Let’s Travel-Picking Up the RV

Rosie and I head west to Portland, OR for the RV pickup on Monday, June 6th. Sue joins us on June 10-11 and we'll take our time coming home. Read more

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Day 18
Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 10:23 AM
⛅ 59 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
United States Harlow Creek 45.538773, -122.38092845°32’20” N 122°22’51” W
Really Nice Walking Areas
June 14, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
I would rate this camp as a solid 7. Nice, clean bathrooms and sites. Good parking for towed vehicles. Spaces are a bit tight but they’re fine.

The walking opportunities abound so I can keep Rosie tired out.

These pics are along the Sandy River, running right along the campsite.

This morning, we saw a momma duck and more babies than I’ve ever seen.... looked like a duck day care.

Troutdale is the small town, an easy walk away. They have a few restaurants, antique stores, etc as well as a soggy groomer
where Rosie finally got a much needed bath.

Unfortunately, HP spaces were being added along the storefronts so lots of noise, dust and const vehicles kind of messed up the experience.Read more
TravelerHa ha ha! Very cool!
6/14/18Reply
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Day 18
Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 9:22 PM
⛅ 59 °F
Altitude: 180 ft
United States Crossroads City Park 45.533762, -122.44345845°32’2” N 122°26’36” W
Nice Facility Just a Few Miles Away
June 14, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
https://www.mcmenamins.com/edgefield/black-rabb…
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Day 20
Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 4:14 PM
⛅ 73 °F
Altitude: 36 ft
United States Goerig Slough 45.892803, -122.79029845°53’34” N 122°47’25” W
1
On the Columbia River!!
June 16, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F
Really nice site for 9 days. For 3 of the days we have the PRIMO spot with its own lawn, fire pit and right on the river.

Massive ships will be going by. Pics soon

http://www.columbiariverfrontrvpark.comRead more
TravelerEnjoying following you!
6/16/18Reply
TravelerMiss you guys
6/16/18Reply
Traveler HUGE car carrier heading toward Portland
6/17/18Reply
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Day 21
Sunday, June 17, 2018 at 10:48 AM
☀️ 73 °F
Altitude: 39 ft
United States Columbia City Channel 45.912014, -122.80275345°54’43” N 122°48’10” W
Dike Road
June 17, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
This park, right on the Columbia, is right at “sea level”. I’ve seen signs that the river has captured a lot of the beach, with irrigation heads 4’ above the sand (where grass used to be).

So the name of the road to get here makes sense. “Dike Road”.

Walking Rosie this morning, the “dike” is clearly visible; with the farmland being a good 10’ below the dike.

The park is also way below the dike, BUT, it’s on the wrong side. So the infrastructure in the park is at risk, not a lot of structures.

Also, a sea-going tug came down the river, heading into Portland. About 5minutes after it passed, massive waves (wakes) hit the beach. It was easy to see how the erosion occurred.Read more
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Day 21
Sunday, June 17, 2018 at 11:45 AM
☀️ 79 °F
Altitude: 112 ft
United States Slaughters Dike 46.099669, -122.96634246°5’59” N 122°57’59” W
From Portland Along the Columbia (1)
June 17, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F
The trip north was pretty cool. There are multiple bridges over the Columbia River and as the river is so wide, the bridges are incredible. The most exquisite was the "Lewis & Clark" bridge. Very detailed and VERY high (as are all of them to allow the passage of massive ships (containers, Coast Guard and Navy...)

These pictures are in no particular order...

On the left sin as we crossed the bridge, there were acres and acres of redwood logs, ready for the mill. The smell of sawdust was everywhere and the bridge was covered with chips from de-barking.Read more
TravelerLove the bridge shots!!! Very 😎
6/17/18Reply
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Day 21
Sunday, June 17, 2018 at 11:57 AM
☀️ 79 °F
Altitude: 85 ft
United States Slaughters Dike 46.099225, -122.96650846°5’57” N 122°57’59” W
1
1 1
From Portland Along the Columbia (2)
June 17, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F
More pics (this blog is limited to ten (10) per entry)
Traveler Nice shot
6/17/18Reply
Traveler So pretty
6/17/18Reply
Traveler Love Rosie! Big kiss!
6/17/18Reply
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Day 21
Sunday, June 17, 2018 at 9:59 PM
🌙 66 °F
Altitude: 36 ft
United States Columbia City Channel 45.912151, -122.80278845°54’44” N 122°48’10” W
Beautiful Sunsets
June 17, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 66 °F
N1 came north for dinner (our kids know who that is - Nathan). After dinner at a less than five star establishment, we grabbed a bit o’Bourbon from Portland (thanks Nate) and took a walk along the river.

Nate complained about the humidity (45% - a far cry from the 95% in Va Beach) but the night was pretty stunning.

Rainbows over Mt. St. Helens; Mt. Hood in partial visibility and incredible colors.Read more
TravelerPoor Nathan...lol
6/18/18Reply
TravelerFantastic!
6/21/18Reply
TravelerSo beautiful!
6/21/18Reply
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Day 27
Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 12:07 PM
☁️ 63 °F
Altitude: 98 ft
United States North Olympia 47.09893, -122.86354847°5’56” N 122°51’49” W
Rosie Spa Day
June 23, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
Jumped up to Olympia while Sue was gone to get Rosie groomed. Found a nationally known groomer, specializing in Aussies.
I’ll hang around and sightsee while she’s being pampered.
TravelerIt’s all about the dog!
6/28/18Reply
TravelerYep
6/28/18Reply
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Day 28
Sunday, June 24, 2018
☀️ 66 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
United States Cook Slough 46.151749, -123.83705146°9’6” N 123°50’13” W
Last Dinner on Columbia
June 24, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F
Nathan came over for a “dad meal”. Fired up barbecue and had a great time. Beautiful temperature, sunset and good bourbon.

And whenever Nathan is around, around a fire pit, there’s a fire. Best part is the wind is constant from the north, so sitting upwind of smoke is easy.Read more
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Day 29
Monday, June 25, 2018 at 1:59 PM
⛅ 61 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
United States Cook Slough 46.151688, -123.83707446°9’6” N 123°50’13” W
Arrived Astoria, Oregon
June 25, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F
Here for a week and most importantly, Bill Timmons’ (Sue’s cousin) retirement from Coast Guard.

GPS brought me thru town and up some INCREDIBLY STEEP hills. One, I wasn’t sure the RV could make, with a tow car. With coaxing, and a floored gas pedal, the engine dropped into low and made it. If it didn’t, it would’ve been BAD as I can’t back up with a towed car.

Picture is from Oregon side of Columbia, looking at Washington. Notice quantities of logs. Incredible volumes... bark and sawdust is everywhere, in the air and on the ground.

Campground is fairly small, with a limited doggy area; lots of signs “no dogs in this area”. However, the approved area has their own personal fire hydrant.Read more
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Day 30
Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at 2:18 PM
☀️ 64 °F
Altitude: 135 ft
United States Crosel Creek 46.164483, -123.79327946°9’52” N 123°47’36” W
The Astoria Column
June 26, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F
Like a lighthouse, with no light. It’s 125’ high and located at the highest peak in Astoria. Incredible vistas.
TravelerWhat story is being told on that column?
7/1/18Reply
TravelerIt’s the story of Astoria. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astoria_Column
7/4/18Reply
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Day 30
Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at 2:51 PM
☀️ 64 °F
Altitude: 7 ft
United States Jetty Sands 46.226376, -123.99006746°13’35” N 123°59’24” W
Clatsop Spit
June 26, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F
As far as you can go in Oregon. Can’t imagine how Lewis & Clark made it here in row boats. Cold as hell, windy and waves. Wow
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Day 32
Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 2:06 PM
⛅ 61 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
United States Clatsop County Airport 46.155286, -123.88517146°9’19” N 123°53’7” W
Bill Timmons Retirement
June 28, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F
“Little” Bill Timmons change of command and final flight from Astoria, Oregon.
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Day 33
Friday, June 29, 2018
⛅ 64 °F
Altitude: Sea level
United States McGowan 46.221393, -123.91454746°13’17” N 123°54’52” W
Want Sturgeon?
June 29, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
Chartered local captain (27’ center console; all aluminum) with local knowledge, to introduce us to Sturgeon fishing. It’s all “catch and release” as it’s out of season.

These are very old fish. We caught 24 averaging 50 lbs each. A couple were 6’ long and weighed around 75 lbs. That fish was close to 100 years old.... all that we caught were at least 20-30 years old.

We’re told that Surgeon taste better than lobster so bucket list is to come back for “keeper season”. You can only keep fish that are 48”-56” long even in season. Dana Christian, Chris and Mark Santae went too (all Sue’a side)Read more
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Day 34
Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 10:40 PM
🌧 57 °F
Altitude: 118 ft
United States O'Neil Lake 46.29192, -124.06293546°17’31” N 124°3’47” W
Camp Disappointment
June 30, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 57 °F
Evening trip to see the Coast Guards light house at the mouth of the Columbia, referred to as the most dangerous one in the United States.

The “bar” showed and shifts and is relatively shallow but has the most grain exports in the US, not to mention wood.

Ships are constantly needing assistance.Read more
TravelerSo jealous your travels of the Pacific Northwest. Head east my friend!
7/2/18Reply
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Day 36
Monday, July 2, 2018
☀️ 61 °F
Altitude: 5,226 ft
United States Diamond Lake Trailer Camp Area 43.139673, -122.13438943°8’23” N 122°8’4” W
Lake Diamond RV Park
July 2, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
Left Astoria and taking the 101 Oregon Coast road, we headed south past Eugene and then east to Lake Diamond RV Park. From here, we can make trips to see Crater Lake. Lake Diamond is at El 5,500.

This will be a first for us since the early 80’s as there is no cell service, no internet, no wifi, no cable, no communications with outside. I have generally been able to figure something out, but not here. It’s also making planning difficult, if not impossible as we have no reservations at next stop.... July 4th. What me worry?

Also, it dropped to 39 degrees our first night. Neither of us brought winter clothing or blankets.... oh well.Read more
TravelerJust incredible
7/6/18Reply
TravelerGreat pictures!
7/7/18Reply
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Day 37
Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at 5:31 PM
⛅ 59 °F
Altitude: 7,297 ft
United States Lightning Spring 42.931239, -122.17084342°55’52” N 122°10’15” W
More Crater Lake
July 3, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
TravelerSue and Rosie are so cute! ❤️
7/7/18Reply
TravelerBeautiful lake!
7/7/18Reply
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Day 37
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
☀️ 54 °F
Altitude: 6,171 ft
United States Eagle Point 42.910029, -122.11625842°54’36” N 122°6’59” W
Crater Lake
July 3, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F
This "used" to be an active volcano.... apparently, 7,000 years ago, it imploded and the snow cap formed a pristine lake, 2,000 feet deep. It's in a huge National Park so it remains absolutely beautiful....Read more
TravelerNice!
7/6/18Reply
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Day 38
Wednesday, July 4, 2018 at 3:39 PM
☀️ 81 °F
Altitude: 3,235 ft
United States Sisters State Park (historical)44.286285, -121.53401244°17’11” N 121°32’2” W
Sisters, Or for a couple days
July 4, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
Got up bright and early to head out of Lake Diamond. Three reasons we left....

1. No internet or cell service; nothing.
2. Mosquitos... as bad as Minnesota.
3. Sue’s dad, “Daddy-O” had emergency surgery last night and we needed to be in-touch.

About a three hour drive but glad to have a full hookup site on the forth with no advance.

Decided to drive thru Eugene, Or and see if Aubrey Timmons was around. She wasn’t but touring campus was an experience. An RV with a tow car is great but it has one limitation that most don’t know about...

It can’t back up while the tow car is connected.

That limitation make directional decisions Very important. Unfortunately, we experienced a bad decision.

Turning down “University Avenue” would seem to be safe. Not here. We got to an intersection with a “DO NOT ENTER” and the only option being a left turn...which led to a small parking lot, much too small to do a “U” turn. So we had to stop, unhook, turn the RV around and re-hookup. Thank goodness classes were out and the lot was empty.

Heading east, we followed thE McKensie river thru the McKensie pass. Nice drive but you can clearly see (and still smell) the wildfire that ravaged the Williamette National Forest 15 years ago. For miles and miles all we saw was toothpick trees. Undergrowth is back but incredible devastation.

Nice spot to see Mt. Washington and the burned out area though.

One thing we noticed... millions and millions of butterflies. We must’ve killed a thousand coming down the mountain. The gas station person who cleaned the windshield didn’t touch the front end. I have a lot of work to do.Read more
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Day 40
Friday, July 6, 2018
☀️ 77 °F
Altitude: 2,224 ft
United States Fruitland 44.008795, -116.92375644°0’32” N 116°55’26” W
Fruitland, Id for a one nighter
July 6, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
Decided to head east for Grand Tetons, as opposed to north to Glacier Park. We’re trying “no reservations” method so pressure is off (seemingly so....)

However, as the day goes on and all parks are full, pressure builds. Sue frowns at staying in a WalMart :-)

So we finally found a place (basically a truckstop, gravel with hookups) for $20. Not bad but you have to use their bathrooms. Not good so we didn’t. The topper for Sue was it included an A&W Root Beer; her childhood favorite.

The pics don’t do it “justice”... Fruitland, Idaho and on to the Tetons.Read more
TravelerLol! I slept at a Walmart once while traveling- hard to sleep because so much craziness to watch.
7/9/18Reply
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Day 41
Saturday, July 7, 2018
☀️ 73 °F
Altitude: 5,620 ft
United States Aspen Acres Golf Club 44.043015, -111.31937444°2’35” N 111°19’10” W
Yellowstone Golf/RV Resort
July 7, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
Originally scheduled to be here on July 4th, so we could access Jackson Hole. However, it’s NOT a “resort” and it’s not close to Jackson Hole (it was as close as I could find for the 4th. Since I had reservations, it was use them or lose them (still have to pay).

So we got here intending a week, as a base camp.

However, the space is pretty basic, but acceptable. Gravel drives. So it’s dusty.

Regardless, Sue’s dad (Daddy-O) isn’t doing well so I’ll get her to an airport, nearest one is an hour drive so she can head home. Rosie and I will either stay here and use our 7 days or relocate to a park where I can get a longer term and drive back to be with the family.

It’s a fluid situation, but Sue either leaves today or tomorrow.

Was having issues with my Jeep, which would be really bad right now, so I took it out to “run it” while Sue gets ready. On the way back, I saw why this park is attractive. It actually sits in the middle of massive farm fields, of various crops..... with no trees except for the park. When we arrived yesterday, it was hazy to the east and we didn’t notice the VIEW.

Also last night, I tried and failed getting rhe grill started (don’t ask) so Sue crafted an amazing meal inside.Read more
TravelerQuite the spread! You go Sue!
7/9/18Reply
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Day 43
Monday, July 9, 2018 at 9:16 PM
⛅ 70 °F
Altitude: 5,620 ft
United States Aspen Acres Golf Club 44.04303, -111.31933644°2’35” N 111°19’10” W
Relaxing, progress day
July 9, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F
With Sue back at home visiting a recuperating of Daddy-O, I tried to get some things done that I have been avoiding.

After over thirty seven days of travel and 4,800 miles on the road, my white Jeep was showing a lot of wear....mostly road dirt, dust and BUGS. RosieBus is also in need of attention. Therefore, it’s washday. It took about three hours but all looks great now, for the areas I can reach. Quite a bit remains above the RosieBus windshield, oh well.

After that, a nice shower and grilled a steak. It is hard to ask for more when you add a big block of ice and a nice helping of Weller bourbon.

If only this site had TV (over air), good cell service, etc. my WiFi is inop so I have to use my cell hot spot.

At least I wore Rosie out.Read more
TravelerThat’s a fancy rv grill, nothing like I remember
7/10/18Reply
TravelerRibeyes don’t need a sauce!
7/10/18Reply
TravelerI drown them in sauce. The grill is most DEFINITELY an upgrade, lp gas and I actually have grilling tools.
7/10/18Reply
TravelerWhere d you get the weller? Keep me in mind if you find it again
7/10/18Reply
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Day 44
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
⛅ 73 °F
Altitude: 6,250 ft
United States Saint Johns Nursing Home 43.479929, -110.76242843°28’48” N 110°45’45” W
2
1 1
Jackson Hole Day Trip
July 10, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F
We're about 1.5 hours away from Jackson (it's actually just "Jackson, WY, but called "Jackson Hole, from cowboy days). Sue and I had planned on multiple trips here but frankly, I'm glad the schedule changed (she's home with her dad). Rosie and I enjoyed the trip they the Tetons (pretty hairy 10% slopes up and down) but once in Jackson, not so much.

VERY commercialized, 6 lanes of traffic thru "Broadway Street", with on-street parking (that was all full) on either side. Too touristy for me....reminds me of an upgraded Va Beach or a downgraded Vegas....

I got some pretty good photos on the way and a couple while there. Stopped by a state RV park on the way back - see "Bear's & Bikes Notice" picture..,.,Read more
Traveler This was a SIDE STREET
7/11/18Reply
Traveler Wow!!!!!
7/11/18Reply
Traveler There were TWO of these...."wow" is right.
7/11/18Reply
Traveler Looking at Yellowstone RV Park from a mile away....amazing
7/11/18Reply
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Day 44
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
🌫 77 °F
Altitude: 5,633 ft
United States Upper Mesa Falls 44.187972, -111.32995144°11’17” N 111°19’48” W
1
Got Tetons?
July 10, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌫 77 °F
Took a ride up the "Mesa Falls Scenic Highway" which heads north from Ashton, Idaho....and not only includes incredible views of the Henry's Fork River and Mesa falls, upper and lower, but the Tetons and miles and miles of farmland. It appears to be wheat but its smaller than I'm used to....it may be only cattle feed as there are thousands of bales (BIG bales) being harvested.

I remain in AWE of the beauty of this country and the incredible calming nature of each turn on the highway. It cannot be emphasized enough..My RV park resides at over 5,000' and the Mesa Falls highway hit 7,800' in places. I've grown accustomed to the high altitude (finally).

I'll add only significant photos but frankly, its really hard to capture the grander, as an iPhone just doesn't do it justice and the sky changes so frequently. I think these capture the spirit though.... As I'm limited to 10 pictures per footprint, THIS one will take two footprints...Read more
Traveler So beautiful! Reminds me of Grizzly Adams.
7/12/18Reply
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Day 44
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
🌫 77 °F
Altitude: 5,633 ft
United States Upper Mesa Falls 44.187972, -111.32995144°11’17” N 111°19’48” W
More Tetons From the North
July 10, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌫 77 °F
Here's the rest. I plan on Saturday, to head to see the Tetons from the east while heading north to Bozeman, Montana.
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