The Nomadic Neuman's
August 2006

Tuesday Aug 2nd
Portland, OR
We met Nancy Runyan (Marc's Aunt) and her dear friend, Randy at Tad's Chicken'N Dumplins.
A quaint place alongside the Columbia River Gorge with a soothing view and good country food.
Of course, Dan & I had to have their signature Chicken & Dumplins. Doesn't Dan look happy?
 
  

 
Aug. 3, 2006
Parked in Olympia, WA
Dan's brother, Chuck, prepared a "pad" for our motorhome, so we have a great spot on his property.
Looking out the front window into neighbor, Paul's organic garden.
We'll be parked here for an undetermined length of time.



I've enjoyed picking fresh blackberries and even found some frog friends to chat with as I pick!
 
 

Sunday Aug 13, 2006
Sandy, Buzz & Megan flew in to SeaTac Sat. to stay with Chuck for a few days.
Their son, Kevin, is graduating from the Diver's Institute of Technology this Wed.
He'll begin working in the oil fields out in the Gulf of Mex after a short vacation.
Sunday. we took a pleasant Sunday drive to the Olympic National Forest.
On the way we saw this neat sculpture in a field by the interstate.

We stopped at this picturesque spot up the mountain. Chuck, Sandy, Megan & Val.
  
And then at the "High Steel Bridge "
which sits 420 feet above the South Fork of the Skokomish River built in 1928. A beautiful spot.
   
Buzz's zoom took this wonderful photo of the waters below the bridge.

Up the road, we pulled over and made a spot for a picnic lunch!

Later we found a spot close to the river. Silly Dan brought his chair out into the middle!
Chuck reminds me of Hiawatha looking on his journey. Sandy & Buzz pose for a good shot
and Leanne contemplates something.
 
   
These turkey vultures captured our eyes as we were leaving the area..... we thought they were eagles at first, until we saw their red heads through our zoom lens! Not nearly as magestic, but fun to watch regardless.
    

Chuck loves his afternoon motorcycle rides and Buzz sits to try it out.
 
Dan brought out the bubble making stuff and soon everyone wanted to try it!
 

 Aug. 16, 2006
Graduation Day
Congratulations Kevin! (Dan's nephew)
After a grueling 7 month education & training at the Diver's Institute of Technology in Seattle WA,
Kevin completes his studies, receives many certifications and accepts a position with Epic Companies.
He'll be working on the oil rigs out in the Gulf waters off the coast of Louisiana.
His job will be on a crew that repairs the piping under the water. Dangerous, but a very well paid job.
  
The graduating class. Mom (Dan's sister), Dad and sister are very proud.
 
After cake and a chat, Kevin gave us a tour of the training area.
    
Here is the decompression chamber they all have used.
Outside, the new students were coming up from a dive. Look at all those hoses!
   
Here's the training tank for welding, with a mascot, of course.
    
Some of the older masks were on display.
 

 Then we celebrated at Ray's Seafood Restaurant on the Bay.
Kevin met Larry below who was in the class ahead of him. Larry also works for Epic and has been
working ever since his graduation in June. He had some very interesting stories to tell!
All the young men we met were so enthused over the prospect of beginning their new careers,
especially Larry who has already experienced his first 2 month trip.
       
Kevin loved his new digital camera from his sister, Megan. Our meals were fabulous.
I had the Salad Nicoise w/ Ahi, below right. Mmmmmmmm
   

Monday Aug 28th
Laurel, Devon & Baby Olivia arrive for a week's visit!

  September 2006

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