Today, our journey continues with a new co-pilot, Mocha Teal, alongside Tilly and the cherished memory of Dakota, who too has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Together, we continue to travel the highways and byways of this wonderful nation.
Tonight is it, end of May. We started this journey on April 23rd, and here we are just outside of Ocean City, Washington. Our stay will be 4 nights, from 30th of May, to June 2, then it will be time to move on.
I have been remiss, in not posting photos or writing up our stays in the campgrounds. However, if you go to our map, you will see where we stayed, cost and maybe photos of the areas.
Our stay here pleasant and wonderful - even if it is cool and windy sometimes on the beach. It is a 1/4 mile walk to the beach, Dakota and Tilly love it. We normally take 2 walks a day, on the beach. Hey what's a little sand in and out of the coach.
Today, we stopped by a wood carving and furniture wood store, a few photos of the items:
Also, if you haven't heard we are going for a new table look.
Check out the Videos of what we are striving for:
We located some redwood, which we are going to take a good look at and see if there is enough to do it. This is will be a long turn project, meaning no 1 or 2 weekends. So, be on the look-out the next time you see us.
You know one thing about large cities ? The traffic, cars, and lot's of them. So, being in Vancouver, Wa., I decided we needed a big change up in our setting.
So it was off to Mt. Hood, specifically a hike called the Mirror Lake Trail.
The sign stated 2.1 miles one way, this says a little different. In all it lasted a little less than 2 hours. Once back we headed up to the Timber Lodge, which sits around 5000 ft elevation. From there we sw snow, and some ice climbers coming back down.
Oh, did I forget, we landed at the Elk's Lodge in Vancouver, Wa., nice place, except for I-205 runs next to the lodge. So be prepared for road noise. For $20, we have 30 amps, water, and we have access to showers inside the lodge.
Once we landed on Tuesday, we headed downtown for a short walk. As cities go, this one does not really have a good walking area. We did manage to get in a hour walk along the river and a small park where an open air market is held on Saturday's.
The link is a map of a specific highway and provides details along that route. It will list, campgrounds, golf, beaches, museums, and other places along the route. You can scanned thru the map, or even download a copy of the route in PDF file.
So, getting back to Tunnels, Oh my:
There are 2 tunnels along the 101 highway, which from a distance, you'll say "WHOA", but fear not, slow down and take a close look at the distant sign markings on the face of the tunnel. Hug the centerline a little, be on the lookout for large vehicles coming from the opposite direction and before you know it - you're thru
Cape Creek Historic Tunnel Bridge
This tunnel is just North of Arch Cape
So, sit back, ride along and take in the beautiful views as you ride up the beach and remember to stop along the way.
On Friday, Dakota and I decided to on a Walk-A-Bout to Heceta Beach and have some fun:
And yes my ears were cold, but they warmed up as we continued our walk.
Friday was a teaching day along with wine and dinner with very close friends:
Saturday was spent visiting, and traveling around the area. Some went to the Seal Caves, others to the beach and some to town for the cars cruise in town celebrating Rhody Days.
In the evening, we all gathered for a BBQ/Potluck dinner hosted by the owners of Heceta Beach Rv. It was a wonderful meal to be had by all.
And Some People just have to get REAL close to the Camera Len's
We made it to Heceta Beach Rv Park, a short 5 minute walk to the Oregon Beach. Allen Green (Alfa Owner), started working here, and reached out and inquired about a small gathering.
Very smart, as this allows Alfa's to come together and brings in business for the owner.
We arrived, around 9ish on Thursday (May 17), parked setup and What? No service on Satellite (WineGard Traveler). Oh well not the end of life, they have cable and we have our trusty manual satellite setup. We get her all done, aligned and I have my local news.
Dakota and I checked out the beach, played a little catch and release and headed back home. Did a few more clean up things and readied for a Happy hour. That is after watching Chuck Berry wash the bugs off the front of his coach. Sorry no Pic's., I was a little slow on the take. Get it "The Take".
The first order of business while I was walking back and forth? New couple having problems with leveling jacks. In all, bad and over-heated motor, which could have taken out the pump. So, I will post some info and where to get help.
Safe Journeys and Travels
DaGirls Rv - Traveling this wonderful Country
Susan, Tilly, Dakota and Me
What, you're in Florence, what, how, what happened in between?
Well, we didn't change routes, nor did we get lost while we were traveling, it just seems, that it was better to delay reporting where we were.
At last report, we stopped in Burns, Oregon at the Harney Fair Grounds for the night, we left the next day, early and landed at the Elks Lodge in Bend. 50 amps, take on water, $20/night, but the price for drinks were twice as high as the Elks Lodges in Mountain Home, and Caldwell. Can't say that they are broke, not with those prices. But hey, as lodges go, this one is ok, but the sites required blocks under the front wheels to level.
We spent time hanging around, went to see the lava river cave, did a couple of 2 miles hikes, and even stopped into a brew pub for a pint.
We left on Sunday and stopped over at friends in La Pine for 2 nights, Larry and Ginger's place. We loved the place so much, we may start looking for a lot to park the Rv on. Dakota was in her element, Free Range Dog at Larry's place.
On Da Road from Burns to Bend
On Saturday we went to see the Lava River Cave south of Bend.
