My daughter and I spent four days near Phoenix, Arizona, while she was on spring break "tent glamping" together. Basically, it is "glamour camping", "girl camping" and building our "fantasy fort". We had a blast and the best fun! We just put up all kinds of lacy, pretty linens, hung aprons, decked out our tables with layered vintage tablecloths, used REAL china and REAL silverware. We "cutesified" our tent, put down a lot of throw rugs, had candles and lamps . . .
Of course, it took more effort than just camping and a lot more "gear" but we just loved it! And we'll be doing it again and as often as we possibly can.
On July 8th we said "goodbye" . . sort of . . to Diana and Cy, packed up and drove about 75 miles to Moscow, ID where we checked in at MaryJanes Outpost B&B. We had a wonderful wall tent equipped with an antique iron bed with lush, warm, cozy bedding that you kinda just melt into. Our campsite was also equipped with running (cold) water, a sink, dishes, pots & pans, outdoor furniture, a propane cooking burner, linens, antique iron footed tub . . . oh my! We were able to enjoy hot soaking baths in the outdoor tub in the privacy of vintage linens hung around. We could pick veggies from the greenhouse, eggs from the hens, berries from the garden . . . yummy!
We were so, soooooo spoiled by the multi-course breakfasts that were just delectable and kept us "fueled" for the day and all the excursions we planned. Prepared for us and served by the lovely ladies at the farm: Megan, Kim, Alicia, Rebekah . . . Ashley helped by doing prep work the night before. We enjoyed our meals in the "Plum Pit" with gourmet coffee around the campfire. They set the tables with linens, silver, china and crystal . . . we ate in style!!!
On Saturday, July 9th we were treated to a Farmgirl Sisterhood "Tea Party" with the yummiest, strawberry shortcake with real whipped cream, strawberries from the garden. Also wonderful cupcakes made from MJs Budget mixes and topped with fresh nasturtium blossoms from the garden. A variety of refreshing ice teas . . . so much fun, laughter, enjoying time with our "sisters". We exchanged gifts of aprons, charms, recipes, lavendar bunches, "queen bee" necklaces and just had the most wonderful time together. It was sad to say goodbye!!
Robin and I stayed another day, did some shopping in the area, "boutiquing" in the Palouse and enjoyed toasting MJs homemade marshmallows over our campfire with the chocolate chips and grahams . . . fun! Tasty! Going to make my own marshmallows with her recipe . . and her graham crackers too!
Monday, July 11th came all too soon and after another scrumptious, extravagant breakfast we hugged MJ, Megan, Carol . . and all our other farm friends goodbye and headed back to Colorado. What a trip! What an experience! Three weeks creating and enjoying one of the most memorable experiences ever! Thank you Lord for orchestrating this for us! Thank you Robin for making this trip with me and making it the trip of a lifetime!
On July 4th we all meandered to Orofino, ID where we were able to settle in at Diana Poulton's house. We were able to each have our own bedroom and snuggle with one of her handmade quilts . . . heavenly!!! We hung out there for several days and were glad to have Karen Bates from Cheney, WA join us. She brought her adorable "glamper" down and we enjoying taking a tour of it. Cy and Diana are turning their huge, beautiful house into a B&B and we were able to enjoy the most beautiful scenery, hiking, boating . . . more "boutiquing", enjoying coffee, ice cream and lunch out in local restaurants. Diana prepared some of the best meals ever . . no reason to go hungry. Karen and Robin also prepared some of the dishes they had recipes for that were added to our "FOTL Recipe Collection". A wonderful few days to relax, sleep in a real bed . . share with Diana (who also is a member of our Southwest Farmgirls Henhouse chapter) and Cy. Thanks you two!
We left Coeur d' Alene and drove just a few miles north to the home of Kathy and Ed O'Hara. They have a beautiful place and a wonderful field surrounded by huge evergreen trees where we pitched our tents. We walked up the hill to their house for showers, laundry, visiting, playing with Hank the dog, enjoying the entire O'Hara family. Sunday morning Kathy served us the yummiest cinnamon rolls . . fresh from her oven. During our two day stay we were served burgers, homemade bread, salads . . . all kinds of good, home cookin'. Kathy and Ed have a gorgeous garden we were able to "tour". Kathy took us all "boutiquing" (that's what farmgirls call going shopping at yard sales, thrift stores and antique stores) and, yup, we found treasures. We also went to their neighbors house to see a whip demonstration by Joe Strain, an artist and maker of whips . . he made whips for some of the movies such as the Indiana Jones series. Just a fun time with this wonderful family!!!!!
A very special treat was having my niece, Melanie Danbrook, from British Columbia join us . . . about a 6 hour drive for her and it had been 18 years seen we had seen her! Her visit was a surprise for Robin and it worked . . it was priceless to see Robin's reaction to seeing Mel! What a fun time we had!!!! It was so hard to say goodbye to her! On July 4th, we kissed and hugged her goodbye, watched her drive off back to BC . . and we headed off to Orofino, Idaho to Diana Poulton's place.
Before we got to Idaho, we actually stopped in Missoula, MT at the "BIG DIPPER" Ice cream stop. You walk up to the window . . drive-ups not allowed. Old-fashioned, the BEST ice cream.
We found Hudson's Hamburgers in CdA and enjoyed the best, old fashioned burgers, which were prepared for us by the grandson of the original Mr. Hudson. Across the street is MaryJanes Farm store. . . and, of course, we had to go shopping. We met Jordan and just had so much fun with her and shopping. We didn't know until we were walking into Hudson's that MJs store was right across the street! YAY!!!
After we left the Pilgrim home in Wyoming we stopped in Green River, WY where we were treated to a fabulous picnic lunch provided by Farmgirl Denise Smart and her daughter, Kimberly. We were also entertained by Denise's grandson playing in the fountain at the water park. Denise made the best sandwiches, baklava dessert . . and a whole lot more. She sent the leftovers with us which we were able to enjoy later on our trip. We stopped at the KOA campground in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho for the night. Lovely campground and nice place to camp.
The next morning we packed it up and hit the road headed for Butte, Montana. Another overnight camping stop at the KOA campground there. We didn't meet up with any farmgirls at either place, but we did meet a really nice couple who were camped next to us at Butte and traveling through on their motorcycle.
And, on July 2nd we went on to the Coeur d' Alene, Idaho area . . actually Hayden, ID where we set up our tents at the home of Farmgirl Kathy O'Hara. We were able to pitch our tents in their green and lush field. Spent time there laughing, eating, enjoying the O'Hara family and relaxing.