Please note: There are no recipes on this travel report. I know. Bad Patti. It is really a diary of our most recent adventure. You are welcome to come along for the ride. And if you do come along, which I hope you will, I feel certain you will enjoy this tale of 2 travelers and the family and friends they spend time with along the way.

Monday 4/11/2022 – Fort Casey State Park, Coupeville (Whidbey Island), WA – site 24

OK, there are things about living in Northwestern Washington that those of you who don’t live in this part of the world need to understand (especially those of you from, say, Nebraska). We have islands. Some have bridges, some require a ferry boat ride, some you can drive to or take a ferry. Your choice.

Whidbey Island is one of the islands that can be visited by either a ferry or driving over Deception Pass at the very Northern tip of the island. For us, the smartest choice is to drive over Deception Pass. The ironic part, which I’m sure will fascinate those of you for whom island hopping is merely a concept, will be interested to know, that as the crow flies, our campsite is due west, and within a 15-mile straight shot from our home on Camano Island. However, as the wheels turn on our truck and trailer, we are actually about 70 miles, or nearly 2 hours away from our home. (Your geography lesson for the day.) In other words, when there are islands involved, you can’t easily get from here to there.

So, with no undue pressure to leave home at the crack of dawn (which BTW is about 10:00 am for us), we were on the road by 12:30 pm. Of course, we had started filling the trailer with clothes, food, and every item that we might possibly need along the way on Saturday, by using our Prius as a mule. So, really, by Monday, all that was left to bring along in the truck were our pillows, toiletries, pills, and whatever else we had failed to think of before. (And yes, I have a list, but there is always something we forget regardless.) And this time, that one thing was water.

Since this was our first trip after all the water in our water tank had been drained during the winterization process, we always depend on our first camping spot to at least partially fill the water tank. You know what they say about best laid plans, well this one sure went awry. We arrived in camp, and low and behold, site #24 was a dry site. Which means not even a water hookup. No electricity or septic hookup either.

Now a septic hookup is not a problem. We visit lots of campgrounds with no septic hookups. And electricity is not a problem since we have an onboard solar system. But no water, that is a problem.

We took a short walk around camp and quickly located a hydrant style water spigot. Of course, not close enough for any practical purpose, but at least available for us to take on some water. But that meant we had to leave the campground to turn around. Which we did by climbing out of the campground, turning around in the day use area, and then driving back through the camp and sidling up to the water hydrant.  We filled the tank about halfway and proceeded back to our site.

Next came the usual set up ritual, and then it was time to fill the hot water tank. For normal people this is a no brainer. For Andy and me it’s like trying to understand quantum physics or why people actually watch reality shows. And of course, it doesn’t help that the people who do the winterization, DO IT DIFFERENTLY EVERY BLOODY TIME! This time instead of draining the hot water tank and switching the bypass valve to “do not fill”, they just drained the tank by letting water out through an outside drain plug. Of course, we didn’t realize the drain plug was still open, so until we figured that out, we lost a bunch of the water from our holding tank. So, we were low on water. But lessons have been learned. Patti – next time you start booking sites, especially the first night after winter, MAKE SURE THE SITE AT LEAST HAS WATER. Patti and Andy – ask the people who performed the winterization what they did or didn’t do and write it down!

But after we were all settled, it was warm enough for us to sit outside and read for a while and for Andy to go on a walk. It was a beautiful sunny day. Only disturbance were 2 growlers out of the Whidbey Air Base practicing circles in the sky over our heads. I really don’t know how people who live here put up with the noise. I guess it just comes with the territory.

Had a nice dinner and went to bed early. Both of us slept like rocks. Good to be back in the trailer. It always takes us to such wonderful places.

Tuesday, April 12, 2022 – Fort Casey SP (State Park)

Slept great. Windy outside, but not raining.

After a nice breakfast (no toast of course because no power), we decided to see if our dear friends Tim and Susie were up for a visit. They live in Anacortes, so not far away. Tim was recovering from back surgery and we hadn’t had an opportunity to visit him since the operation. So, no time like the present. But first a short walk for Andy to stretch his legs and get a great view down into Admiralty Inlet.  

After a lovely visit with Tim and Susie, it was time to make our second stop of the day. Since we don’t get to Oak Harbor very often, and we are on vacation, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner at Frazier’s Gourmet Hideaway. Why the interesting name for this terrific restaurant, I have no idea. All I know is that the stoic guys wearing aprons sure do know their way around a kitchen. Fabulous food, great service, portions in proportion to the price. None of this, the higher the price tag, the smaller the plates. That never goes over well with me. Not that I want or expect heaping amounts of food. But really, a three-bite salad, 4 ounces of steak, 6 bites of mashed potatoes, and 3 asparagus spears for $49 just isn’t right! Anyway – the food was wonderful, our server was pleasant but not effusive, and my dinner partner divine.

After dinner we drove back to camp and watched 2 more ferries safely cozy up to the dock, discharge their cargo, fill up again, and head back to Port Townsend for the night.

By this time, our pillows were calling our names, and as everyone knows, pillows must be obeyed.

Wednesday, April 13, 2022 – Quileute Oceanside Resort, La Push, WA – site #8

After a leisurely breakfast, we decided to hitch up so that we were ready to get in line for our 11:45 am ferry sailing. We had been watching the ferry coming in and out several times while we were camped, and now it was our turn to drive on board. Smooth sailing and for the first time ever, we were first on and first off the boat. Kinda cool!

Then it was a stop at La Fiesta, our favorite Mexican restaurant in Port Townsend, then back on the road to our next destination, La Push.

As we drove along, it rained, then it stopped. Then it rained some more, and then it stopped. Then it was my turn to drive. Somehow, the Gods always know when I take over the wheel. It either starts raining after a long dry spell, or it rains really, really hard, to the point where you can’t possibly hit that perfect sweet spot with the windshield wipers. But rather, you spend most of your mental energy trying to keep the wipers from growling at you, while at the same time, retaining a clear picture of what’s up ahead. So, faster, slower, off, back on – etc. etc. Grrrrrr. And just when I thought it couldn’t possibly get any worse, it started to snow between Forks and La Push. Of course, it did! OK, there was some snow on the road, but it wasn’t bad. Just frustrating. Because, why me? Andy’s the one who is better driving in snow. And of course, nowhere to pull over and change drivers. So, I persevered and pulled into camp with every part of the truck and trailer still intact. My nerves, howsoever, not so much.

But we got lucky. It didn’t start raining or snowing again until we were just finishing setting up camp.

Then it was time to gather appetizer stuff and head over to the Quillayute River Resort for dinner with our dear friends Chip and Linda (owners of the resort) and our great buddies Jim and Margo. And a lovely evening was had by all. We ate, we drank, and we discussed books. (One of my favorite topics BTW.) Frankly, I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening.

Then back to camp for a quick read and a fairly early to bed. Another fine day on the road.

For more information about Quillayute River Resort, just google it. A wonderful get-away, in a lovely setting, run be delightful people. Tell them – Andy and Patti sent you! 

Thursday, April 14, 2022, Quileute Oceanside Resort

Woke up to almost clear skies. Didn’t stay that way, but it was nice while it lasted. And from our back window, a glorious view of the ocean complete with sea stacks. I love sea stacks. And the largest around is right out our back window. Except that the natives call it James Island. (It really is just a large sea stack.)

Apparently before the advent of white men in the area, the tribe would grow crops on top of this “island” in the event they were placed under siege by another tribe. Then if that actually happened the entire tribe could gather on the stack, feed off the bounty of the land and sea, and hopefully defend their territory. But for those of us in 2022, the view could not be more perfect. And no worries about being attacked! Not even by mosquitos! (Sea breeze is a wonderful thing, in more ways than one!)  

Most of my day was taken up reading, writing, and preparing a green salad for our joint venture dinner with Margo, Jim, Linda, and Chip. We did make a trip into Forks (no vampires to be seen in case you were wondering), for a bit of provisioning, but then it was back to camp. While I was busy making salad, Andy went for a short walk on the beach. While he was just minding his own business, he watched two orca whales playing and blowing not too far offshore. Great sight.

While we had been at dinner the night before, Linda had told us about she and Chip recently attending a ceremony (loosely defined ceremony that is) in La Push. While most of the Quileute tribal members danced and socialized, 4 members of the tribe took a dip in the sea while holding an offering of two salmon for any whale in the vicinity who had an interest in that sort of thing. The ceremony basically was a call or an official welcome to the whales. Well, it worked, and Andy was lucky enough to witness the return of at least two of the largest mammals known to man. He was pretty darned happy to have witnessed this phenomenon up close and personal. Then it was time to join our friends for another evening of wonderful food and fabulous company.

I think if there was any good that came out of the isolation and trepidation we all experienced during the first year and a half of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was realizing an even greater appreciation of family and close friends. Oh how I missed seeing my kids and spending time with dear friends when the prudent thing was to quarantine as much as possible. Which of course we did. But I decided when it was once again safe to spend time with our relatives and close friends that was exactly what we were going to do. So, this precious time with our dear friends was not taken lightly. It was like a special gift that not all the money in the world can buy. So, thank you Chip, Linda, Jim, and Margo for your gift of friendship. We love you.

Friday, May 15, 2022 – Quileute Oceanside Resort

Quiet morning. Nice breakfast and then I read, wrote, and made fruit salad. Andy went to Rialto Beach for a long walk.

On his way home he made a side trip into Forks (again no vampires were seen hiding behind sunglasses) for a couple of necessary provisions. It’s amazing the number of things I deem “necessary”. Good God, I would have made a horrible pioneer.  I can absolutely hear myself saying to my poor husband in 1840 – ”But honey, I can’t possibly leave our home to make a life for ourselves in the wild west without quick grits, Worcestershire sauce, or freshly made salsa!” Thankfully, I wasn’t born until 1944. And we now have the luxury of finding almost any food item we need even in small towns like Forks. Am I spoiled? You bet I am! About 4:00 pm it was time to go spend our last evening with our dear friends. Lovely dinner, fabulous conversation, and the type of contentment only people who have known each other for quite some time can experience.

After dinner and some heady conversation, it was hugs all around and promises that we would get together again very soon. I intend to make that happen. Because these are some of the greatest people on earth!

Then it was back to our trailer to read for a short time and sleep for a long time.

Saturday, April 16, 2022 – Fort Stevens State Park, Hammond, OR (near Astoria, OR) – site H 011  

OK, this was a long day’s drive. About 6 hours. Of course, we had to stop for gas, stop for lunch, and stop to use the facilities in our trailer. But still. It made for a longer driving day than we like. But what a drive. Down 101 along the coast, then inland, then back out to the ocean, and through all kinds of wooded areas. But we aren’t 40 anymore. And hauling a trailer is different than driving a car. First of all, you can’t use cruise control. And you can’t stop on a dime, which unfortunately many drivers don’t understand. So, they pull right out in front of you expecting you to adjust. OK, folks! Would you do that to an 18-wheeler? Of course not! Would you do that to a 77-year-old woman with arthritis? Yah, but you really shouldn’t. Especially if you value your life that is! Many naughty words flew through our truck today. (I think most of them came from me! Luckily, there were no nuns or young innocents in the truck with us, so I escaped with only minor contributions to our swear jar.)  

Anyway – we made it to camp in one piece. Set everything up, and by that time it was cocktail hour. Martini for me, Penicillin cocktail for Mr. C. And all was suddenly fine with the world. And – tacos for dinner! Who could ask for anything finer? And tomorrow, it’s on down the Oregon coast to hook up with Rick and Katie (Andy’s sister). Life is really, really good!

Sunday, April 17, 2022 – Netarts Bay Garden RV Resort, Tillamook, OR – site 46

No hurry leaving camp this morning. We hadn’t unhooked at Fort Stevens because there was no need. We weren’t going anywhere in the truck that evening, so why bother! So, after a leisurely breakfast we got on the road at about 11:30 am. And what a lovely day for a drive along the coast. The sun was shining and not too much traffic, this being Easter Sunday and all. So, no yahoos climbing up our tailpipe (actually that would have been pretty hard because of the trailer), but you catch my drift. Why it should infuriate some drivers to be behind us when we are actually driving a bit over the speed limit, is well past my comprehension level. And we are thoughtful drivers. When we find a place to pull over, even if we are going the speed limit, we do so and let everyone behind us pass and get a good head start before we get back on the road. But on a windy, narrow road with no way to let anyone pass, there is always some guy, usually in a small, noisy, beater of a car or an old truck with tires twice as large as the recommended size for the vehicle, who desperately needs to get ahead of us. What’s with that? Does that make him a big, old man? Or terribly macho? Well, not in my mind it doesn’t! It makes him bat —- crazy, is what it makes him as far as I’m concerned. Anyway…….

The only eventful moment on our southern drive happened in Bay City. As we were heading down the bluff into Garibaldi, we spotted dark smoke coming from further down Tillamook Bay. We didn’t think too much about it until we got closer. And then it looked bad. And sure enough, just off the freeway, a storage facility was on fire. A fire truck had just arrived on the scene, but the whole south side of the building was in flames. And of course cars were starting to pull off the road to get a better look. I’m pretty sure that whole section of road was soon closed after we passed through because other fire engines and emergency vehicles were arriving and being right next to the road, the entire scene could become a real safety issue if left open to the public. At least if I had been in charge I would have re-directed traffic around the area. I felt so sorry for the people who may have had prized possessions “safely” stored in that facility and for the owners of trailers and other vehicle types in the adjoining lot. What a mess!

But we arrived safe and sound and parked in our new location for 3 nights. We would be spending the next couple of weeks traveling with Andy’s sister Katie and her husband Rick. Great friends and traveling mates who just happen to be family. Nothing better than that!

As I was writing away and Andy was on a short walk, this lovely Airstream trailer started backing into the site next to us. But all was just fine, since it was Rick and Katie’s trailer. Yea – they’re here. Let the fun begin. After hugs all around, we heard a strange sound coming from the cab of their truck. Their cat Beau was scratching on the window, either eager to say howdy to us, or darn tired of riding in the truck. We decided he was eager to say hi to Uncle Andy and Aunt Patti. My story, I can tell it any way I choose. Their other cat, Juno was nowhere to be seen until Rick transferred her too from the truck to the trailer. 

After the 4 travelers got all set up, Rick and Katie came over for afternoon tea while the kitties were snoring soundly on the communal bed. Traveling is hard work.

Then after a delicious dinner provided by Katie and Rick, it was back to our trailer for reading and a reasonably early lights out.

Monday, April 18, 2022 – Netarts Bay Garden RV Resort     

Woke to rain. Lots of rain. OK, rain had been predicted, but that didn’t mean it had to rain. Oh well, it’s still nice to be on the road, so to speak. And being in a nice dry trailer is so much better than hanging out under a tarp set up next to your tent. Believe me, I know all about trying to keep children occupied on rainy days when tent camping. So, it’s raining outside now that we are trailering exclusively, so what! Bring it on!

While we were patiently waiting out the storm (never happened BTW) two yearling sized deer ran along the low rock wall outside our big back window, looking for all the world like they were heading for high ground. At least as far away from the raging wind and rain as they could get. Made us wonder if they knew something we didn’t know, but no disaster occurred of which we are aware. So, apparently all they wanted was a bit of a shelter from the storm. Smart animals that they are.

After lunch we decided some provisioning was in order. So, into Tillamook for a few groceries and a gas fill-up. Then back to camp to read until it was time to head over to Rick and Katie’s long-time friends – Stan and Judy’s home for dinner. For many years they have owned a second home in Oceanside. So, again this year, we were invited for dinner at their place. Wonderful food, fantastic conversation, and much talk about books. (Still a favorite topic with us.)

It is always so much fun to get together with folks you have known for quite some time even if only tangentially. And if you have similar tastes, all the better. So much easier than trying to relate to people with whom you have nothing in common. So, talking food, books, and family is perfect for us. Judy even let me play in the kitchen for a short time. And Stan, bless his heart, provided me with an apron. (Because everyone knows, I really can’t cook unless I’m wearing an apron! And I’m never happier than when I have an apron attached to my body.)

Then it was time to say good-by to our good friends and head back to camp. We read for maybe 5 minutes, looked at each other, and by general consensus decided it was bedtime. No words required.

Tuesday, April 19, 2022 – Netarts Bay Garden RV Resort

It rained/drizzled/monsooned/sprinkled all – bloody – night long! But I have to say, when you are safely tucked in a warm bed in your trailer, it’s quite pleasant hearing the pitter pat of rain on the roof. A lot better than hearing rain on the top and sides of a tent. That’s for darn sure.

After breakfast it was decided that a long walk for Andy was not in the cards. The night before while we had been chatting away after dinner at Stan and Judy’s, we talked about maybe visiting the Blue Heron French Cheese Company and the Tillamook Air Museum the next day. So, with the weather not cooperating for any kind of an outdoor adventure, the 6 of us checked out the cheese shop. Of course, several interesting edibles came out of the store with Andy and me, because, well, some items are simply irresistible!  

After visiting this fine establishment, which BTW has a great deal more to offer than just cheese, we decided to treat ourselves to a bit of history. So, off we went to the Tillamook Air Museum.

The museum is located just south of Tillamook proper at a former US Navy Air Station and housed in a former blimp hangar, known as “Hangar B”, which is the largest clear-span wooden structure in the world.    

Constructed by the US Navy in 1942 during World War II for Naval Air Station Tillamook, the hangar building housing the aircraft collection is 1,072 feet long and 296 wide, giving it over 7 acres of area. The hanger is 192 feet tall and could accommodate 6 blimps. The doors on both ends of the hanger weigh 30 short tons each and are 120 feet tall. Hangar “B” is one of two that were originally built on the site. Hangar “A” was destroyed by fire on August 22, 1992. Apparently hay was being stored in the hanger at the time.

The United States was the only power to use airships (blimps) during World War II, but the airships played a small but important role. The Navy used them for minesweeping, search and rescue, photographic reconnaissance, scouting, escorting convoys, and antisubmarine patrols. Airships accompanied many oceangoing ships, both military and civilian. Of the 89,000 ships escorted by airships during the war, not one was lost to enemy action.

For more information visit: www.centennialofflight.net/essay/Lighter_than_air/Airships_in_WWII  

After a couple hour visit to the museum, it was back to our trailers. I was in charge of dinner that night, so I had to get going. We decided that spending another evening with Stan and Judy would be a pleasure. So, I made crab cakes, aioli, a rice dish, and a cucumber salad to take over to their house. I also took appetizers and Judy filled in with asparagus and a fantastic fruit salad for dessert. So, once again, we spent a wonderful evening in the company of these delightful people.

Then it was back to camp, and at least for me, it was time for bed. Andy tells me he came to bed only about 30 minutes later, but you couldn’t prove it by me. I was safely in the arms of Morpheus when he tucked in!

Wednesday, April 20, 2022 – South Beach SP, Newport, OR – site G 12

Rain, rain, and then more rain. But we had a very short run today, so we could pick and choose our time to be outside getting the trailer ready for hook-up. This is one of those times when I am using the “royal” we. Because Andy does 98% of the “outside” work, while I am responsible for getting everything safely put away inside the trailer. My only job outside, which I do pretty well if I do say so myself, is direct Andy when he is backing the truck so that the coupler (on the trailer) is perfectly in place over the ball on the hitch attached to the truck. Oh, and I also stand behind the trailer for a light check to make sure the brake lights, etc. are all doing what they are supposed to do. The rest of the hard work is Andy’s exclusive responsibility. And believe me, sometimes it’s not a fun job. At least on this trip so far, there hasn’t been any lightning or snow. So, it could be worse for him. Plus, it hasn’t been bitter cold. Just plenty of wet.

Our drive along the coast although short, was most enjoyable. Sun breaks here and there, and great views of the ocean which because of all the wind and rain, was quite angry. So, churning water and a lot of white wave action.

Got into camp, dropped anchor between rain showers, and enjoyed a quiet afternoon of reading, writing, and exercise. Andy going for a nice walk to the beach and me doing about a 15 minute jazzercise in the trailer. Have no idea what anyone walking past our trailer would have thought about all the movement going on inside the trailer. But I hope that at least one person had a fleeting thought that the older couple that owned the trailer were having a bit of afternoon delight. Of course they would have been correct in their own way. Because Andy was out walking, which he loves, and I was helping my body stay agile, which I also find to be an agreeable activity.

Then it was time to trundle on over to Rick and Katie’s trailer for dinner. Great enchilada casserole and salad. Yum. And a chance to share a few moments with their 2 cats, Juno and Beau.

We definitely miss our own kitties, Max and Miles while we are traveling, but know that they are more comfortable staying home. Plus, they get to spend some special time with our dear friend Peggy who sits on them and our house in our absence. She loves kitties, and her own dear kitty passed away a few years ago, so she gets a “Kitty fix” every time we are away.

Then it was back to our trailer for a bit of reading. Then lights out. Another wonderful day along the Oregon coast.

Thursday, April 21, 2022 – South Beach SP

Rained all night again. But who cares? We were warm and snug in our trailer. Quiet day in our trailer. Read for a while then it was time to learn how to play Skip-Bo. OK, I hadn’t heard of it either until daughter Paula told us about this great new game she and husband Mark’s family had learned to play over the Thanksgiving holiday. So, I decided to get a game for us to keep in the trailer for days when there was basically no going outside. And what fun it turned out to be. We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon. Then it was time to go to dinner in Newport at Local Ocean.

We have been going to this restaurant for several years now and wouldn’t miss an opportunity to eat there for more money than I care to mention. Every entrée is delicious and the location is perfect. Right down on the Newport waterfront so most times after you park your car, you can hear the seals barking out in the harbor.

After we were all full to the brim, it was back to our trailer for dessert (brownies and peanut butter cookies) and for Rick, Katie, and Mr. C., it was a wee dram of single malt Scotch to end the evening on a very pleasant note.

Then brush fangs, wash face, and hit the hay!

Friday, April 22, 2022 – Sea Perch RV Resort – Yachats, OR – site 19

Since our travel time today was going to be only about an hour, we took our own sweet time hooking up. Even then, we had to pull into a lookout spot on Cape Perpetua to use up a bit of time before our 1:00 pm check-in time at Sea Perch.

We love this private campground because it is right on the water. Of course, this time we couldn’t reserve one of the beachfront sites because even though we had called early in January, the primo sites were already taken. Bummer. But we can still see the sea from our back and side window. And the sites are all paved and very well maintained.

After a simple lunch, it was time to relax in the sun. Yup – it’s sunny and warm. Absolutely perfect weather. Bought darn time!

During the afternoon, Rick and Katie decided to go into Coos Bay and visit a yarn shop that Katy particularly liked and while in the area, buy some oysters for an appetizer that evening, and to pan fry on Sunday evening. While they were being industrious, we were luxuriating in our comfy outdoor chairs, reading glasses firmly affixed to our heads. Is there anything better than reading outside, listening to the unique sound of waves crashing into the shore, with a good book in hand, and your spouse almost, but not quite falling asleep in the sun? Nope, I can’t think of anything finer either. Finally, I decided it was time to start prepping for dinner. Which in spite of inertia, I finally succeeded in doing while Andy was on a short, before dinner walk. 

After Rick and Katie got back, it was time for dinner. So, while Rick was grilling the appetizer oysters, I was putting the finishing touches on lamb patties, a curry quinoa side dish, and salad. What a feast!

Then a bit of dark chocolate to go with the last of the red wine, and dinner was done. Then a short walk down to sit on a bench and watch the ocean in all its magnificence. Then back to the trailer and an early to bed for me. Just wonderful to be lulled to sleep by the sound of frothy water slapping an innocent shoreline.

Saturday, April 23, 2022 – Sea Perch RV Resort

Woke to sunshine. Now for those of you who are from a place where it is sunny all the time, you may not understand how excited some of us get by just the appearance of the sun. Not that Camano Island doesn’t have its fair share of sunny days in the summer, but, well, it can be a bit dreary during the short daylight days of winter. So, when the sun is shining while we are on vacation in April, it calls for much rejoicing. I refrained from doing a thank you sun dance in the green area behind our trailer, but I believe my spontaneous yelp of pleasure could be heard at least 3 trailers over. Simply couldn’t help myself. I take my pleasure where I can get it these days!

After breakfast it was time to do laundry. When we are out for longer than 2 weeks, there comes a time when our bath towels and sheets need a bath. And believe me, it was high time to take action. And this RV resort is the place to do laundry. Beautiful, clean laundry room and very close by. So, while our linens and a few other assorted bits of clothing were whirling away through wet and dry cycles, we enjoyed sitting outside discussing the plans for the day with Rick and Katie. They finally decided to leave camp and do a bit of exploring and provisioning. Andy wanted to take a hike to a nearby lighthouse. According to Wikipedia “Heceta Head Light is a lighthouse 13 miles north of Florence and 13 miles south of Yachats. It is located at Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint, a state park, midway up a 205-foot-tall headland. Built in 1894, the 56-foot-tall lighthouse shines a beam visible for 21 nautical miles (24 miles), making it the strongest light on the Oregon Coast.”

Andy uttered those three little words all wives hate to hear when their husband gets home from a hike – steep and muddy. Poor baby. But, better him than me!

I had chosen to stay in camp and write and then start a new book. Ever so much fun to “stay home” when the spirit doesn’t move me to do anything else. And as of this writing, my spirit and I are of one accord.

Dinner plans for that night were to go into Yachats and take our chances. In the meantime, Brother Cadfael needed my assistance in finding a murderer. Which of course I provided!

After Andy’s hike and Rick and Katie were ready to set forth, we hopped (and I use the term lightly) into their truck and off we set for dinner in the thriving little town of Yachats. I love Yachats with all its colorful homes and nice little shops. Friends of Rick and Katie had recommended the Drift Inn restaurant. When we arrived, there was a line out the door. But we gave the hostess our name and spent less than 30 minutes sitting outside on a bench in the late afternoon sun waiting for our table.

Then it was to our enclosed booth we were taken, and menus given to us from which it was hard to make a decision. Great food, friendly service, and live music.

Now I know I am spoiled, but I have several guitar playing friends (Mark and Jamie to name a couple) who can play rings around the very loud guitar playing singer at the restaurant. The drummer on the other hand, played at the sound level appropriate to the size of the room. Regardless, we were able to converse and make appropriate comments about the quality of the food. 

Then back to camp for a bit of dessert and a wee dram before bedtime. Another fabulous day on the Oregon coast.

Sunday, April 24, 2022 – Sea Perch RV Resort

Woke to sea mist but not enough to keep the sun from breaking through. After breakfast it was time to plan our day. We decided to drive to the lookout at the top of Cape Perpetua. And oh, what a view! Absolutely takes your breath away. After oohing and aahing for about 10 minutes, we decided to head off to our next destination just north of Florence.

For years, our dear friend and next-door neighbor Vicki had been telling us about an amazing plant that grows in this area of the world. And every year when we returned home, she would ask us if we went to visit the Darlingtonia State Natural Site where these insect eating plants dwell. And every year, until this year, we had to come clean and confess that once again we never made it to the garden. But this year we decided it was time. And we had the time. So, we went. And I am so glad we did. Because these plants are unique. Not to mention they look like hooded cobras just about to bite whatever comes close. Darlingtonia is the name of this not so delightful plant. (Darling – really????)

According to Wikipedia “Darlingtonia State Natural Site (18 acres) is a state park and botanical preserve located five miles north of Florence on US Route 101 that is dedicated to the preservation of this rare plant.

Darlingtonia Californica is a carnivorous plant, commonly known as the cobra lily, which traps insects in its hollow tubular leaves, whose top is flared into a hollow dome with a forked “tongue” that gives the species its common name. In late spring, they bear purple and yellow flowers that rise above the green cobra-like leaves. Darlingtonia are found only in wet meadows and bogs with acidic soils low in nitrogen. The rare, strangely shaped plant is the only member of the pitcher plant family Sarraceniaceae in Oregon.

The park has a short loop trail through a peat bog area overlooking patches of Darlingtonia. It is the only Oregon state park dedicated to the protection of a single plant species.”

Of course, there were also skunk cabbage in abundance in this area so I had to take a picture of one of them so they wouldn’t feel neglected.

On our way back to camp, we stopped at a lookout to take a picture of the lighthouse Andy had visited yesterday.

While we were standing there, a man standing next to us told us about a sea lion on the rocks below that looked like she was giving birth.

I got our binoculars out of the truck to have a better look. Just as I lifted the binoculars to my eyes, she expelled a whole bloody mess that looked to these untrained eyes to be a placenta. But what in the heck do I know. No more than anyone else who happened to be on the scene. But it was strange, the sea lion didn’t seem to be at all interested in what was happening. She was lethargic, to say the least. Of course, after I gave birth to daughter Paula, I wasn’t bouncing around my hospital room either. But this poor dear looked like she could have used a couple of mid-wives. As a group, the 11 or so of us decided that maybe this hadn’t been a birth. Maybe this was a sea lion who had been hurt and was on her way to sea lion heaven. Either way, there wasn’t a single solitary thing any one of us could have done to provide assistance. I decided this lovely creature was in Mother Nature’s capable hands, but I sent good thoughts her way anyway.

On our way back to the truck we gave a last look over the railing at the open ocean. Just over the edge and about 100 feet below on the rocks we spied a cormorant rookery. Cormorants nest on low cliffs and perch on large rocks to spread their wings. In this stance they are able to dry their feathers which are not waterproof. I took a picture, but black on black, at least with my simple point and click camera, does not make for a good picture.

Then it was back to camp for a light lunch and a read in the sunshine.

As soon as I picked up my book, Katie invited me to go with she and Rick to Yachats. Katie had visited a kitchen shop the day before and wanted to return to buy an item that after due consideration, she felt she couldn’t live without. (We all know how that is!) Anyway, we went to the shop, and because I cannot resist kitchen tools, I too succumbed. $40 later, I am walking out the door with some new marvelous items with which to make my life easier. And with which my life would not be complete if I had not succumbed. It’s just that simple!

Then it was get gassed up for the next day’s drive and back to camp to write, read, and enjoy a delicious oyster dinner provided by Rick and Katie. Life is so darned wonderful.

Monday, April 25, 2022 – Bullard’s Beach SP, Bandon, OR – site C 36

Easy hook up after a nice breakfast of link sausage, easy over egg, whole wheat toast, granola, fresh strawberries, and yogurt. 

Then on the road about 11:15 am. Lovely drive through wooded areas and close up and personal with the Oregon shore. Stopped for lunch in North Bend, then back on the road and into the park at about 2:00 pm. Set up camp, then decided a bit of shopping was in order. Got groceries at Ray’s and then had one of our propane tanks filled. Then back to camp to sit outside with Rick and Katie. While we were enjoying each other’s company, we were joined by a party of 4. Three wild turkey hens and a strutting tom.

The tom was most impressed with himself. He kept showing us his fanned out tail feathers. Almost as if he were challenging Rick and Andy to show off for their ladies the way he was showing off for his. Plus, he had 3 ladies to Rick and Andy’s one. At one point there were only 2 hens in our yard. I was getting ready to start dinner and had to get the green beans out of our Koolatron. I decided to shake the package of green beans to see if I got any kind of a reaction from the ladies. Well heck yes they knew the sound of good things being shaken in a bag. Their heads swiveled around and they started walking in my direction. I hastily excused myself to the interior of our trailer to start prepping for dinner. My story and I’m sticking to it! 

After dinner it was dishes and then a walk around the loop. Then write up today’s report, read a few pages, and light’s out. Another great day of camping.

Tuesday, April 26, 2022 – Bullard’s Beach SP

We both slept like rocks. After a nice hot shower, it was time to fix breakfast. After breakfast, dishes, and final ablutions for the morning, it was time to decide what kind of mischief we could get into today. So, off we went.

The 4 of us decided to drive south and have a look at the Cape Blanco lighthouse. Per Wikipedia, “Cape Blanco is a prominent headland on the Pacific Ocean coast of southwestern Oregon, forming the westernmost point in the state. Cape Blanco extends further west than any point of land in the contiguous United States except portions of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, including Cape Alava, the true westernmost point. The cape is part of Cape Blanco State Park and is the location of the Cape Blanco Light, first lit in 1870.

We tried to visit the Hughes House, but it wasn’t open although we had read on several sites that the house was open April through October.

As reported on the oregonencyclopedia.org site, “Built in 1898, the Patrick and Jane Hughes House in Curry County is a significant survivor of a large, prosperous ranch and dairy business operated by Patrick Hughes and his family. Located just north of the headland of Cape Blanco, the imposing house was built on an elevated terrace immediately south of the Sixes River, with a view of the ocean. It is considered the best preserved, largely unaltered, late nineteenth-century house in the county.”

After a quick drive through the Cape Blanco campground to check it out for possible future trailer sites, we headed back to camp. Andy went for a walk along the beach in Bandon, Rick and Katie went into Bandon for some grocery provisioning, and I helped Cadfael catch the murderer. A very productive time for all concerned.

For dinner we decided to visit a restaurant that Rick and Katie had eaten at many years ago. It had changed owner/chef 7-8 years ago, but the online menu looked good, so off we went. Well boy howdy, as long as the chef/owner is still in the kitchen, we will be happy to spend our money in this fine dining establishment. So, if you are ever in Bandon, we all highly recommend the Alloro Wine Bar and Restaurant. Great food, nice ambiance, and great service. No view, but you can’t have everything!

Then back to our trailers. Us to play a rousing game of Skip-Bo (I lost horribly), read a few pages in our books, then absolute obedience to the call of our pillows. (They always win.)

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 – Turtle Rock RV Resort, Gold Beach, OR – site 55

You know you’re in heaven when it rains at night, but you wake up to sunshine. And, it’s a day when you are leaving camp to travel on down the road. Because, there is nothing as unpleasant as hooking up a trailer in a downpour with the temperature only in the high 50s. If you have never had the experience, you are just going to have to trust me on this one. Hooking up in the rain (or snow) is even worse than unhooking. At least when you are unhooking, you can finish outside and climb into your nice warm trailer. And if you are super lucky, there will be a nice hot cup of tea waiting for you! But when you are hooking up, you’re often in a hurry, so the expedient option is to get in your truck and start driving. (Only sissies change out of their wet cloths before they leave camp. Real campers just tough it out!)

Anyway, we didn’t have to worry, because there wasn’t a drop of water to be seen. Our wild turkeys were back however. They still hadn’t figured out that we weren’t going to feed them regardless of how cute they happened to be. And yes, wild turkeys do say gooble, gobble, gobble.

While we were driving along, I asked Mr. C. if he knew the difference between a cape and a head (as in headland). And why some land projections were called “capes” and others were called “heads”. We speculated for a while but decided greater minds than ours were going to have to be consulted. So, I went online. According to Wikipedia, “a headland, also known as a head, is a coastal landform, a point of land usually high and often with a sheer drop that extends into a body of water. It is a type of promontory. A headland of considerable size often is called a cape. Also, a cape usually represents a marked change in trend of the coastline which makes them prone to natural forms of erosion, mainly tidal actions.” So, now we know. It’s really up to whoever first assigns a name to a land projection that juts out into the sea. Ta da!

After an exhausting 60-mile drive or so, we arrived at our next RV site. We had never stayed in Gold Beach because we love Harris Beach State Park just down the road in Brookings. Even though we booked our trip in early January, there were no sites left at Harris Beach. Apparently, others love the park as much as we do. But Katie found this campground and our sites back up to Hunter Creek and the ocean beach is very close. So, I can envision a beach walk for me in the very near future. But for now, I’m content to do some writing while I can still remember what happened 5 minutes ago.

As I wrote Andy took a walk on the beach. Rick and Katie prepped for dinner. And when I had finished writing, I picked up my book. I started a new series by Colin Cotterill staring Dr. Siri Paiboun. Set in Laos, the characters are delightful, the story lines fascinating and very well written, and overall – immensely entertaining. I highly recommend this series for anyone who enjoys a bit of magic thrown in with the cultural and political history of a far-away land.

Dinner in “Airiel” (Rick and Katie’s airstream trailer) was once again a rousing success. Grilled marinated chicken, a savory rice dish, and a delicious green salad. Then back to our trailer and an early to bed for me.

Thursday, April 28, 2022 – Turtle Rock RV Resort

No rain during the night, but only sporadic sun breaks this morning. After breakfast Andy decided to sit outside by the river since the sun was out. Five minutes later he was back in the trailer. Because with the sun hiding behind a cloud, the wind decided to show itself too. Still a bit early in the year to depend on warm weather.

So, then, what’s the next best thing to do? Go shopping, of course! So, that’s just what we did.

Rick and Katie had visited the Coastal Market, a very small boutique market and bakery in Gold Beach the day before and raved about it. Specialty foods, desserts, cookware, wine, etc. all geared to foodies like us. The owners were delightful and the products divine. I could have easily spent $200 without batting an eyelash. But, there is only so much room in a trailer. So, thoughts of remaining trailer storage prevailed.  

After buying a few items we couldn’t possibly live without, we decided to drive the old coastal highway north of Gold Beach. Part of the old road above highway 101 was unpaved. But there was a sign that told us the road was still being maintained for historical reasons. Glad we didn’t meet any cars on the road, because we are talking a single lane dirt road folks, with very few and terribly shallow turnouts.

Along the southern part of the road that was below highway 101 and mainly right along the water and paved (but still basically one lane), we stopped at the Otter Point State Recreation Site. Just a dirt turnaround at the end, but a great view overlooking pristine beaches and unusual sandstone rock formations.

Then back to camp for a small bite of lunch and a visit to the Arch Rock Brewing Company. Which, as luck would have it, was just outside the entrance to our RV resort. Well within walking distance, even for this gimpy old lady. So, off we went, returning with a 4 pack of porter and a 4 pack of their IPA.

Then for me it was writing up today’s events, and for Andy, a return to Otter Point to take an exploratory walk to the point. There were several varieties of wildflowers on display as he walked along. Trillium, dwarf azalea, blue iris, and the leaves of wild white strawberries.

According to William Sullivan, in the third edition of his hiking book entitled Oregon Coast & Coast Range, “The cape’s exposed rock strata are turned on edge like sliced bread. These layers began as mud 150 million years ago on the seafloor 30 miles south of here. When faults slid the Pacific Ocean plate north, the compacted mudstone scraped off onto the continent and tilted sideways.”

Then it was back to camp for Andy and time for a short read outside before it was time to go to dinner in Brookings.

We had eaten at the Black Trumpet Bistro last July when we were in Brookings to attend son Sven’s wedding. We had been delighted with the food at the time, and it was still superb. So, for those of you who plan a trip down the Oregon coast in the near future, you might add the Black Trumpet Bistro to your list of restaurants that come well recommended.

Then it was back to camp for a bit of reading before lights out. And yes, another wonderful day in paradise.

Friday, April 29, 2022 – Turtle Rock RV Resort

I’m told it rained really hard last night. I could not attest to that fact, because I was out like a light the whole night through. (OK, one night call, but the rest of the time I was checking out the inside of my eyelids.)

After showers and breakfast, it was time to plan our day. We knew we wanted to return to the Coastal Market and gas up, but that was the only plan at the time.

Andy had enjoyed his short walk on Otter Point so much, that I decided I wanted to see all the great natural wonders for myself. So, off we proceeded.

Short, almost level hiking, and terrific flora the entire way to the viewpoint. Very old and misshapen Sitka Spruce all along the trail. I should mention that the trail we took is part of the Oregon Coast Trail. But no backpackers were seen while we were admiring all the plants just starting to open and touch all the soft new growth at the end of tree limbs. Oh, so nice to be surrounded by nature. And even though the sky was darker than we might have preferred, it didn’t rain on our parade.

On our way back to Gold Beach, we decided an order of fish and ships would not go unappreciated. So, we stopped at the Barnacle Bistro. Well, I’m here to tell you, this small bistro served us the best fish and chips I can remember having in a very long time. Lightly beer battered, locally caught rockfish, fried in rice oil* (rice oil?), served with ginger sesame slaw, and perfect hand cut seasoned French fries, and fabulous tartar sauce. We shared an order, which was plenty of food for us. Absolutely delicious.

So, another eating establishment with a Chez Carr Cuisine 5-star (highest there is) rating.

*Rice bran oil is extracted from the outer bran or husk of rice grains. Because of its high smoke point, it is useful for high-heat cooking. Rice bran oil is popular as a multi-use hypoallergenic oil and is a good source of unsaturated fats, vitamin E, and other important nutrients.

Then back to camp to start prepping for dinner. But before I started dinner, I decided to take some pictures of the inside of our trailer.

Since it was my turn to cook dinner for the 4 of us, I decided on shrimp and grits. With a fairly simply dressed romaine salad on the side. But first we had a bit of an appetizer nosh, and for dessert, citrus bars from Coastal Market.

After the dishes were all safely back in their proper places, it was nose in a book for a short time and then into jammies and under the covers. A fine day all around.

Saturday, April 30, 2022 – Emigrant Lake County Park, Ashland, OR – site RV 18

Didn’t hear any rain over night, but that doesn’t prove anything. I am not what you would call a light sleeper. I can sleep with Andy playing the piano and any light you choose to leave on in our bedroom, providing no distraction at all. My college roommate would have girls in our small, two-person dorm room, and they would be laughing and I could still sleep like the dead. I was actually kind of worried before Paula was born because I thought she might cry in the night, and I wouldn’t hear her. Wrong. I could tell when she as much as rolled over. Some switch was thrown at the hospital apparently, because there had been no need for me to be concerned in the least. Actually, the switch stayed “on” until all the kids were out of the house. There must have been a sign somewhere that stated: Last kid out of the house, flip the switch “off” so that Patti can once again sleep soundly through the night. But I digress…….

After a big breakfast, it took no time at all to hook up and get on the road towards our next destination just south of Ashland. We had taken the route before, so we knew we were in for a treat.

So, south on 101 and into California. And yes, we waved goodbye to 101 and the ocean as we turned left onto 197 and followed the Smith River through redwood country. After another left onto Route 199 that runs from Crescent City, CA to Grants Pass, OR, we passed one of the most famous (and rightly so) redwood sites in California. The Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is dedicated to preserving old-growth redwoods along the Smith River. It is located approximately 9 miles east of Crescent City.  

The 10,430-acre park was established in 1939 and designated part of the California Coast Ranges International Biosphere Reserve in 1983. The park was named after explorer Jedediah Smith, who was the first American to travel, by land, from the Mississippi River to California in 1826, passing through the area of the future park.

The park consists of 9,500 acres of redwood trees, including several groves of old growth trees. One of the groves, totaling 5,000 acres, includes the world’s largest (not tallest) coast redwood, which measures 20 feet in diameter and is 340 feet tall.

The Smith River, which flows through the park, is the last major undammed river in California. And for all you adventurous nature lovers, the park contains 18 miles of hiking trails and over 100 campsites.

But the real treat for us today was the road. Route 199 is officially labeled the Smith River Scenic Byway. But just calling it scenic is really not enough. It is a truly glorious paved path through picture perfect landscape. A little scary here and there when hauling a trailer because the road gets quite narrow in places. Lots of places. But watching the tumbling water for mile after mile is an absolute delight. But then you get to Grants Pass and you are on I-5 heading south. Through Medford and Ashland, and following signs to Emigrant Lake.

As you travel towards the RV Park, it’s up and down, and all around the “lake”. Actually, it’s a reservoir created in 1924. And to our eyes it looks about 40-50 feet lower than it should be. And in fact, the reservoir is only at about 18% capacity. Better than last year when it was only at 3% capacity!

But our camp site is fabulous. After unhooking it was time for a bit of reading. Then off to Rick and Katie’s for dinner. Then back to our trailer to read until we could no longer keep our eyes open. Another wonderful day in Oregon.

Sunday, May 1, 2022 – Emigrant Lake County Park

Woke to clear skies. Wow – now it feels like vacation!

We decided to take a long drive since the weather was so beautiful. So, after getting gas, we started up Oregon route 66. This is an incredibly scenic drive between Ashland and Klamath Falls. It is actually the historic route of emigrants coming from the east to find their fame and fortune in the Oregon territory. It goes through what is now referred to as the Cascade-Siskiyou Mountains.

Named the Applegate Trail after brothers who helped blaze the trail, it was first used in 1846. It became the southern alternative to the western-most segment of the Oregon Trail.

Now this is not a road I would choose to use if we were pulling our trailer. It is narrow, very windy, goes up, up, up, and guard rails must have been thought to be only for sissies when this road was built. I happen to like guard rails. They make me comfortable. This road did not make me comfortable. But I have to admit, the scenery was amazing, so it was well worth my occasional discomfort.

Just before Klamath Falls, we turned north onto highway 140 which skirts the west side of Klamath Lake. Just before arriving at Lake of the Woods, we turned west onto Dead Indian Memorial Road (not making this up folks) which gave us a brief glimpse of the lake, and a magnificent view of Mt. McLoughlin.

This windy road eventually brought us back to Ashland. We had come full circle. A marvelous adventure. For the last few miles before we got back to camp, and in the camp itself we noticed most of the oak trees were infested with mistletoe.

Not much can be done about this parasite, but the trees don’t appear to be dying either. The mistletoe seeds sprout and grow roots right into the oak branches. A few clumps of leafy mistletoe don’t do too much harm to a healthy oak tree, according to Oregon State University foresters. But if you have 15 or 20 clumps per tree, the mistletoe will sap nutrients and weaken the tree. We saw trees with more than 20 clumps of mistletoe, so it will be interesting to see if the trees are still around when next we visit.

Then back to our trailer for a bite of lunch and a bit of reading outside. Then it was time to go into Medford with Rick and Katie to visit with Gretchen (Rick’s daughter), Dwayne (husband), and son Tyler.

We had a great time going over all the remodeling they were doing on their home. And then off to dinner and more special time together.

Back to the trailer for a lovely sunset. Then writing for me, reading for Andy, and lights out for both. I love vacation!

Monday, May 2, 2022 – Emigrant Lake County Park

Well, what a difference a day makes, 24 little hours. During the night it poured. It didn’t just rain, nope not here on the slopes of the Siskiyou mountains. It hit us from above, all 4 sides, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the bottom of the trailer didn’t get its fair share of water too! But we were snug in our comfy bed and not a drop touched the inside of the trailer.

Woke to sun, rain, wind, white puffy clouds, dark mean looking clouds, and everything in between. Even new snow on the hills around us. Basically it was a 4-season day. You name it. We had it.

After a leisurely breakfast, it was time to do some shopping. So, onto I-5 going south and into California. Never ones to miss a bargain, we decided to do a bit of liquor shopping while we just happened to be in California.(Cheaper liquor than in Washington.)

As we were getting out of the truck, it started to hail/sleet/snow/rain on us, but by the time we were done shopping, the sun was out again. So back over the Siskiyou summit** and into Ashland to do a bit of grocery provisioning.

I know by now it probably sounds like we are always going to the grocery store. But unless you have traveled in a small trailer, and yes, even at 24’7” we are a small trailer, we hit a grocery store every 4 days or so. Sometimes less often, but sometimes even more. It just depends on what I decide to fix for dinner, and how many eggs we have for breakfast. That kind of thing. I will give you an example.

Tonight we are going to the Ashland home of Rick and Katie’s dear friends Don and Denise for a potluck dinner. I volunteered appetizers and pea salad. Well, I don’t carry 2 packages of frozen petite peas in my trailer freezer at all times! But I did have one package. But one 10-oz. package was not enough for 8 people. Therefore – a trip to the grocery store was required. After that it was a top off at the local gas station. (So much easier to fill the truck tank without the trailer hanging on to our bumper hitch!)

Speaking of bumper stickers, which I wasn’t but now I am, I recently saw a great one on the back of a trailer. It read “I go where I’m towed.” Perfect! Well, it’s time to make pea salad and get things ready for this evening. So, I’m off line for now.

**Per Wikipedia, “The Siskiyou Mountains are a coastal subrange of the Klamath Mountains and located in northwestern California and southwestern Oregon. They extend in an arc for approximately 100 miles from east of Crescent City, California Northeast along the north side of the Klamath River into Josephine and Jackson counties in Oregon.  

The mountain range forms a barrier between the watersheds of the Klamath River to the south and the Rogue River to the north. Accordingly, much of the range is within the Rogue River – Siskiyou and Klamath national forests, and the Pacific Crest Trail follows a portion of the crest of the Siskiyou Mountains.

I-5 passes through the Siskiyou Mountains at Siskiyou Summit, located just north of the Oregon-California border, and just south of Ashland, Oregon. Siskiyou Summit is the highest pass on Interstate 5, at 4,310 feet. This pass is one of the most treacherous in the Interstate highway system. The California side has a more gradual slope than the Oregon side, where the freeway climbs or descends 2,300 feet in elevation over about 7 miles. In addition, the pass includes several hazardous curves, and is frequently hit with snow, ice, and fog during winter storms. In winter, it is common for the highway to be closed one to four times per year by transportation authorities, due to hazardous conditions.”

We are now back from a lovely evening with Don, Denise, Dwayne, Gretchen, Rick and Katie. It’s always great to see old friends. Get caught up on kids, grandkids and recent or ongoing aches and pains. When I was younger and I heard older people talk about their arthritis, body irregularities, or how many pills they take each morning, etc., I vowed never to be like them when I got old. Right!

Now, I’m just as bad as the next guy. I can talk about my dysfunctional old body now as easily as reciting the recipe for Swedish meatballs! And I even understand why it happens.

When we were younger we could talk about how marvelous our children were turning out, hikes or backpacking adventures we had recently taken, ski trips we had gone on the past winter, burrow treks to places like the Pasayten Wilderness we had gone on together, (Don, Denise, Rick, Katie, Andy and I actually went on a burrow trek together to the Pasayten Wilderness many years ago), or holidays far from home where we had enjoyed similar experiences. But those lovely, easily achieved, adventurous days are over. Our kids are grown, we are retired or semi-retired from interesting jobs, but our aging bodies simply refuse to keep up with our still agile minds. So, we basically talk about the constants in our lives now. And I have to admit, it would be really hard to be the only one in a group of friends who wasn’t actually feeling their age. They say misery loves company. So, why suffer in silence. And who better to listen to your bodily tales of woe than your good friends? I rest my case! Anyway, we shared a great evening together. And I hope we can spend more time with these fine folks in the coming years.

Tuesday, May 3, 2022 – La Pine State Park, La Pine, OR – site 17-S

Woke to sunshine with a few puffy clouds having a grand time hovering here and there around the area. No ill intentions on their part. Just enough presence to give some definition to the sky.

After breakfast it was time to hook Pullwinkle (the name of our trailer) up to the truck and take “him” on another grand outing. Pullwinkle loves to follow up about. Never complains. Just stays close so he won’t get lost.

Getting from Ashland to La Pine is not a simple “give no thought to the process, simply get on the freeway, go 65 miles an hour, and within no time at all, you’re at your destination”. Some decisions have to be made after careful consideration. Because, basically, you have to get from one side of the Cascade Mountain Range, to the other side of the Cascade Mountain Range. And if you have ever crossed a mountain range, then you know it’s not usually a straight shot. Plus, some roads over mountain ranges are easier than others when you are towing a trailer. So, after much thoughtful speculation and deliberation, we basically chose the same roads we took last year. A bit of change at the beginning of the drive because last year we were camped at Valley of the Rogue SP in Gold Hill (further north on I-5). But after a few miles we basically followed the same route. Highway 62 to highway 230, turn right on highway 138 (north side of Mt. Mazama – think Crater Lake), then left onto US 97 (also known as the Dalles (OR) – California (border) Highway, and into La Pine (south of Bend).

We love this park. Quiet, well-spaced sites, and pine trees everywhere. And today – sunshine. Glorious, warm, sunshine.

So, after we unhooked, we sat outside until it got a bit too cold even with the sun beating down on me. So, into the trailer to bring this travel log up to date. Hard times for this weary traveler. Not!

I finally got around to cooking dinner at about 7:00. Then a walk around our loop before a rousing game of Skip-Bo. Then read, brush, and a brief 10-hour nap.

Wednesday, May 4, 2022 – La Pine SP

Woke to bright sunshine. Just a marvelous day to do nothing. And that’s basically what I did. I read for a while, then I wrote for a while, then I sat outside in the sun and read some more. Repeat.

While I was basically being super lazy, Andy went golfing at the Quail Run Golf Course near the town of La Pine. After 14 holes, he decided he and his pull cart had experienced enough fun for the day, and he came back to camp with two things in mind. A beer followed by a shower. Ah the simple things in life.

As we were sitting outside waiting for Rick and Katie to appear, I asked Andy about the other guys who made up his golfing foursome. He chuckled. Apparently the other 3 gentlemen were also in their 70s and also retired from careers in IT. Yes, it is a very small world.  

About 3:30 pm I started prepping for dinner. Rick and Katie had stayed an extra day at Emigrant Lake to spend more time with family. I told Katie I would fix dinner since I would be in camp already. (Plus, it was my turn to cook.) They arrived at their site right across the road from us at a bit after 4:00 pm. After getting unhooked and settled, they came over to our site and we spent a pleasant couple of hours just relaxing in the sun. Could not have been nicer.

Then into the trailer for dinner about 7:00 pm. After dessert and a wee dram, they returned to their abode while we did the dishes. Then it was read for a short time and into our comfy bed for a good nights’ sleep. Some days are just exhausting!

Thursday, May 5, 2022 – Peach Beach RV Park, Goldendale, WA (just across the Columbia River from Biggs Junction, OR) – site 28

Woke to rain. Although it had been predicted, there is always the hope that the weather people had interpreted their crystal ball incorrectly. But not this time. They had called it accurately. So, what do two NW Washington campers do if it’s raining outside? We have another cup of coffee and wait it out. No, we didn’t do that. By the time the breakfast dishes were clean and stored away, the weather had improved to the point that Andy’s hooded rain coat was basically superfluous. In other words, we lucked out! So, at about 10:30 am we were all ready to head for our next destination. We said our goodbyes to Rick and Katie because Wednesday night had been our last night together on this trip. They planned to stay 2 more nights at La Pine before heading up to Peach Beach to occupy the site we are currently calling home. Then they too would be spending their last night on the road at Wanapum SP in Vantage, WA.

This goodbye was a bit easier than some, because they will be staying with us for a couple of nights in early July. And then we have another trailer trip planned in September, so fun times together again in the not too distant future.

The drive from La Pine to Peach Beach is one we have taken many times. There is absolutely no way we could ever get lost on this route. It’s highway 97 all the way! So, put the driver on cruise control, buy him an Americana when we stop for groceries at the Safeway in Madras, and we are practically in camp before he realizes he’s been driving the entire way.

Then set up camp, have a bite of lunch, and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. And BTW, the sun is shining. Hurray!

A simple dinner of leftovers, several pages turned in our respective books, then to bed, perhaps to dream.

Friday, May 6, 2022 – Peach Beach RV Park

So, a night of delightful dreams would have been nice. Unfortunately, I spent several hours in the middle of the night unable to sleep because of bug bites on my feet and lower legs. So pleasant dreams – not so much! At one point I tried slathering the offended areas with lotion. That sometimes helps when I think the cause of itchiness is dry skin. But the lotion didn’t help in the least. So, about an hour later as I was tossing and turning and diligently trying (unsuccessfully I might add) to keep from scratching my feet and legs, that BTW now felt like they were not only itchy but also on fire, I remembered we had some Solarcaine in the bathroom medicine cabinet. So, up again to possibly get some relief. The Solarcaine helped a bit. At least enough to allow me to go back to sleep. When I awoke and told Andy about my delightful night’s “sleep”, he told me he had also been bothered by the bites he received. We weren’t sure where we had received these gifts from Mother Nature since we had sat outside at both La Pine SP and yesterday afternoon here at Peach Beach. We know we had gotten a few mosquito bites at La Pine, but the bites that were causing us the most grief were so tiny as to be almost visibly unnoticeable on our skin. We suspect the critters that got us were chiggers. Anyway, we survived. And with any luck at all, we won’t be sitting outside today at all because it is raining. And looks like it plans to make a day of providing a good sprinkling to the entire area. So, it’s reading for us, then a trip to a monastery, and dinner here in the trailer with daughter Ursala and her husband Soroush. But just before we left, the beach area next to our site was visited by some fearless mothers and their babies. Boy did those mommies keep a close eye on their little ones. And God help the person who showed any desire to even become friends. These mommies were serious about keeping their goslings free of human intervention. They actually took turns being on guard duty.

We decided we would drive up US 97 past Goldendale and stop for lunch at our favorite Greek eatery – St. John’s Monastery & Bakery. We have been enjoying food from this fine bakery for years now. And of course the food was just as good this time as it has been in the past. So, if you ever find yourself driving south on US 97 over Satus Pass, do yourself a favor and stop for lunch, a snack, espresso drink, or a clean bathroom. The bakery is south of the summit about 5 miles. It is on your left as you are going south, and for any of you who are pulling a trailer, there is a nice long parking strip just south of the bakery on the same side as the bakery. It will be well worth your while to stop. (Of course you know you can also stop at the bakery if you are heading north over Satus Pass.) Anyway…..

After a nice lunch, we decided to gas up back in Goldendale, and then take the long way back to camp.

We headed west out of Goldendale on state route (SR) 142. This 35 mile scenic road takes you first through high prairie and eventually winds up following the Klickitat River down through the beautiful Mud Spring Canyon. The road is slow, not very wide, very windy, but an absolute joy if you are not in a hurry.

Beautiful at this time of year. And just to prove that spring is actually here, there were blue lupine and balsamroot all along the way.

If you have driven carefully, you finally wind up in Lyle which is on SR 14 which runs along the Washington side of the Columbia River. For some perspective, Lyle is 76 miles east of Vancouver, WA. Takes about 1½ hours to drive.

Then back to camp to find Ursala and Soroush waiting for us. What a great evening we spent eating Ursala’s delicious enchiladas, playing games after dinner, and generally enjoying each other’s company.

The two games we played, Skip-Bo and Bendomino, are perfect games to have in a trailer. They don’t take up a lot of room, can be played by 2-4 players, and they are simple to learn. And, of course, they are fun to play!

After we bid the kids farewell, we did the dishes, and read until the print became too bleary to decipher. At which point it seemed ridiculous to stay awake any longer!

Saturday, May 7, 2022 – Wanapum State Park, Vantage, WA – site 44

Some days you luck out. And today was one of those days for us. Woke to no rain although it had rained fairly hard all night long. So, after breakfast it was time to hook up and be on our way down the road.

It is always hard to leave Peach Beach because every time we stay at this park it’s like visiting an old friend. Right on the mighty Columbia River and close enough to two major railway lines to help us get our choo choo fix for the year.

But all good things must come to an end. And since we have already been gone for 2 days short of 4 weeks, we are getting kind of eager to see our kitties and take a shower in an enclosure larger than 2’ x 3’.

So, for our last night on the road, we like to stay in another of our favorite campgrounds. So back up SR 97 through Goldendale, turn right onto SR 24 a little before reaching Yakima proper, then left (still on 24) and north across part of the Columbia Plateau, over the Vernita bridge and left onto 243, then follow the sign for Seattle, cross the I-5 bridge at Vantage, take the first exit after crossing the bridge, and follow the signs to Wanapum SP. An easy drive especially when the wind is not blowing. Today, however, the wind was very busy. Our truck and trailer were buffeted all over the road. Luckily Andy was able to keep us in our appointed lane, but it kept him busy doing so.

After getting gas and having lunch in Mattawa, it was a short few miles to camp. Easy set up. Didn’t even unhook. No need. We weren’t going anywhere. Just reading, writing, playing Skip-Bo and Bendomino, and staying in our trailer so we wouldn’t get blown into Wanapum Lake.

Tonight’s dinner – leftovers! Yeah! Then the same old routine. Read, brush fangs, take our evening pills, turn down the heat, and slip into dream land after about 10 seconds of tossing and turning. Life is just so darn wonderful.

Sunday, May 8, 2022 – Camano Island, WA – site 1082

Woke to sunny weather. But there was no time this morning for frivolity. We were on a mission. Get this trailer ready for storage. So, that means, give the kitchen and bathroom a good scrubbing. Luckily both the kitchen and the bathroom are so small, it takes almost more time to get the cleaning products out of their storage bin in the truck, than it takes to actually perform the ritual cleaning. (It should be so easy at home!) With that accomplished, we were ready to hit the road.

Since I hadn’t been driving as much as I usually do on some of our trailer trips, I decided to take the first leg of our homeward journey. Pulling a trailer up the hill going west out of Vantage, especially if you are bucking a strong head wind, can quickly become tedious. But as luck would have it, good luck that is, there was very little wind of any kind. So, climbing away from the mighty Columbia River was much easier than a few of our previous trips. Easy sailing as the old saying goes.

Then a quick stop along the shore of Keechelus Lake, which BTW is at 93% capacity, to switch drivers. Then over the pass, through Bellevue (no problem) and through Everett (the usual slow process) and on to Camano Island and our storage facility. I’m sure glad Andy is such an amazing trailer parker, because we came home to our assigned spot with a boat on one side and a motorhome on the other. A very tight squeeze. But through several tactical discussions, Andy backed Pullwinkle into place like he’d been driving 18 wheelers all his life.

Then unload the perishables, toiletries, and a few other necessary items, and it was home by 4:45 pm.

If I had to sum up our vacation in just a few words, like I could ever do that, I would say the trip was full of wonderful sights, amazing food, great visits with family and friends, and enough down time to recharge our batteries.

What more could you ask from a vacation?