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One train, an Amtrak coach & two buses & bit of a walk later we arrived at the depot & began our introduction to what we loving called Big Bertha. Although in RV terms it was probably amongst one of the smallest it suited our needs perfectly.

Given our schedule sadly we had to leave smog bound Seattle for another day & head North towards Everett to collect our home for the next couple of weeks. The smoke that had enveloped the city didn’t really dissipate until we had traveled for many miles such were the fires that were raging in the region at time.

Based on my previous trip I had suggested a trip to a supermarket to stock up on the essentials such as tea bags (I’m a Brit & I can generally move mountains providing I’ve had a cuppa). Then we set off in search of a wild camp site that I had located using a website that shared such info. I was nominated first to drive & so cautiously pulled our wagon on to the trail that I had set. 

Whilst not really much longer than the previous camper I had driven it took a bit of getting used to no rear mirror. Still as the miles rolled by we chatted & listened to music whilst dear old google maps kept us on course. Turning off the main road we headed towards Icicle Creek Road in search of the wild camping site but as the track up the mountain started to run out of tarmac I began to have my doubts of locating it. Given sun was rapidly sinking & the road was becoming narrower doing what felt like a 97 point turn in the van seemed our best option.

Heading back down I was inwardly panicking a little over stuffing up the trip on the first day. With the prospect of having to park on the side of the road when we almost cheered when we rolled up towards what turned out to be a National Camp site. Not really knowing exactly what it was but with darkness imminently upon us this seemed worth exploring. Jackpot! For $19 we could park up and rest easy we were not transgressing some unknown law against camping on a roadside. 

We followed the instructions hung the ticket in the van & we laughed as we considered all the events of the day. More hilarity ensued as we tried to sort one of the beds by converting the dining table. This involved first strong arming the reluctant central support before making it finally clicked into place then trying to assemble the random legs & cushions into place. Bed made we both secretly prayed that by the end of the trip we would have nailed this process down to a slick routine. Being shorter I had opted to sleep above the cab so I just had to throw the sheets & quilt aloft before climbing ninja style up to my bunk.

Darkness fell & the woodland was remarkably quiet except for the rustle of the trees overhead and the odd chipmunk that decided to use the van roof as a trampoline. 

Next day the sun was shining the smog that had followed us from Seattle started to lift & we were greeted by a beautiful view of the mountains. 

The Ranger called by for a chat & we discovered that campsites such as these were dotted around and so we determined we would make use of this type of facility if possible.

Once on the open road we started to relax into the trip a bit & enjoy the scenery as we meandered along the road through the state of Washington. We took a day or two but kept to schedule as we had deadline to make in Boulder, Montana.