Jun 2009

Another beautiful sunrise and day on the Oregon Coast. The temperature still hovering around 62 with the on shore wind blowing. Just lounged around the coach doing odd chores today. RELAXING.

As you can see, Barbara is up and running with the camera and loading photos onto the sight.

WINDY WINDY WINDY. All along the coast on our trip from Gold Beach up to Lincoln City, OR. Being Sunday, there was lots of traffic, especially bicycles. Some of the shoulders were barely wide enough for them. Temperature hovered around 62 all day. Got into Lincoln City, set up and then went to explore the area. Found a store to do some shopping in. We tried a new salmon meal for dinner. You soak a sheet of cedar, paper thin, in wine. Then you wrap the salmon and place it on the BBQ. Worked great, moist and tasty.

One of the highlights of the trip happened today. We had made arrangements to ride the jet boat up the Rogue Rives. They stopped at out camp ground to pick us up. We left the dock about 830 in a 31 foot aluminum boat powered by 3 super charged Chevy 6.2 engines. The boat will carry about 40 people. Off we go, this boat can do a 360 turn in the length of the boat and the driver knows how to do that. As we progress up the Rogue River we see all kinds of animals; otters, dear, geese, ducks, turtles eagles, comarants, and others. We pass several fishermen trying for the last of the spring salmon run. As we proceed upstream the river becomes narrower and wilder. Shooting rapids, dodging rocks and rafters. We went 52 miles up stream to the end of the river for powered boats. From that point further is for rafters coming down from Grants Pass. We then proceeded down stream a few miles to a lodge for lunch. When we left the camp it was 64 outside, at lunch, and further inland it was 90.
Finally the day had to come to an end, at 3:30 we returned to our dock. Time to relax and plan the next few days.

Day down to sleep in and work around the coach. Our campground is right on the Rogue River. You can see the rafters and the jet boats passing bay. Fishing is usually good, but it is inbetween runs at the moment. Weather here is very good, no wind. Went to town, Gold Beach, and the on shore wind was cold and bitter. Stopped by Jerry's Jet Boat to find out some information as we will be riding them tomorrow.

Left the campground later this morning as we had coordinated with the Bredahls about meeting in Trinidad at noon.
The exit out of the camp ground took us by the two new bridges they have been working on for 3 years. The larger is 6 feet higher than the Golden Gate. They are being built because the hill side where the current road is has been moving about 10 inches a year and will soon slide into the valley. This would close the 101 route for several months.
Moving on we drove thru large groves of trees and beautiful beach sights. Met the Bredahls and continued on to Gold Beach. The wind was nearly a gale here. Luckily our camp ground is east of town and protected.
We are right on the Rogue River.

Stayed the night in Half Moon Bay, a delightful little town on the coast. Left about 0800 and headed up and over the hills to connect with interstate 280 and a direct route into San Francisco. The up and over was curvy and busy, bumper to bumper. Got on to the interstate and came up to San Francisco on the west side. As it turned to go downtown, we exited and got back on CA 1 and headed directly for the bridge. It was city street driving, but very easy. Go on to the Golden Gate Bridge and headed North. No toll, as we were heading out of town, only inbound have to pay. The marine layer had lifted some and we could see the top of the bridge and Alcatraz Island.
Stayed on 101 until Petaluma where we again go back onto CA 1. Again a windy, hillly road along the coast.
Had planned to spend the night at Mendocino, but still had time left in the day so continued on to Legget.
Stayed at the Redwoods River RV Park. Huge trees beautifu area.

Today is Coast Day. We left Santa Maria on the 101 and headed north. At San Luis Obisbo we turned west onto the CA 1 or the extension of PCH. This follows the coast all the way to Monterey. The route is narrow, windy and hilly, not recommended for semis. But, as usual it was the type of road we like. There was not much traffic and unfortunately the views were obstructed by fog. But we had a good time driving it. It was tideous at times and tiring also. We arrived in the quaint town of Half Bay Moon about 3 pm and set up at the campground.
The wind had stopped and the sun was shining so dinner out side was a reality.

Left Long Beach at 0800, towards the tail end of rush hour. Except rush hour in LA is 24/7. Took the 405 past LAX, the airport and old stomping grounds while based there. Into Santa Monica where we turned left on the 10. This road dead ends in about 5 miles at the ocean, where we turned right onto the 1. This we followed all along the coast and the neat beach houses. Thru Malibu and up to Point Mugu and Oxnard. From there it was inland roads passing thru the coastal areas. Made a stop at Buellton and had some Andersons Pea soup for lunch, always good.
Then into Santa Maria. We stayed at the Elks lodge which is much better than the one in Sun City. This lodge can seat 600 for a dinner. In Santa Maria we met my cousin Richard and his wife Georgia, whom we have not seen for a few years. Went to dinner at Jocko's in Nipomo, just up the road. Jocko's is famouse for steaks, chops and chicken cooked on an open wood fire. Had a very good meal and headed home.

Happy Fathers Day!! Woke to a great day, no marine layer so the sun was shining first thing this morning.
Went out to Fathers Day breakfast at the Long Beach Cafe, over 80 years old. They have really great food.
After we drove South on the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) looking at the houses and the beaches. Lots of RV's parked in the beach parking lots with lots of people on the beach. Huntington Beach was hold an arts and crafts fair so walked the booths. Nothing we couldnt live with out. Headed back to the campground to read the paper and relax. Late afternoon we loaded the bikes on the coach and prepared for departure Monday morning.

Day started with a thicker marine layer and a little drizzle, just enough to wet the windshields on the Ford. Spent the morning lounging as we had to move our coach from one site to another. Finally the other party left and we moved, got set up. After lunch we took the bikes and headed North from the campground. We found out the bike trail went all the way to downtown Los Angels, some 50 miles to the North. We rode a few miles but the scenery was not all that good. Just the river on one side and industrial on the other. Under the various bridges there was lots of evidence of people living, did not like the situation. We headed back to the RV Park and then went further South to Shore Line and the beach. It was Saturday so Shoreline Village was very crowded. Returned home for happy hour and dinner.

Another beautiful day in Long Beach, but the marine layer is a little thicker and did not burn off until after noon.
Went to the local Farmer's Market in the AM. Lots of booths for fresh and organic vegitables. One of the big sellers were the blossoms from zuchini plants. Guess you can put them in tacos and other dishes. Rode the bikes around the Shoreline Village area. This consists of many touristy shops and lots of restaurants on the water. Had lunch at one then rode back to the campground. Still fighting the remains of my cold so took the afternoon off and just relaxed. That is the beauty of Long Beach.

Woke to a beautiful day in Long Beach, slight clouds that were burning off early. Found a problem with the toilet, it was leaking water near the back. Thought it might be the O-ring, but that did not solve the problem. SOOO call in the RV Doctor. In the mean time a friend drove down from Pasadena to have lunch with us. It is all getting too busy.
Told the repairman to fix what ever needed fixing as we were heading to Belmont district for lunch. Had ta great time talking with Gary about RNPA business and personal things. Got back to the coach and the toilet was out of the coac and being rebuilt. Took awhile to disassemble it and rebuild the entire mechanical portion, BUT it was worth it.
Works great now. Just relaxed the rest of the day, still fighting the cold.

Here goes the summer trip. Up at 0500 to do the final items in closing the house and connecting up the Ford to tow. But, what is this falling from the sky??? It is light rain, haven't seen that in Phoenix for a long time. Just enough to leave water spots on the car. All went well in closing and we were on the road by 0700. Seemed like there was lots of traffic for that time of day. We stopped in Ehrensburg, milepost 1 in AZ, for fuel. Last chance to buy cheap diesel.
From there continued on interstate 10 until Beaumont, then took the 60, less traffic. Finally joined the 91, more traffic but better road and then the 710. It terminates at the container port in Long Beach. Our campground was one exit short of the port. Got all set up and relaxed for the rest of the day.