BROOKINGS HARBOR, OREGON

Yesterday was a good travel day, so Larry and I took a trip to California.  We learned very quickly that the distance to the California line was only 4 miles from where we are staying...Cresent City was about 20 miles from here.  It's amazing how close the Ocean was to Highway 101.  This picture was taken on the California Coast.  The dots in the distance are surfers riding the waves.  They seemed to be having the time of their life...It was a cool day and I'm sure the water was much cooler...to each his own.  (smile)  We also enjoyed a trip through the Redwoods in Northern California.  After returning to Brookings, we walked down to the shops about a mile down the road.  We have been walking from 45 minutes to one hour every day to help mitigate all the eating and over-eating we have been doing in the last month or so.  The exercise has been great, but it's not taking the pounds off fast enough...oh well, try, try again.  Everyone take care and be safe.  Warm regards.  Larry and Sharon

BEACHFRONT RV PARK-BROOKINGS, OREGON

We are here in Brookings, Oregon.  Today was a beautiful day for travel.  The top picture is one taken along Highway 101 enroute to Beachfront RV Park.  The Oregon Coast has countless opportunities to take breath-taking pictures.  The bottom picture was taken at the RV Park.  As you can see, the sunset was memorable.  What a sunset to enjoy and remember.  Brookings is our last stop in Oregon before we head to Reno, Nevada for Hot August Nights.  Tomorrow will be a day of rest, followed by a trip to Crecent City, California...it's about 15 miles south here.  Have a good night...will be in touch!

LEAVING FLORENCE...Suislaw Campground and Marina

Leaving Florence means we are saying goodbye to friends we met along the way.  From left to right are Karen, Al, Jill, Ron, and you all know Paul and Larry.  Ron, Jill and Al graced us with crab just about daily.  Plus, they had a wood fire burning at night...a sign of true camping when you can tell stories around the fire side.  We did learn that Ron and Jill will be at the Balloon Festival in New Mexico, so we will see them there along with other friends. In a few hours Larry and I will be leaving for Brookings, Oregon which is our last stop before Reno and Hot August Nights car shows.  Paul and Gina will be heading to Coos Bay while many will stay here.  As you can see Larry was not up to taking another picture, so I caught him by surprise and off guard...those are the best kind of expressions.  Way to go!

SEAFOOD GUMBO IN FLORENCE, OREGON

Hello everyone.  We are still in Florence with a great day and great weather!   We also met Ron and Jill from California...they love to crab...and great company.  You guessed it (maybe), the special of today was Seafood Gumbo.  They supplied the crab and lots of it and Mom (Sharon) made the Gumbo.  We topped off the meal with freshly made blackberry pies...and ice cream for a few of us.  The picture above shows Larry and Paul in their splendor on the banks of the Florence Marina...just chilling.  This picture was taken before the gumbo feast.  You can just imagine how full they were after the feast.  We will be here until Thursday or Friday and then on to Brookings, Oregon which is our last stop before leaving the beautiful state or Oregon.  Be safe...

LEAVING NEWPORT...ARRIVING FLORENCE, OREGON

We are now in Florence, Oregon...another beautiful city on the Pacific Ocean.  However, we were treated with an excellent performance last night by Nehemiah Brown at Whaler's Resort in Newport.  The theme of his performance with the assistance of his lovely wife began in Hawaii, then to tunes by Nat King Cole and others, followed by a few down home gospel songs.  The singer, Nehemiah Brown, is shown in the second picture.  These shows are part of his ministry throughout the US.  Here in Florence we are staying at the Port of Siuslaw Campground and Marina.  The first picture shows the Marina from the deck of a small shop nessled in Old Town.  Today we visited some of the shops and walked to the Sunday Farmer's Market.  Although the weather was overcast and brezzy, it was a nice dry day.  Tomorrow we will visit the remaining shops for starters.  Larry and Paul will get up at the "crack of dawn" to get a jump on the donut shop where donuts are driven in every other morning from Reedsport, Oregon...the best donuts this side of the Mississippi...very, very good.  More to follow in the next day or two...be safe.

OREGON COAST AQUARIUM - Newport, Oregon

I don't know where to start with this day...so I will begin at the beginning.  First a trip to downtown Newport.  Fred Meyers has replaced "Wally World".  The Oregon Aquarium in Newport was a place we visited today.  Our goal was to see the Deep Water Passage that is a underwater sea world.  You are able to see underwater life in the true sense of "as it's happening".  The pictures above are two of many, many taken.  We were under water in a passage with sharks and other fish swimming above and around us.  What you see are two great white sharks in hot persuit of other fish in the sea.  Although there were several shark species, the great whites are by far the most intriquing.  We spent about a hour and a half with our "ooos" and "ahhhhs" before leaving for our next adventure.  Around the corner from the Aquarium is a great place to shop that reflects a pirate theme.  We took pictures of the pirates and some of the shops visited.  After much playing, we went back to the RV park for a bar-b-que...oh what fun.  Paul and Gina "bar-b-qued" corn, ribs, hamburger, hotdogs, hotlinks and veggies; and Larry and I made dessert...an 'ole' fashioned banana pudding.  It was hard to move after consuming so much food.  Oh...today was a very beautiful day!

NEWPORT, OREGON-Coastal Waters

Newport is beautiful...I believe these costal waters are some of the best in the world.  We took these pictures on a day trip from Newport to Florence, Oregon.  The weather hung around 70 degrees and sunny.  We stopped for lunch at an all you can eat buffet...If we don't step up our exercising, we will be looking for new wardrobes as well...hopefully not...but the food was wonderful.  We are still in Newport and plan to spend tomorrow in "Old Town" near and around the Newport Marina.  There is a wonderful Aquarium at the Newport Marina that we plan to visit, time permitting.  We will be leaving Newport this coming Sunday enroute to the Marina at Florence.  The name of the Marina is Port of Siuslaw Campground and Marina.  Shopping and eating is within walking distance of the Park with much to do and see.  Until the next blog...stay connected.

LEAVING LINCOLN CITY, OREGON...

During one of our many trips exploring Lincoln City, we came upon these two deer...look really close.  At first we thought the yard fixtures were pretty convincing until one and then the other began to move their heads.  Yes!  They are real.  They seemed very comfortable sun bathing in someone's front yard...not one bit worried...a very protected species here on the coast.  We visited one of Lincoln City's historic districts called Tafts.  Sorry, the deer won out on what picture to feature on today's blog.  (smile)  Tomorrow we leave for Whaler's Resort in South Beech...just south of Newport.  Everything has been great except for the weather which has been on the cooler...sometimes cold side.  However, the weather did not stop us from having a good "ole" fashioned barbeque yesterday.  Until our next stop...all is well.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LARRY

Happy Birthday Larry!  Today we celebrated Larry's birthday in Lincoln City, Oregon.  Lincoln City is approximately 90 miles south of Seaside, Oregon.  From a shopping trip to the outlet mall to another seafood feast.  Yes...seafood again.  This seafood buffet was awesome.  There was crab, crab and more crab; plus there were many other great selections on the table...even more than in Ocean Shores.  Of course this picture was not taken at the restaurant; however, it is Larry's birthday.  (smile)  This picture was taken at one of the many costal look out sites.   

LEAVING SEASIDE OREGON...Maybe too soon...

This picture is on the Pacific Ocean at Seaside, Oregon.  The beautiful view you see behind us is at the beginning of the shops and eateries.  We did a lot of looking around throughout the shops and eating.  Our choices were more often than not seafood...Some of the best in the world.  If you are ever in Seaside stop in at Norma's or Dooger's Seafood for a great meal.  We left Seaside this morning and arrived at Lincoln City, Oregon this afternoon.  But...Midway...

We stopped at Tillamook Cheese Factory for Ice Cream and to purchase some of the best cheese made...Tillimook.  Larry and Paul took a moment to pose.  (smile)

HANGING OUT AT THE SEASIDE RESORT-Seaside

Here we are at Seaside Resort in Seaside, Oregon.  This is a picture of the entrance and the resort has over 200 sites.  Yesterday we all took a stroll through the Park which is located on both the North and South side of the entrance road.  We toured the "adult" club house...what's the difference you ask?  More 1000-piece puzzles than you "can shake a stick at".  Plus, it has a really nice exercise facility.  Although good intentions, we have just looked at the equipment. (smile)  The outlet mall is about 1/2 mile from the resort; so Larry and I walked to the shops today.  Although the weather was overcast, we felt we could beat the rain...and we did by about 2 minutes. (Yipee!)  As soon as we stepped in our Motorhome, the rains came.  We are still traveling with two other couples (Carolyn and Saint/Paul and Gina).  Tomorrw we have planned a "community dinner" around 5 PM.  Until tomorrow.  Sharon

Today was another beautiful day.  This picture was taken in the "very" small town of Moclips, WA which is located just northwest of Ocean Shores.  The drive along the coast line was somewhat peaceful.  The drive was followed by a trip back to Ocean Shores to the home-made ice cream store and a walk on the beach.  When we returned to the Resort in Ocean Mist we were met with quite a surprise.  The couple, Alice and Doug, that we met at Ponderosa Falls arrived today.  We spent some time reconnecting and visiting with them.  Tomorrow we leave for Seaside, Oregon.

THE SEAFOOD BUFFET WAS THE HIT-Ocean Shores, WA

We are sitting in the restaurant of the Ocean Shores Quinault Casino...ready to partake in the Friday Evening Seafood Buffet.  The food ranged from Dungeneous Crab, Prime Rib, Mahi Grilled, Large Shrimp, assorted cheeses, salads, several hot dishes, an array of fresh fruits, to out of this world desserts.  The shell fish and fish tasted as if it came straight to the table from the ocean.  The food spread was definately worth the wait.  The picture above shows smiles in anticipation of our feast...Our seating gave us a wide-open view of the Pacific Ocean...We sat across from open french doors to allow for a nice breeze.  Additionally, the weather made a complete turn-around today.  It's been and still is beautiful and warm.  The sky is an adorable color of clear blue.  We have two more days and then we move on to Seaside, Oregon Sunday morning. 

Ocean Shores-Ocean Mist RV Resort

Yes, we are on the Ocean, but the wifi sucks.  It's taken 3 attempts and 3 hours just to maintain a connection for, hopefully, 30 minutes.  The price for being on the Ocean at Ocean Mist RV Resort is that the connection is almost non-existent...almost...but determination wins out.  Well, today began with 30 minutes of beautiful sunshine until the cool air from the Pacific Ocean brought in the fog.  The sun tried to stay shining but it was not a match to the ocean mist...maybe that's where the name of the resort originated.  It's still beautiful.  The ocean breeze is awesome.  I can deal with the weather as long as the ocean is in view.  Today we spent about 2 hours looking at property in Ocean Shores...times are rough all over.  It seemed as if every 3rd property had a for sale sign.  It was enlightening and a bit of fun.  We did learn that most properties here have a "roads" assessment added because of the upgrades to many of the streets.  Plus, just about every property has paid its sewer connection fee...its also a continued revenue stream for the City of Ocean Shores.  There are three of us here near Ocean Shores...we are technically in Ocean City; however, Garmin Navigation system locates the park in Ocean Shores...go figure...whatever works.   It's still exciting and we will be here for another 3 days.  This Friday, we all plan to meet at the Casino for the Seafood Buffet.  I'm told it is very good.  The "jury" is still out on the rating...more to come later.  Take care and good night.

COMMUNITY DINNER - INDEPENDENCE DAY

Well...Our stay at Columbia Riverfront is coming to an end and all to soon.  The weather today was gorgeous, the food define and dining with friends so warming.  We all enjoyed a potluck with just about every food and dessert represented on the table.  We even had a home-made cake of the American Flag.  Last 4th of July we dined at this same location and with the same friends.  At nightfall the fireworks began and ended at 11 pm...ample time for everyone to "pop to their content".  Not to mention, the Park has a strict start and stop time and everyone complied with the end time.  Until later.  Happy 4th of July!

COLUMBIA RIVERFRONT RV PARK-Woodland, WA

Summer is here at Columbia Riverfront RV Park.  I believe the temperature hit the mid-80s. Today we spent time with friends.  So much wonderful time relaxing in the sun.  We enjoyed a nice bar-b-que lunch followed by tacos for dinner.  The Columbia River is a much traveled thorough-fare between Washington and Oregon and other places.  Watching the big ships going back and forth is a favorite past-time.  As you can see the ship passing through is as wide as the three 40+ ft motor homes parked closest to the river.  We will be here until Tuesday, July 5th.  On Monday, we plan to have a July 4th community dinner. 

Leaving Maple Grove RV Resort in Randle, WA

We had a time to really kick back for a couple of days.  On the third day, we were joined by Carolyn and Louis St. Cyr.  We enjoyed a nice dinner...hot dogs and chips...(yum) the day before we left for the Columbia Riverfront.  The weather at Randle was on again, off again rain/drizzle.  This morning when we left, the weather was beautiful.  Not to worry because when we arrived at the Columbia Riverfront RV Park in Woodland, WA; the weather was very sunny.  Today has been spent watching big ships move through the river...pretty awesome...it hard to believe the water is actually deep enough.  We met up with 5 more couples here at the RV Park...more to come.

KLINK'S RV Park-Cheney, WA

This is our last day at Klink's.  Good times, good friends and great weather...what a blessing!