Wind! I neglected to mention in yesterday's log that we experienced the windiest driving that I believe we ever have had while towing. We were never in the kind of danger that fills a corner of YouTube, but vehicle motion was pretty energetic. The truck tracks well, so the driving was not difficult as such--just that we could feel it moving beneath us in a way that is pretty unusual. The trailer stayed right where it belonged, centered in my mirrors.
Today we were glad to have been carrying a 5-gallon can of extra gasoline; we stopped alongside in a freeway exit and poured it into the tank so that we could feel easy about the last few miles before we hit town. The fuel was a year old, but it was still flammable; we made it to Costco without worry. We might have made it anyway, but we decided not to bother with the bet; the hassle and potential danger of running dry while pulling a grade or entering an intersection would have taking some of the fun out of a day of driving through scenery. Maneuvering without power steering or brake assist is not something I wish to practice. That spare fuel adds a pleasant sensation of comfort in a vehicle that carries only 25 gallons of fuel in its main tank, and sometimes burns through it at a shocking rate.
Today's drive along I-84 was spectacular. There are winding canyon runs along the Snake River, and spectacular vistas in broad valleys and from high passes. We have traveled that way a number of times before, but on this occasion it was during daytime in brilliant sunshine.
We met about six Airstreams--two of which were still in their shrink-wrap as if headed for dealers. We did see one dealer, in Caldwall, ID, but all but one of those trailers was headed away from there. Rendezvous, perhaps.
We also met two Bigfoots--both slide-in truck campers.
In general, lots of RVs are out plying the highways--and staying overnight in the campgrounds. Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area Campground (last night) was far from full, but this night's park (Hagerman RV Village, Hagerman, ID) has turned away at least one potential customer--the unhappy no-reservation-holding fellow immediately before us.
This is a pleasant park, with trees and grass at the sites, and wi-fi that works out in the campground. We will be here for three nights; there are fossils, springs, and waterfalls to be examined.
All is going well. We are grateful to be out and to have this chance to stop and look at some things we have only read about.
Mark_
R/V _Serenity_, Hagerman, ID
