On the road again - spokane, washington

I left Deer Lodge early afternoon and drove across Montana and through the tip of Idaho into Washington. The scenery was spectacular. Washington state is truly a beautiful part of our countries landscape. It was approaching 8pm when I arrived in Spokane. I was exhausted and probably hungry. I decided to have my first experiencing staying in a Walmart parking lot. I looked up the local Walmart, called and got directions. I managed to get lost and more frustrated as I do not like driving the rig in the dark. I stopped at a gas station for the proper directions. The clerk gave me directions to another Walmart and I would soon discover it was meant to be. The drive to the Walmart took me on narrow winding local roads and it was a little unnerving. Upon arriving at Walmart, I entered the store and approached customer service. I was welcomed and informed they had RV's stay often and were RV friendly. I have to state here that the Walmart employees at the W. Wellesley store were so friendly and warm that I was taken aback.  And this was only the beginning of what would be another incredible part of this journey. Somehow I had gotten most of my assistance from the eye wear department. Directions and recommendations were given freely. I checked out the revitalized downtown and the great historic neighborhood. While in the neighborhood I went to the Elke Restaurant.  The wait staff was so beautiful and so friendly, I felt like I was on a soap opera. I had asked for a place to get my haircut and the waiter recommended a new barber/salon downtown. I went downtown and only had an hour wait with no appointment.  I decided to walk across the street to the waterfront mall and did some shopping. Even at Banana Republic I met the most friendly sales staff and got some great bargains. I was called by the barber shop and walked over for my haircut. I met Jessica and spent the next hour talking about God and intuition and just had a great conversation. Jessica recommended church on Sunday. I agreed and invited her and her husband Jason for blueberry pancakes in my righ in the Walmart parking lot. Church was mostly uneventful. We left and continued our conversation back at Walmart parking lot. They were a treat to meet and it turns out they have a historic house, that they are just getting ready to renovate. I then gave them some advice and planning tips on how to undertake their huge project, and how to avoid some major pitfalls and family discord.

The following day I went back to the mall for a movie and some shopping. I met Seth, a salesman in Macy's. He was very helpful and a good talker. I had picked up a lime green shirt and said how I really liked that color. He proceeded to tell me about a car that color and a motor home he saw parked at Walmart parking lot. I explained it was my car and motor home in the Walmart parking lot and that I was a medium. From there the conversation opened up to what I do and he was excited that I meet his sister Sarah in Seattle. He then excitedly told me I needed to meet his sister Sarah in Seattle.  It was truly a serendipitous moment.

I also spent a day at an incredibly beautiful outdoor garden. Actually it was a group of gardens in Manito Park. The grounds were divided into different gardens. An elaborate rose garden, a Japanese garden, a large floral garden, and an indoor sanctuary. If it wasn't for Jessica from Weldon Barber, I would have forgotten to check it out.

Here's a cute story that will be continued later in this writing. While driving the surrounding area of Spokane I stumbled on a karaoke store. Being a singer and always looking for new music to practice with my karaoke machine, I thought I would check it out. Bobbi, the owner was a delightful and knowledgeable woman who educated me on the latest karaoke equipment. At the time my karaoke machine needed a minor repair, but otherwise was working fine. I took her card and was grateful I had learned all about the equipment. (remember this connection later)

As I prepared to leave Spokane, My motor home needed some minor services. Adjacent to the Walmart parking lot was a family owned Chevron Service Station. Johnson's Chevron is the place for anyone needing great service at a fair price. Will Johnson handled everything professionally, efficiently and fairly.

A huge thank you to some of the most polite and courteous people I have met on this trip. Spokane was an enjoyable and friendly city and I would definitely visit again.