2024 Johnson annual RV trip!

[RiverDave]

First night at Beyond Hope!

 

[RiverDave]

Couple daytime pics.. these are gonna get a little redundant because other than a quick trip to town yesterday we have just been chilling out on the beach watching the kids play and the dog swim etc..

 

[rivrrts429]

You need StarLink. No more service issues. It’s actually quite impressive. I use more than I thought I would. Traveling down the highway in the motorhome streaming television, in my RZR so I can call in an emergency or stream live video, travel/hotels. It’s crazy how often you find a use for it.

I will say that it’s nice to be completely disconnected from society and your phone at times too.

 

[RiverDave]

Starling will be on order as soon as we get home

 

[RiverDave]

My morning summed up!

 

[BabyRay]

Looks like a fun trip. You’re making me want an RV.

I was surprised when I saw this picture. I had a 27” Sun Runner (1988 model year, if memory serves) that looked just like this (the red and beige boat), except it had a radar arch. They were built near Spokane, and went out of business shortly after I bought it. Who’d have thought a boat builder would fail? Fortunately the only warranty work I needed was on the Volvo outdrives.

It had twin small block V8’s with Volvo duo-props, so it got on plane very quickly, and cruised at about 25 if it wasn’t too rough. We ran all over Puget Sound, Hood Canal and the San Juan islands with it. It was essentially our RV for about 10 years.

 

[RiverDave]

 

[RiverDave]

Big thanks to Dave and Lindsay for taking me out yesterday.. crazy cool boat all aluminum 28’ jet capable of running decent sized water and running shallow rivers in the area!

Also nice to meet Lance woodkey, Trevor, idahowill, and others!

 

[RiverDave]

Crazy submarine / sonar testing facility

 

[RiverDave]

House sold for a little under 900k

 

[RiverDave]

Not 900k
Lol

 

[RiverDave]

MacDonald’s resort / fuel / store

 

[RiverDave]

Went to a sandbar and hung out with a bunch of people was very nice! No crazy stereos etc.. dogs swimming pretty relaxing.

They say the sandbar is new and has only been here 10-15 years?

 

[RiverDave]

Hope marina I believe.. sorry for the shitty pics we were running about 50 mph and I was holding a beer and trying to take pics..

And with that the internet just died so more at the next camp spot..

 

[Tank]

Those condos behind Hope marina (pens orielle shores resort) my family rented in every summer growing up. Fantastic memories.

Great photos Dave. Looks like a fantastic day. I want to drag the cig up there soon.

 

[rivermobster]

So to pick up where we left off, we went to Jeff and Angie’s for dinner!! What an awesome spot with an amazing view!!

I was sitting there bs’ing with Keff and he said “it’s about deer-thirty” and almost as if it was on cue a few minutes later the fields were sprinkled with deer out eating.

The enchiladas were awesome, the beers were cold, sunset was epic. 5 stars - highly recommend!!

If you use code “rdp” you will get 10% off your stay.. lol

Seriously though, we appreciate the hospitality Jeff and Angie!! I wish I woulda known you were that close when we planned the trip!

Always enjoy our conversations, and I always learn something new with each one.

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What an Outstanding property.

There is Nothing better to me than a well situated kitchen with that Beautiful view like that over the sink.

You guys have done well. Congrats.

 

[RiverDave]

Couple more pics on the ride home and getting dropped off!

 

[RiverDave]

Chilling on the beach watching the kids play..

 

[RiverDave]

So I head up to the bar and am drinking beers and a guy shoulder taps me and asks if I mind moving over one chair.. sure no problem..

He’s looking at me and he says “Dave? What are you doing here?”

Turns out it is Phil aka SVO540.. his boat is the el Diablo Mach 26 I put up a few weeks ago. Haven’t talked to him in years then I help him sell his boat and run into him a thousand miles away randomly in a span of a week. Lol

Nice meeting his parents as well!

 

[RiverDave]

Later that evening.. kids are getting good and setup and tear down which is making my life easier.

 

[RiverDave]

This morning I was sleeping and heard the unmistakable sound of sheet ketal
Being crunched..

CRUNCH - “FUCK!”

I’m not sure what happened but by the time I got outside the trailer it became apparent that somehow this guys fifth wheel fell out of the hitch and it crunched his bed and tail gate etc..

They had the hydraulics out but for some reason they were trying to lower the truck?

At some point a guy walked up a hammer.. I told Stacy “ooohhh. Everything gets better when the hammer comes out”. They didn’t end up using it.. a younger guy came over and let the air out of the tires, there was some more crunches then it was free.

It was interesting watching the guys show up one by one with different solutions and pointing for about 15-20 minutes.

I was gonna go over but I just woke up.. never had a fifth wheel.. and I’m sure between all of them they got it figured out.

 

[RiverDave]

After that we left and we drove about an hour twenty and now we are in CDA!

Got a camp spot in town just for some cell service for a couple days.. I haven’t checked my email in two weeks.. . And I want to watch a tv show..

It’s currently 102 with some humidity.. was pretty hot earlier but it’s better now.

Went to sweet lous for dinner.. pretty good! So far we like what we see!

 

[Romans9]

Thanks for the pictures!

So much beauty in the USA!

 

[angiebaby]

Thanks for the pictures!

So much beauty in the USA!

Such an amazing nation. I agree. There are so many beautiful areas to see. I feel extremely blessed to have been able to see so much of it. Haven’t been to Alaska, Hawaii, or New England, but I’ve been all over the other areas.

 

[RiverDave]

Such an amazing nation. I agree. There are so many beautiful areas to see. I feel extremely blessed to have been able to see so much of it. Haven’t been to Alaska, Hawaii, or New England, but I’ve been all over the other areas.

If you guys want to do Alaska you need to go with us when we go see Rob..

We will take his big fish boat out to areas that are unbelievable and catch fish you won’t believe.. bears, all kinds of crazy shit

 

[Sportin' Wood]

@RiverDave that resort in CDA that you have a picture of, has some damn fine deserts. They make some type of mess of an ice cream dish the kids will love.

 

[angiebaby]

@RiverDave that resort in CDA that you have a picture of, has some damn fine deserts. They make some type of mess of an ice cream dish the kids will love.

Gooeys. In the Dockside restaurant/lounge at CDA resort.

 

[X Hoser]

After that we left and we drove about an hour twenty and now we are in CDA!

Got a camp spot in town just for some cell service for a couple days.. I haven’t checked my email in two weeks.. . And I want to watch a tv show..

It’s currently 102 with some humidity.. was pretty hot earlier but it’s better now.

Went to sweet lous for dinner.. pretty good! So far we like what we see!

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Is that the Tamarack RV Park? We stayed there 5 months while our house was being built. Seems like half the people in there are doing the same thing. Clean, personnel are friendly and very reasonable rates. No pool or hot tub so not much for kids to do. The street is a little busy but all things considered we liked it.

 

[LhcBrad]

After you had the Ice Cream go and rent a boat and explore the lake. The rentals are right there in the marina and the boats all are new and not junk.

Resort Boat Rentals - Coeur d'Alene Boat Rentals

Looking for an unforgettable adventure on the water in Coeur d'Alene? Book your Coeur d'Alene Boat Rental today and get out on the lake!

resortboatrentals.com

 

[the510]

Dave how was boating in Idaho? Would it be worth the tow from AZ?

 

[Sportin' Wood]

Dave how was boating in Idaho? Would it be worth the tow from AZ?

I'm really curious Dave's review of all three lakes. We've been on all three and love them all, but I have a soft spot for Spirit Lake, which he did not explore. So many lakes up here to choose from, but the Big Lakes are all awesome.

 

[Badchoices03]

All these beautiful lake, rivers, streams, and creeks you are posting pics of, and I haven't seen one fishing pole in site....smh....

 

[Hoodoo]

Dave, glad to meet you Sat.
I assume your annual trips don’t include places this far east but if you’re ever near Brevard NC especially with

kids, check out this place called Sliding Rock. The water at the bottom is deep and ice cold. My Grandparents had a summer place nearby and we used to wear out our shorts sliding down this big rock.
Phil

 

[JFMFG]

Dave how was boating in Idaho? Would it be worth the tow from AZ?

Yes. We were there a week prior to Dave. Spend a week there every summer a the wife’s grandparents. Do it if you can!

 

[the510]

Yes. We were there a week prior to Dave. Spend a week there every summer a the wife’s grandparents. Do it if you can!

Alrighty.. I’m gonna have to plan a trip with the family for next year… going to need all the recommendations I can get.

 

[Meaney77]

Great trip, and already thinking about taking some additional time off next year around the 4th of July to do this road trip!

 

[Hammer]

Amazing thread! A part of me wants to ditch Havasu all together and camp/boat in Idaho.

EDIT: I just mapped it out, 18 hour drive from Havasu. that's a long haul towing... I still really like how peaceful it appears. Doesn't look like a shit show on the water...

 

[stephenkatsea]

If you guys want to do Alaska you need to go with us when we go see Rob..

We will take his big fish boat out to areas that are unbelievable and catch fish you won’t believe.. bears, all kinds of crazy shit

Doesn’t he have his place next to Port Protection? Beautiful area.

 

[RiverDave]

Is that the Tamarack RV Park? We stayed there 5 months while our house was being built. Seems like half the people in there are doing the same thing. Clean, personnel are friendly and very reasonable rates. No pool or hot tub so not much for kids to do. The street is a little busy but all things considered we liked it.

Yes sir! Seems like some people are here long term.. check out this propane tank.

 

[RiverDave]

Doesn’t he have his place next to Port Protection? Beautiful area.

He sold that a few years ago and has a place in Rangel now.

 

[RiverDave]

So Stacy has her Monday conference meeting with all the agents so I took the kids downtown..

A place called Hudson’s Hanburgers was recommended by Dave (the 28’ aluminum boat) and it happens to be right across the street from Figpickels Toy Emporium..

So the kids went there and I’m in Hudson’s right now.

Interesting place they have hamburger or cheeseburger or double both.. no fries no onion rings no nada.. lol

Cheeseburger is 3.90 double cheeseburger is 7.20.

Comes with pickles and onions and that’s it. On the counter they have hot mustard, mild ketchup and regular ketchup.

The ordering system is crazy.. you just kinda sit down and someone walks up and you order your burger.. someone else comes by and you order your drink..

How they are keeping track of who got what is beyond me.

 

[JB in so cal]

 

[RiverDave]

The hot mustard and weird ketchup weeent for me but the burger is good..

And a weird note, I asked for an iced tea to go and they gave me the cup in the lid and I asked for a straw and they said they don’t have straws. They never have? lol

RD

 

[RiverDave]

So to finish up Hudson’s it’s been in biz in one form or another since 1907..

Not sure what the relation to boat racing is but they have an entire museum to boat racing in the back and old Photos of the area from various time periods.

 

[RiverDave]

Remember the toy stores from the 80’s movies? This is it! Welcome to Figpickels!!

What an awesome store connected to an awesome little mall..

I included the toys from time wall in the photos but it’s actually outside of the store in the mall a little ways down..

Place is 10/10

 

[RiverDave]

Welcome to Mrs Honeypeeps in the same little mall!

Another 10/10!! Love this place!

 

[25Elmn8r]

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The hot mustard and weird ketchup weeent for me but the burger is good..

RD

Sorry I checked out for the last week and didn't give you some ideas sooner. Looks like you hit a lot of the places in Sandpoint.

Hudsons is a great little family run burger shop.

The best place for breakfast is going to be Chompers Cafe, best Chicken Fried steak, period! Another good burger place is Rogers (closest thing to In-n-out that we have) A lot of people rave about Wolf Lodge Steakhouse. It's a bit east of town on I90 setup in an old Pony Express mail stop.

Keep going East to the Cataldo Mission. It is the oldest standing building in Idaho.

A bit farther east in Kingston is The Snake Pit, 140 year old boom town bar/restaurant. A bit north of Snake Pit along the CDA river is where a lot of the movie Dante's Peak was filmed. You can also float the river near here.

Keep going east in Kellogg is Silver Mountain resort. At one point the longest aerial tram in the world to get you to the top of the mountain for Skiing. They also have an indoor waterpark.

A bit further east is Wallace ID, the self proclaimed "Center of the Universe". The entire town was declared historical to keep the Interstate from demo'ing parts of the town for it's construction. There is also a mine tour there that from what I understand is pretty cool.

Further east at the Montana border is the Route of the Hiawatha bike ride. Scenic mountain bike trail is 15 miles long with 10 large and dark train tunnels (Nine that you ride your bike thru.) and 7 sky-high trestles. Mostly downhill and fun for the whole family.

Coming back in to town - Gooey's at the resort! Crafted up the street on Sherman has a large selection of localish brews, Saturday nights they have Turtle races as well. You probaly saw Silverwood Theme park on your way down to CDA. It is the Knott's Berry Farm of N Idaho. Also has a waterpark.

Lots of little shops up and down Sherman Ave.

If you don't have plans tomorrow, we can take the boat out on the river for a tour.

 

[Tank]

If you’re still in hope I’d recommend ice house pizza. It’s pretty tasty.

Also, you have to get a huckleberry pie while you’re there. Area staple. They can be a bit tart but up there is the only place you really get them.

(Sorry I see you’re in CDA now. Huckeberry pie still stands).

Interested to hear your opinions on cda compared to pend orielle. I like pend better. Slower pace. Better lake. Less bougie.

 

[RiverDave]

Sorry I checked out for the last week and didn't give you some ideas sooner. Looks like you hit a lot of the places in Sandpoint.

Hudsons is a great little family run burger shop.

The best place for breakfast is going to be Chompers Cafe, best Chicken Fried steak, period! Another good burger place is Rogers (closest thing to In-n-out that we have) A lot of people rave about Wolf Lodge Steakhouse. It's a bit east of town on I90 setup in an old Pony Express mail stop.

Keep going East to the Cataldo Mission. It is the oldest standing building in Idaho.

A bit farther east in Kingston is The Snake Pit, 140 year old boom town bar/restaurant. A bit north of Snake Pit along the CDA river is where a lot of the movie Dante's Peak was filmed. You can also float the river near here.

Keep going east in Kellogg is Silver Mountain resort. At one point the longest aerial tram in the world to get you to the top of the mountain for Skiing. They also have an indoor waterpark.

A bit further east is Wallace ID, the self proclaimed "Center of the Universe". The entire town was declared historical to keep the Interstate from demo'ing parts of the town for it's construction. There is also a mine tour there that from what I understand is pretty cool.

Further east at the Montana border is the Route of the Hiawatha bike ride. Scenic mountain bike trail is 15 miles long with 10 large and dark train tunnels (Nine that you ride your bike thru.) and 7 sky-high trestles. Mostly downhill and fun for the whole family.

Coming back in to town - Gooey's at the resort! Crafted up the street on Sherman has a large selection of localish brews, Saturday nights they have Turtle races as well. You probaly saw Silverwood Theme park on your way down to CDA. It is the Knott's Berry Farm of N Idaho. Also has a waterpark.

Lots of little shops up and down Sherman Ave.

If you don't have plans tomorrow, we can take the boat out on the river for a tour.

We are at the tamarack Rv park in town.. and just kinda messing around. Our dog gets full on anxiety from the motorhome AC’s so we generally have been taking him everywhere, leaving him for extremely short periods of time, or having someone stay back.

I think we check out tomorrow, the kids have some one hour horseback riding thing Stacy booked. I’m not sure what the afternoon evening plans or even where we are going next?

If I can find a place to stash the motorhome and leave the dog in it for a few hours I’d love to see the lake by boat!

RD

 

[RiverDave]

If you’re still in hope I’d recommend ice house pizza. It’s pretty tasty.

Also, you have to get a huckleberry pie while you’re there. Area staple. They can be a bit tart but up there is the only place you really get them.

(Sorry I see you’re in CDA now. Huckeberry pie still stands).

Interested to hear your opinions on cds compared to pend orielle. I like pend better. Slower pace. Better lake. Less bougie.

No we are down in CDA now..

RD