- FLORENCE -

Wednesday, July 17th

Jedediah Smith Park Redwood with mushroom

I left Klamath, CA Tuesday morning and heading north I ended up in Port Orford, OR.  I found a sweet, small park on the north end of town and stayed the night.  

There are about 45 spaces and more than half are long term tenants.  All of their sites are clean and neat without any debris around their little homes.  The overnight sites are gravel and surrounded with grass.  

Jedediah Smith River Redwood

The showers and other facilities, while small, were clean and more than adequate.  Lots of owner touches throughout the park and a true attention to detail.  The owners/ managers greet and help park guests.  I had called them from a short distance away, got a quote, and said I'd be there shortly.  I pulled in, went into the office and all the paperwork was there ready for me to sign.  Some of the most friendly people I've come across.

I could have stayed longer, however I am attempting to get to Mt. Rushmore and possibly the east coast.  Hummmm!!!  So I will just keep moving on at the pace that feels right at the moment and see where it takes me.

Side shot of the grumpy face burl

I haven't taken any pictures in the past several days as I have been driving and figuring out where I think I am going next.  I arrived in Florence, Oregon this afternoon to sunshine.  Temperatures are predicted to be low to mid 70's.  Most doable.  All of the other travelers report they are along the coast to get out of the heat.  Lots of people from Arizona, Utah, California and Texas.

I am here for seven nights and since my membership card failed to make it to Klamath by the time I left, it is being sent UPS to the RV park here.  We shall see how this goes.  At this point I can only laugh and shake my head.  I wonder if I'll have to drive to Signal Hill, in Southern California, to get it.  I don't think so.

Klamath River

It was hard leaving Klamath.  I really like it there and the couple I met there, Sheri and Joe, are wonderful.  We have exchanged information and will definitely keep connected.  They are talking about maybe camp hosting at Klamath next summer and that would be so much fun to do with them.  A long time off and much will change, I'm sure.

My travels the past few days have presented a Great Blue Heron, several Great White Egrets, robins, Stellar's jays, vultures, pigeons and more.  I have yet to see any of the elk which everyone says are everywhere.  Here there is a serious population of bears.  I was handed several papers with do's and don't for here in the park, as well as, out on any hiking trails.  So must be aware and cautious.

Klamath River

And still, everywhere I wanted to stop and take pictures or places of interest to stop and visit, such as the wild animal safari park or other points of interest, were all on the other side of the road.  I guess this means I will need to return south along the coast in order to enjoy some of these beautiful and amazing areas and spots.  I am curious how that will work out.

As I was passing through Coos Bay there were all kinds of activity on the left side of the road.  It even appeared they were having a farmers market (which I love).  There was no where for me to park my RV and cross over Hwy 101 and run three blocks to enjoy whatever they were offering.  Perhaps they will have some here.  I am on the hunt.

I am fairly stocked for food as I stopped at the Safeway in Crescent City before I left California yesterday.  A very curious point is that I figured I best get gas before I go into Oregon and so I ended up paying $4.13 per gallon in Crescent City.  Yuk.  And then about ten minutes into Oregon the gas prices were $3.93 per gallon.  The farther north I go the less expensive it seems to be getting.  Here it is $3.73 per gallon.  I trust the trend will continue.  Anything under $3 a gallon out there?

Beach at Klamath River

I have a great cell signal here.  I will be able to put my blog together and publish it at the same time.  I can play Words with Friends and even talk on the phone.  These are just a few of the upsides of technology.  One of the things I have become accustomed to is having no TV.  Cable is about all that seems to work and several of the parks either don't offer it or charge extra for it.  I am quite content to watch one of my dvd's when the sun goes down.  

The spot I am in is partially shaded and there are trees and bushes between me and the neighboring sites.  There is no grass in or around the sites though they are quite spacious. This is truly a wooded area.   I suspect no grass at sites may be the norm. Guess I'll find out eventually.

My niece, in England, passed her first year exams of vet school and is coming home (MD and VA) sometime in August.  (Yay, Jen!)  I would love to be there and see her, however it seems that it will remain a dream and I'll just have to go to England to visit her.  The pros and cons are alive with this one.

Beach at Klamath River

To all those celebrating today,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Marjorie!

"Because of the diverse conditions of humans, it happens that some acts

are virtuous to some people,

as appropriate and suitable to them,

while the same acts

are immoral for others,

as inappropriate to them."

Thomas Aquinas

Enjoy your diversity!

- KLAMATH 8 -

Monday, July 15th

I am here at Klamath for one more night.  I will leave California tomorrow morning and head north along the Oregon coast.  I'm unsure just how far I will go tomorrow, so we'll just have to wait and see what shows up.  I truly could stay here and learn the camp hosting thing and then stay through October although I feel it is time to move.

If I did that I would then return to Morro Bay for the winter.  It is the perfect place to be during those cold months as it is more temperate.  Where I currently am it is cold and rainy almost all of the winter.  Last time I checked, I am not a duck or salmon.  They actually close the park here from November to May because of the weather and the conditions.

Yesterday was a beautiful walk through the trees to the ocean.  There is all kinds of moss on the trees which gives the branches a rather fuzzy sort of look.  Probably not as soft to touch as it looks.  Some of it is light green, beige and darker green.  And some of it is so long it hangs from the branches.

Along the walk in a few secluded places one finds foxglove flowers in the middle of all the ferns and other green growing plants.  The purple stands out very vivid and is so beautiful.  I have been very careful to avoid touching it as I have been told it is toxic to people.  

By the time I arrived at the cliffs above the ocean, it was foggy and all I could do was enjoy the mist of the fog, the sound of the surf and the smell of the ocean air.  It was great even though there was zero visibility of the shoreline at all.  Kind of funny.

So, I sat on a rock and vegetated a bit before heading back to the RV park.  I started the walk which was uphill with a speed limit of 25 mph.  I, of course, was unable to accomplish this speed.  Downhill was much easier and I think it took me about half the time as getting there.  Also kind of funny.

Membership card was not received again today.  Conversations with the company provided some extra amenities and a good connection with the manager.  This may prove beneficial in the future.  One never knows.  Things happen for a reason.  Most of the time we fail to know exactly why.

I guess I'll just have to bake some of the few cookie dough balls that are in the freezer to get me through these trying times.  Not really.  I have also developed a kind of friendship with the woman who works in the post office here.  She has been so kind in checking the park box for me.  There are a lot of nice people in this world if you just give them a chance.  And I try to remember that most of them are doing the best they can.

To all those celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

"Life is not a path of coincidence, happenstance and lunch, but rather an unexplainable, meticulously charted course for one to touch the lives of others and make a difference in the world."

 - Barbara Dillinham

Enjoy your course!

- KLAMATH 7 -

Saturday, July 13th

Yesterday was doing all kinds of little things.  Cleaning, walking and continuing to be in awe of this place.  It is definitely a piece of heaven on earth.  I could stay here longer and then not make it to Mt. Rushmore this year. Well, if that is what happens, then so be it.

The card I am waiting for has yet to arrive.  The post master here in Klamath was kind enough to let me call her to see if it had arrived today.  She checked the RV park's box and general delivery.  Nothing.  I called the membership company yesterday after going to the post office and finding it was not there.  The computer system was down so the office was closed.  Left two messages at two different extensions.

So, this means I am here at least until Monday and longer if the card fails to arrive then.  It is difficult to understand how some companies can stay in business with this kind of non attention to detail and not doing what you say you are going to do.  The person I have been in contact with will not be thrilled with my phone call Monday.

This morning was the first morning since I have been here that the sun was shinning (fog free) when I woke up. There were traces of fog and mist just above the water which was as smooth as glass.  Wind free and calm and serene. Absolutely a beautiful morning.

I could see the Native Americans putting out their fishing nets in the cove just down stream from the park.  Joe, here in the park caught a small rainbow trout and released it.  I urged him to catch a twenty pound salmon and he set about doing so.  Unsure of his results yet.  I also reminded him that he would need to share.  His wife, Sheri, was busy making coffee for the morning club house gathering of travelers.

I finally was able to wash my RV.  It has been through ocean salt air, wind, rain and I can't recall all else.  What a difference.  Now I want to wash the windows and screens. Then I will be able to see all around me without thinking it is cloudy.  Not really,,,

I washed some clothes and watered some of the grassy area around my RV.  I think because of the wind, it drys out rather quickly.  They have sprinklers going every day here. With such a huge grass area for all of the RV's and tents, it takes a lot of maintenance.  They all do an amazing job.

There is another ice cream social this evening followed by some card bingo.  There are a few returning guests and some new ones and I'm certain it will be great fun for all. Who can turn down ice cream?  No one from my family, that is for sure.

There were fewer RV's in the park last night.  It seemed rather odd since it was a Friday night.  This afternoon it seems as though more travelers are driving in.  Perhaps we can entice them to the ice cream social and games.

To all those celebrating today,

Happy Birthday!

"If the freedom of speech

is taken away

then dumb and silent

we may be led,

like sheep to the slaughter."

George Washington 

Enjoy your free speech!

- KLAMATH 6 -

Friday, July 12th

Yesterday was a day around the RV park.  Walks, visits with others and simply enjoying the area.  There was another ice cream social with card bingo and card golf afterwards.  Lots of fun with different people and arriving home at 9:39 pm, which is almost  my bedtime.  Another beautiful day.  

One of the camp hosts and I walked around the park before heading to our respective homes and at different areas there were campfires with people chatting and staying warm.  There was another campfire with folks playing the guitar and singing.  And the people staying next to me were headed off to a campfire to roast marshmallows and make s'more's.  

It was a clear night and very calm.  This made for a chilly night.  Sometime during the night the fog snuck up on us and when I awoke this morning, it was still here.  This just seems to be the weather pattern here.  It makes for cool nights and mornings with warming sun appearing in the mid to late mornings.  Sometimes it is windy and other times it is calm.  Overall, very pleasant.

There are currently people here from the hotter states, such as Arizona.  They and others are escaping the heat of the valleys and deserts.  This is definitely a great place to do just that.  Every night I need to use my light weight down blanket.  Love that.

Today I am figuring out my next place to stay.  I think I will end up somewhere along the southern Oregon coast.  I may as well enjoy the coast before I eventually head inland.  I have been along this part of the coast before though it has been many years and I am certain things have changed considerably.  I doubt I will recognize anything.

Since we ate all of the ice cream last night, some of the volunteers here will make the trip into Eureka to replenish the stock.  Good ice cream.  Cascade Ice Cream Company. It is made in Oregon so I am thinking I will be able to get it as I make my way through the state.  I do need to find a good homemade candy store soon.  I am out of fudge and caramels.  Yikes!

The local Native Americans have been catching salmon in the river here.  Some of the people here at the park are catching perch.  Some are doing a lot of wishing and coming up empty handed.  I am just watching and listening and hoping everyone is able to catch something for their efforts.  Fresh fish is very wonderful.

These pictures were all taken in Jedediah Smith River State Park.

To all those celebrating today,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Schylar!

"Keep close to Nature's heart...

and break clear away

once in awhile

and climb a mountain

or spend a week in the woods.

 Wash your spirit clean."

John Muir 

Enjoy your spirit!

- KLAMATH 5 -

Thursday, July 11^th

Yesterday was great fun. I went with another couple (camp hosts from here in the park) to Crescent City for supplies. Prior to arriving in Crescent City we decided to go through the redwood stands in Jedediah Smith River State Park and the Stout Grove. Wow! The trees are amazing and each is so very different from one another. I found myself sighing and saying “Wow!” a lot.

Some have these wonderful burls that protrude from the tree and using ones imagination, any number of things can be seen in them. Rather the same as looking at clouds. We were able to see some very impressive ones. And one, as a man admitted, is how he looks in the morning. We all laughed.

The fallen trees have such beautiful root systems. Each one so intricate and distinct. It was visible how the trees had decayed from the inside out. The colors of the layers, fire damage and the weather have left their marks on these magnificent parts of nature. Pictures fail to capture the beauty and dramatic charge of all that we saw.

The redwoods here reminded me of the grove at Muir Woods. I used to visit there as often as possible because they are so magical and peaceful and invigorating all at the same time. Muir Woods attracts tourists and travelers from around the world. Some of them actually recognize the wonder of it all.

I think the three of us could have stayed longer to soak up more of the energy of the trees. We had, however, to be back at the park for an ice cream social and card bingo, and we still had yet to go to Crescent City. So, we thanked the trees, and scurried off to accomplish our original mission and be back to the park on time. It was close, though we made it.

It was windy and sunny when we returned. I accomplished a few things and then went to enjoy ice cream (remember, my favorite food?), and then we played card bingo. It was good fun and I ended up winning two games of the eight we played, sharing one win with another person. This is great, so now I have enough winnings to have more ice cream and play more games. Works for me.

Today will probably include a short walk. It is foggy and overcast and a good day for me to accomplish some things needing to be done. I am very grateful to be able to be here through Saturday. More time to truly enjoy and soak in the wonderful energies of this area. From all I am hearing from other travelers, this is probably one of the best RV parks to visit. It ranks right up there with the park in Morro Bay for me. So, I guess I'll just have to see how the rest of it is as I go.

There were a lot of over night guests last night. When I got up this morning, the park felt very full. And now most of them have left already and it feels almost vacant. The dynamic of an RV park is constantly changing. It is kind of fun and interesting because one just never knows what to expect and who you might come across. Several couples here last night were from Michigan, so we connected a bit. And have come across quite a few people from the surrounding Sacramento area.

To all those celebrating today,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Annie!

Happy Birthday, Barbara!

Happy Birthday, Grace!

Enjoy your touch of nature!

- KLAMATH 4 -

Wednesday, July 10^th

Pelicans at last! I took the two and a half mile walk to the beach of the ocean yesterday. It was a beautiful walk through the trees with sunlight streaming through them. I was accompanied by purple dragonflies and damselflies, robins and pigeons. I felt as though I was being escorted. The other escort were several vultures kind of circling ahead and over me part of the way. I think it was a good thing I kept moving so they wouldn't mistake me for carrion.

The huge ferns are everywhere along the road, as well as these other large broad leaf plants. It all appeared larger than what I would consider normal. What do I know? There was a mixture of spruce, pine, fir, redwood and deciduous trees. The river was along the road most of the way and periodically I could hear and see a stream on the other side of the road.

Arriving at the path leading to the dunes and beach one is greeted by a gate that marks the entrance to Native American ceremonial grounds. There are several buildings, a sweat lodge and a taller structure, all in disrepair. One section was filled with amazing flowers and bushes. There was a great peacefulness about the area. The path went alongside the grounds and there was a sign identifying its purpose and everything felt very undisturbed.

Once past this area the land slopes down just a bit and the earth/sand is damp from the tide coming in and going out. And then the dunes. And the sight of a large graveyard of driftwood. Much of the driftwood is trees that have long sense been standing tall and offering shade to those passing by. It was a very striking view with all of the sand and then scattered tree trunks, logs and branches.

Just over the dune is the ocean in all its glory. It is a rather steep slope to the waters edge, it was foggy, and I saw the pelicans. Several groups of them were flying north along the surf looking for lunch. I was to happy to see them since Morro Bay was the last location where they made their presence. They are just so cool. Apparently there was nothing of interest for them and they continued their flight.

I came across an area where there were lots of stones at the waters edge. So, of course, I had to stop and see if any wanted to come with me. I found way too many and eventually narrowed it down to three. While I was searching, the waves came higher a few times and caught me as I was attempting an escape. Wet feet. What the heck, one is at the beach. And then I became aware of the sound the water and stones made as the surf retreated. It was the same sound a rain stick makes only louder and bigger. I enjoyed this for quite a while. Curious as to whether I have just never been around this exact scenario before or just now I was able to hear it.

I finally discovered what bird made the incredible sound the other day. An osprey. I have learned that they nest in this area. And I have now seen a few of them in the air. Huge! Beautiful! Graceful!

It was sunny and a little windy in the park when I arrived back from my extended hike, though managed to get some laundry done even though I was tired. It just felt as though I had enjoyed a most wonderful day and after taking a shower, went to bed and woke up late this morning. Much refreshed.

There are lots of dogs here, from little cute fluffy ones to large awesome fluffy ones. This is a good place for me to get my dog fixes that were sadly lacking at the last two RV locations. There are also a few cats (inside only). I keep waiting for some dog to come along though still eluding me for now. I keep saying, when it is time.

It was very calm this morning and the sun broke through around 8 am. It feels a little warmer than yesterday and only a little windy. Very peaceful. I know I keep saying this, however, it is so true. There may be an opportunity to come here and be a camp host next summer. This might be a good fit for me. I'll see how things go.

“To all those celebrating today,

Happy Birthday!”

“You always have the power

within you to shift

into a peaceful mode.”

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Enjoy your peacefulness!

- KLAMATH 3 -

Tuesday, July 9^th

This morning I was awakened by the sound of coyotes howling very close to the tent area which is near my site. There were several animals as their sounds were very different. It was a little disturbing at first because it startled me from sleep. Then once I recognized the sounds, I relaxed and listened as they all called to each other. I am in nature.

The odd thing is that all of the people here that I have spoken with this morning did not hear anything. They were all thinking I imagined it and I was thinking these people can obviously sleep through anything. The two women in the club house this morning have seen the coyotes on the grounds even though they did not hear them this morning. Very curious!

It was extremely foggy to the ground this morning. And very damp. It is almost 9:30 am and it is giving way to sun. It looks as though it is going to be another beautiful day. Although here, whatever the weather, it is beautiful. I am so enjoying all of the sounds, smells and sights. And the most friendly people that are campground hosts. It all makes for a very nice place to be.

Yesterday was a rather windy day and it was clear and beautiful. I did a little walking and discovered some special secret areas that I will revisit while I am here. I walked a ways towards the beach just to get a feel for it and think it will be my destination for today. It is very calm this morning and will make for a more pleasant walk.

Last evening I went to the rivers edge and watched as the light of the day faded. Everything was very serene and peaceful. I could hear an occasional fish land back in the water after it apparently jumped up to hopefully snatch a snack before retiring for the night. There was a call of some sort of huge bird in the trees. It reminded me of a cross between an egret, heron and hawk. I am unable to imagine what it was. There were lots of vultures circling around the edge of the trees yesterday. Perhaps it was one of them. Unknown for now.

Troubling news is that there is no Trader Joe's for a long distance. I am almost out of almond butter and their chocolate bars. Oh no! What will I do? Eat ice cream, I guess. It is funny to me how accustomed I have become to having certain things and realizing that as I travel, some of those things will be unavailable to me. I will need to find substitutes. This will be a tough one as I am allergic to peanuts, plus a few other things. I will figure it out.

I was talking with someone yesterday who was here last summer and she told of a mother whale and her calf having been stuck up here in the river. She said they could hear the mothers blow hole activity during the night, which according to this woman, was very calming. Unfortunately the mother whale failed to survive and the Native Americans here buried her on their land. The calf eventually made it back out to the ocean and hopefully is thriving today. Paying attention to and observing nature is so amazing. I am so grateful to be doing what I am doing.

Lots of travelers are in and out during every day. Check out times at most of the parks is 11 am or noon. Check in times are usually 1 or 2 pm. So, the morning activity is all about unhooking everything and preparing to venture forth. And the afternoon and evening activity is just the opposite. I am usually out and about for most of it, though occasionally a late arrival will show up. Some of it is quite entertaining.

This morning my neighbor was getting ready to depart and the RV would not start. Next thing I know he is under the RV on the moist grass using a hammer to hit on something, while his wife is working the remote start control. It started after two attempts. I asked them about it and he said it is a new RV and this happened once before. The first time he had to call out a repair person who figured out it was a solenoid issue. Since then this is what he has to do until they return home and can get it in for repair. A heck of a way to start your day!

I ventured up to the cute club house with all the beautiful hydrangeas this morning for coffee and fresh baked oatmeal cookies. I chatted with a couple of women who do this every day and we shared some stories about our experiences along our travels. There was a group of motor cycle guys that were so quiet one barely heard them arrive last night. They were completely polite and appreciative of the morning wake up beverage and goodies. This was nice to see.

You may recall that several, several weeks ago I was waiting for some documents. Well, they still have yet to be received, so I called the company yesterday and spoke with the same person. She was completely apologetic and is sending it here to the RV park. We'll see if it gets here before I am scheduled to leave. Three days to get here from southern California; we shall see. Probably an unwise thing to hold my breath.

Okay, I am off for the day. The wind is picking up a bit and the sun is shining. I am alive and well and adventuring. Thanks to all of you, for all of your comments and thoughts and good wishes. Nice to hear from you. Know that I am loving what I am doing. My best to all of you!!!

All of these beautiful flowers grow here in the RV park!

To all those celebrating today,

Happy Birthday!

“I am forever walking upon these shores,

betwixt the sand and the foam.

The high tide will erase my foot-prints,

and the wind will blow away the foam.

But the sea and the shore will remain

forever.”

• Kahlil Gibran
• Sand And Foam

Enjoy your footprints!