Shakedown - May 18-20 - Plummer, ID

After all the work removing roofing tar, silicone caulk (much yet left to remove) and checking systems, we were ready for our first camping trip in the little trailer, which is now named the "Palouse Caboose." We set out Friday, May 18, for Heyburn State Park, at the South end of Lake Coeur d'Alene in Idaho. The Caboose towed like a dream, and we arrived at the park around 6:00 pm. After selecting a relatively secluded site, we proceeded to set up and cook dinner and settle in for the night. Although it got down into the 40's that night, we were warm and cozy in the Caboose.

Saturday was windy, and we didn't get to use the canoe. Also, Erika, our 9-year old, forgot to pack any long pants, so it was off to St. Maries for clothes shopping. This is a picture of the door of a bar we came across in St. Maries. You might guess St. Maries is a logging town. The wind came up that afternoon and we didn't have a chance to use the canoe

Saturday night, we had light rain all night long. The new roof vent we installed appeared to work fine, and did not leak. There was, however, a slight leak that came through the curbside cabinet and down the window pane, soaking the curtains. We believe it was caused by pooling on the roof near a seam that is still sealed with roofing tar. Time for more Dyco 20/20!

The biggest frustration of the trip was not knowing where anything was. Our old car camping routine of using Rubbermaid tubs did not work. Next trip out, we'll try to get as much as possible loaded into the trailer.

The trip back home along Idaho 95 down to Moscow was beautiful. The Palouse country this time of year is just stunning, with the wheat fields green and beautiful.