Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Around The Puget Sound

This past Friday we moved to La Conner TT (Thousand Trails) Preserve. We only stayed one night. Not a great park. It seems that they are in the process of making 35 sites "permanent" monthly sites and of course most of those 35 are "choice" sites. The site we finally managed to squeeze into was narrow and very hard to maneuver the MS into as the roads are very narrow with a lot of brush that needs trimmed really bad. Once we got parked, we discovered that even though we had a hole in the trees, we could not get either TV or Internet signal. We also could only get 2 channels with the TV antenna! Well, this wasn't going to work. When I signed on to go fulltime, part of the deal was that I had all the amenities of "home" such as water, electric, TV and Internet. One night without is OK, but not 4 or more!

Saturday we drove around Anacortes looking for another park to move to. We found a nice park at the Northern Lights Casino that offered full hook-ups and free cable and wi-fi. We went back to the TT park, hitched up and moved. Dean will be writing a letter to TT about the La Conner park. After getting parked, we drove to Burlington to do some much needed shopping. That evening I went to Bingo at the Casino, but alas, didn't win. Oh well, it was fun and I met a very nice lady from Mt. Vernon that I sat with.

Sunday morning dawned a very overcast, drizzly day. We decided to go to church then do some driving around in spite of the weather. Hah! We got to the church at 10:30 am and the service was half over. Seems that they went to a summer schedule and forgot to change the hours on their web site and on the sign in front of the church. I just hate it when web sites are not kept up to date!

We drove around Anacortes and out to where the Washington State Ferry docks. At the terminal we talked to a employee about taking the ferry around the San Juan Islands. She also told us not to miss driving through Washington State Park and down to Deception Bay.

The drive through Washington State Park was nice. There is a loop road that drives along the waterfront, but high up so you can really see the islands. What she failed to tell us is that this road is a very narrow one with a couple of very tight turns. If we were in a standard vehicle there would have been no problem, but with the dully, well suffice to say we made it, but with a lot a backing up at these turns. It was worth the drive though as the sights were pretty and we saw a deer about 50 feet from the road, just standing there looking at us like we were aliens!

Driving to Deception Pass was nice, but not really scenic. The clouds were getting heavier and darker and it looked like the heavens were going to open up and dump tons of rain at any moment. We were lucky, it held off till we got to the pass, took a couple of pictures and continued on south. Looking back we could see the rain, but we didn't get any - whew! Turned out to be quite a storm we were told, with lots of lightning and thunder and rain!

Whidbey Naval Air Station was our next destination. We wanted to check out their FamCamp (campground on a military base). Wow! They have a small, but really nice FamCamp right on base and right along the sound with views that won't stop! We may have to come here for a couple of nights after our cruise - we'll see.

That was our Sunday.

Monday morning we took the truck in to have the oil changed. That is always a real exciting time for me - LOL! In the afternoon, we took the ferry, as walk on passengers, to San Juan Island and Friday Harbor. The day had started mostly cloudy, but by the time we board the ferry it was beginning to clear with lots of sunshine, yea! The cruise over was nice, but being a ferry, there was no narrative about the islands that you were passing so we just enjoyed the view. We had two hours to spend in Friday Harbor before the returning ferry back to Anacortes so we walked around town, did a little shopping and went to the Downrigger for a bite to eat. The Downrigger sits right at the harbor and the view is great as was the food. Dean had cream of asparagus soup and I had a small Cesar salad. We then split a half pound hamburger - good decision. I had decided that I didn't want dessert, but Dean asked what they had and he heard "bread pudding" that made his mind change quick. So...I had to have the white chocolate cheesecake, of course! Yummy to both! I recommend the Downrigger if you ever get to Friday Harbor - great views, great service and good food!

On the ride back to Anacortes, the sky had cleared and the snow capped mountains were totally visible. The late afternoon sun shinning on the snow made it even more beautiful. Came home tired but happy with our days adventure.

Today we are on the move again, this time to Blaine, WA. We are staying at a Passport America park for two weeks. Of course one of those weeks we will be on THE Alaska Cruise. I don't know if I'll get back to posting here until we return from the cruise. The rest of this week will be spent doing prep work, like getting a perm, having some dry cleaning done, cat to vet's, etc. So, in case I don't get back with another post we hope that you have a very HAPPY FORTH OF JULY!

Pictures from the last couple of days will be available to view at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/SchultzTravelPhotos

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Columbia River Gorge

Today was another beautiful sunny, warm day - a perfect day for a river cruise. We already had reservations for a six hour cruise on the Columbia River cruising west to Multnomah Falls and east to Viento State Park.

While waiting to board the paddle wheeler, we met a couple, Linn and Philip, from Rockville, MD - close to my hometown of Harrisburg, well kinda close. We ended up sitting across from each other in the dining room and spent most of the cruise sitting on deck with them. A really nice couple who had come to Portland for a conference. We hope that when we head back up the east coast we can meet with them again.

That's one of the perks of fulltiming - you get to meet some really nice folks that you probably would have never met if we were not living this lifestyle. Even if we never see them again, we have the memories of a wonderful day spent with a nice couple.

Back to the cruise. After boarding we were treated to a continental breakfast that was an unexpected surprise. Shortly we started off going downstream, through the Bonneville Locks and on to Multnomah Falls. There we turned around and headed back up river. At noon we had a very good lunch of salad, fruit, chicken, beef and potato wedges. Then at two we had dessert of assorted brownies, lemon bars and cheesecake. All this time, we were cruising the river with the captain giving us a commentary on the history of the river and areas that we were passing. There certainly is a lot of history in this area along with the Lewis and Clark expedition.

As we approached the Stevenson, WA area the river became a playground for board sailing
(surfboards with sails), sorry I can't remember the correct name, and kite boarders (surfboards being pulled along by a big kite). I don't remember these things being around when I was in my youth, but these guys sure seemed to know what they were doing. There are a couple of pictures in the album, but they don't show the speed that they go. We also watched one lift out of the water about six to eight feet, then land back and keep on going. Conditions in this area of the river are perfect for this sport since there is a lot of wind here. All I could feel while watching them was the pain in my arms just thinking about hold onto one of the kites and trying to stay upright. Maybe when I was a lot younger???

Today was a memorable day - meeting new friends, going through Bonneville locks, cruising, beautiful weather, and seeing more of God's creation.

What's next? Other than moving on Friday to Washington I don't know, but check back often - you never know what will be here.

Pictures available for viewing at: http://picasaweb.google.com/SchultzTravelPhotos

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Waterfalls and More

This morning dawned a bright beautiful day, much deserved after the many days of cloudy weather we experienced in Tualatin. Anyway, it was the perfect day to drive Rt. 30, the Historic Columbia River Highway. There are many waterfalls along this route, most of which are visible from the road. The most famous of the falls is Multnomah Falls which is the most visited natural attraction in Oregon every year.

Route 30 is one that I recommend that you leave your RV parked elsewhere. There are a few places on the road that are about the width of one and one half lanes. There are also a lot of areas that, if driving west, you are looking straight down the side of the mountain with only a few small rocks to mark the side of the road - no guardrail! There are some state parks with camping, but I suggest that you get on and off I-84 at the nearest exit to the campground. All that said, it was a wonderfully beautiful drive and I strongly recommend it.

Be sure to stop at Crown Point Overlook, Vista House as the views of the Columbia River and Gorge are awesome.

Pictures at: http://picasaweb.google.com/SchultzTravelPhotos

Tomorrow is our Columbia River cruise. Check back.......

Cascade Locks, Or. Area

Yesterday was move day, a whole 60 miles! Dean loves those kind of days. We took I-205 to I-84 and were very surprised that the traffic was not bad. We've been avoiding I-5 because every time we crossed it the traffic was at a standstill - this was in the Tualatin, OR area. We really like to take the back roads, but with so little mileage to do, we wanted to get parked and explore.

We had to wait for about one hour to get into our site at the Cascade Locks KOA, since we arrived early. After getting set up and having a light lunch, off we went to drive the "Fruit Loop". To drive this we got back on I-84 to Hood River, OR and then followed the map. This loop takes you past many, many orchards, vineyards, fields of lavender and fruit stands and stores. You also get some tremendous views of Mt. Hoot and Mt. Adams in Washington.

One of the side trips you can take off the loop is to Lost Lake and we decided to add this to our drive. It is about 14 miles off the main road, but the road back for the most part was good. You are climbing so of course there are the curves, but not bad. Only about the last 4 miles or so does the road get a little narrow and very curvy, this is where the county road maintenance stops and you could really tell as the shrubs along the road, at times where over the road. The drive to Lost Lake is really a pretty one as you go through heavy forest and see lots of wild flowers. Just when you think that you will never get to Lost Lake, there is the entrance to the National Park and just a short drive past the lake comes into view. Ahhh, how beautiful it is here. Another not to be missed drive if your ever in this area. I'll let the pictures do the talking but here is a sample of what we saw.



You will have to go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/SchultzTravelPhotos to see the rest.

I am now taking pictures with a new camera - I hope I made a good choice. It is a Panasonic Lumix with a 10x zoom (optical) and 40x zoom with digital added. I've been playing with it and I think it will give me the pictures I'm looking for. It also has a feature that will allow me to take continuous pictures by just holding down the button - will be great for getting the whale and eagle shots in Alaska. It has so many features along with the automatic setting feature. Had a Panasonic rep. go through all the features with me and that helped. Playing with this camera will be fun.

Today we are off in search of the waterfalls. Check back.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Granddaughters Graduation

We had the privilege to attend Darby's hooding ceremony at Western Oregon University last evening. She is married to our grandson Chris and they live in Wilsonville, OR. This was one of the most moving ceremonies that I've ever been at. Let me tell you a little about what Darby majored in.

The title is Rehabilitation Counselor Education (RCE). The objectives of this program are to prepare counselors who will facilitate employment, independent living, community integration and personal adjustments for individuals who are deaf or have disabilities. They are also educated on deafness, disability related law, rehabilitation community issues and effective techniques in advocating for appropriate services for individuals who are deaf or who have disabilities. During the course of her education in this field she was required to learn signing and become proficient in it.

The ceremony last night was not the whole University graduation, but only the RCE and RC students. There were approximately 12 students with half of them graduating from RCE. Of the six, Darby was the only one without a disability. The others were deaf and could not speak, and I have to tell you that I had tears in my eyes when listening to their accomplishments, even with all the adversity in their lives. What strong, determined individuals these people are, including our Darby. She has such a sense of caring for others that she will certainly go a long way in her future. We are so very proud of her.

Darby will "walk" this morning with the other graduates at Western Oregon University, but it will not be as meaningful as last nights ceremony was - last night was the real graduation!

CONGRATULATIONS DARBY - WE LOVE YOU!!!

Pictures are posted at: http://picasaweb.google.com/SchultzTravelPhotos

Friday, June 15, 2007

Good Times With Good Friends

We met up with Henry and Anne Goldman, some of our fulltime rv'ing friends, on Tuesday to do some coastal exploring.

Dean and I drove down to Newport to pick them up since their Jeep was in the shop. What a great reunion it was. It had been around 6 weeks or more since we had seen them last. We always have a good time together.

As Dean and I were headed to Newport we made a brief stop at Depoe Bay to see what everyone was watching. There was quite a crowd along the seawall. Well, it was high tide and it seems that there are several "horns" along the bank and they were blowing. It was so pretty and awesome at the same time. The bank along this area is made up of lava rock and the Pacific, over the years, has wore gorges and holes in the rock. When the tide is high with a lot of wave action, it pushes the water into the gorges and out the holes, creating the "horns". It really is an awesome sight.

We hurried on down to get Henry and Anne so we could get back to Depoe Bay before the tide went out to far. It had started to recede, but we did make it back in time for them to see just a little of how great it is.

Next we started whale watching - there is a whale information center along the waterfront in Depoe Bay and we stopped in to "get information". While there, the attendant said that whales had been spotted in Boiler Bay, just up the road, so off we went! It took us awhile, but see whales we did. They are just so shy, it was hard to get their picture. I think we watched them playing in the bay for about 30 min. It's so neat - they blow (through the blowhole) about three or four times, then they dive and will stay down for up to five minutes. When they dive they partially come out of the water and that's when you get to see them. Unfortunately for us, none of them breached the water - what a sight that would have been!

We then started driving south, back toward Depoe Bay and Newport. There are so many turnouts and state parks to stop at with each one offering wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean and the Oregon coastline. I just can't seem to get my fill of looking at the ocean and coast. It certainly is so different from the east coast.

We made stops at Otter Crest, Devils Punchbowl and Cape Foulweather to name a few. Every one offered it's own unique view and more whale watching.

Our last stop was at Agate Beach were we just knew we would find a million dollar stone - NOT! We did have fun hunting for it though. As we walked to the beach we found that we had to cross a fresh water stream. No problem, someone had put a pallet at a narrow spot so we could cross without getting our feet (shoes) wet. We walked along the stream, talking to some of the people that were rock gathering. One showed us what to look for to find an agate, but it didn't help us - we found none. At least I don't think the rocks we gathered are agate, but some are pretty? I think one of mine is a red jasper. We laughed as we gathered rocks, thinking back to the Lucy Arnez movie - The Long, Long Trailer, where she gathered BIG rocks during their vacation. We picked small ones so hopefully the weight won't be to bad. We had crossed back over the stream on a fallen log and when we got back to the area where we had parked - there was no visible way out except to cross the stream again and this time without benefit of a log or pallet. Dean explored (must have been the Boy Scout in him) and found a path (?) up to the road. I'm just glad that no one took my picture while trying to climb up this path - would have broke the camera for sure - LOL!

After such a wonderful afternoon of beautiful vistas along with a lot of sea air, we decided we were hungry and went to a great Chinese restaurant in Newport. Very good food. Well, at least Henry, Anne and myself thought so. Dean ordered the chicken fried rice and it was so full of "other junk" (his words) that he only ate about half and then ordered a bowl of white rice. I had sweet n sour chicken, egg roll, pork fried rice and Chinese BBQ pork. Ate most of it to!

Our last stop before taking Henry and Anne home was the docks in Newport. The harbor seals have taken over one area and the locals don't use this dock anymore - they would have to fight the seals off and I'm not sure who would win. When you look at the pictures, you will see that they are quite big!

After a wonderful afternoon we bid the Goldman's farewell and headed back to Pacific City - happy but tired. The drive back took about 90 min. even though it is about 50+ miles. There are a lot of 30 mph areas that really slow you down.

On Wed. it was overcast and rainy - a real good day to do laundry and just relax. In the afternoon the sun did peek out so we decided to drive north to Meares State Park to see the lighthouse. The ride there was really terrible - very, very rough roads, but some pretty sights!

We ended up in Tillamook, so stopped at the Safeway for a few groceries and then came back home for the evening.

Thursday dawned with more sun than clouds and we had decided previously to meet Henry & Anne back at Depoe Bay for another high tide display.

We met around 1 p.m. - high tide time, but were disappointed. Even though the tide was high, the seas were calm, so there was no great display of the "horns". We went back to the devils punchbowl expecting to see something more than an empty hole - we found it full of sea water, but no great display of force there either. Guess it just was not our day. After a late lunch at Izzy's we parted company, not knowing where or when we will meet again - but be sure - we will!

Pictures are at this web site:

http://picasaweb.google.com/SchultzTravelPhotos

Till next time.......

Monday, June 11, 2007

Pacific City and Lincoln City, Oregon

Saturday before the rain set in we drove to Pacific City, the closest town to the park. There is not a lot there, a few restaurants, motels and condo's. We stopped by the beach to get a picture of Haystack Rock and to our surprise, there were quite a few people there. We later found out that they were having the dory (fishing boat) blessing later in the day.

Today, Monday, we drove to Lincoln City to check it out. A larger town south of us that has fuel, groceries and even a outlet center! After driving through town, we stopped at a nice family restaurant, Hillside Restaurant, for lunch. Pretty good food. After lunch we went to the Tanger Outlet Center where I purchased some new shoes. I had two pair that I've been wanting to replace and finally did it today. I love the Easy Spirit shoes but only buy them at outlets because of their price. Today I got two pair with the second pair being 50% off and they were on sale already.

I heard there was a casino in town so off we went in search and of course, we found it. I came out $15.00 ahead but Dean really surprised me - he lost $13.00! He usually doesn't spend more than $5.00. He makes me laugh when he says casino - he pronounces it ca -SIN - o. Guess he has a point.

After playing for a couple of hours, we left (while I was still ahead) and did some shopping at the Safeway then came home to watch the sunset over the Pacific. It's nine o'clock as I'm typing this and the sun is still visible. It doesn't get dark until around 9:45 p.m. here. The days are long as it begins getting light around 4:30 a.m.

For pictures of Pacific City coast and Lincoln City coast go this like and then click on the file for each:

http://picasaweb.google.com/SchultzTravelPhotos

Till next time.....

Saturday, June 09, 2007

Back On The Oregon Coast

After a week inland, I was ready to head back to the sea, well, the Pacific Ocean. I just love the ocean and never get tired watching it.

We are currently at a 1000 Trails park, Pacific City, which is located just north of the city with the same name. The park is nice if you like hills, and I mean some steep ones! After searching, we found a full hookup site with view of the southern sky for the dish and sneak peeks of the ocean through the trees. We are now set up and staying here until June 15th. At that time we will move to Tualatin, Oregon, just south of Portland. Our granddaughter-in-law is graduating, getting her Masters, so we are going back for that.

Yesterday dawned a bright beautiful day with clear skies, full sun and decent temperatures although there was a coolness in the ocean breeze. Since the weatherman is calling for rain over the weekend, we figured it was a perfect day to explore north of us.

We started out for the Tillamook Cheese factory in Tillamook, OR. This factory has a self guided tour which was very interesting and informative. There are windows to look through down onto the factory floor. We saw cheese curds being pressed into 40 lb blocks and sealed for storage (to age), and two kinds of cheese being cut from 40 lb blocks and packaged for shipment to stores. It was very interesting to watch the operation. Of course there was cheese sampling and since they also make ice cream, sampling of that as well. The cheese sampling was disappointing. There were only four kinds of cheese out of who knows how many different kinds they make, to sample. When we visited Cabot Cheese factory in Vermont last summer, they had just about every kind of cheese they made out to sample - much better! I did buy some white very sharp cheddar which is my favorite for snacking.

After finishing up in Tillamook we decided to drive on north to Seaside and check out the 1000 Trails park there.

One thing that we noticed on this drive is that it is very different from the drive along the southern coast in that you are driving inland more and see very little of the Pacific. You do pass through some quaint fishing villages and towns that sit by a bay and just every now and then you get a peek at the Pacific. It was an interesting drive anyway.

The park at Seaside looks nice, and flat! I emphasize the flat because most all the parks we been to on the coast have been hilly. After driving through and check for the best sites in the park we drove into town hunting for a restaurant that was recommended - Norma's. Not hard to find and I had the first crab cakes I've had in over a year! Ummm, delicious. Dean, being the landlubber he is, had a BLT - to each his own - LOL.

After having a great meal we started the 58 mile trip back to Pacific City with a stop in Tillamook at the Safeway for some grub - this is the closest grocery store to us right now, about 20 miles from the park.

As I mentioned above, it is to rain all day - 80% chance, and the skies really look heavy this morning, so I think we will be spending the day just relaxing, maybe go check out the clubhouse etc. There is a nice enclosed swimming pool here, but doubt that we will use it. No one wants to see ME in a bathing suit - especially ME!!!

Click on this link for the pictures of this journey:

http://picasaweb.google.com/SchultzTravelPhotos/2007_06_08OregonCoastPacificCityToSeaside

Till next time.......

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Our Time Inland near Portland, OR

Really, I guess it's time for me to update the blog. We moved inland from the coast last Thursday and settled down at Portland-Dayton RV Park in Dayton, Oregon.

While I have not taken any pictures of this park, I'll tell you a little about it. Paved road's, level concrete pads, pull-throughs and some back-ins, 50 amp and full hookups. The rates are not to bad - we paid $135 for the week w/senior discount. They are not a Passport American park. There is an older couple who seem to be running the park along with another man who does maintenance. They are very nice and seem ready to help with any problems. The park is quite large, around 200 sites, and therefore there are quite a few "permanent rv's" around the perimeter - the back in sites. Most are kept well and not trashy, but there are a few that could use a little clean-up. I would recommend this park if you don't want to be right off the interstate and like a country setting. It is about 40 min to Portland, 10 to McMinnville and there are other small communities nearby. There are also around 200 vineyards in the surrounding area with lots of wineries open with tasting rooms. Great if you are into wine!

One of the many vineyards.......



On Saturday we drove to Taulatin where Chris, our grandson, was helping his church with a car wash. We figured it was a good time to get the truck clean again! After the car wash was over we went to the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville with Chris and his wife, Darby. The main purpose for visiting this museum was to see the Spruce Goose. This museum is not a large facility by comparison to the one at Pensacola NAS or at Wright-Patterson AFB. Also in my opinion, their entrance fees were quite high. But, we wanted to see the Spruce Goose so we paid the piper and in we went. I wish I could say that it was worth the price but I guess it depends on just how bad you want to look at an airplane. Of course there were many other airplanes on display but after visiting the Navy and Air Force museums, this paled in comparison. I think that I've visited my last aviation museum for a long time.

One of the wings and looking forward from the tail section of the Spruce Goose - there are actually four engines on each wing!



Looking back to the tail section...



The cockpit of the Spruce Goose.....



Some facts of the Spruce Goose or H-4 Flying Boat: weight is approx 400,000 lbs, length is 218 ft 8 in., wing span is 319' 11", height of the tail is 79' 4", it flew one time on Nov 2, 1947 and went a little over a mile at an altitude of 70 feet for one min. The cost - $25 million!

Chris and Darby at the museum...



Driving the back roads in this part of Oregon is absolutely beautiful. There are farms of every kind and it seems like every house has flowers around it. And rose bushes, wow - I've never seen rose bushes so full of blooms - stunning. We even saw a field of lavender. I wanted to stop for a picture but there was no place to pull off the narrow two lane road and of course there was traffic just when we wanted to stop! I did get this picture of a Christmas Tree farm - now I know where Christmas Tree's come from.
Here is the link to other pictures:
See ya down the road......