Whenever we park for the night at a WalMart, like where we spent the night in Clarkston, I'm always appreciative of their RV friendly policy. The only places where RV parking is not allowed at places like WalMart, are those cities where a local ordinance has been passed, making RV parking illegal. Typically, in places like Yuma, AZ, where there are a bazillion RV parks, that constituency has a strong voice with the city council. As a result, the RV park lobby has convinced that city to ban RV parking at WalMart. So far, cities like Yuma are in the minority, and overnight parking at most WalMarts is still OK.
After our over night at the Clarkston, WA WalMart, we drove north on Hwy 95 into Idaho, climbing what is known as the Lewiston hill. The new highway gets you to the top of this 2,000 foot climb pretty quickly, but the original highway (partially pictured below) takes quite a bit longer. At the top of the grade, there's a great panoramic view of the Snake River winding between the two towns of Clarkston, WA, and Lewiston, ID.
View of the old highway, and Clarkston/Lewiston.
We stayed N/B on Hwy 95, passing through Coeur d' Alene, where we picked up Hwy 41, staying on that road to our destination in the small community of Blanchard, Idaho.
Back in January, when we were at the Family Motor Coach Ass'n RV Rally in Indio, CA, we picked up some information from the Stone Ridge Motor Coach Village, at their vendor booth. They were offering a free 1 week stay at their resort, in exchange for a tour (sales pitch) of their property. Several weeks ago, when I knew when we would be passing through this area, I made a reservation, which started yesterday.
From the brochure, and web pictures, we could tell that Stone Ridge is an upscale community, and indeed it is. Set in a beautiful, tree lined valley, everything from the RV resort, to the golf course, to the lodge, to the homes, is first class. I have a feeling that the price of the RV lots will also be "first class", but if anyone's is looking for a summer RV parking spot, it doesn't get much better.
We have our "tour" scheduled for this morning, then we have a week to relax, and do some exploring of the area. We're located about 30 miles north of Coeur d' Alene, ID, and about 10 miles south of Newport, WA. Today is someone's birthday, and she's parked about 50 feet away. Happy birthday Nancy!
Miles traveled - 152 Cumulative - 2,066
When I lived in Idaho during my years in the USAF, the old road into Lewiston was the only way in from the south. If I remember correctly there were 13 hairpin switchbacks to get up or down and either way was difficult. It was called Whitebird Hill at that time. I came down the new road in 1976 in a 6 cylinder with a stick shift. In 2nd gear with my feet flat on the floor we coasted 55 MPH. It is steep but it is a lot better than the old.
ReplyDeleteA great side trip would be to go to Missoula along the path Lewis and Clark followed. This is along the Lochsa River and the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness area and it is beautiful.
Please be careful on the road.
Rex