Monday, August 25, 2025 – Home to Skamokawa Vista Park
Left home to hook up the trailer at 10:30 am. All was fine until we had to wait to turn into the trailer storage area because of road work on East Camano Drive. And then after we hooked up the trailer, we once again had to wait for stopped cars to proceed forward before we could get back on the road.
So, after waiting, what seemed like hours but was just minutes, we were finally free to be on our way. I need to mention here that I truly hate road construction. But I am savvy enough to realize that potholes, road widenings, etc. do not magically happen by themselves. That road work is a necessary evil. But that realization doesn’t make any inconvenience caused by “road work ahead” any easier to take. But once back on track, everything went smoothly (relatively speaking) until we crept through the huge road construction around Jblm. (Joint Based Lewis and McCord.)
Then of course, we had to stop for lunch at Red Robin outside Olympia. Decision time. Do we continue west to Montesano and then south taking the scenic route to camp. Or do we go back on to I-5 where a sign had warned of road work for the next 11 miles (you know how I feel about road work). So, of course, I wanted to take our beloved route to Longbeach. We wouldn’t actually be going to Longbeach, but turning left on highway 4, and east to Skamokawa.
So, we didn’t arrive until about 5:30 to hook up with Jim and Margo and Tim and Phyllis, our travel partners, for this entire adventure. Jim immediately made me a martini and Andy a Manhattan. (And just so you wondered, M&M’s really do smooth out the road.)
Then Phyllis fed us wonderful enchiladas and salad, while I provided queso dip and tortilla chips. And for dessert peanut butter cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies. Then it was early to bed for us.
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 – Skamokawa Vista Park
Both of us slept very well and long. We were both pretty fatigued from gigs (Andy) and trip preparation (both of us). But what we woke up to this morning was amazing.
And frankly, words simply do not do justice to this setting. We are backed up to the Columbia River and being entertained by ocean going ships cruising up and down river after going to or leaving various ports along the way to Portland. And fortunately, because of the various depths (from constant dredging) of the river, ships float by the Washington shore very close to this county park.
Magnificent! And this morning, there was a barge that landed just downstream from us that appeared to be picking up full garbage containers and huge empty water containers and taking them away. Fascinating to watch.
And then of course there are the smaller crafts that come and go just for our pleasure. We definitely want to come here again. But suffice it to say, if you only appreciate big towns, museums, fancy restaurants, movie theaters, and luxury accommodations, etc. etc., you will find this area terribly boring. For us, it’s a marvelous place to watch the world go by.
Andy went on two small walks and a longer walk on a nature path, so he got his exercise for the day. My only physical movement today came from going in and out of the trailer and turning the pages of my book. And no, I feel no guilt in spending my day trying mightily to resemble a sloth!
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 – Harborview RV Park, Garibaldi, Oregon
Well, I would love to report that the sun was shining when we got up around 8:00 am, and that there was no precipitation in sight, but that would be a lie. Granted, we didn’t hook up in a downpour. But there was evidence of either heavy mist or light rain on our trailer sky lights and our picnic table. But being the seasoned trailer hooker uppers that we are, we didn’t even put on raincoats.
Then it was out of camp by 11:00 am and on our way to the Astoria Bridge, into the great state of Oregon, and south on 101 to Garibaldi. It took us about 2½ hours, and all three parties arrived safe and sound.
We had been through Garibaldi numerous times in the past but had never camped in the town. But here we are parked just across the road from the waterfront. And of course, since we are right next to the water, and it’s so cloudy we can sometimes not even see the water, it’s bloody chilly. So, after having a small lunch in our trailer we decided to join the others outside. Of course, I had started the day in short pants and sandals. It is still August after all! But, after about a half hour, I changed into long pants and shoes and socks. And I put the heat on in the trailer.
As I’ve gotten older, I have absolutely no patience with being cold. And even changing to warmer clothes didn’t work. So, I am now writing up this trip report happily getting warm in the trailer as the others sit outside and freeze. But enough about my regret at not remembering to bring my thermal underwear!
Today’s drive was magnificent. If you have never driven along the Washington side of the Columbia River from Longview to Ilwaco, then you need to do so before too much time passes. It’s a lovely ride. And then when you cross over the river and into Astoria and head south following 101 along the Oregon coast, you soon find yourself leaving all cares behind you and just concentrating on all the beauty this part of the world has to offer. I truly find the west coast of Oregon one of the most beautiful places on earth.
After setting up camp, and a light lunch, we took our camp chairs over to join the others for an afternoon of adding more clothes layer by layer. It wasn’t raining but marine onshore clouds made it very chilly. Finally, I had gotten to the point of either going in the trailer and turning on the heat or suffering the chances of frostbite. OK, it wasn’t that bad, but darn, it’s still August, and we have the God given right to expect to be able to sit outside this time of year.
When it was time for dinner, we all assembled in J & M’s bus and were served a wonderful taco dinner.
Then back to our trailer for a short read and an early to bed for me.
Thursday, August 28, 2025 – Harborview RV Park, Garibaldi, Oregon
We woke up to foggy weather but no rain. After showering and breakfast, I decided to read the paper (Seattle Times) online. Why do I bother? I am so tired of reading about more gun deaths, bombings in Gaza, what fresh hell Trump has thought up for America, etc. etc., that I’m going to give reading the paper a pass for a few days.
After breakfast, we decided to do a bit of provisioning. So, first gas, then groceries at Fred Meyer, and an obligatory visit to Blue Herron for some really not necessary, but who can refuse, cheese purchases. And a hot dog from their food truck.
Then back to camp to be terribly lazy all afternoon. I even managed to take a lovely 1-hour nap. Then outside in my comfy camp chair to read and converse with our buddies while Andy took a walk at Bar View Jetty County Park.
Tonight, Jim made paella in honor of Tim and Phyllis’s 21st wedding anniversary. What a great way to celebrate. And of course, the paella was fantastic.
Then off to bed at a decent hour because tomorrow we move on to Coos Bay.
Friday, August 29, 2025 – Bay Point Landing, Coos Bay, Oregon
Luckily, we woke up at a decent hour and were just about to leave when Phyllis let us know they would not be heading out for a while. On the way to camp over sometimes very bumpy road, a spring for one of the trailer wheels had severed. Luckily for Tim, he not only had a spare part but Jim to help him install the new spring. But at this point Andy and I couldn’t do a damn thing to help. So, we decided to go ahead and if they couldn’t get into camp until late, we would have dinner ready for them whenever they arrived.
Now I must mention how much we love the Oregon coast. Even though we were on the road for over 4 hours, which BTW is a long time when towing a trailer, the drive could not have been more scenic. And even though we have traveled this same route many times, it never gets old. But back to dinner plans.
Jim had previously made a 6:00 pm dinner reservation for the 6 of us at the Blue Herron in Coos Bay. But if they couldn’t be in camp and set up by then, we would cancel our reservation, and it would be spaghetti and salad at Chez Carr. (The mobile Chez Carr that is.)
But at 4:45 pm they pulled into camp. So, at 5:35 pm, we set out for dinner in town.
And what a fine meal we had. The Blue Herron serves German specialties and a fine selection of seafood entrees.
Then back to camp to sit in our camp chairs and watch the sun set over North Spit. An absolutely lovely way to end the day.
Saturday, August 30, 2025 – Bay Point Landing, Coos Bay, Oregon
We woke to onshore flow, but it soon burned off. Even though our site doesn’t back right up to Coos Bay, we can see it very well from our back window.
After breakfast we decided to go into town for gas and a few grocery items, and then a ride out onto North Spit.
The North Spit of Coos Bay is a strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the waters of Coos Bay. You can only access the spit by car or truck along a man-made causeway, by boat, or train. (The non-passenger train is used by the huge lumber mills to move lumber.)
In essence, the spit is basically an industrialized, semi-wild peninsula, and a huge protected, endangered species habitat. Made up of open sand dunes, forested islands, and wetlands, the North Spit of Coos Bay is at the southernmost end of a series of sand dunes extending along the Oregon coastline from Florence to Coos Bay. There are 10 miles of hiking/horse trails, sand-driving roads, an undeveloped staging area and miles of beach waiting for exploration. The North Spit boat launch offers a full-size boat ramp, ample trailer parking, restrooms, and running water.
After returning to camp, we read for a while and visited with our friends until it was time for me to pull dinner together. First appetizers, then grilled marinated flank steak, mac and cheese, and salad provided by Tim and Phyllis.
After cleaning up after dinner, it was back to Tim and Phyllis’s to sit outside, enjoy their propane firepit, and watch another beautiful sunset while eating freshly baked snickerdoodles. Life simply does not get better than this!
Sunday, August 31, 2025 – Bay Point Landing, Coos Bay, Oregon
This morning, we had breakfast (blueberry pancakes and bacon) provided by Tim and Phyllis. Wow – what a treat to have someone else fix breakfast.
After breakfast we decided to go exploring. So, with our trusty Oregon Atlas in hand, off we went in search of Cape Arago. Which we found. But then, where next? How about taking Seven Devils Road, cutting over to Beaver Road, and right onto Whiskey Run Road to check out Seven Devils State Rec. Site, then Whiskey Run Beach. After that we went further south to check out Randolf and the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.
Along the way we met some new friends with four legs. Now, I have met interesting critters on hikes and walks along various types of waterways. Horses, dogs, cats on leashes, crabs out for a stroll, shore birds of various persuasions, etc. etc. But until today, I had never met adolescent goats off, and then on leashes returning to a parking lot after having been for a nice walk on an ocean beach. I just had to have a picture and find out from the goat’s owners, why they were taking their young goats for a walk. Didn’t they have anything better to do with their time? Well, I was soon to learn that these darling critters were being groomed to be pack goats. Yet another thing I had never witnessed before. I’ve witnessed pack horses, donkeys, mules, etc. But pack goats? Proves you are never too old to learn something new. But boy oh boy were these goats cute. I could have gladly taken one home with me.
At this point we decided it was time to head north again, so where our road intersected with 101, we turned north and proceeded along this glorious highway until we hit Beaver Hill Road and followed it until it dead-ended at Seven Devils Road.
At this point we had come full circle.
Then after turning right, we found ourselves, in just a few miles, going through Charleston where we stopped for fish and chips at the Monkey Business Restaurant Express. (Great fish and chips BTW. And the coleslaw was delicious.)
Then back to camp for me to write up today’s trip report and Andy to sit outside and read.
After I finished writing, we joined the others basking in the sun and moving our chairs to avoid too much wind, until it was time to leave for dinner.
Dinner this evening was at the Seven Devils Brewery and Public House in Coos Bay. Food comments ranged from very good, to “shouldn’t there be clams in clam chowder”? But the beer was darned good.
Then on the way home we gassed up and back in camp it was over to T. & P’s site to sit around their propane fire pit until we all decided to call it a day. And for me, I would call it a really nice day. Enough time spent exploring, socializing, writing, and reading. My definition of heaven.
Monday, September 1, (Labor Day) 2025 – Harris Beach State Park, Brookings, Oregon
This was an easy morning. We had such a short run to Brookings, that we piddled around until 11:00 am, by which time we needed to have vacated our site. The RV people even sent us a “reminder” that the checkout time was not just a recommendation. (They didn’t state it that way. But the inference was there.) Never mind that we were already on the road. So, obviously, we were not singled out. We were just one of the many rigs that were slated to be once again either going up or driving down 101.
Once on the road, we were again reminded of why we absolutely love the Oregon coast. And this stretch of the route between Coos Bay and Brookings is probably our favorite. It is simply beautiful everywhere you look. Lots of places to pull over and just enjoy the many haystacks and sea stacks that line the coast. And along with all the sandy beaches and the winding roads that take us through lovely, forested areas inland from the many headlands and capes, there is always something incredibly beautiful to capture our attention.
For a break, all three parties pulled into the same area for lunch. Then out came the chairs and little tables. Sandwiches, chips, pepperoni sticks, beef jerky, hummus and peapods, and cookies were shared around. And all the sunshine we could have asked for. Not to mention the sound of the ocean waves gently braking on the beach. Perfection.
Then back on the road headed for our next destination.
We were a little concerned that the others would not love Harris Beach as much as we do. But our sites, although a bit tight for our traveling companions, are beautiful. And far enough away from 101 so that there is no road noise at all.
Road noise is always a consideration when traveling in the summer months. In the winter, it is no problem because our closed windows usually hide any noise made by motorcycles or trucks and trailers employing air brakes.
But in the summer, when we tend to have multiple windows open, road noise can be very distressing.
But now we are in camp. And sitting outside for a before dinner libation. And for dinner, pulled pork in a flour tortilla (burritos), corn and black bean salad, and guacamole and tortilla chips provided by Tim and Phyllis. Yum, yum, YUM!
After dinner the guys sat outside, and we ladies went into T & P’s trailers to do the dishes, chat, and get warm in front of their propane fireplace.
All together a lovely day in the great state of Oregon.
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – Harris Beach State Park, Brookings, Oregon
Since Jim was providing breakfast, we doodled around in our trailer until 10:00 am when it was time to head off to J & M’s trailer for homemade hash and toasted English muffins. Fabulous way to start the day.
Then back to the trailer for me to write and Andy to read. Next plan for the day. The guys – drive just over the California border to buy booze. (Booze is much cheaper in California than either Oregon or Washington. So, when we travel to California, we take full advantage of the lower prices.) While the “Booze Brothers” were doing their thing, we ladies hopped into Margo’s Ford Explorer for a grand visit to the teaming metropolis of Brookings to pay Fred Meyer a visit. And perhaps make short stops at other establishments that take our fancy.
When we got back to camp, I read until it was time to get-together for “over the yardarm” libations.
Then a fine spaghetti dinner at the Hobbs. And for me an early to bed. Tomorrow, the Redwoods. Yeah!
STAY TUNED FOR PART 2