loved to play.

We went down the hill for dinner with Julianne and Kleyton. They showed us the newest renovations on the house, and we talked with Kleyton about his classes and collections and life in general. He's the man of the house during the week--Julianne needs help with all those critters. The window replacement is going well and they look great--what a difference!

Great dinner, more chatting, it got dark, and we headed further down the hill and hit the road for home, about 12 miles.

What a great day!