Welcome to The Simple Mile RV
From Vegas Lights to Tire Fights — Our Tow Dolly Drama & Road Trip to Washington
Welcome back to The Simple Mile, where every episode proves that RV life is 50% adventure, 40% problem-solving, and 10% “Did that really just happen?”
This journey kicks off as we wave goodbye to the bright lights of Las Vegas and roll out of Nellis AFB feeling confident, caffeinated, and ready to cruise. We were only minutes into the trip — literally minutes — when the universe decided we needed a bonus challenge.
BOOM.
No fireworks. No parade.
Just a tow dolly tire blowout that stopped us faster than a casino security guard when you try to bring home an extra buffet roll.
Suddenly, our relaxing travel day turned into a roadside audition for The Amazing Race: RV Edition. With tools scattered, dogs supervising, and drivers passing by wondering whether to cheer or call a therapist, we pulled off our very best teamwork, patience, and creative tire-swapping choreography.
Good news:
✔ No one cried
✔ No one called their mom
✔ We eventually got rolling again — slightly dirty, very sweaty, but extremely proud
Extended Stay: Utah Edition
Once we arrived in Utah, we decided to extend our stay — partly for the views… mostly because tow dolly parts don’t magically grow on trees (even though we checked). We hunted down exactly what we needed, got everything mechanically happy again, and prepared to continue our northern escape route toward Washington State.
Unexpected Beauty: No GPS Required (Because It Lost Signal Anyway)
Just when we thought the wild part was over, the scenery stepped up and stole the show. We cruised through:
- The rolling woodlands of Umatilla National Forest — peaceful, green, and suspiciously quiet
- A surprise view of the Walla Walla Dam — who knew we’d end up sightseeing unintentionally?
- The spectacular backroads of the Pacific Northwest, where every turn looks like a postcard
- The dramatic landscape of Frenchman Coulee, which sounds like a fancy French dessert but is actually stunning cliffs near the Columbia River
- Rattlesnake Cove — where the name alone makes you walk faster
Every time we thought, Okay, that must be the prettiest view, the next curve said, Hold my coffee.
Washington: Family, Mountains & Deep Breathing
We made a short stop in Cheney, WA to visit family, restock snacks, and make sure our tow dolly didn’t develop new trust issues. Then it was off to Twisp, WA, a quiet, peaceful town that sits at the edge of the majestic Northern Cascades, where the mountains look like they were hand-painted by someone who really wanted to show off.
From blown tires to jaw-dropping scenery, this episode reminded us of something important:
✔ RV life is unpredictable
✔ Problems are temporary
✔ Mountains cure everything
✔ And the best stories aren’t usually planned
What started as a mechanical meltdown turned into mountain magic, proving once again that life on the road is never boring — and always worth it.
Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”