We’ve been having a little problem with our fresh water pump lately, it has been spitting air with the water when we use the sink. We found a certified Winnebago repair shop near us and they squeezed us in. The tech knew right away what it was and replaced a small part on the pump. $10 for the part and $52 for the labor, add tax and misc. to that and it cost us $70. Seems to be working well now.

That done, we returned the RV to the Walmart and parked it there while we took the Jeep for a sight-seeing tour of nearby Mount Rainier National Park. What a beautiful park! Lots of wilderness, forest, waterfalls, hiking trails, with Mount Rainier as the centerpiece.

Grove of the Patriarchs Trail

Our first stop was to hike a 1.5 mile loop trail through the Grove of the Patriarchs, part of an old-growth forest with some really big trees. The trail led to a suspended bridge over the Ohanapecosh River, a sign recommends only one person at a time to cross. It was rather bouncy.

Ohanapecosh River

Grove of the Patriarchs Trail

Grove of the Patriarchs Trail

Banana Slug

We spent several hours there, hiking a few trails and stopping to soak in all the beauty that was there. It’s an awesome place and the weather cooperated so well!

Mount Rainier National Park

And the  most spectacular view of all is Mount Rainier itself. Incredible. We had views of the mountain at various scenic overlooks along the road, but the absolute best view is at the Visitor Center. There is a 20-minute movie and exhibits and a hiking trail there too. It is an active volcano and it’s elevation is over 14,000 feet.

Mount Rainier Visitor Center

• Gasoline:  none
• Lodging:   free
• Admission: free with National Senior Pass ($15 value)
• Repairs:   $70