Dear readers,
This is basically a trip log so that Andy and I can remember the fun times we shared when we get to the point where we can’t even remember each other’s name. If you choose to read this, please remember it was written primarily for our own benefit and the benefit of our family and friends. It is definitely not a travel guide, but there are some interesting facts about the places we visited documented along the way. Well, at least of interest to us. And lots of pictures.
So, pour yourself a nice cool drink, put your feet up, and come along for the ride.
April 3rd – Potholes State Park (SP), Othello, WA – site 17
We always plan to get an early start on the day we start a new adventure. This time we were striving to leave our house at or before 9:00 am. Well, we came close. We backed down our driveway at 9:30, which really isn’t too bad for us! Then to the storage facility which happily is only a couple of miles from our home. No problem hitching up the trailer, and we were on the road at 10:20.
After an easy drive through Everett and Bellevue, we existed 405 onto I-90 heading East. Stopped for lunch at Mountain High Burgers in Easton and then back on the road. Arrived at Potholes SP around 4:00 pm. And then the fun began.
For those of you who don’t know us, Andy and I are two of the most mechanically challenged people you could ever hope never to meet. We are fairly clever in other ways, but put a mechanical problem in front of us, and our brains immediately shut down. They can be re-booted thankfully (with time) but only by pursuing the predicament with pure logic. But it takes a while to get to that point.
So, every spring when we arrive in our first camp, we must first clear the winterization from the water lines and then fill the tank of the hot water heater. And every stinkin’ year, we spend at least an hour agonizing over which way to turn the handle so that water will lovingly flow into the tank. (When the trailer is winterized, there is a handle that is (theoretically) turned to the bi-pass position. This prevents any water containing antifreeze from entering the tank and forever leaving it’s indelible mark.) And in case you are thinking to yourself, why don’t these non-mechanical people just take a picture or write down notes on how this process should work? Then next time, no brainer. And you would be so very correct! But the problem is, I did have notes written down. Copious notes, in fact. But they contradicted themselves. And I’m the one who wrote them, including of course, the contradictions! But you need not worry that this situation will happen again. My original notes are now somewhere in a waste-paper facility in Othello. And I wrote out new notes, that if we’re especially lucky, will make perfect sense next year at this time.
But once again, with the help of the guardian angel of non-mechanically inclined folks, we got lucky and the water heater actually had water in its tank when we switched on the button to place the system on GO.
After a simple dinner of dinner sausages, cheezy grits, and salad, it was reading and an early to bed.
April 4th – Potholes SP
I first met my dear friend Caroline (Nabber) when I transferred from the Bellevue branch of Seattle First National Bank to a downtown Seattle department in 1985. We worked together for several years until I transferred to a different assignment within the bank. But we continued to see each other through the Seafirst Chorale which Caroline sang in, I directed, and Andy accompanied. So, we have been good friends for a very long time. Caroline lives close to Potholes SP, so she paid us a visit. And it was like we had never spent time apart.
That’s what is so wonderful about having good friends. You may not see each other very often, but the underlying respect and love never goes away. It can be rekindled with just a simple hello, I’ve missed you. And that’s how it was with Caroline. As if we had just been together the day before. We spent a lovely three hours just reminiscing and catching up on our families. After Caroline left at about 2:00 pm to have Easter brunch with her family, we decided to go exploring.
Now, if you have never visited this part of the state and like I did until a few years ago, felt that the only thing this part of the world had to offer was sage brush, you too would be grossly wrong in your thinking! This area is a geological wonderland. First of all, potholes are really cool. The scientific definition is “a deep natural underground cavity formed by the erosion of rock, especially by the action of water”.
What my eyes perceive however, are pools of water, surrounded by cliffs, rimrock, lakes, and marshes. And inhabited by a variety of waterfowl and the usual dessert denizens. (See pictures below). If this type of geography and its critters interest you and you would enjoy additional information, search under “Columbia National Wildlife Refuge”. And if you’re in the area, do take the time to drive through this amazing wonderland. Allow yourself at least 2-3 hours, because you will want to get out of your vehicle, just to get a 360 degree look at your surroundings, and of course to take pictures.
After our delightful drive, it was back to camp, dinner, and reading until we couldn’t keep our eyes open any longer. Another great day of travel with a trailer.
April 5th – Potholes SP
Woke up to a beautiful clear day. Had a leisurely breakfast and then Andy went for a hike. I stayed at the trailer and wrote up day 1 and day 2 of our trip, did my 20 minute jazzercize work out, and spent the rest of the time reading.
If you are just getting to know me, you need to know that I am, and have been since I first learned my ABCs, an avid reader. My day simply is not complete unless I get some quality time with a book. And no, I’m not much of a Kindle or Nook kind of gal. I want a paper book that I can hold in my hands. And I know, it would be so much easier to go on vacation with a few books downloaded to my Nook rather than carrying around a filled to the brim book bag. And no, I’m not going to embarrass myself by counting the number of books I brought along with me on this trip. Because I don’t really want to know! Suffice it to say, it’s a lot of books. And I might not finish them all. But it’s ever so much better to have too many books, than not enough. I’m sure any reader would agree with me on that statement. Maybe not on my need for the “real thing”, but that whatever form the book takes, there is no way I want to ever be reduced to reading the instructions on the package of quinoa! (Unless of course, I am preparing quinoa, and then all bets are off!)
April 6th – Peach Beach RV Park – (next to Maryhill SP and across from Biggs Junction in Oregon via the Sam Hill bridge over the Columbia River) – site 28
After a nice breakfast we stashed everything inside the trailer that could slip, slide, or be bumped out of place. Then Andy hooked us up and away we went toward our destination for the next 4 nights.
Now we have stayed at Peach Beach RV Park several times in the past because the sites we love are right by the river. The river being the mighty Columbia in case you were interested. And from our big back window we can watch double wide and double long barges being pushed or pulled by tugboats either up or down river. We have speculated that those going up-river are full of fertilizer because all the fields and orchards we passed on our way south from Potholes SP seemed to be just at the stage where fertilizer might start being applied. Of course, this was just a guess. And as with a lot of guesses, according to the following excerpt from the Gorge Connection, we were completely wrong.
“Tugboats that move barges are a vibrant part of the panorama along the Columbia River shores. They support the area economy as well as add color to the landscape.
A tugboat looks small from the shore. One might guess it is 200 feet long altogether when it is pushing or pulling four or more barges. In actuality, a tug with its tow is 84 feet wide and up to 650 feet long, which is longer than two football fields end to end. Eight miles an hour is the speed that tugs usually move.
A tugboat operates twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. It is self-sufficient as the systems work together. 55 gallons of diesel and two quarts of lube oil are used every hour by each of the two 1500 horsepower engines. The boat’s brain is connected to seventy-five sensors to ensure all the systems are working properly. The sensors will also detect if any fluids are not at their proper levels and if there is smoke in any compartment. An alarm will signal if anything is wrong.
Electric winches are used by the tugs while hand-cranked type winches are on the barges. 1-1/8-inch cables are used to strap the barges together. Usually, to connect two barges requires six cables while eighteen to twenty cables are required for four barges.
It takes years to master navigating a tugboat. From the wheelhouse, the pilot operates the boat, 45 feet above the water. Thanks to modern technology, new tools have been introduced to help with the job. Some of these tools include global positioning systems (GPS), wind gauges, swing meters, and radar. Part of the company’s network includes an on-board computer and the main office can locate any boat in the fleet at any given time.
Tugs travel along the deep channel of the river. The pilot is aided by buoys, range markers, and GPS to keep the tow in this channel. Water on the Columbia River flows at 300,000 cubic feet per second during spring runoff or heavy rainfall and this rapid current is only one problem a pilot must be able to handle. Other problems include fog, wind, rain, ice, snow, bridges, and dams. Another potential hazard is people on the river. The pilot must always be watchful for activities on the water such as fishing, windsurfing, and pleasure boating which sometimes takes people into the deep channel.
It takes about 48 hours to make the complete trip from Lewiston, Idaho to Portland, Oregon. Eight dams must be passed through during the trip, four on the Columbia River and four on the Snake River. Locks on the dams are a maximum of 650 feet long and 86 feet wide presenting a tight squeeze for a large tow. Eight large floats which are set into the lock wall are roped to a tow when it enters the locks. This keeps the tow in position as it is raised or lowered. The John Day Dam has a lift of 100 feet which is the highest of all the dams.
The primary cargo driven downriver is wheat. Wheat from Lewiston and other upriver locations is brought down to Portland, Vancouver, Kelso, and Longview to be shipped to overseas locations. Barges on the Columbia River transport forty percent of all the wheat produced in the United States; another thirteen percent is transported by train. Four wheat barges will carry 14,000 tons of wheat making river barges the most efficient method of transporting wheat. 560 trucks or 140 railroad cars would be required to carry the same amount.
Wheat is not the only product that is towed on the Columbia River. Tugboat companies also transport scrap metal, wood chips, paper products, petroleum products, and garbage among other cargos. One million gallons of petroleum are also transported by 42-footwide barges. 2.2 million gallons of petroleum can be carried by the jumbo barges which are 84 feet wide and 274 feet long. A jumbo barge carrying that much petroleum is thirteen and a half feet under water.
The barges on the Columbia River have crews which include a captain, a pilot, usually two deck mechanics, and a third man for the largest barges. Six hours on and six hours off is the standard shift around the clock.
Each crew works half of the month. Off-duty personnel call in the day prior to the crew change to learn what boat they are assigned to. They will also be told approximately where the boat will be at noon the next day. The location for boarding may be anywhere between Lewiston ID and Astoria OR since the boats operate around the clock. Arrangements are made by the crew members with each other for the storage and retrieval of their personal cars.” And yes, they totally do not look as large as they really are from shore.
After we arrived late afternoon, we set up camp, enjoyed a safe arrival adult beverage outside in the glorious sunny evening, and shared a quiet evening of reading. And then off to bed. There is nothing like the sounds of trains in the distance to help rock one to sleep. (There is a main East/West line along the river on the Oregon side. And a main East/West line just behind the campground on the Washington side. And we love trains. So, for us it like being sung a lullaby as we drift off to sleep. Lovely.
April 7th – Peach Beach
Met the morning at a leisurely pace. Andy decided to go for a morning hike, while I read for awhile and wrote up my travel notes.
I had told Katie I would fix dinner for our first night together, so I took some time in the afternoon to prep for our evening meal. Then it was back to sitting in my comfy chair outside to watch the barges and various water critters as they maneuvered the calm waters. And of course, to monitor the progression of trains on the opposite shore.
We already knew that today was going to be grand, because we were to be joined by Andy’s sister Katie and her husband Rick for the rest of our trip. We had traveled together on previous adventures, so we knew our time together was going to be very pleasurable.
Andy arrived just as I sat down to read. After grabbing his book, we sat together waiting, not too patiently, for the arrival of the truck and Airstream trailer and its inhabitants. Three of the four we knew very well. But one, Beau, a totally darling orange and white kitten was being introduced to us for the first time. And of course, we were anxious to make this young male kittens acquittance. And he was totally worth waiting for. Of course, it was wonderful to see Rick, Katie, and Juno (their older female cat whom we had know for several years) too, since covid had made us getting together until now impossible.
After they got their trailer all set up, we had dinner. Then it was off to bed for a lovely night of drifting off to sleep knowing the next morning we would wake to more fun and fellowship. Sometimes we become overwhelmed by our luck. Not only are Rick and Katie family, they are also very dear friends. And how absolutely marvelous is that!
April 8th – Peach Beach
After a nice breakfast of bacon, eggs, bagel, granola, and yogurt, we did the dishes and got ready to greet the day and our traveling companions. For us old retired folks, on days we are not traveling to our next destination, we are usually ready to present ourselves to the world between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Now I know what you may be thinking. That sounds like a pretty lazy way to operate. But we both worked for many years. And throughout both of our careers, we had to get up at the crack of dawn. We don’t have to do that anymore, plus WE ARE ON VACATION! So, that means we can be carefree and sleep in as late as we want! And we do!
So, at about 10:30, it was time to move outside with books in hand to await word that our traveling companions were also ready for an adventure. Around 11:30 we made the decision to visit the Maryhill Museum of Art. (For the umpteenth time I might add!) But we all love the museum, so off we went.
The museum is situated on a bluff overlooking the eastern end of the Columbia River Gorge. The structure had originally been intended as a mansion for entrepreneur Samuel Hill (1857-1931), and named Maryhill for Hill’s wife, the daughter of James J. Hill, a Great Northern Railroad baron. The mansion was intended to be used as a home where they could entertain Samuel Hill’s school friend King Albert I of Belgium.
Unfortunately, construction was halted with America’s entry into World War I. The unfinished building was dedicated on November 3, 1926 by Queen Marie of Romania, and was opened to the public as a museum on Sam Hill’s birthday – May 13, 1940. The mansion/museum’s first physical expansion was completed when the Mary and Bruce Stevenson Wing opened to the public in May 2012. The museum currently includes a plaza overlooking the Columbia River, an education center, a collections suite, a café, and a splendid little gift shop.
Even though the museum is quite small, it includes a very eclectic collection. Included are plaster and bronze sculptures and watercolors by Auguste Rodin, Native American art including baskets and beadwork from the Columbia Plateau region, mannequins and replica stage sets from the Theatre de la Mode, more than 300 chess sets from around the world, Eastern Orthodox icons including some donated by Queen Marie of Romania, palace furnishings and personal items that once belonged to Queen Marie, memorabilia associated with the dancer Loie Fuller, and Art Nouveau-era glass by Emile Galle, Rene Lalique, and several others.
If you are ever in the area, this museum is a wonderful place to spend a couple of hours. After leaving the museum, Andy and I had a fun treat to share with Rick and Katie. For more information about this very interesting and unique museum, give it a search on line.
Several years ago when we were in the area visiting daughter Ursala, her husband Soroush, and their two daughters Nika and Jaley, we learned about a farm open to the public where we could observe rare animals. The first time we visited this farm, it was such a timely opportunity for us, because we were just back from South Africa, and were missing the exotic animals we had come to love. So to find a farm in Washington State, where we could view zebras, giraffes, bison, camels, Black Buck antelope, Muntjac deer, and yaks, to name a few, in large outdoor enclosures, was very exciting for us. Plus the farm was free to anyone who wished to view these delightful animals. So of course we had to share this treasure with Katie and Rick. And as luck would have it, the giraffes and zebras were out in all their splendor, as were the antelope and camels. For more information, visit schreinerfarms.com.
After we said goodbye to all the animals, we headed back to our trailers for a relaxing afternoon of reading. Just before 4:30, Rick and Katie joined us to bask in the sun and spend a bit of time watching the barges going up and down the river. Then into Rick and Katie’s trailer for a lovely dinner of mushroom soup, salad, and olive rosemary bread. Then back to our trailer for a nice read before bed. Another lovely day in our trailer.
An interesting fact about the Columbia “river” in front of our camp. It isn’t technically flowing. Because of the many dams on the river (11 in Washington State alone, of which 3 share a border with Oregon), the only free-flowing section of the river in Washington is approximately 51 miles upstream in the Hanford Reach area. Named Hanford Reach after a large northward bend in the river’s otherwise southbound course. This area of the river is also distinctive because it was the former security buffer surrounding the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. And as such has been untouched by development or agriculture since 1943. The rest of the river is basically comprised of lakes.
April 9th – Peach Beach
After a very lazy begin to our day, we sat outside reading and watching the barges go by, both upstream and downstream, until around 2:00 in the afternoon, when we made a sojourn to a local winery for a bit of sipping. Luckily, the winery (Jacob William) is only a 15 minute drive from our camp site. And Andy, Rick, and Katie all enjoyed the tastings. I just went along for the ride because a few years ago wine started upsetting my stomach (wah) so I leave all the wine drinking in our family to Mr. C! (Boo hiss) Anyway, it was a fun adventure and just about as much fun as we could collectively handle.
That’s the wonderful thing about camping whether it’s tent camping or going the soft route by pulling a small home behind your truck. There’s lots of unplanned time. And nothing says you have to get up early, go to bed early, or serve your meals at any fixed time. If you choose to be highly energetic – great. You want to sit in your comfy chair all day long – who gives a hoot? It’s holiday time! So, no pressure. And I take my time away from home very seriously. I don’t care if it’s 9:00 am and I’m still dozing. Breakfast will be served when I’m good and ready. There are always things to munch on if Mr. C. gets peckish. And he knows that as soon as I am up, in short order, there will be a full breakfast set out before him! (He is ever aware that he will never starve as long as I’m around!)
So, all together, April 9th was a very fine day.
April 10th – Ft. Stevens SP, Hammond, Oregon – site L32
Great travel day. We had sun, clouds, rain squalls, hail, and a ton of wind that seemed to take delight in buffeting our truck and trailer about as we traveled from Peach Beach, across the mighty Columbia at Biggs Junction, and then West on Oregon I-84 towards Portland and our next destination – Fort Stevens SP in Hammond, Oregon. (Think Astoria.) We were very excited to stay at this park, because it would be a new camping experience for us. And we always like to explore new and different places to park our trailer.
Basically, to get to the park, you go to Astoria, then head south over the New Youngs Bay Bridge, and take the first right you come to. Then follow the line of trailers. At this point, signs are pretty much unnecessary. But it’s still nice to verify that you aren’t following a driver who is totally lost! So, signs are always a blessing even though they may seem a bit redundant at times.
Took a nice little walk through camp after getting set up. No sign of the clouds, etc. that we had experienced on our drive. That was definitely OK with us!
After our walk and afternoon reading, we had a grand dinner prepared by Katie, then back to our trailer for more reading and lights out.
April 11th – Ft. Steven SP
Woke up to sunshine. An absolutely beautiful day. Not warm, but with only a sweatshirt jacket I was warm enough to leave the comfort of our truck and visit several sites around this huge park.
Fort Stevens was once the primary military defense installation in the three-fort, Harbor Defense System at the mouth of the Columbia River (Forts Canby and Columbia in Washington were the other two). The fort was in service for 84 years, beginning during the Civil War and closing at the end of World War II.
Today, Fort Stevens has grown into a 4,200 acre park offering exploration of history, nature, and many recreational opportunities. Camping, beach-combing, a historic shipwreck, freshwater lake swimming, trails, wildlife viewing, and a historic military fort make Fort Stevens a uniquely diverse park. The park also boasts a network of nine miles of paved bicycle trails and six miles of hiking trails that allow you to explore a variety of habitats including spruce and hemlock forests, wetlands, dunes, and shore pine areas. Coffenbury Lake has two swimming areas, a picnic area, restrooms, and a boat ramp. Two neighboring, smaller lakes are great for fishing and canoeing.
Throughout the year, you can browse through displays ranging from the Civil War to World War II at the military museum and information center, walk through the only Civil War era earthen fort on the west coast, or explore the many turn-of-the-century, concrete coast artillery gun batteries.
For those of you who might wish to visit this beautiful state park, here are a few statistics:
Approximately 170 full-hookup sites
More than 300 electrical sites with water
Six tent sites with water nearby
15 rustic yurts (seven pet-friendly)
11 deluxe cabins (five pet-friendly)
Hiker/biker sites
After viewing all of the areas of the park that interested us, it was back to camp for lunch. After lunch we drove into Astoria to visit the RiverSea Gallery displaying and selling contemporary works of art. This is definitely a destination gallery presenting original art and fine craft by established artists of regional and national recognition, and emerging artists of note. Very much worth visiting if you are in the area.
Then back to camp and a nice bike ride around the park for Andy, and for me, the donning of my favorite trailer apron to prepare dinner for the 4 of us.
April 12th – Cape Lookout SP, Tillamook, Oregon – site C 47
Lovely morning. Bright sunshine filtering into our trailer set deep in the woods. After a leisurely breakfast, we broke camp at Ft. Stevens and headed further south on scenic US Route 101 towards our next destination.
Some interesting facts about U.S. Route 101 in Oregon. It is a major north–south U.S. Highway in Oregon which runs through the state along the coastline near the Pacific Ocean. It runs from the California border, south of Brookings, to the Washington state line on the Columbia River, between Astoria, Oregon and Megler, Washington. And in case you don’t happen to know where Megler, Washington is located, it’s a small unincorporated community up-river from the Astoria-Megler Bridge on the Washington side.
The bridge itself is a wonder to behold. It is a steel cantilever through truss bridge that spans the lower Columbia River. It opened in 1966 and it is the longest continuous truss bridge in North America. The total length is 21,474 feet and the clearance below is 197 feet. Quite the point of interest (and a little daunting to drive) as you begin the southbound Oregon US Route 101 experience. But if you have not ventured to this part of the world, it is worth the trip just to cross this bridge. It is truly an amazing engineering feat. But back to todays’ drive to Cape Lookout SP.
After driving around Netarts Bay we headed east towards our destination. Now no one could ever say that this park is too close to a main highway. In this case, the main highway being US Route 101 and at least 10 miles from the park. The road meanders up and over headlands, through forests, ever twisting and turning towards its destination. But we finally arrived all in one piece. And happy to be seeing this delightful park for the first time. After setting up camp we had some lunch and then walked down to the beach. A nice flat walk in perfect weather.
Rick and Katie have dear friends that have a 2nd home in Oceanside just a few minutes from our campground. Oceanside is not really what I would call a town. More of a beautiful little village with a couple of small grocery etc. stores and a restaurant or two. No gas station and I don’t believe there is even a church.
Many of the homes are built on steep hillsides, so much so, that I felt we were back in South Africa where in many small towns along the east coast, there are beautiful homes on hillsides which can only be reached by driving down very narrow dead end streets. And sometimes, up very steep driveways. (Happily, not in this case.) Stan and Judy’s home was the last residence on one of the many narrow driveways. (To call this access a “road” or a “street”, would be presumptuous!) But, oh what a fabulous view from their home. We sat out on the deck for about an hour until the wind came up and we were all getting a bit chilly. Then it was inside to dine on a lovely Greek themed dinner.
After spending a lovely evening with these wonderful people, it was back to our trailers for reading and relaxing before lights out.
April 13th – Cape Lookout SP
Leisurely morning lazing in bed, then a full breakfast and a discussion of what we would like to see or visit today. That is always half the fun of traveling. Wherever we go, unless we have planned our every move down to a gnat’s eyelash, we have a discussion over breakfast regarding the day’s agenda. Well the unanimous decision today was to meet up with Stan and Judy again, and the 6 of us would visit Cape Meares together. When we arrived at the parking area, it was just a short walk to the lighthouse with several fenced in outcrops which gave us perfect views to the surrounding cliff faces and the haystacks just off shore. The lighthouse, which began operating in 1890, looked just how a lighthouse should look.
But what was of great interest to all of us, was the “octopus” tree, a 12-foot thick Sitka spruce (age somewhere between 250 and 300 years old). This old guy was magnificent. With its big old limbs and incredible height, it was quite the formidable giant. And as luck would have it, it was absolutely the perfect day to pay homage to this old fellow. The sun beams which found their way through the surrounding trees left beautiful dappled patches on this old denizen of the forest. And I’m sure the sun felt as inviting to this old tree as it did to all of us older humans. We could not have asked for better weather. Or better company.
Then back to camp for a small lunch, a walk on the beach, dinner preparations, and travel blog writing.
April 14th – South Beach SP, Newport, OR – site F08
We broke camp at a very leisurely pace this morning because we knew our destination could be reached in less than 2 hours. And check out time wasn’t until 1:00 pm. And as with all Oregon state parks, check-in isn’t technically until 4:00 pm. Which, thank heavens, we have never been held to. We have even arrived before the park’s official check-out time and been told that if our spot had already been vacated, in other words the previous campers had already left, we were welcome to park it! So, in all cases, so far, and we’ve been trailering now for over 29 years, we have never been told that we must wait until the official check-in time. Because, the park rangers are not dummies! These rules were undoubtedly set by bureaucrats who obviously had never even been camping, or any realization that you don’t set up camp in 2½ minutes.
So, they have no idea what kind of congestion would occur if 100 trailers tried to check in at the same time. It would create utter havoc. But then, they were probably the same people who ordered the tsunami route in this campground to be closed off with Jersey blocks. Regardless of the big signs everywhere pointing to that very escape route. Truly, there are times when I wonder how the human race has lasted as long as it has. Pure, unadulterated luck, is all I can come up with! But back to the joys of traveling.
Instead of getting right back on State Route 101, we decided to take a scenic route through Pacific City. Lovely ocean vistas, and a new road for us.
We arrived at our site, shared a sandwich, and sat out in the sunshine reading our books. When Rick and Katie arrived, they joined us until it was time to get ready to proceed into Newport for our 6:15 pm reservation at Local Ocean, one of our favorite restaurants. Then back to camp for ginger cookies and Scotch. Lights out about 10:30. Another wonderful day in paradise.
April 15th – South Beach SP
Again, a relaxing morning with no pressure. Well, maybe a bit of pressure. I had brought a bit of my sourdough starter along for the ride (and so it wouldn’t die while we were away for a month), and it was high time I used the discard and gave my tiny yeasty guys something to eat. So, I made sourdough pancakes for breakfast. Sourdough starter, an egg, a bit of milk, and Krusteaz pancake/waffle mix. I wasn’t quite sure this would all work out, but OMG – these were some delicious pancakes. So, once again, I skated through a new recipe by the skin of my teeth!
Then after getting the kitchen cleaned up, I made a marinade for the flank steak Andy would be grilling that evening for our dinner. As accompaniments – Savory Israeli Couscous with Shiitake Mushrooms, and sautéed fresh asparagus.
Then into town for a bit of grocery shopping and a visit to Ace hardware and home again to read in the sun.
But we can only be slugs for so long before one of us gets antsy. So, we climbed in Rick and Katie’s truck and headed for Beaver country. Since it’s still April, and all of the marshy areas are still mucky, we couldn’t go for the walk we planned, but instead took a short walk in the Mike Miller Education woods. Short, but at least we got some exercise. Then back to camp for a small lunch, writing for me, and reading for the others. I love vacation.
April 16th – South Beach
Woke to another glorious morning. Sunny, light breeze, absolutely pleasant. Slow start to the day. No real plans except to go to the aquarium. But first Rick and Katie went into town to do some laundry, Andy headed out for a beach walk, and I stayed around camp to read and do some exercise. I over-achieved at the reading part, and slightly under-achieved at the jazzercise part. (No fun without the music and of course I had forgotten to bring my Fat Friday CDs along with me.) But at least I got some exercise in before I turned completely into a slug!
Around 2:00 Rick, Katie, and I headed out to visit the aquarium. Sure we did. When we arrived, we were greeted with a sign that required that we show our pre-purchased tickets before we were allowed to enter. What? Last year when we were down here before Covid-19 was declared a pandemic, and a couple of times before that, there had been no such thing as having to make a reservation. But this year, with all the protocols associated with Covid-19, I guess it only made sense that entry would be limited. We had been so tied to our homes this past year that none of us even considered the fact that we might not be able to walk right in. It’s a brave new world in which we now find ourselves. And this had been yet another reminder that things are different now. (Another lesson learned the hard way.) So we drove around some of the beach areas around Newport and then back to camp.
That evening we enjoyed a beautiful smoked/grilled salmon dinner compliments of Katie and Rick. Then sat around talking in our shirt sleeves until forced inside to avoid further being eaten by mosquitos. This was the first night we had been bothered, but then, this was the first night we hadn’t experienced wind. Can’t have everything. Thankfully, there are screens on our windows, so we can sleep peacefully without the buzz and bites from flying critters. Then early to bed so that we could wend our way South the next morning. Another wonderful day of camping.
April 17th – Bullards Beach SP, Bandon, OR – site A17
I would love to be able to say that the drive along the ocean provided us with delightful vistas, but the entire time we had low fog off the water. So, no wonderful glimpses of waves and beach. We had to rely on our memories of past visits. Of course, it was still wonderful driving through wooded glades, and through towns that we had passed through many times before. That was still wonderful. Like seeing good friends, even if we only see them infrequently. But we sure did miss seeing all the haystacks along the way. They make this beautiful coast so very inviting.
Stopped along the way for fish and chips at Griffs on the Bay Restaurant in Winchester Bay, then proceeded on to one of our favorite campgrounds.
We have stayed at Bullards Beach SP several times over the years. It’s not a fancy campground, but the sites are set well apart and it’s very quiet at night. And of course, as with many of the state parks in Oregon, there are fabulous day use areas attached, so beach walks are close and easy to come by.
So, after arriving at about 2:30 pm, we headed off to the public market to see if we could purchase some cheesecake from one of our favorite vendors – Chubbie Girl Cheesecakes. Yum. The owner makes both savory and sweet cheesecakes, and we’ve gotten kinda hooked over the years. But the market had just opened (that darn covid-19 thing again) and no Chubbie Girl offerings yet. Wah! But never to be distracted from the call of cheesecake, we found some at The Fleet Deli. It’s presently in our freezer waiting for just the perfect time to thaw it out and serve it up. Then back to camp to enjoy cocktails with Rick and Katie until it was time to go to one of our favorite restaurants in this part of the world. Edgewaters restaurant is close to the old town but set at the river’s edge. Good food, good service, and lucky for us, accepting reservations. And I know, most decent restaurants accept reservations, but this was the second restaurant that we had visited, that had only been open a short time to inside dining. The restaurant we had dined in at lunch time had only been open for inside dining for 3 days. And Edgewaters, only since the middle of March (or at least that’s what I think our waitress said). With my diminished hearing and everyone speaking through masks, I sometimes find it difficult to hear every word of a conversation. But I do know that inside dining hadn’t been available for very long.
And it’s not that we go out all that often for dinner when we are camping. But we are on vacation, and after a year of not going out for dinner, it’s like some kind of a rare treat to have someone else prepare our food. (And do the dishes!)
But I can’t complain. When we travel with Rick and Katie, Katie and I take turns cooking dinner for the 4 of us. And what a treat that is, to merely show up, have a drink and often a small appetizer, eat a delicious dinner (Katie is a great cook), then excuse ourselves to go back to our own trailer with a happy tummy and no mess to clean up. We cook our own breakfasts and lunches, but having every other night off from dinner preparation is heaven.
So, after a lovely dinner at Edgewaters, it was back to our trailers for quiet time and for me an early to bed. When we are at home, Andy usually is the one to say he’s heading off to bed first. And then I trundle along after a few minutes. But on vacation, I’m usually the one who gets sleepy first, and the only thing I can think of when my pillow starts calling my name, is blessed horizontality.
Even though the sun never really appeared today, there wasn’t any rain. In fact, when I face timed with daughter Paula in the late afternoon, she told me that drought had already been officially declared for Oregon.
But for us, it was another wonderful day in the glorious state of Oregon.
April 18th – Bullards Beach SP
Still no sun. Well, no sun we could see through the fog, that is. But that never keeps us down. We did what all people who are crazy about oysters do, we drove up to North Bend (about 25 miles north of us) and bought oysters to grill for an appetizer that evening, and a quart of extra small oysters for me to fry up the next night. (Who needs the sun to have fun, when you can buy fresh oysters?)
Then back to camp for lunch. And after lunch, off to get gas, post a birthday card, and visit one of my favorite galleries – Bandon’s Second Street Gallery.
We must always visit this gallery when we are in Bandon. I always seem to find something that absolutely refuses to stay at the gallery. It bugs me until I am forced to take it home with me. I seem unable to refuse! And of course, this year was no exception.
Then back to camp for Andy to take a beach walk and me to catch up on my writing.
Dinner was provided by Rick and Katie – cold salmon, big old salad, and light rye bread. But the piece de resistance of the meal was the appetizer. Oysters on the half shell. Rick had heated them on the BBQ until the little darlings opened up enough for him to further pry open their shells. Then before they could even begin to complain, they were consumed by 4 oyster aficionados.
Then back to our trailer for reading, writing, and an early to bed.
April 19th – Harris Beach SP, Brookings, OR – site A03
I love waking up late, startled a bit by the fact that we were breaking camp that day, but then remembering that we only had about 80 miles to our next camp. So, no worries. Time to take a leisurely shower, enjoy an unhurried breakfast, and break camp without breaking a sweat! Nice feeling not to be rushed and no pressure.
In past years, before we got smarter (and older), we would plan short stops and fairly long driving days. Since realizing that we aren’t in our forties any longer, we tend to stay longer in one place and try not to have a drive day over 4 hours. Of course, that can’t always be the case. But we endeavor to keep our destinations within a reasonable distance of each other. In Oregon, that’s not a problem because there are state parks everywhere along the coast. Which means, as many times as we have travelled along this route, we still have not stayed in them all. (But we’re working on it!)
So, even with a somewhat late start, we arrived at Harris Beach at about 2:30. Then time to unhitch and proceed into town for groceries and a camping stove. And I know you are wondering why I felt the need for an outdoor stove when I have a perfectly wonderful 3 burner stove in the trailer. Well, while we were in Bandon and I had purchased the oysters to serve for dinner that evening, I had temporarily forgotten what a mess it is to fry oysters. Now, if you have never fried oysters, then you can’t possibly know how much the little coated darlings splatter oil all over the kitchen as they cook. At home, I have a powerful fan and a splatter shield to help eliminate most of the mess. Or I can choose to cook them outside on the burners I have in our outdoor kitchen. But in a small trailer, the thought of oyster grease everywhere was daunting. (Not to mention disgusting!) So, to Fred Meyer we proceeded. No camping stoves there. But two helpful employees in the sporting goods area suggested Bi-Mart.
Now we were not familiar with Bi-Mart since there are none in our area of the world. But both of the helpful gentlemen at Fred Meter ensured us that Bi-Mart had a lot of camping gear, so off we went. Sure enough, they had several stoves from which to choose. And I must say, camping stoves have improved dramatically since the last one I purchased probably 40 years ago. This baby had some real BTUs. So along with coleslaw and sautéed fresh asparagus, we pigged out on fried oysters with lemon aioli. And I must say, I’m pretty sure I have never cooked that many oysters before. So many, that I thought we would be eating leftover oysters for days. Huh! All that was left was the paper towel used for draining the cooked oysters. And Rick even made some comment about eating it too. (The man loves oysters!) As do we all. And because of my new camping stove, no mess or smell in the trailer. And on warm days, I now have a way to cook outside and remain one with nature as I prepare our dinners. Not to mention, one more thing for Andy to pack in the back of our truck each time we take a trailer trip. Good thing he remains such a fine sport in spite of the fact that he gets all the dirty end of the stick duties! He loads the truck with all the camping essentials like camp chairs, hiking sticks, BBQ, golf clubs, extra water etc. etc. He always gives the truck an oil change and makes sure it’s fully gassed and as ready for travel as possible. I plan, procure, and build the fun things for the trip. Like tasty delicacies to serve at appetizer time, planning the menus, baking cookies and other treats, and deciding which granola to take. You know – the fun stuff. All in all, the division of labor still works with nary a complaint from either of us. (But I really do get the better end of the deal.)
After dinner, it was dishes, and quiet time for reading before our pillows called to us that it was time to lay our heads down for the night.
April 20th – Harris Beach SP
Woke up to another sunny day. So far on this trip (and yes I just knocked on wood), we have had no rain along the coast. Unbelievable for this time of year, but we’ll take it. Some trips we have taken in March along this same amazing route have found us indoors for days at a time. No problem, because we can always find a good book to read or a game to play. But it can get a bit boring just staring at 4 walls that are really too close for comfort! But we have survived, and I’m sure, there will be other trips with continuous rain for us to endure. But there is just something about Harris Beach SP.
If I am remembering correctly, we have always been able to spend some time outdoors. (And no, not wearing our ski jackets either.) And that’s just wonderful. Because like today, we love to visit the redwoods. It is just so incredible to walk in a redwood grove. The trees are so magnificent. It always reminds me how small and inconsequential I am when surrounded by such majesty.
One of our favorite redwood areas to visit is just over the California border from Brookings. The Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park is one of the most scenic places to observe redwood trees in their native habitat. There’s an unusual amount of variety in the color and texture of the trees, in the size of the trees, and even in the understory vegetation, making the woods an interesting place to walk. The park also has some trees of truly stupendous size: perhaps not quite as tall as the redwoods to the south, but bigger in diameter. With its huge swath of uninterrupted old growth, Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park is truly an unspoiled redwood park. Our favorite redwood grove in the park is the Stout Memorial Grove Trail. Here the 300-foot trees are considered by many to be the heart of the park. In a short and very easy to walk half mile loop, you can wander through the forest and also get close to the Smith River. A glorious way to spend an hour in the land of giants.
Then back to camp with a couple of important stops along the way. A happy visit to a California liquor store (no tax on liquor in California), and back in Brookings a stop at the Port of Brookings harbor, for an exchange of US dollars for fresh ling cod and scallops from one of the several purveyors of fresh seafood. An interesting note about this huge and busy port:
The Port of Brookings Harbor is the port authority for the city of Brookings and the neighboring community of Harbor. The district covers 400 square miles from the mouth of the Chetco River, south to the Oregon-California border, north to the mouth of the Pistol River, and east to the Curry-Josephine county line. It is the busiest recreational port on the Oregon Coast and one of the most active harbors for Chinook salmon on the coast.
Due to the unique south-facing bar orientation (as opposed to most Oregon bars facing due west) and enjoying the protection provided by Chetco Point on the north side of the river, the Chetco bar is more passable than any other in the state.
Chetco Point is a beautiful, rocky, nine acre peninsula where several dozen plant species and wildflowers grow. Vistas from its ridgeline extend a long way, north to Cape Ferrelo and south to Point St. George, near Crescent City, California.
After arriving back at camp, Andy took a beach walk and I spent my time writing up our days’ adventure. At my age, if I don’t write everything down immediately, no memory lingers very long and we would all be left with – we woke, we ate, we drove, and at last, we went to bed.
Then over to Rick and Katie’s trailer for a lovely East Indian dinner of marinated chicken, coconut and squash dal, and steamed pea pods.
Then back to our trailer for reading and writing. Again, a wonderful and sunny day along the Oregon coast.
April 21st – Valley of the Rogue SP, Jackson County, Oregon – site B18
What a wonderful drive from Brookings to our next campground in Jackson County. We basically followed the same route we had taken the day before on our drive to visit the redwoods. So, into California again on 101 and then left onto state highway 197 (North bank of the Smith River), past Jedidiah Smith SP connecting to US highway 199 and north into Cave Junction, Oregon. From there up to Grants Pass, and then on to southbound I-5 (which at this point you are really heading east and up the Rogue Valley).
I should point out that the California border check point station was closed both the day before and today. This was a good thing. Because both sets of travelers had all kinds of fruit that we really didn’t want to sacrifice even for such a noble cause as preserving the integrity of the fruit grown in California. Not only would we not be smuggling mandarin orange seeds to California growers, or a pound of grapes to be turned into California wine, our lemons and limes probably started in California to begin with. And never mind nary a taste of fruit would happen in the short time we would be traveling over California’s sacred ground. But I’m pretty sure had the border crossing been manned, they would have taken all our fruit never-the-less. So, we arrived in camp with our fruit safely tucked away in our Koolatron.
When we arrived in camp at about 1:15 pm, our camp site right on the river was ready and willing to be occupied. And with such a glorious site and perfect weather, we sat outside (without jackets) and read until we were joined by Rick and Katie for leisurely late afternoon conversation until it was time for them to go into Medford to have dinner with Rick’s daughter Gretchen and family.
We stayed in camp, had a nice dinner of scallops and cheezy grits, and a quiet evening and early to bed.
April 22nd – Valley of the Rouge SP
Woke up to another fine morning. Today was laundry day. So into the fine little town of Gold Hill, Oregon situated along a large bend in the Rogue River. I was prepared for a dingy little village, but was delighted to find a very comfortable little town with an excellent laundromat. After a short time, we had clean towels, bedding, and all the usual clothing suspects all safely tucked into our truck for the short return trip to our camp ground. But first, a few groceries. Found everything we needed at the local Ray’s Grocery, and of course a few things we didn’t really need, but they came home with us regardless.
Then after lunch, Andy went for a bike ride, and I got lost in a book. I should mention that it was really warm this afternoon. Andy was in shorts and sandals, I was in capris and sandals. Perfect day to be lazy. The only thing that caused us to move once in a while, was to reposition our camping chairs to get out of the sun! At about 3:00 pm I decided it was time to do some prep work for the rice dish I was providing for our evening entertaining. There would be 6 of us this evening for a potluck dinner.
Don and Denise, dear friends of Katie and Rick’s would be coming up from their home in Ashland to join us for the evening. For Andy and me, it would be a real treat because we had not seen these lovely folks since we all went on an 8-day burrow trek into the Pasayten Wilderness in August of 1999. And 22 years is a long time not to see friends. So, of course we had a grand time getting re-acquainted.
We were also happy to see Gretchen and her husband Dwayne when they decided to come up from Medford for a late afternoon visit. We hadn’t seen them either for more years than I care to mention. So it was great to re-connect with them too.
So, it was a wonderful day of renewing friendships, spectacular weather, and fine dining on smoked and grilled fresh ling cod, green salad, mixed rice with shiitake mushrooms, and apple pie for dessert. We could not have asked for a more pleasurable day.
(And why I didn’t take any pictures is still beyond my comprehension!)
April 23rd – Valley of the Rogue SP
Woke up to nice weather, but with a promise from the local weatherman that rain was on its way. Maybe not during the day, but definitely paying us a visit during the night. I wasn’t excited to hear about rain in the forecast, but Southern Oregon is experiencing a severe drought, so on their behalf I decided to welcome the rain with open arms.
After a nice breakfast, we decided a short day trip was in order. So we drove the back roads into Rogue River (the town) and then north and north east through the Evans valley. We came out at Table Rock with views of Mt. McLoughlin to the East. Then we stopped at Gold Hill to pick up some street food. Patti – Bentos (jasmine rice covered with teriyaki pork and green onions) and Andy with a Philly Cheese Steak. OK, but not up to our usual rigid standards.
About 4:45 pm we jumped in Rick and Katie’s truck for a short visit to Don and Denise’s home in Ashland. It had been at least 25 years since we had been to their home for a visit, so of course there were lots of changes for us to ooh and aah over. But the one constant that had made a large impression on me the last time we had visited, was Denise’s studio. Denise is a renowned teacher and international artist. She has been teaching workshops and classes for 20 years in the creative arts including monoprinting, collage, mixed media, and book arts. She has presented “Awaken Amplify and Sustain your Inner Artist” with Jean Houston’s Seminars and Women of Wisdom conferences of Seattle Washington. She has been an Artist in Residence at the Horace Mann School of New York. She has been exhibiting and selling her original works since 1985. She is a recent featured artist on Oregon Public Broadcasting’s Art Beat.
Denise is represented by Hanson Howard Gallery of Ashland, Oregon. Her favorite place to teach is in her studio located in a garden setting with the sound of Ashland Creek in her back yard. Animals, birds, and the natural world fill her work with myth and stories. Her work is life affirming. Denise has a working studio at the Ashland Art Center that is open to the public daily. You can view her new work and works in process. For more information on Denise, visit drawingonthedream.com.
So after a short visit with Don, Denise, and their daughter Amber for appetizers and wine, we left to meet Gretchen and Dwayne at the Belle Fiore Winery for dinner. The winery and restaurant are in what looks like a huge villa set on a hillside surrounded by a vineyard. Breathtaking. Gretchen’s son Brandon is the head chef. So not only did we enjoy a world class dinner, we were treated like royalty. An absolutely delightful dinner gathering. For more info on Belle Fiore, visit bellefiorewine.com. And if you happen to be going to Ashland for a visit, I highly recommend you visit this enchanted place.
Then after saying good night to Dwayne, Gretchen, and Brandon, and leaving the absolutely gorgeous villa behind, it was back to camp for lights out. Another wonderful day in paradise.
(And again, my camera stayed at home in the trailer. Where was my brain?)
April 24th – Valley of the Rogue SP
Woke to the tinkling of rain on our roof. I actually love to be cozy in bed in the trailer and hear the pitter patter of drops gently falling on us. Andy had made sure the night before that our camp chairs, drink table, and Koolatron were safely stashed under the trailer, so no worries there.
After a very unhurried breakfast and a couple of chores in and outside the trailer, we decided a short drive was in order. I had heard that the historic town of Jacksonville, the gateway to the Apple Valley Wine Trail, was worth visiting. And oh my, what a quaint, yet terribly sophisticated appearing little town. Beautiful homes, businesses that looked attractive enough to want to stay a while and visit each and every one of them. And restaurants galore. We definitely want to spend some time in this perfect little village on our next visit to this area.
After our nice ride, it was time to come back to camp because we were having company for dinner. Gretchen and Dwayne were coming for dinner and Katie had purchased some ground turkey enchiladas, and I contributed beef stroganoff and some of the ingredients for a big old green salad. All-together, a very lovely picnic dinner at our campsite. After dinner, it was dishes, a bit of reading, and an early night-night.
(I have fired myself as the staff photographer! Next time it will be up to someone else to save all these precious moments on film, or disc, or whatever it’s referred to now!)
April 25th – Tumalo SP, Tumalo, Oregon (just outside Bend) – site C-059 (eventually!)
Snow had been predicted for our run from Valley of the Rogue (north of Medford) to Tumalo via the Diamond Lake Highway over Diamond Lake Summit (5400 ft.) and Cascade Summit (5900 ft.). (This highway passes by the north entrance to Crater Lake if that helps you get a bit more oriented as to where in Oregon we were crazy enough to drive in late April!) But we breezed over both passes with only about 30 seconds of not very serious snow/hail flakes. However, when Rick and Katie were heading down (East) after successfully passing over Cascade Summit, on an absolutely straight 18 mile stretch of road, they experienced snow on the road and passed two cars in the ditch. Not a wonderful feeling when towing a trailer and you’re traveling downhill. But Rick is an old hand at driving in snow, so he brought them safely into camp.
An hour before Rick and Katie arrived in camp, we pulled into Tumalo SP to find a small trailer in our reserved spot. Now if you have never been camping or made reservations at a campground, you need to know that some type of post with the site number is placed right next to every camp site. And if the site is reserved, there is a large red sign with that indication. So, at our reserved site, on the post, it very clearly stated that the site was reserved. And right across the way from us were 2 sites that were very clearly labeled “open”. Whatever vehicle that had been used to pull the trailer (IN OUR SITE) was nowhere to be seen. So, we located the camp host to explain our dilemma and to ask for assistance. He checked our reservation and then went in search of the trailer’s license plate so he could give the culprits a call. And low and behold, no license plate on the trailer. (Big surprise.) Also, the poachers had not bothered to register and pay their camping fee. Now Buddy (the camp host) was mad too. He called the park ranger.
After a couple of minutes, she showed up and she was more than mad! She wrote them a citation. (Whatever that means!) Meanwhile, we learned that in most Oregon state parks, one site is marked reserved just for situations like ours. So, we were provided with a really nice site. Of course, it wasn’t next to Rick and Katie, but it was only a few sites away. Could have been much worse. Could have been in a whole other loop. Could have been no available sites at all!
Buddy had asked us to obtain the license plate number of the vehicle when and if it ever showed up. But to not get into any confrontation or put ourselves in any kind of awkward position. So, Andy casually walked by the vehicle and was about to write down the license number when a scrappy looking man asked him if he was the park ranger. He apparently was unsure why he had received a citation. (Right!?!?) Andy assured him that he was not the ranger, but that he (the guy with the citation in hand) had parked his trailer in a reserved spot. At which point the man went all “I didn’t know”, and “what reserved sign”, etc. etc. The upshot was, he left the next morning and we moved our trailer to its appointed spot. Of course we will never know the whole story, but my “bullshit” meter was all the way into the red zone when Andy explained how sorry the man was for parking in our spot and how he had just made an innocent mistake. And the reason there’s no license on your trailer? And you failed to register for the site because…..? Anyway, I didn’t let the air out of his trailer tires or hide his power cord, so except for being rather grumpy and irritable for the entire evening, I conducted myself like an adult! Grrrrrr Sometimes I hate being an adult!
But Katie fixed us a wonderful dinner of marinated grilled lamb steaks, oven roasted squash, and green salad with lots of blue cheese crumbles. So along with the fabulous meal that evening and the lovely martini Andy fixed me before dinner, I managed to get back to my normal, fairly reasonable self.
Then a good nights’ sleep. (That always helps too.)
April 26th – Tumalo SP
Woke up early after a really good night’s sleep for both of us. After breakfast we sat around waiting for the people who had stolen our site to leave. Now if it had been me, and I had inadvertently stolen someone else’s site, I would have crept out of camp really, really early before anyone could throw eggs at my trailer. So, when it got to be 10:00 am, I was ready to go knock on their trailer door and ream them a new one. But, fortunately for them, I watched while they had trouble hitching up their trailer. (If it even was their trailer. I have my doubts. Perhaps I’ve been reading too many mysteries. That could be a contributing factor to the suspicions I was having about these folks.) Anyway, we moved our trailer to OUR reserved site (righteous indignation being displayed here) and proceeded to have a wonderful day.
When we were all set up, I did some prep work for tonight’s dinner. I made a marinade for the chicken. I prepared pea salad. And I made the dressing for the mixed green salad I was also planning to serve. After that was all finished, the four of us took about a mile walk along the Tumalo River. Then back to camp for lunch.
Then into the truck for a short drive around the area. Then back to camp to read, write, and finish making the green salad for our evenings’ meal. After that, reading until we could no longer keep our eyes open. Just before lights out we discovered that the sky was clear of clouds and we had obviously paid our moon tax, because from our bathroom, the moon was full and beautiful shining through the skylight over our bathtub. Reason enough to get up for a night call.
April 27th – Peach Beach, site 3 (scratch that – we moved to our favorite site 28)
After a cold night (outside only, our trailer was toasty inside) we woke to blue skies and a terrific day to travel north towards our next destination. All of the mountains were in top form, from Mt. Bachelor to Sisters, from Hood to Adams and even the top of Mt. Rainier could be spotted in the far distance. Amazing. If you have never traveled along 97 from Bend to The Dalles or Biggs Junction, you can’t imagine how amazing this drive is for mountain viewing. And because the air was so clean from the on and off rain storm we had experienced the last couple of days, the vista was better than we had previously experienced. And we had driven this route many times before.
So, even though the drive was fairly short, it was absolutely delightful. Of course there were quite a few truck and trailer combinations on the route. But that’s only to be expected because, even though it is a two lane road most of the way, it is a main route from Yakima and the tri cities, to Bend and all of Eastern Oregon.
At one point, the frustration of one of the truck drivers could have caused a massive and probably fatal accident for an oncoming car driver and could possibly even have included us in the fallout from his poor decision. And of course, there had been some road work, and that never helps drivers keep their cool or truck drivers keep to their schedules.
But this one truck driver must have had enough of the truck in front of us leading a long string of trucks and cars behind him. To the lead truck driver’s credit, he was going the speed limit and there really was no place for him to pull over and let others pass. But before we could even realize what was happening, this crazy truck driver was passing us and he barely got back on our side of the road in front of us before smashing into the oncoming car. It was the most reckless demonstration of poor judgement I have seen in a long time. And I’m sure the driver of the oncoming car is still giving thanks to his/her guardian angel for allowing him/her to live to tell the story. And I am sure as heck glad Andy was driving at the time. He remained calm and cool, and simply applied the brakes in a reasonable manner and didn’t panic in the least. I probably wouldn’t have panicked either, but the driver’s side seat might have had to be replaced. It was truly a close call.
But we survived and made it into camp, to find that our favorite spot on the river was available. So, instead of being right next to Rick and Katie in site number 3, we were happily set up just across the road in site 28.
Our evening was wonderful. Not only did the weather cooperate, our daughter Ursala and her husband Soroush brought us dinner. They live in White Salmon, Washington, about a 45-minute drive from our campground. We usually go to their place when we are in this part of the world, but with covid-19 precautions still in place, it made more sense to have them come here where we could eat outside. All 4 of us (Rick, Katie, Andy, and I have all been completely vaccinated, but Soroush and Ursala have only had their first shots, so protocols still needed to be followed.)
But what a glorious place to sit around a table enjoying great food. With the mighty Columbia River right beside us, and the weather agreeable to outside dining, we shared a lovely repast.
After Ursala and Soroush left to go home, we shared an after dinner Scotch (well Andy, Katie, and Rick enjoyed a Scotch) in their trailer. (Had to see their kitties after all.) Then it was back to our trailer for our evening’s quiet time with a good book.
Tomorrow, it’s in to White Salmon to see Soroush and Ursala’s new digs. And to visit granddaughter Nika in her new dance studio.
April 28th – Peach Beach
Woke to blue skies. After breakfast I drove to Hood River to visit some more with Ursala and to see their new apartment. Beautiful. Very cozy and perfect for just the two of them. And right next to the laundromat they own, so they can keep a close eye on things. We talked for about an hour then jumped in our truck and we proceeded downhill to the booming town of Bingen, right at the bottom of the hill and right on the Columbia River.
My son-in-law Soroush had built a beautiful auto body shop, complete with a paint booth, to service the auto repair needs of the people on the north side of the river. But for various health reasons, it became too much for him to handle. After their oldest daughter graduated from college, she was kind of at loose ends, not sure in what direction she wanted to go with her life. Nika is a very intelligent young lady, with terrific academic credentials, but her first love has always been dance. So, she and her dad decided that the perfect use for this large space was to turn it into a dance studio. And it just so happened that Soroush had designed the building to include an apartment on the 2nd floor. So not only does Nika now own and run her own dance studio, she owns a very nice apartment in the same facility. After Ursala and I had visited Nika for about an hour, I decided it was time to head back to the trailer.
The pandemic and all the protocols involved with keeping yourself and those you come in contact with healthy, makes long visits almost impossible. But it was glorious being able to spend at least a few hours with my kids.
When I got back to Peach Beach, I basically spent the late afternoon and evening doing nothing productive. It was wonderful! It was Katie’s turn to cook, so I just sat back and let the evening evolve around me. Isn’t that what’s supposed to happen when on vacation? I think so!
Andy took this picture in front of our trailer just as the sun was rising. Beautiful and calm beginning to his day. (I of course, was still asleep.)
April 29th – Wanapum SP, Vantage, WA – site 49
I always feel sad when I leave Peach Beach. We have always been lucky enough to get one of the premium sites right by the river. So as the barges go by, different water fowl stroll up and down the beach in front of us, or we watch any number of trains putt along on the Oregon side of the river, we feel totally at peace with the world. But once again, it was time to hit the road for out next to the last destination on this camping trip. (The final destination of course, being our own home.) And what a day to travel! Going north through Goldendale, Mt. Adams was out in all its splendor. And of course, we had to stop at St. John’s Monastery and Bakery for a gyro. (We absolutely cannot go past this amazing bakery without stopping for something.) If you will be traveling over Satus Pass anytime in the future, be sure and stop for espresso or fabulous baked goods or other typical Greek delicacies. The nuns are delightful and the food amazing.
After an easy drive, we arrived at Wanapum SP around 2:30. We set up camp and because it was really warm, just sat outside and enjoyed the quiet and peaceful surrounding. We were soon joined by Rick and Katie, and we spent another lovely evening together laughing too much, eating too much, and reminiscing about friends and family and many of the experiences that led us to who and what we are today. Most enjoyable.
Then we did the dishes, got everything put away outside in case the wind that had arrived after dinner got worse, then into the trailer for reading until our pillows called to us so loudly we could no longer ignore their siren song. Another wonderful day in the wilds of Eastern Washington.
April 30th – Wanapum SP
I really should entitle this day – “not worth mentioning”!
Woke to light rain. But knowing this was our last day to take it easy before heading home, I decided to completely relax and not do a damn thing. OK, I rode with Andy all the way into the sprawling community of Vantage to get gas. (Probably all of 3 miles.) Then we explored a bit within about a one mile radius before heading back to camp. I did take the frozen cheesecake out to thaw about an hour before dinner, so I guess that accounts for a bit of effort. But that was about the sum total of the expenditure of energy I exhibited for the entire day. It was truly wonderful and I have no feelings of guilt whatsoever! (It was Katie’s turn to cook, so I just sat and read and talked with Andy while Rick and Katie did all the work.)
There are many reasons why we like to travel with another couple. And right at the top of the list is not having to cook dinner every evening. Now you all know I love to cook. But when on vacation, it’s nice to get a break too. But the main reason we love to travel with these wonderful people is because they are simply grand to be with. Smart, interested in life, and they bring their cats along with them. (Helps ease us through the terrible pain of kitty withdrawal.) Oh, don’t get me wrong, we still miss Miles and Max, but being able to pet and watch Juno and Beau bounce off the walls of the Airstream, reduces our suffering considerably.
After the wonderful chicken sausage, grilled veggies, rice (for Andy), and potato salad (for the potato lovers in the crowd) dinner prepared for us by Katie and Rick, and of course the grasshopper cheesecake for dessert, it was back to our trailer for reading and an early to bed.
June 1st – Chez Carr
After a big old breakfast of sausage links, fried eggs, half a bagel each, yogurt, and a mandarin orange, it was time to clean the trailer, pack up, and head for home. So, with all accomplished in a timely manner, we were on the road home by 10:45 am. We said a quick goodbye to Rick and Katie with assurances that we would be seeing them in July when they came over to Seattle for birthday celebrations. Then with me behind the wheel, we started our long climb out of Vantage and back to our comfortable home on Camano Island. After a short stop for gas and a burger in North Bend, we were back on the road for the final leg of our trip. We arrived at our storage facility at about 3:45 pm. Just as we were getting the trailer backed into our spot, Andy received a text from Mark inviting us to dine with Vicki and him that evening. Of course we said yes, because we were eager to see them and after unpacking I sure wasn’t going to be in the mood to cook dinner! Plus, we wanted to hear all about what had been happening on the home front. So, we schlepped the refrigerator and freezer food, our toiletries, and a few cloths home and left the rest for the next day.
I always seem to end my travel logs by writing about how much I love seeing all the amazing sites that this wonderful planet of ours has to offer. But more than ever, with the past year of pandemic related trauma and the general chaos it engendered, I more than ever appreciated how lucky I was to be able to leave my home and witness all kinds of beauty first hand. And I was also reminded how much responsibility each and every one of us must absolutely now assume to keep our world from turning into a scorched planet. It simply must begin with each of us if we want future generations to experience what a lucky portion of us have always taken for granted. Like clean air, outside temperatures that our bodies can manage, drinkable water, a roof over our heads, and enough food to support healthy bodies. And these are just the basics of life, not superfluous niceties.
Please endeavor to be part of the solution. Let’s all work together to keep our planet alive and well. And work towards making life better for everyone everywhere.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about our travels. Andy and I are so blessed. Blessed with good health, good friends, a wonderful family, and all the happiness and joy we can stand. May you too be so blessed.
Peace and love to all.
