Oct 2016 – Jul 2017

Where the Heart is

A 253-day adventure by Geezers in Paradise Read more

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Trip start
October 28, 2016
Where the Heart is Traveler
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Day 1
Friday, October 28, 2016 at 3:45 PM
☀️ 63 °F
Altitude: 164 ft
United States Indian Creek 47.048334, -122.88159547°2’54” N 122°52’54” W
Where the heart is
October 28, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F
Where the Heart Is

Many of you know the story already. Our house sold so quickly we don't have a place to move to. We're psyched!!

Forty years in the same place ... the same HOUSE!! We raised our wonderful son. We had about 5 careers between us. We started and ran a business for over 25 years. We helped Gordon's parents through their last years. We retired.

We decided we are ready for a change. NOW. While we are still able. No home? No problem. Because we know: home is where the heart is.

Movers are cleaning out the house on Thursday, November 3, at which point we take off in our beloved geezer-mobile. First, we head south for some sun and winter heat. And this time really, truly we're SURE we can SLOW THE HECK DOWN!!

We'll keep you posted. Thanks for visiting. We love it that we can take you along with us in this way.Read more
Mark FoardThis sounds like a great adventure. Best wishes to you both.
10/28/16Reply
Annanaomi SamsOh! Best wishes for each day!
10/28/16Reply
TravelerThanks so much AnnaNaomi and Mark.
10/28/16Reply
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Day 4
Monday, October 31, 2016 at 9:24 AM
🌧 52 °F
Altitude: 164 ft
United States Indian Creek 47.048344, -122.88163947°2’54” N 122°52’54” W
Gordon's Swan Song
October 31, 2016 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 52 °F
Who knows where he will find his next oven?
Karen AndersonThat looks amazing!
11/1/16Reply
Richard ClarkeGordon made that?!! Come bake for me!!
11/1/16Reply
Rosemary EngleWow.... that is gorgeous! Umm breakfast at your house?
11/1/16Reply
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Day 4
Monday, October 31, 2016 at 5:16 PM
🌧 52 °F
Altitude: 164 ft
United States Indian Creek 47.048325, -122.88164547°2’54” N 122°52’54” W
4
3
Our last halloween at 408
October 31, 2016 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 52 °F
Hoping there's some candy left for us!
Annanaomi Sams Hey! I like that shower curtain!
10/31/16Reply
Annanaomi SamsYou decorate a lot more than I do! Will be looking for a thanksgiving geezer mobile!
10/31/16Reply
TravelerI rescued 3 indian corn as a starter decoration for the geezer-mobile.
11/1/16Reply
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Day 7
Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 9:10 AM
⛅ 45 °F
Altitude: 167 ft
United States Indian Creek 47.048313, -122.88152347°2’54” N 122°52’53” W
Waiting for the movers
November 3, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 45 °F
Gordon and I MIGHT have sampled the snacks and coffee to make sure they were ok.
Bonnie BenedictYou need to make sure everything is good. I HOPE you sampled everything.
11/3/16Reply
Bonnie BenedictAnd...I'd love to see photos of the basement cleaned out!
11/3/16Reply
Annanaomi SamsThat's pretty thoughtful!
11/3/16Reply
TravelerYeah we THOUGHT that WE might need a little sustenance. :)
11/3/16Reply
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Day 7
Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 9:13 AM
⛅ 45 °F
Altitude: 164 ft
United States Indian Creek 47.048298, -122.88169147°2’54” N 122°52’54” W
Gordon listens to Bonnie's youtube text
November 3, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 45 °F
Gray haired Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing Happy Trails to You. So sweet!
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Day 7
Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 10:32 AM
☀️ 50 °F
Altitude: 167 ft
United States Indian Creek 47.048359, -122.88143947°2’54” N 122°52’53” W
2
Got lucky
November 3, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 50 °F
First day without rain in almost a month. It's a beautiful day for a move. The toadstool in our neighbor's front yard is a testament to our recent rains.
Annanaomi Sams Even on this side of the state there has been so much rain that we have little shrooms popping up in our yard. But nothing like this.
11/3/16Reply
Traveler I was kind of afraid it was going to eat me!
11/3/16Reply
That's not LITTLE! It IS beautiful though.
11/4/16Reply
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Day 7
Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 10:37 AM
☀️ 52 °F
Altitude: 164 ft
United States Indian Creek 47.048416, -122.88178347°2’54” N 122°52’54” W
Thats a lotta trucks!
November 3, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 52 °F
I think they could fit two of our houses in the two vans they brought. The one in front is the SMALL one. Those are the storage crates they put all our stuff in.
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Day 7
Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 3:51 PM
☀️ 61 °F
Altitude: 164 ft
United States Indian Creek 47.048387, -122.88154247°2’54” N 122°52’54” W
Diving right in
November 3, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
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Day 7
Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 3:55 PM
☀️ 61 °F
Altitude: 164 ft
United States Indian Creek 47.048351, -122.88153147°2’54” N 122°52’54” W
A while later
November 3, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
Starting to load. Gordon trying to help. Gordon after being banished to the garage for trying to help.
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Day 7
Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 4:01 PM
☀️ 61 °F
Altitude: 164 ft
United States Indian Creek 47.048316, -122.88159147°2’54” N 122°52’54” W
Holy moly that's a lot of containers!
November 3, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
And they say they will all be full. And the big stuff is in the other truck.

Gordon finds a job they will let him do. He is quite cheerful.
OH MY!
11/4/16Reply
Rosemary EngleYes, all the stuff does expand! Has lots of packing materials around it all. Good job lady and gent - surviving moving day. Moving forward...ha ha.
11/4/16Reply
Amazing how it all adds up.
11/4/16Reply
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Day 7
Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 5:47 PM
☀️ 57 °F
Altitude: 164 ft
United States Indian Creek 47.048345, -122.88166247°2’54” N 122°52’54” W
Well ...
November 3, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F
Emptied out house. Inventory verified. Donuts respectably decimated. I think we're about finished.
Rosemary EngleAlmost free......
11/4/16Reply
Richard ClarkeThe transformation is amazing, from a lived-in house to an empty one with shiny floors. All that stuff packed up. You two are strong folks!
11/4/16Reply
TravelerWe are so ready. Though we've been kind of crashing since we walked away. Catching up on sleep is the big thing. A week on the road and we should be good as new.
11/7/16Reply
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Day 8
Friday, November 4, 2016 at 10:39 AM
☀️ 46 °F
Altitude: 135 ft
United States South Bay 47.079964, -122.84383247°4’48” N 122°50’38” W
A night with Ray and Judy
November 4, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 46 °F
Our good friends Ray and Judy offered us shelter, good food and friendship at the end if a long day.
Big day for you both. Hello Ray and Judy from Canberra. Goodbye 408. Many happy memories. Love from Margaret
11/4/16Reply
So good to talk to you Heather today. So excited for your adventuring. And looking forward to hearing about it all. Love and hugs, Steph Eldringhoff
11/4/16Reply
TravelerThanks, Steph. Miss you already! I love it that you are following the blog.
11/7/16Reply
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Day 8
Friday, November 4, 2016
☁️ 50 °F
Altitude: 20 ft
Canada Richmond 49.178646, -123.13140249°10’43” N 123°7’53” W
Saying goodbye
November 4, 2016 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F
We dashed up to Vancouver to say goodbye to our son and family Yosem, Gabbie, Vanessa and the newest addition, Siena. Gabbie's parents, Hyland and Stanley, completed our most wonderful gathering.

To celebrate, Yosem and Gabbie treated everyone to a Japanese teppanyaki where they prepare your meal with great fanfare on the griddle right at your table.

It was a joyful goodbye with promises to visit us, and enjoinders to preferably settle someplace like Australia or Italy. Say, don't give us ideas...Read more
Annanaomi SamsA beautiful family. Sounds like a grand à bientôt.
11/6/16Reply
TravelerWe are so grateful that Yosem married into such a wonderful family. He and Gabbie are raising two wonderful girls, too.
11/7/16Reply
Karen AndersonReally sweet photos and wonderful way to send you to send you off.
11/7/16Reply
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Day 9
Saturday, November 5, 2016
🌧 54 °F
Altitude: 30 ft
Canada Purfleet Point 49.172729, -122.97072449°10’22” N 122°58’15” W
Thankyou Lori and Darcy
November 5, 2016 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 54 °F
We found Lori and Darcy on Airbnb when Yosem's family grew into their space. We are so happy we did. We have enjoyed staying with them so much and feel we've made two great friends.

If you are ever visiting Vancouver BC we recommend you make them your home away from home.Read more
Annanaomi SamsSounds like a wonderful way to make new friends. Would have never thought of that re: airbnb.
11/6/16Reply
TravelerI've stayed at homes via AirBnB only twice, but both were so wonderful I would not hesitate to use it again.
11/7/16Reply
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Day 10
Sunday, November 6, 2016 at 11:38 AM
⛅ 57 °F
Altitude: 131 ft
United States South Bay 47.079822, -122.84388647°4’47” N 122°50’38” W
Bye Bye!
November 6, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F
We had another great visit and sumptuous meal with Ray and Judy last night. And we're off for real.

Excited!
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Day 10
Sunday, November 6, 2016 at 12:52 PM
☁️ 59 °F
Altitude: 30 ft
United States Sand Island 45.579725, -122.54399145°34’47” N 122°32’38” W
Welcome to Oregon
November 6, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F
Crossing the Columbia river. Still doesn't feel real. Oops. Gordon just spoke up, "I'm excited!"
Rosemary EngleYup! Leaving those clouds behind!
11/6/16Reply
TravelerYup, yup! Clouds are still here, but no rain and the sun is peeking through occasionally. Heading into California tomorrow and with luck the weather should be even better.
11/7/16Reply
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Day 10
Sunday, November 6, 2016 at 12:56 PM
☁️ 59 °F
Altitude: 236 ft
United States Berrydale City Park 45.519997, -122.56559845°31’12” N 122°33’56” W
Welcome to Portland
November 6, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F
Rosemary EngleI love being able to follow your travels. You are REALLY on the way now - no backtracking.
11/6/16Reply
TravelerWe are starting to recover from two months of being so focussed. Had a nice long nap in the geezer-mobile today. Ahhhhhhhhhhh.
11/7/16Reply
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Day 11
Monday, November 7, 2016 at 9:23 AM
⛅ 54 °F
Altitude: 213 ft
United States Lake Creek 44.563488, -123.15292544°33’49” N 123°9’11” W
Night one in the geezer-mobile
November 7, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F
We landed in Corvallis late in the afternoon, in time for Heather to catch a nap and Gordon to be too keyed up to sleep. He spent his time trying to fix our geezer server which will allow us to do all kinds of fancy things internet-wise on the road but somehow between Olympia and here got corrupted. Hmmph. Maybe once the election is over it will clear up on its own.

We are camped at the Corvallis KOA which is nothing special on scenery, but the facilities are good and it's darned convenient. Please note the fabulous and ATTRACTIVE natural wood cargo box Gordon built for the trailer. It's extended our storage space quite a bit, and gotten the big bulky things like chairs and yoga mats out of our way til we need them. And it's pretty.

We contacted Jeanee (Yosem's mom) and Phil who live in Corvallis. They invited us over for a wonderful dinner of fresh made beef stew, artisan ciabatta and a crisp green salad. Oh, and they belong to a wine-tasting club, so the beverages were above par for sure.

It was great to catch up with them, and we give thanks that we have such a wonderful extended family. We were so absorbed in conversation we forgot to get a photo, DANG IT! Yeah, and you probably would have liked to see the beef stew. Jeanee and Phil, too, Sorry!

We are enjoying a lazy morning in our cozy homelet. We'll spend today here running errands and organizing some things that were kind of thrown in at the last minute right before we left.

PS I asked Jeanee if she'd send me photos to put on the blog. It looks like Trey and Velma were not so sure about the process, but we are glad to have them! Thanks, Jeanee and Phil.Read more
Rosemary and I are heading to Portland on Friday. Teaching a Level 2 Energy Psych class. I agree with Rosemary - so much fun to follow along on your adventures. Hugs, Steph Eldringhoff
11/7/16Reply
TravelerSo fun to have you along!
11/7/16Reply
Karen AndersonAnd so it begins... You really are at the beginning of an exciting adventure. That cargo box is awesome. Gordon has the skills!!
11/7/16Reply
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Day 12
Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at 9:28 AM
🌫 50 °F
Altitude: 233 ft
United States Pioneer Villa Airstrip 44.388329, -123.06150844°23’18” N 123°3’41” W
Sheesh. When they say fog...
November 8, 2016 in the United States ⋅ 🌫 50 °F
...they mean FOG! Beats rain, though.

Headed to Eugene to catch up with our wonderful housesitters during our last trips.
Bonnie BenedictBoy, that IS foggy!
11/8/16Reply
Ray DeBAh yes, the Willamette Valley on a Fall morning...
11/8/16Reply
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Day 12
Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at 10:44 AM
⛅ 57 °F
Altitude: 400 ft
United States Milton City Park 44.020065, -123.07995644°1’12” N 123°4’48” W
5
Breakfast with Will and Natalia
November 8, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F
Will and Natalia are our house/cat sitters who have showered our beloved cat Picasso with love and care for our last 3 long jaunts across country. We were so happy to be able to meet up with them in Eugene for a long breakfast and gab-fest this morning. They are expecting their first wee one next month so we spent plenty of time congratulating each other on our respective adventures.

And boy do they have our number. I can highly recommend the Hideaway Bakery in South Eugene. Breakfast was delicious, and Gordon and I were unable to escape without purchasing a huge artisan loaf of potato bread baked in their wood-fired oven, a batch of golden brown granola, and we MIGHT have slipped an almond croissant and a tasty pain-aux-raisins into the mix.

And the extra special added bonus was that we were able to sit outside in the SUN!!! We were beginning to worry we'd never see it again.Read more
Bonnie Benedict Breakfast certainly looks delicious. Either Gordon was VERY hungry or you've put him on rations.
11/8/16Reply
Traveler My bowl of Scottish Oatmeal had not been brought out yet. Gordon
11/8/16Reply
Bonnie Benedict Phew ! Wouldn't want you to have to chew your own arm off !
11/8/16Reply
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Day 12
Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at 4:49 PM
☀️ 63 °F
Altitude: 1,093 ft
United States Faults Creek 42.426731, -123.03637742°25’36” N 123°2’11” W
Medford KOA
November 8, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F
We CAN'T be this tired from just 2-1/2 hours driving! I think we are still recovering from two months of being hyper-focused. Early to bed tonight.
Rosemary EngleBut of course it will take a while to decompress! But looking at this lovely scenery, with few cares except where to sleep and eat, will do it. These are great pics along the way! I am enjoying the trip vicariously.
11/10/16Reply
Traveler:)
11/11/16Reply
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Day 13
Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 2:18 PM
☀️ 66 °F
Altitude: 3,570 ft
United States Mount Shasta 41.31974, -122.31838241°19’11” N 122°19’6” W
1
Mt Shasta KOA
November 9, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F
You have to move around to get a view quite this grand, but it's a very nice wooded campground. Glimpses of Shasta from everywhere. Lunch at Healthy Thai. Relaxing and hoping to figure out which route to take south. We estimate it will take 2 days to decide.Read more
Bonnie BenedictMight take me more than 2 days with surroundings like tha
11/9/16Reply
TravelerThat's the truth! But rain is coming to chase us out.
11/9/16Reply
Rosemary EngleOh my, now that is grand.
11/10/16Reply
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Day 14
Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 2:46 PM
☀️ 66 °F
Altitude: 3,622 ft
United States Big Springs 41.322289, -122.31733741°19’20” N 122°19’2” W
1 2
Busy day and decision time
November 10, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F
We had a busy day! Hiking, eating, napping... you know, all the things that make life wonderful.

This morning we drove up onto Mt Shasta. It is a beautiful drive with lots of vistas overlooking the mountains to the south, all the way out to the central valley. We had two hikes (not walks, hikes are on mountains, walks are in the city). The first hike had botanical signs telling us about the trees and bushes. The second walk was further up the mountain through a sunny alpine meadow.

Dee-licious BLT's and potato soup at the Seven Suns Coffee and Cafe, then a produce run to the Berryvale Grocery Store.

Now we decide where to head next. We had been thinking over to the coast and head south. But we have changed our minds and are thinking of heading east to Nevada and then south into warmer climes.Read more
Rosemary EngleOMG so gorgeous!
11/10/16Reply
Annanaomi Sams What's in there?
11/10/16Reply
Annanaomi Sams Gorgeous!
11/10/16Reply
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Day 14
Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 3:08 PM
☀️ 66 °F
Altitude: 3,622 ft
United States Big Springs 41.322289, -122.31733741°19’20” N 122°19’2” W
More Shasta photos ...
November 10, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F
Too many for one post. You can see why!
Bonnie BenedictBee-YOO-ti-ful!
11/10/16Reply
Annanaomi SamsThe beautiful sky reminds me that the biggest super moon since 1948 will occur on November 14. I hope you have clear and open skies that night. If you are high enough, you might be able to reach out and touch it!
11/10/16Reply
Karen AndersonNature at it's finest! I love that area. So nice to see Shasta with so much snow already.
11/11/16Reply
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Day 15
Friday, November 11, 2016 at 11:55 AM
☀️ 61 °F
Altitude: 2,949 ft
United States Burney Falls 41.013165, -121.65045241°0’47” N 121°39’2” W
2
Burney Falls Loop Trail
November 11, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
There was a sign that the Pacific Crest Trail could be reached in .1 mile from the trail. We are so excited to report that we have now walked the Pacific Crest Trail ... 10 whole steps. It was rugged! Exhausting! A once in a lifetime experience!!!

Oh, the Falls Loop Trail was quite nice, too.Read more
Bonnie BenedictAren't those falls glorious!
11/11/16Reply
Mark FoardGreat photos!
11/11/16Reply
Annanaomi Sams Cute! LOL.
11/12/16Reply
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