Randy and Mariann hit the road

THE BIZARRE TIES TO 1979 AND THE AZIMUTH SKI SHOP!

Greetings from the Pacific Northwest! It’s been a bit of time since I sat down in front of my computer to write down my thoughts. This part of the journey is a bit segmented but its also joined together with a bizarre connection – Azimuth Ski shop. A bit of background….. Randy and I both met when we both got jobs at Azimuth Ski shop in Latham NY. We were both taking a year off from school. Three of the five topics of this blog have ties to that year and ski shop, which really shows how special that year was.

After the Redwoods, we crossed the Oregon border and planted ourselves in the Weasku Inn. This Oregon legend was built in 1924 along the banks of the Rogue River and was a vacation favorite of both Clark Gable and Walt Disney – who were avid fishermen. It was named one of the top 25 lodges in the USA. The minute we opened the door to the log building, we felt like we were back in the Adirondacks. It reminded us both so much of our friend Annies camp on Friends Lake. Annie is my brother-in-laws sister, our maid of honor and worked at Azimuth ski shop! The stone fireplace was lit, warm cookies were served and we had a great bottle of wine. It was a true feeling of home!

We left there and drove up to Hood River and stayed at another old Inn on the Columbia River and had dinner with some old friends – Rich and Svea. We’ve know Rich for 47 years because he too worked at Azimuth Ski shop! We attended each others weddings, and have remained good friends in spite of the 3,000 between us and always try to get together when we are in each others territory. Hood River is a very cool town with world class wind for wind and kite surfing. I was wearing a coat as we watched people out on the river blowin in the wind!

The third connection to the ski shop happened in Montana. Matt K and Randy have known each other for 52 years. They met at Camp Chingachook and became fast friends at the camp for lost boys! LOL! Thats what Flora, Matts wife called it and I can’t think of a better name! Matt came to work with us at Azimuth Ski shop and later stood up with Randy as our best man. Randy had lost many of his personal contacts when he retired and his work phone list was no longer available to him…..silly boy mixed some personal and business contacts in his phone. Well, we were able to find a number for Matt and Flora and they just happened to be available when we were passing through. We didn;t know where they lived but hoped it was somewhere near our path so we could meet them for dinner. They had just moved to Missoula Montana and insisted we come and stay with them for the weekend. What a weekend! They took us to see a lake that reminds them a lot of Lake George and we could see why. It was beautiful! They keep a sailboat there – just like they did when they lived on the east coast. I saw a bear and her cub during the ride around the lake! Yay! I feel like I am playing wildlife bingo – by myself! They have a beautiful home and the funniest french bulldog named Lucy who welcomed us both! She would sit outside our bedroom door in the morning waiting for us to come out and see her. She was a riot! Missoula is a college town with a thriving downtown. Great restaurants and shops and a great place for Matt and Flora to retire.

REBECCA AND A FOOD AND BEVERAGE FEST!

I can’t believe how lucky we have been in 2026! We got to spend a week with Rebecca in Belize at the end of February, a week in early April in southern California and now a 4 day weekend in Portland! We were really willing to help her with some chores around her house, she really wanted to have some fun with us. It started with a great hike at the river with Ruby her dog. Ruby was also a somewhat willing participant in donning a lions hood for a blog photo shoot! We We were able to do a few little yard things that require some extra hands but after that it was a dining and drinking fest! Portland is a foodies paradise and because of its location on the west coast, it is a great place to try wines and some super interesting cocktails. When we were all together in SoCal, she and Ben were talking about Tiki bars. She said hers was legit and she always thinks of my mom when she visits there. Well, she took us there and it did not disappoint! Her cocktail came flaming. There were authentic blowfish lights hanging from the ceiling, wood carvings, a sunken bar, and the perfect background music! The cocktails were delicious! Another interesting place we went was a wine cave. You entered an alley and went into a basement and low and behold, there was a small wine cave with less than 8 tables and 8 bar stools. Super interesting wines to try. We did more than eat and drink, we actually had a great afternoon at the Japanese gardens. It was a warm, blue sky day and the gardens were coming to life. It was a great visit with her and now that we are retired, we can plan to visit her every other month…….just kidding Rebecca! Seriously, We do miss you!

GUTEN TAG!

I cannot recall who we met along the way that suggested that we visit Leavenworth Washington but we are grateful they did! We were struggling to decide if we go toward Vancouver and up into Canada or to the San Juan islands. As I said, we don’t remember where we heard about Leavenworth but we decided to go northeast. After driving through miles and miles of various orchards, It was like we were transported to Germany. The mountains, the buildings, the beer, food and hospitality – that community nailed it. The community decided to reinvent themselves in the 1960’s as a Bavarian themed village to avoid near-extinction as a ghost town. Without exception, the hospitality was A+. Mopped headed teenage boys scooping ice cream knew how to engage with tourists. Everyone was engaged! We went on a lovely hike in the mountains and all I could think of was Heidi. They have a nice hike along the river that backs up to the downtown…..sound familiar Ticonderoga? Of course we engaged the owners of the Inn that we stayed at as well as the Chamber people that were touring the inn and apparently, the school district includes hospitality training k-12. They were also very supportive of supporting each other locally too. The Inn serves the coffee from the roaster in town, etc. We had fabulous german meals there, great beer and two surprising wine tasting experiences. We liked it so much that we decided to stay another day. Our Inn wasn’t the fanciest in town, but it was the most authentic. Even the carpeting was flown in from Germany. The owners (3rd owners) were a younger couple from Poland/German boarder and she was from Transylvania. I don’t think I have ever met anyone from Transylvania! Don’t worry, no vampire fangs! They were lovely and have created a truly special experience for their guests. Leavenworth was so much more than we thought and I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying a visit!

Off to Yellowstone in the morning! If we can manage avoiding any encounters with Grizzleys, Buffalos and wolf packs, you’ll be hearing from us again!