Washington

"On the road again"....... On the way back from Portland, just as we were entering Tillamook we had a "blow out", well actually a "blow off" on the trailer. The right back tire came completely off and we were riding on the rim. Alan put the spare on and lucky for us there was a tire store just a couple miles down the road. Two hours later and after a great lunch of clam chowder and fish & chips, we were on the road again with a new rim and four new trailer tires. The coast continued to be beautiful as we headed for Washington. Since we had a little delay by the time we got to Astoria we were getting tired so just as we got into WA we lucked upon a lovely state park Cape Disappointment. Astoria and driving over the bridge into WA: Cape Disappointment is where the Columbia River comes into the Pacific Ocean. Lewis & Clark's expedition came down the Columbia River to the Pacific before heading back to St. Louis. While at the park we visited the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Fort Canby. There was a working lighthouse out on the point and the views from the center were beautiful. We also had lost the rain and had a beautiful day for our adventures. The campsite was level and big and we had great neighbors. A couple from Camas, WA who had their grand-kids with them for a week. The beach was close and covered in drift wood.....we had nice long walks with the puppies. There were lots of forts built with the drift wood and we also saw some debris from the Japan Tsunami. Saturday, June 1st.....on our way to Port Townsend. Again beautiful coast line and beautiful scenery as we continued our drive up Hwy 101. Along the way there was this beautiful little lake, Cresent Lake. It had pine trees all around it and a few cabins but it was so clear and beautiful we could have stayed for a week. We made it to Port Townsend in the early afternoon and found an RV spot at Hudson Point Marina and RV Park right on the Pugent Sound. Not the best RV site we've ever had but the view was spectacular and we had a nice restaurant 200 ft. from the trailer's door, "Doc's Grill". First time I had seen "Mac & Lobster" and it was great. It was so nice to sit and watch all the sailboats, ferries, cruise ships, and big ships coming and going. The first picture is the RV Park and Marina taken from the ferry when we left Pt. Townsend for Coupeville. On Sunday we drove around the quaint little town and took the dogs to the dog park for a good run then back to the trailer for a nap while Alan and I walked the shops of main street. We found a nice little cafe for a bite to eat and they were having a little jam session. Enjoyed soup and a sandwich while we listened to some locals play a little music. Again we could have stayed longer in Port Townsend, such a nice little town with water on 3 sides. Looks like another trip up the coast is in our future. There were deer everywhere...along the streets, in people's yards.... Monday, June 3rd....Caught the sun rise on the sound then off to catch the ferry from Port Townsend over to Coupeville. First time taking the 5th wheel on a ferry and first ferry ride for Jake and Kallie. We were the second vehicle on the ferry and right up front. We got out to take some pictures then enjoyed the rest of the ride looking out from the truck. It was an easy on and off and wouldn't hesitate doing another ferry ride. We found a great campsite at Ebey State Park then off to "Toby's Tavern" to meet up with some old cruising friends. We first met John and Gaye in Mazatlan, MV Maestra, where they were docked next to us. They had a cat named "Daria" and we took care of her while they took a little inland trip. They told us about their Tavern on Whidbey Island and who knew we would finally make it there. Their other cruising friends George & Sonia M/V Cackling Goose and Les & Rose SV Voyager were also in town so we had a wonderful time eating mussels, fish & chips, and talking cruising adventures. They invited us all over to their lovely home for some dessert and we got to see Daria. What a great way to spend the day. TThanks John and Gaye for such wonderful hospitality. Group Picture (L) to (R) Alan, Mac, Gaye, Rose, Les, Sonia, George, and John: Nice drive up Whidbey Island with a stop at Deception Pass. Last stop in WA was Birch Bay and the Lighthouse RV park. It was time for some laundry and trailer clean up before heading into Canada the next day. They had a big green lawn area behind the trailer sites and the puppies enjoyed running around and watching the big black crows.

Oregon

Monday May 20th - Left the Klamath River area and headed for Gold Beach Oregon Another place you always see and never stop at is The Trees of Mystery. We stopped on our way to Gold Beach but it was so foggy we didn't hike around or take the tram ride. Alan named the truck "Babe, the Blue Ox" so we did go into the gift shop to get a stuffed ox and window sticker for the truck. We were surprised to find a museum of Indian artifacts ...it's the largest collection owned by one person. The women working the museum was a kick and was a great source of information on questions we had. Stopped in Cresent City for a few supplies and got settled into the Turtle Rock RV Park in the afternoon. Once the trailer was set up we lined up a dog sitter for the next day and went over to Jerry's Rogue River Jet Boats and booked a trip for the next day. Tuesday May 21st - Rogue River Jet Boat Ride Up early, got the puppies checked into "Doggy Day Camp" and headed for Jerry's. The Rogue River Valley is noted for it's jet boat rides up the Rogue River and normally I would say they are well worth it. The scenery was beautiful and normally you get to see wild life while the experienced pilots take you through rapids, do spins and turns, and try to get you wet to cool you off from the hot sun. Well, the rain started just before we boarded the boat and didn't stop for 90% of the trip. The scenery was beautiful and we got to see a few bald eagles but it was wet and cold the entire trip. We did do a few fun turns and going through the rapids was a kick but it would have been much better on a warmer, dryer day. When we got back to the dock they had gift certificates for us giving us each $50 off on our next trip on a warmer and dryer day. Weds May 22nd - Left Rogue River Valley and headed for Coos Bay/North Bend The truck was having a few issues with the heating/ac fan so we scheduled an appointment at Coos Bay Ford to have it looked at. We found The Mill Casino RV Park close to the Ford dealership and checked in for a couple of days. The casino was having comedy night so after checking in we headed over for a light snack, a couple of beers, and some comedy. Thurs May 23rd - Laundry, Puppy Baths, Truck Fixed, Shopping Friday was spent getting the truck fixed, giving the puppies a bath, and doing some shopping. Still raining..... Friday May 24th - Left coos Bay and drove to the Tillamook Valley to the Bayview Jetty County Park in Garibaldi. We had rain off and on but once we finally got settled into the park the sun came out Yahoo! Since it was Memorial Day Weekend we made reservations a few days ago fearing we wouldn't find a spot to camp. They didn't have any spaces with hookups so we took one without. After we arrived and checked in we were just getting ready to park the trailer and they came by to tell us they had a cancellation and we could have a spot with full hookups if we wanted. Since we were planning on staying 4 nights we accepted the offer...how lucky are we? Friday afternoon and Saturday have been okay...some sun and no rain to speak of. On Saturday we went over to see the Tillamook Cheese Factory. It was kind of commercial but got to see some of the production lines and they have "Killer Ice Cream". Sunday was on and off nice but today is rainy again so Alan is reading Dan Brown's new book "Inferno" and I'm working on the blog. (Most parks have free wifi but this one you have to purchase it by the day.) We've had nice neighbors while camping here and enjoyed long walks along the jetty and the beach. It's nice to have four days to relax before we drive again and we are sure enjoying the Oregon coast. Tomorrow we head off to the Portland area. Our Fisher Investment Counselor, Lee, is in Camas, Washington just across the river from Portland. We have never had the pleasure of meeting Lee since he was assigned to us after we left for Mexico but he has gone out of his way to help us in some pretty remote places. It will be fun to finally catch up. Then back to Hwy 101 and more Washington coastline.

California

Weds. May 15th, 2013 - 11:00 a.m. finally off for Alaska First stop Napa, CA to visit Don, Amanda, and our little Miss Ruby Belle. We stayed at the Skyline Wilderness Park a nice campground on the outskirts of Napa. First test of leaving the puppies in the trailer alone,after 3 1/2 hours they did great! We had fun playing with Ruby...............she is so active but when it was time to leave so loving....we had at least three big hugs and kisses each, what a way to start a trip. Thursday May 16th - Leaving Napa for Benbow RV Park Our goal for the first part of the trip was to take Hwy 101 all the way up through California, Oregon, and Washington to Canada stopping at all those places we didn't have time for when we were off on some other adventure. One stop I always wanted to make was along the way at the roadside carving stands. Friday May 17th - Brunch at the Benbow Inn The Benbow RV Park was nice but I always wanted to stay at the Benbow Inn (est. in 1926). Well I still haven't stayed in one of the rooms but we had a nice brunch and got to walk around the Inn and gardens. Saturday May 18th - Headed North to the Klamath River Next stop was the Klamath River with Alan's chance to go and explore Fern Canyon. Along the way we left Hwy 101 and drove up the Ave. of the Giants, again it seems like you never take the time....so glad we did. The drive was beautiful. We got into Kamp Klamath and got camp set up then headed for the lookout to watch the mother whales taking their calves up the coast. It was kind of cold but we never get tired of watching mother nature at it's best. Sun. May 19th - Took the Fern Canyon Hike Off to Fern Canyon. The canyon was created millions of years ago...the retreating sea left the coastal bluffs behind. Waters draining to the ocean sculpted the rocky formations of the canyon walls. Some of the ferns climbing the walls are ancient species who's ancestry can be traced back 325 million years. It was a bit tricky at times navigating the stream and logs (I gave up and figured my feet were going to get wet anyway so I forgot the logs and just trudged trough the stream.) but the walk was well worth the effort and breath taking. The pictures do not do it justice. On the way back to Hwy 101 from Fern Canyon we got to see a herd of Elk. We pulled over to watch and some walked right behind the truck. When we got back to camp we relaxed and Alan played guitar. The camp owner stopped by and asked if he wanted to have a little "Jam Session" later and of course the answer was yes. Douglas, the owner, also played guitar and harmonica and another camp guest played the base tub. Never actually played with a base tub before but it was fun. We had about 15 people all gathered around the camp fire and enjoying some good conversation and music. What a nice way to spend our last night in California. ***Note...first time using the new "Blog Spot" format...not happy with picture layouts but got tired of messing with it. Hopefully before the trip is over I'll get better at the posts. P.S. You can click on any picture to make it larger.