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The gypsy life Spring/Summer 1998

I’ve been living a gypsy life since 1992.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Swift Reservoir Gifford Pinchot National Forest WashingtonSwift Reservoir, Washington

After a winter on the flea market circuit in the Southwest Dale & I took on “real” jobs back in Washington working and living in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest at Eagles Cliff Resort. This remote off-the-grid campground, four rustic camping cabins, a bunkhouse and general store are located on the south side of Mount St Helens amongst huge second growth Douglas fir.

Eagles Cliff General Store Gifford Pinchot National Forest WashingtonEagles Cliff General Store

I ran the general store and Dale took care of cleaning, fixing, and fishing. We gathered firewood and mushrooms in the fall, hunkered in for the winter, rejoiced in spring and worked hard in summer.

Gaelyn holding Lobster mushroom at Eagles Cliff Gifford Pinchot National Forest WashingtonGaelyn holding Lobster mushroom. Yum!

We were caretakers at Eagles Cliff for almost two years, then bought a school bus and hit the road again.

Cabin home at Eagles Cliff Gifford Pinchot National Forest WashingtonOur little cabin home at Eagles Cliff

 

7-13-14 Update:  Eagle Cliff Camp is now open under new ownership.

Eagles Cliff Resort, Washington 23 Comments

The gypsy life Summer 1997

Gaelyn by saguaro ArizonaGaelyn & saguaro, southern Arizona desert
Following a wonderful snowbird winter exploring the southwest my gypsy life lead me back to Washington.

Flea market set up Carson WashingtonMy selling/camping space, Carson, Washington flea market

I had to get rid of some stored “stuff” that would not fit in my wheelestate. But I had no yard for a yard sale so went to the local flea market to sell. After only one weekend I was hooked and bought more stuff to sell. A fun way to recycle, shop, and maybe make a buck.

Dale with trout WashingtonFisherman Dale

Then I met a man—an old pattern—who had been selling on the flea market circuit for many years and we traveled together, southwest for the winter and back to the northwest for the summer, selling our wares along the way. An interesting way to try and make a living.

Carson as 2 month old puppyCarson at 2 months

This is also when Carson dog came into my life and was with me for 12 years, although the man was not.Yet we spent the winter flea marketing in the Southwest before returning to Washington.
Arizona, My gypsy life , , 14 Comments

The gypsy life of a seasonal Park Ranger Winter 1997

 

Columbia River & bridge to Hood River WashingtonColumbia River & Bridge to Hood River, Oregon

The cash award I received from the temporary job with Fish & Wildlife along the Columbia River Gorge allowed me to buy my first RV, a slide-in cabover camper for my old Ford, and return to the gypsy life.

Oregon coastOregon Coast

Nov 1st, 1996, I hit the road, taking a month to travel down the west coast on Hwy 1, from the Washington peninsula to Los Angles. The wet windy weather found several major leaks in the camper eventually fixed with silicon. I stopped at every park and historic marker along the way.

Sunset Salton Sea CaliforniaSalton Sea, California

After a visit with my brother’s family in Los Angeles I went to the Salton Sea.  Here I met a man at a flea market and we caravanned together for a couple of months.

Imperial Sand Dunes CaliforniaImperial Sand Dunes, California

He showed me many remote & beautiful places as we followed the “Gem Trails of Arizona” gathering rocks and camped for free on BLM and other public land all over the desert.

Mittry Lake near Yuma ArizonaMittry Lake, Arizona

After we parted ways I spent a week camping in Joshua Tree National Park. It was a quiet time for me to be alone and regroup. But it started getting hot.

Camper in Joshua National Park CaliforniaMy camper in Joshua Tree National Park

Time to head north for the summer. Yet I needed a quick forest fix so went to the San Bernardino National Forest before the long haul back to Washington.

San Barnardino National Forest CaliforniaSan Bernardino National Forest, California

My gypsy life, road trip , , , , 15 Comments

Lijit

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