LEWIS COUNTY IS IN PHASE 3

We are doing some RV camping here in Lewis County which is in Phase 3. The two of us, being of sound mind and old bodies, keep ourselves in some fashion of a lesser Phase. We definitely keep our distance, wear our mask when near anyone, stay at our own shelter (RV & Screen Tent), and eat all our self prepared meals at our own camp. So — we feel we are being quite safe. We seldom see anyone other than the workers at camp wearing a mask.

Our first riding was from our beautiful stay at Elkamp. We did the 10 mile loop into and around the fishing town of Mineral. One of the perks of riding bikes is that you see, or notice, so much more than if driving through a town. We found this gem right next to us on the ride.

A little piece of history that we would not have seen at all because there would have been no reason for us to drive through the town. Though the buildings and cottages look a bit old, run down and forgotten, Susan says she thinks it is still a viable fishing town in the season.

Could not resist this old red truck that stood out so brightly. 

The next day had us venturing in the other direction from camp. Brian and Tom (owners) had told us of a “paved road” that would afford us a ride around Alder Lake. Well, they said there were a couple of gates locking entry to that road, but we could maneuver our bikes around them.

Here we maneuver..

Susan checks the map, and at first it seemed it would be a good road to take us to the lake. 

After much slipping and sliding through wet packed pine needles, running over strewn tree limbs, and squashing through muddy puddles, I had had enough excitement and was not having fun. I was sorry to abandon Susan as I know she does not like riding alone in the “back country”, but I simply could not continue.

On my return (to maneuver on my own) I walked much of the way and heard a crack and a thud as I also saw this old mossy tree fall 20 steps (I counted them) in front of me. I told Susan 20 more steps later and “I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED”. At the time, for some reason didn’t want to take a photo. Susan took this one on her way out. Note the “paved road”.

I took myself back along the road toward camp and continued on to do another loop through Mineral. Had a lovely ride for myself.

 Old farms stand in the foothills.

The deep blue sky provided a perfect backdrop to show off Mount Rainier splendor.

After our three night stay at Elkamp we headed for Thousand Trails Camp near Mossyrock WA. Still in our 100 mile radius ;’-). We are not spokespeople to tout the wonders of Thousand Trails. To me it is more like a parking lot for huge RVs with a couple of smaller ones and a few tents thrown in. It must be quite fun for families who want to sit in one place, kids wander around, adults socialize, eat and drink. Closed for now are the swimming pool and club house which we would seldom if ever use. There is a fishing pond here that just reopened the day we got here. Lots of families line the banks to fish, and it is not enticing to Susan. The only activity that is convenient is to walk around the campground on unpaved roads. Cannot even bike around as, not only it is limited in distance, but the roads are full of pot holes and rocks, and much uphill and down. 

Though these couple of photos make it look so nice and wooded, that is deceiving. We were fortunate however to find a spot that had front view of the Christmas tree farm where no one could park in front of us.;’-)

Screen tent gives us a “Day Room”. Those are camp sites behind us but due to the recent shutdowns, and mid week, they are empty. Would be awful if the camp was at capacity — which they often are.



RV gives us our “Evening Room”. Note Susan’s fireplace.

On our first day at TT we packed up the RV, leaving the tent ready for our return, and drove to Ike Kinswa State Park for a bike ride. The park is a really nice one and we would consider staying there sometime in the future. Much more our preference to Thousand Trails, but we have that free membership until October, so will use it as much as we can.

Lewis county reminds everyone...

We biked the paved roads through the campground and got a good look at the sites we would choose when we return. We continued onto the highway for a short distance to find a back road that Susan had to cajole me into climbing! What can I say, I’m a wimp.

Recall the photo above of Mt. Rainier. This day we got to see Mt. St. Helen’s.

Good for Susan to do that cajoling as it was a delightful ride. And we would not have gotten to see this shop any other way.

Or this curious goat.

This catches me up with blogging! Yesterday was a gloomy partial rain day and we stayed at camp. This morning is damp and drippy looking. We hope to ride sometime as it clears up, and I will hopefully have more to blog about. We head home tomorrow, but have that 100 mile radius to work on ;’-)

Stay safe and well everyone.