- NESKOWIN 2 -

Monday, July 29th

Yesterday had a foggy start though it was the first time I actually saw one of the bunnies.  It looked very much the same as the one my son had as a child.  It was gray with a little white around the neck and quite fluffy.  It was busy nibbling away around the grasses near the rear of an RV.  Very cute.

While I was walking through the park I saw a woman I thought I recognized.  It turns out she was a guest at Klamath while I was there.  She has two adorable little dogs and one is just a puppy.  She said the puppy is quite anxious here and actually bit her when she was getting the pup back in their RV.  Seems as though there is too much activity for it here.

By the time I started my walk to the beach and the town of Neskowin, the sun was just peaking through.   When the sun does shine, it gets quite warm, though for me it is pleasant.  There are lots of flowers that appear to be a sort of wild orchid.

  Any thoughts on what they really are?  They were all along the roadway and added to the nice and easy stroll to town.  I have noticed them and the foxglove a lot lately on my drives.  It seems they both grow everywhere.

The beach area is clean and has the deep sand that is a challenge to walk on.  Really gets the leg muscles working.  As usual, the sand close to the surf is firmer and makes for much easier walking.  To my surprise there is a large rock, very similar to Morro Rock, at the waters edge.  The only difference in appearance is it has trees growing on top.  It is called "Proposal Rock."  The Inn nearby is named the same.  I was unaware if anyone was actually in the process.

There were beach goers though a lot less than I expected.  Some were playing football, some just laying out and enjoying the rays and others simply walking in the surf as the tide was working its way out.  The surf was rather rough and generated quite a bit of spray which filled the surrounding area with a fine mist.  This makes for muted pictures.  Oh well, it was still beautiful.

Today I attempted to make a reservation at a resort in Seaside, Oregon only to find out they are full until September.  So it is on to Seaview, Washington.  This will also be a longer drive than I prefer which means the next day will be a recovery day. 

Find the bee?

This park is almost right on the beach.  They indicate there is horseback riding available nearby.  I might have to look into this.  Biggest issue is there will be no cell or hotspot service.  I'm unsure how far I will need to walk to be in contact with the rest of the world.  Guess I'll find out. 

This morning is the typical fog and it is very calm.  I heard different bird sounds this morning which was good as up until now it has been mostly the sounds of crows.  What I heard was very unfamiliar so I may have to do some searching to see if I can identify what is out there.

There is a sweet little creek here that is probably rushing in the winter and rainy seasons.  I think it rains here more than I realize.  The creek runs along the east border of the park and in areas where there are rocks the rippling sounds are wonderful.

To all those celebrating today,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Heidi!

"Glorious intoxication of the soul

is the reward for all

who seek it in the

bosom of Nature."

- Kahlil Gibran

Patterns of Happiness

Enjoy your reward"

- NESKOWIN -

Saturday, July 27th

Ocean, fog and sky!

The drive yesterday was only 84 miles though seemed quite a bit longer because of the slow and windy roads of Hwy 101.  It all makes for a most beautiful drive as the Pacific Ocean is on the west side of the road and the redwoods, spruce, cedar and pines are on the east.  And flowers and more flowers along the edges of the road.  Very nice.

I was blessed with sunshine almost the entire drive which made it even more lovely.  The only compromise was the wind.  There were a few times when I think I had white knuckles though managed to do good and the RV handled great.  Probably because the wind was coming off the ocean  and the trees were on the other side.  Whew!!!

A little visitor sharing the path to the lookout shelter at Cape Pertetua!

This is a lovely campground with green grass and surrounded by various shades of evergreens.  It all looks so lush.  The ocean surf can be heard though the walk to the beach is about a mile.  Nice going to sleep to the sounds of the ocean.  

There seems to be a bit of an issue with making reservations here and then actually having a spot when you arrive.  From what I am hearing the corporation makes reservations even if the park is booked full, figuring on cancellations.  The same as the airlines.  However, this seems to be a popular park and especially with summer travelers, it seems to me to be an unethical and very disrespectful practice.  There were some unhappy people last evening.

I am going to make a few phone calls to see if this is the practice for other parks, so I will know how to plan ahead. I am certain I would be just as upset and angry if I were to pull into a park with a reservation and then be told they had no space.  At least at this park there is dry camping so if one arrived late they could at least safely spend the night.

I have also learned there is camping at the casinos.  Staying overnight is free if you dry camp.  (No electric, water or sewer)  As long as you have a generator you are fine.  And apparently they have hook ups if you need and they charge $25 per night.  There is full security which is very unlike what it is when staying the night at Walmart.  

View from Vista point of Cape Pertetua!

 There was a farmer's market in town this morning that I failed to make it to, so I am glad I stocked up on supplies yesterday in Florence.  Otherwise, the little town here is 7/8's of a mile to the store and cafe.  I've been told the cafe has marvelous food and wood oven baked pizza.  Sounds good to me.

Yesterday morning Diana took me into Florence so we could go to the Farmer's Market produce tent, get some goodies from the bakery and for me to get my hair cut.  We both got some beautiful tomatoes, some needed delicacies, (or not) and I am good with the hair for another six weeks.  Diana also found another bakery that did lots of organic and gluten and dairy free pastries.  This was a great way to start the day for me traveling.

Looking down at Devil's Churn from Cape Perpetua vista!

Apparently there are bunnies here.  White fluffy ones.  The kinds people have for pets.  I have yet to see them though others have.  Apparently it was a mess last year with so many out of control bunnies that they had to destroy them.  I have yet to hear how they got started here.  It seems a rather remote area for what appear to be domesticated ones.  

I met up with Lee and Lynn here last night and we played cards before we all were too tired to continue.  They left today for their next destination, which may be mine too. I will be checking to see what feels right from here.  It is either Seaside, Oregon or Long Beach, Washington.  

Closer vantage point of Devil's Churn!

I need to check how many miles and how long time wise.  I really only like to drive up to three and a half hours.  It is quite tiring with all I have to be aware of while driving.  And driving through some of these small coastal towns is tricky because the lanes are fairly narrow and I am not.  

To those celebrating today,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, to my brother, Mike!

"Adopt the pace of nature:

her pace is patience."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Enjoy your pace!

- FLORENCE 6 -

Friday, July 26th

Beach and jetty along Siuslaw River

Thursday began as a day Diana and I decided to find a beach in Florence and enjoy the sand and water.  Well, we actually ended up driving up the coast on Hwy 101 to Cape Perpetua Scenic Area in Siuslaw National Forest.  We spoke with several very informative and helpful rangers who directed us to a vista point of the Cape.

Cape Perpetua vista

We learned about some currently ripe berries, good for eating and some that are poisonous and to avoid.  We talked about some herbs and plants of the area and then, after gathering several information pamphlets and getting Diana a Senior Pass, we headed up the mountain.

Oh my goodness, what a view.  The fog was laying over the ocean as if it were a warm white fluffy blanket.  We could see along the actual coast, beach and rocks as the waves were coming in to a high tide.  It was stunning.  We could see that where we came from the fog was actually hugging the land and and obscuring our view of the beach.



There were quite a few others enjoying this wonderful view and we were standing in sun observing it all.  It was warm with a light cool breeze.  The wind picked up a bit and moved the fog around so we had a clearer view of the coast line.  Some of the waves took the shape of layers of lace as they neared shore.  Breath taking.

There is also a lookout shelter that was built in the depression years.  We were told that on a clear day one could see for thirty miles out to sea.  This was not the case while we were there though the fog continued to clear and it was beautiful.  I love the ocean.

Diana and I continued up Hwy 101 to Yachats and stopped at Ona's for a late lunch.  We actually arrived at 4 pm so they let us order from the lunch menu.  Everything was so delicious with wonderful textures and flavors.  I would definitely eat there again.  A short distance away was a candy and ice cream shop so we naturally indulged in dessert.  

On our way back to Florence we were on the ocean side of the Hwy, so we made several stops to enjoy the beach and get closer to the water.  Such good fun.  The wind rather did us in at a few areas so our time outside on the beach was limited though very satisfying.  

Today is on to Newkowin and I will be traveling on Hwy 101 which is part of where we traveled today.  I was able to enjoy the scenery while being a passenger so that part of the trip will be easier because I know what to expect.  From there on it will all be new.  

This traveling on Hwy 101 is so beautiful as it winds along the coast.  Who knows, I might see some whales.  A woman at the Ranger Station said she saw some Wednesday off the coast of Yachats, so anything is possible.

To all those celebrating today,

Happy Birthday!

"I went to the woods because I

wished to live deliberately,

to front only the essential facts of life,

and see if I could not learn

what it had to teach, and not,

when I came to die, discover

that I had not lived."

Henry David Thoreau

Enjoy your living!

- FLORENCE 5 -

Thursday, July 25th

Great time yesterday with Diana as we explored the jetty area, Fred Meyer and Old Town shops.  What had started out as a grey, overcast and foggy day, gave way to a most beautiful sunny (though sometimes windy) day.  

We started out driving to the jetty area where several people were fishing and such.  There was a small beach filled with all kinds of unbroken and partially sand covered shells.  We didn't stay long as it was very windy and chilly.  Up on the parking lot it was much warmer and protected from the wind.

Fred Meyer was next.  This place is huge and probably four times larger than any Raley's market (in California) that I have ever been in.  They have literally everything!  We both found a few things we needed and I decided to do my next grocery shopping here on my way to my future destination.  If it isn't here, I probably don't need it.

We went to Homegrown for lunch.  This place was great.  We had a difficult time deciding on what to get as so many items sounded delicious.  It was!  What is amazing is they grown some of their produce outside the cafe in planters in front and along the sidewalk.  All sorts of lettuce, beans, etc. and it all looked so healthy.  The lettuce for our burgers was probably just picked as they prepared our meal.  I would definitely go back.

The bakery was the next stop and I was glad to find Mitch was working, as well as the owner.  An Italian recipe Gelato helped finish off out lunch.  Amazingly tasty and satisfying.  Diana and I purchased some goodies for later and sat and chatted with Mitch until other customers came to look and buy.  I made a point of talking with the owner about the quality, textures and yummyness  (I know this is not a work however it is how everything tastes to me) of everything I have tried.  A very nice, friendly and smart woman.  She truly knows how to do what she does. 

The produce stand was our last stop and we were sad to discover they were out of tomatoes.  I did purchase some peaches, zucchini and green beans.  Diana purchased some of their home made fresh salsa.  We left happy though both of us will be back for the tomatoes.

While walking around in the Old Town we went to the little town park laden with nice green shrubbery and trees which led us to a view area of the river.  Here was this beautiful green evergreen growing on an old part of a dock.  It appeared healthy and I was baffled as to how it was living.  I think it would be a wonderful decorated Christmas tree.  So, any ideas as to how this tree is living in these conditions?

To all those celebrating today,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Bonnie!

Life is not measured by

how many breaths we take

but by the moments that

take our breath away.

saying on a picture in Fred Meyer

Enjoy your moments!

- FLORENCE 4 -

Wednesday, July 24th

Siuslaw River, sand dunes and the ocean

How time flies when one is having fun.  I am amazed as to it being almost the end of July already.  It seems as though It is last October and I just embarked on my Adventure.  And yet I have so many wonderful memories of the things I have experienced since then.  And to think in a few months it will have been a year.  Wow!!!

Yesterday Diana and I took a walk to one of the dunes where the people with their ATV's where racing each other to the top.  The pictures fail to do the size of this dune justice.  It is rather steep, as well, and something I was happy others were doing instead of me.  Those participating seemed to be having a lot of fun.

The colorful jackets are on riders watching as an ATV (small black dot) goes up the hill.  

We also watched as the closer we got to the dunes, the fog showed up and moved in and out.  This brought cooler temperatures so we headed back to the park and shelter.  We could actually see it being blown in and out with the wind.  Sitting in the laundry room was a good respite after our walk.

All racers getting ready for the "Go."

Today we are headed into Florence to do a few errands, gather produce from the Farmer's Market people, have lunch and, of course, visit the bakery.  It will be a fun trip even though the fog looks as though it will be with us all day.  I am glad my other visit to Florence was a sunny day.  It will make for a good comparison.

So, while this park is mostly dirt and trees, the area around the activity center has some beautiful flowers and grass that is struggling to be green.  Again, hydrangeas of the most intense colors.  The purple is stunning and I imagine the pale pink one is lovely, though most of its blossoms are faded at the moment.  I love flowers.

The park feels very peaceful and quiet this morning.  I suspect since the fog is upon us most people are hunkered in and avoiding the damp cool air.  I enjoy walking in it because everything about nature seems to be resting and regaining energy for whatever is coming.  What it does to my hair is an entirely different matter.  We will not talk about this.


I love crock pots too.  I made some soup which simmered while Diana and I were out on our walk. When I stepped back into my little home on wheels the aroma was wonderful.  Having a little rye bread along with it made it all perfect.  I had a small bit of fudge for dessert and voila!  Left over soup for tonight.  Yummm!

To all those celebrating today,

Happy Birthday!

A special "Hi" to all my readers

in Russia!

"It does not do to dwell on dreams

and forget to live."

Professor Dumbledore

Harry Potter

Enjoy your living!

- FLORENCE 3 -

Tuesday, July 23rd

Ah, I love how the universe works its magic!.  Again, my timing is being shifted.  I was scheduled to leave Florence on the 24th, however where I am going will only accept me on the 26th.  So, I get to stay another two nights here and then five nights in Neskowin.  This keeps me on my seven nights stay along my path.  Funny how it all works out.  

This, of course, allows me more time at the bakery.  I have tested all the goodies I purchased and they are all wonderful.  I absolutely have to get more of the rye bread and freeze it.  It has the best flavor for a rye bread that I have ever had.  

The cupcake, well, we just won't go there.  The cake part alone was to die for and the ganache was marvelous.  All the other items could be purchased again though I think the bread is what I will get more of for future enjoyment.  Sweet Magnolia Bakery almost tops the French Bakery in Morro Bay.  Though here they offer several gluten and dairy free goodies.  Darlene would be in heaven here.

The Old Town has put up these clever street signs that give the distance to all the other Florence places in the world and then another one with the distances to Florence cities in the US.  It was difficult to get the right angle to capture the uniqueness of these fun signs in a photo.

While I was crossing the bridge back to the RV park I was looking at a grey colored thing in the water that turned out to be a seal.  Just when I was feeling the worst for whatever it was, it dove under the water.  Boy, was I glad. 

Did I mention the Bakery also has gelato?  I watched as Mitch served some at a table filled with customers and I was drooling.  Apparently it is an authentic recipe from Italy and I think I must try it before I leave.  Otherwise I would need to return sometime in the future to do so.  And that would be alright too.

While doing laundry yesterday I started chatting with Diana, another laundry doer.  Tomorrow we will go into Florence so I can introduce her to the Bakery, get some fresh produce and do some other fun things.  The Homegrown Cafe has been recommended as a good place to eat and since it is rather close to the bakery, I think we will give it a try.  I really have only seen the Old Town area and I suspect there are other great parts of this City. It will be fun to check it out.

Today is more of a day to clean a little and get things in order.  I think I am caught up with paperwork for now and can do other needed bill paying once I am in Neskowin.  Some things just never seem to change.  Although I am very thrilled this is a much less of a need now.  Yea!

So, while I was staying in Klamath there was a couple that joined in for the ice cream social and some cards playing afterwards.  We all had great fun together and then they moved on further north along the Oregon Coast.  

A few days after I arrived here I was walking around in the park and noticed these people getting out of a car and thinking they looked familiar.  It was this same couple.  We got together and played cards and then they moved on.  We exchanged emails and now when I leave here I will be at the same park where they are now.  Since I am delayed from my original arrival there, we will only have one evening to share before they travel on.  We'll see if our travels synchronize again.  Life is curious.

To all those celebrating today,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Vicki!

"Love is the real work of your life.

It is your spiritual path...

...It is the key

to your growth and evolution."

 Robert Holden

Lovability

Enjoy your key!

- FLORENCE 2 -

Monday, July 22nd

Florence Old Town is filled with tons of beautiful flowers.  The shop owners take advantage of the weather and plant flowers almost everywhere.  The variety and colors are bright and cheerful and add so much to the sweet area they have created in Old Town.  

Florence is about a mile and a half from the RV park where I am staying so I had to be very mindful of what I purchased due to my walk back, which was uphill.  Not to mention the wind that rushed up the river from the ocean.  This was so strong and I looked as though I had been in a wind tunnel by the time I arrived back to the park.

I found two shops that carried homemade fudge and both proved to be delicious.  I only purchased a small amount from each of them.   I also came across a lovely bakery.  I purchased a marionberry scone, chocolate cake cup cake with chocolate ganache on top, a single serve cheese/bacon quiche and a small round rye bread with cocoa rather than caraway seeds.  I am excited to try all of these different flavors.  Oops, I almost forgot I also purchased three cookies.  I am now officially out of frozen cookie dough balls!  Withdrawals!!!

The woman working in the bakery was a total delight.  Her name is Mitch (a variation of Michelle) and she was so good at talking with people and answering their questions.  She and I chatted quite a bit between customers.  She was completely friendly with everyone and made everyone feel at ease.  She is perfect for what she is doing.  Everyone should be so lucky to love what they do.

Some good news.  My membership card is out for delivery today.  And if the powers to be continue to shine, I will finally have it today.  It is only about six weeks late.  I am curious to know where the other two cards are that I never received at other locations.  

Secondly, I had an issue at one of the parks in California.  I made contact with the manager and today we finally came to a positive resolution.  I am grateful to hear that the staff that failed to respond at the time are no longer with them and they are also working to get a Verizon booster to make cell service, at least for some, available in the park.  The manager was thankful that I contacted them with the issue so it could be handled rather than post a complaint on line.  I have learned it is always better to be kind and respectful when dealing with difficult matters as usually the results are much more desirable and satisfactory to all concerned.

While in Old Town Florence I came across a small farmer's market and one of the vendors was offering some wonderful produce.  I tasted a white peach, which was totally yummy and full of flavor (reminds me of Machado"s), and drooled over all the other fruits and veggie's.  Since I had to be thinking of the weight I was carrying, I decided to come back on the day I move on and purchase some produce then.  Very excited about this.  The tomato's looked amazing.

I could have meandered for hours though I wanted to have enough energy to walk back to the park, rather than have to call a cab because I had too much to carry or was too tired to do the job.  Walking across the bridge was tricky.  It was extremely windy and I had to be very conscious to maintain my balance on the narrow walkway.  I took a few pictures from the bridge though I also had to watch the traffic so I avoided having a car be a colorful blur in the middle of the shot.

There are more things to relate and I will do this in my next writing.  I am learning so many things about places and people and I feel as though I have just begun.  I am learning where I feel the best and what I am fine with leaving behind me.  A most wonderful Adventure!

To all those celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Sandy!

Friends are like seashells

we collect along the way!

a plaque given to me by a friend

Enjoy your friends!