TC Report -- Tucanon
Our 4th trip in the 990 is behind us now and we're already thinking of another one ;)
We rolled into Tucannon (near Dayton WA) at 7:30pm on Friday and were shocked at just how many campers were in the area! WOW! We hadn't been in 9 years and knew it would be busy since it was Memorial weekend but how no idea just how busy or how many campers would be in ahead of us. So we found ourselves driving further up the valley in hopes of getting lucky and seriously began to look for a wide spot in the road as the grand-kids were getting antsy after the 2hr drive.
After passing Panjab (8 miles up the valley from Tucannon State Park) we came to the Panjab Overflow 'camp' and parking area. There was a wide enough section to park in and being good neighbors we first asked the nearest camper if it would be ok if we set up there (they were in a 5th wheel and I didn't want to get in their way if they had to hook up and there wasn't any 'camp' stuff (fire pit, table etc) where we were going to have to park). They were all to happy to let us join them and helped back us up to the best part of the 'parking' area they saw. Turns out the gent was an old friend of our grand-kids grandpa on the other side! Wow! Small world :)
It rained hard on us that night and even the next morning so we let the kids watch a movie in the AM though they got only half way through before pretty much demanding they go outside, rain or shine, and explore.
Earlier that morning (before the rain came back) I snuck out (about 5:00am) and made coffee this way to both enjoy the morning and let the kids sleep longer. It was a rather peaceful way to enjoy my coffee :)
We really love this little valley and it's creeks, hills and greenery :) it's been too long since we came out this way and decided to come back soon and the $5/night camping fees are rather easily doable ;)
Even with the rain (that's what keeps it green) and mysts rolling in it's just a wonderful place to hide out for a weekend.
When it began to dry out I dropped the camper off the truck so the kids (and DW) could more easily get in and out of the camper and frankly, it became rather evident to me that this is where the camper is mean to be! EVERYTHING and I mean everything, is easy to reach, at the perfect height even, and just seems to fit so much better. Awning, bbq, vents, you name it are all in the right place now! Go figure.
It all makes sense now :) I just wish the igniter on the bbq actually, well, ignited something but I keep a long lighter handy anyway. Otherwise the bbq worked great :)
Sunday morning coffee was even better :) I'd put up a second awning which helped a expand the area for us.
The sun came out in force but the weather was down right perfect up here at 3200 feet :) Cool breezes, warm sun and the grand kids running around with all their new friends. Life was grand! Then we ran out of propane Sunday night and thinking the dealer had filled BOTH tanks (doh!) I switch to tank 2 and watched in dismay as the gauge went RED....ahhh nope. So we had the kids eat all the ice cream (and we helped a little) and closed the fridge, crashed for the night and left early in the am in search of LPG, diesel and breakfast to end the weekend.
Drove over 400 miles with no issues and frankly this truck seems to handle the 990 very well! I tend to drive 60 in the 60 zone and 65 in the70 zones but pushed it this weekend and it seemed to handle it fine. Did only get 9.5mpg but then that's what I seem to get no matter what speed I drive (ok, 60mph might get me 10mpg).
We rolled into Tucannon (near Dayton WA) at 7:30pm on Friday and were shocked at just how many campers were in the area! WOW! We hadn't been in 9 years and knew it would be busy since it was Memorial weekend but how no idea just how busy or how many campers would be in ahead of us. So we found ourselves driving further up the valley in hopes of getting lucky and seriously began to look for a wide spot in the road as the grand-kids were getting antsy after the 2hr drive.
After passing Panjab (8 miles up the valley from Tucannon State Park) we came to the Panjab Overflow 'camp' and parking area. There was a wide enough section to park in and being good neighbors we first asked the nearest camper if it would be ok if we set up there (they were in a 5th wheel and I didn't want to get in their way if they had to hook up and there wasn't any 'camp' stuff (fire pit, table etc) where we were going to have to park). They were all to happy to let us join them and helped back us up to the best part of the 'parking' area they saw. Turns out the gent was an old friend of our grand-kids grandpa on the other side! Wow! Small world :)
It rained hard on us that night and even the next morning so we let the kids watch a movie in the AM though they got only half way through before pretty much demanding they go outside, rain or shine, and explore.
Earlier that morning (before the rain came back) I snuck out (about 5:00am) and made coffee this way to both enjoy the morning and let the kids sleep longer. It was a rather peaceful way to enjoy my coffee :)
We really love this little valley and it's creeks, hills and greenery :) it's been too long since we came out this way and decided to come back soon and the $5/night camping fees are rather easily doable ;)
Even with the rain (that's what keeps it green) and mysts rolling in it's just a wonderful place to hide out for a weekend.
When it began to dry out I dropped the camper off the truck so the kids (and DW) could more easily get in and out of the camper and frankly, it became rather evident to me that this is where the camper is mean to be! EVERYTHING and I mean everything, is easy to reach, at the perfect height even, and just seems to fit so much better. Awning, bbq, vents, you name it are all in the right place now! Go figure.
It all makes sense now :) I just wish the igniter on the bbq actually, well, ignited something but I keep a long lighter handy anyway. Otherwise the bbq worked great :)
Sunday morning coffee was even better :) I'd put up a second awning which helped a expand the area for us.
The sun came out in force but the weather was down right perfect up here at 3200 feet :) Cool breezes, warm sun and the grand kids running around with all their new friends. Life was grand! Then we ran out of propane Sunday night and thinking the dealer had filled BOTH tanks (doh!) I switch to tank 2 and watched in dismay as the gauge went RED....ahhh nope. So we had the kids eat all the ice cream (and we helped a little) and closed the fridge, crashed for the night and left early in the am in search of LPG, diesel and breakfast to end the weekend.
Drove over 400 miles with no issues and frankly this truck seems to handle the 990 very well! I tend to drive 60 in the 60 zone and 65 in the70 zones but pushed it this weekend and it seemed to handle it fine. Did only get 9.5mpg but then that's what I seem to get no matter what speed I drive (ok, 60mph might get me 10mpg).
