Next door to the park is Hot Lake Springs (built in 1860s, expanded in 1900).  It was a hotel, hospital/sanatorium where they practiced innovative techniques in medicine including radiation therapy, x-rays and hot spring soaking.  Fire destroyed much of the structure in 1934and the building deteriorated drastically until it was purchased by the Manuel family in 2003.  It is now a Bed and Breakfast and houses a 100,000 square foot History Center featuring Nez Perce and pioneer artifacts, an enormous arrowhead display, and collectibles showcasing each of the major war efforts through Viet Nam.  We would highly recommend taking several hours to go on this self-guided tour!

David Manuel, a world-renowned artist, continues to design and create magnificent bronze sculptures on site.  We were very fortunate to have a private meeting with this wonderful storyteller and examine his newly completed clay sculpture of Old Joseph and Young Joseph, as well as his recently begun work of George Washington. 

Took our time this morning since our planned drive was a short one.  Left Pendleton, OR, at noon and in one and a quarter hour arrived at Eagle’s Hot Lake RV Resort in La Grande, OR.   The park is situated in the middle of a bird/wildlife sanctuary with cattails fringing the gravel entry road.

This is our third day at the Pendleton KOA.  We learned about the blanket business on our tour of the Pendleton Woolen Mill.  It was easy to resist wool blankets and exquisite garments when we recalled that we were migrating south again! Chris did find two leather belts though, so we have a Pendleton Woolen Mill sack and receipt!  We then became informed about the early years of Pendleton, OR, on the Underground Tour.  Shari’s was our choice for dinner and yummy desserts. 

Sunflower sprouting out of driftwood on the beach.

A complete re-organization of many cupboards and shelves prompted us to request an additional night at this RV Resort.  They had space, but we had to move sites. 

It is astounding how much “stuff” accumulates even in a small space, but the reorganization process was successful and we even have a few nooks and crannies left to populate!  Now, it is will be interesting to see if we can remember where things are when we need them!

Up early to take the RV to Dave and LJ’s RV Interiors for a pre-planned remodel.  Our booth and extra chair developed upholstery material issues early in our adventures last year.  We decided to remove the chair and bolt a hot/cold water bottom-fed dispenser in its place.  A custom counter with storage cabinets and laptop/printer trays and a slide out table with two chairs has replaced the dinette booth.  The built-in laundry hamper was converted to a two shelf cabinet in the bedroom, and we added a pie shaped accessory table to fit between the driver and passenger seats that we upgraded. 

We drove around the corner to a Subway and came upon Mike Burton who had taught with me years ago at Olympic Jr. High.  Met his wife and had a quick chat before we took our lunch back to an outdoor picnic table so Georgia could sit with us.  She did some ball chasing for Chris, and then we played a game of cribbage. 

We were extremely pleased with the customer service and workmanship at Dave and LJ’s in Woodland, WA. Minutes after we finished the paperwork, we were able to pass our Flexsteel captain chairs on to Dennis Wolff who had driven to Oregon to pick up another motorcycle and met us at the remodel location.  He also did us a big favor and delivered a UPS package that had not arrived before our departure (even though we paid big $ for 3-day service). Long day but the results are amazing! 

Courtney phoned with discouraging news about the Haagen’s bankruptcy, store closings and her personal cut in hours and assignment of an 11:30-8:00 shift four days a week.  Such a hard turn of events for so many.

We had nice visits and said our “goodbyes” to Johanna, Brett and Kyren , Chris Grant and James and Courtney yesterday.  When Kyle arrived home late in the evening, we reviewed the stocked pantry/fridge/freezers and some household items that may have changed locations while we were in summer residence. This morning, Brett brought Kyren over and he was thrilled to see the motorhome shrink when the slides were retracting.  Our loading/readiness process was a bit slow and we ended up waving to an excited Kyren as Brett drove him off to pre-school.  We were disappointed that the recycle and UPS delivery trucks did not come and that our tires needed a little compressed air infusion before we left our Auburn driveway, but our three-month home park stay has come to an end.

Arrived in Woodland, WA, at the Columbia Riverfront RV Resort.  This rural park has beautiful river view with large transport ships traveling up and down the waterway.