Another sunset

October 5, 2009

The day was clear, warm (for the beach in October) and perfect for a great sunset.

I can't think of a better way to end the day - except maybe that beer!

Flexibility, Part One

October 4, 2009

I think one of the keys to success in the RV lifestyle is your ability to stay flexible. Sometimes things don't work out the way you planned and the ability to stay flexible and "go with the flow" is the gage on which you'll be happy or unhappy in any given situation.

When we pulled into Beachside State Park outside of Waldport on Sunday, I was hoping for a sunny site near the ocean with electric and water hook-ups. It was a self registration set up, where you pick out any site that isn't already reserved, stake out that site and then register after. We were told that there were only two unreserved sites left that could accommodate us for the two nights we wanted to stay. Mom and dad got one right by the bathroom that would accommodate their 30' motorhome and I drove around to the other site, only to find someone had just pulled into it. So I drove back around to where mom and dad were parked and pulled into a site next door without any hookups. I figured it would give me a chance to find out how well "Ellie" does dry camping. It was also $5.00 per night less expensive than elec/water hook up.

My site, in fact most of the park, was shaded, which translates into cooler temperatures. That's nice in the summer, but when you're dry camping in October and the night temperatures are in the 30's, it's cold! But I did find out how well "Ellie" lives up to the task of keeping me comfortable while dry camping.

First of all, I have a solar panel on my roof, which charges my batteries. It's a struggle keeping a full charge when you don't have a lot of sun but it did a good job regardless. Second, I have a catalytic heater which uses propane to heat the motorhome. During those really cool mornings when I couldn't turn on the furnace or space heater, it was really nice to be able to heat the motorhome with my "alternate" heating source. Lastly, I have a generator on my motorhome so I could crank that up (after quiet hours) and be quite comfortable. I think every now and then I should dry camp, just to give my alternate energy sources a chance to perform!

I did discover that I needed additional covers for my bed if the weather was cold and I was without heat. Luckily, mom and dad had a small down comforter that I was able to use. Cooper didn't fare any better on the cold floor. After listening to him whine for awhile, I finally allowed him on the bed with me and he settled down to sleep. He even snored! That comforter made all the difference - thank you mom and dad!

I found I could make coffee, a much needed necessity for me in cold weather, by heating water on the stove and using my small French Press coffee maker. It did a great job at making a strong cup or two in the morning!  It might have been hard to get out of bed in the chilly mornings, but I still had ways to make my RV living quite enjoyable. Cooper and I spent most of the day on the beach, where the sun was shining and the warmth of it inviting and enjoyable. Being able to be flexible was a key to success in camping at Beachside State Park. I was able to learn new things about my motorhome. I found that "Ellie" performed exceptionally well dry camping. I believe it turned out to be even a better experience than if I'd been "hooked up."

Breaking Camp

Today we head up the coast. We also say good-bye to one couple traveling with us, as they are heading toward Central Oregon to visit family. It's been nice traveling with them; they're very easy to get along with and S always has good food and wine to share!

I'm going to try towing a car for the first time today and I'm a little nervous about it. I need to learn how to hitch, tow and unhitch from the "expert" before I attempt it on my own so I'm going to hook up my parent's all-wheel drive Suzuki and give it a try. It's a heavier car than my Honda CRV is and it's also loaded with "extra" supplies but I should be okay if I just take it nice and slow. After all, who am I going to pass on Hwy 101? I'll be curious to see what kind of gas mileage I get. I'll also be reassured to know my dad's watching out for those things I don't know to watch out for yet!

I do have to make a side trip into Walmart and buy some dog food. I guess I miscalculated and I'm out a week early! Since I'm not ready to head straight home, I'll opt to buy more food instead! Should be interesting navigating the parking lot towing a car for the first time!

I don't think we're going that far today - maybe to Waldport which is only about 80 miles up the road. The nice thing about traveling in an RV and not having campground reservations is that if you decide to go on you can! You are free to go and do as you wish! If you don't like the look of a campground, move on! If you're tired you can stop, if you're still energized you can keep going!

I noticed last night that the water in my fresh water holding tank is down. I wonder why? I'm hooked up to city water....did I forget to turn the faucet on? Hum...must figure out why the water is down. I'm still learning all the nuances of owning and operating a home on wheels. I'm so used to a sticks and bricks house that this is a learning curve! I'm embarrassed to say that I thought the furnace ran on electric and not propane! The one at home runs on electric! Geez....I have much to learn! I know - it's scary to think I'm out there on the road!

I need to buy an air compressor. I could use one for many reasons - the most obvious is to fill tires, but also to blow out my water lines in winterizing the RV. I've yet to find the valve to open my hot and cold lines but I did finally find the lowest point under the motor-home. Here's how I'm thinking it should go: Drain the water heater, drain the fresh water tank, open all the faucets, open the valve to the water lines (when I find it), blow air into the line to flush all excess water out. Did I cover it all?  I'm sure it's not that easy - just another thing to learn along the way! In reading one of my favorite blogs, rv-dreams.com Howard referenced an air compressor he really liked - a Coleman 1.5 gal, 150 psi. It looks compact and weighs approx 24 pounds. I think I'll check it out. One of the readers asked if it was really noisy...said he bought an air compressor that was so noisy he was embarrassed to use it and gave it away! Something else to think about!

Today when I arrive at the campground, instead of hooking up right away, I'm going to run the generator  awhile and fill up my holding tanks a bit. Slowly but surely, I'm learning new things and new ways of doing things. At times it's frustrating but most of the time, especially when I've been successful, it's very rewarding!

Keep living the life you love!

RV Adjustments

The slideout on my RV has been dragging on the forward side each time I slide it out. The dinette fascia would bend so much that I would have to slide out a little bit, then kick the panel back in, slide out, kick the panel, etc.  I was afraid it was going to break in two before long - it's already cracked -  so when we were in Coos Bay the other day I made an appointment with Gibs RV to have them look at it and adjust the slideout if necessary. I also wanted the anode on the water heater replaced, as the one I had was corroded.

This morning I unhooked the RV and followed my dad into Coos Bay. We arrived just as they opened at 8am. I left the RV with them and then we drove back to the park to hang out until time to pick it up. At 11am they called to say the RV was ready. It turns out it didn't need adjusting at all, which was a relief. The rubber seal on the forward side kept popping out so they put a sealant on it to keep it in place, the bench seat fascia had fallen so they took it off and shaved some off the bottom so it wouldn't drag on the carpet any longer when putting the slide out. They also drained the water heater, flushed it, replaced the anode rod, refilled it and tested for any leaks. I was impressed with the service and that they didn't try to fix something that didn't need fixing.

Now if I could just find someone like that where I live.......

Sunset at Sunset Bay

October 1, 2009

Today we took a drive into Reedsport. We went to the bakery and purchased delicious donuts or as my dad calls them, "Fat Pills". Then we walked over to a nice used book store where I purchased some books by my current favorite author, Jodi Picoult. The owner said her books don't last long and that I was lucky he'd just put those on the shelf. The other "used" book I've been looking for is "Twilight" and no one seems to have it. I'm still not at the point where I want to purchase it new and since I have so many others to read I don't mind waiting for a used version of that one. I also bought three Dean Koontz books, which is another favorite author.

We ate lunch in Charleston at Fisherman's Grotto and this time I had grilled oysters, which were very good. I ordered calamari for an appitizer but I've had much better. I think if we go again I'll have to re-order the clam chowder, which is what I had the first time I went, as that was really good.

The weather was so clear and beautiful that we decided to head back up the Cape Arago Hwy later that evening to watch the sun set. Mom, dad and I decided to walk back down the trail just past Sunset Bay viewpoint to take some more pictures. I'm glad mom decided to go with us - we wanted to show it to her and I don't think she was disappointed. From Sunset Bay to Shore Acres is an easy 2 mile hike. We probably hiked a mile of that to the perfect viewing spot of the ocean and the horizon.

There are so many discoveries within Cape Arago, Shore Acres and Sunset Bay that I'm certain I'll be back again. Charleston, Coos Bay and North Bend have a lot to offer, with many hidden treasures - much more than I originally thought - I'm really glad we decided to spend the week here. It's a place I'd be happy to come back to. Of course, the near perfect weather added to our overall enjoyment.

This is Cape Arago Lighthouse. Stands 100 feet above ocean. The light atop 44 ft high tower was illuminated in 1934. Unfortunately, it's not open to the public but you can get some good pictures from the viewpoint at Sunset Bay.

 
 

This is Simpson Reef, home to numerous sea lions, seals, gray whales and herons.

View of Shore Acres Observation building. Shore Acres began as the private estate of Louis J. Simpson, pioneer lumberman and shipbuilder. He brought flowering plants, trees and shrubs from around the world abord his sailing ships. In 1942 Shore Acres was purchased by the state of Oregon for use as a public park. The formal gardens were restored and continue to attract thousands of visitors a year.

Darkness has fallen and the moon is full

Quiet time at the beach

Cooper and I were on the beach this morning before 7:30am. To our delight, the beach was deserted. The leash came off and Cooper took off running. I can see the joy on his face as he runs the beach, free and wild. Every now and then he'd run back to me, barking out his happiness, then off he'd go again. Joy and peace fill my heart as I walk down the beach in quiet solitude. There's a mist of rain in the air and I can see a beautiful rainbow stretched out across the ocean sky. As I look to the east I can see the sun peaking out over the horizon, ready to begin a new day. I marvel at God's handiwork and that I am here to enjoy it.

We walk on toward the jetty at the far end. Cooper chases birds and runs and frolicks to his heart's content and my heart is full just watching him play. Down the beach we find a dead seal washed up on shore. We end up finding two of them during our walk this morning. I wonder why they washed up and what happened to them that they can't get back to sea.

All too soon, it's time to turn around and head back. It was the perfect start to another day in the beautiful state of Oregon. My home.

Rain in Charleston

Yesterday we drove from Brookings to Charleston. The day started out beautiful and sunny but by the time we arrived in Charleston it was raining - but not for long it seems. I hooked everything up in the rain and then it quit in time for me to check out the beach. It's a nice beach, good for a long run with Cooper this morning!

The RV park is nice. They have movies to rent in the office. I tried getting my TV to work last night so I could watch a movie they were showing on the local cable but I never could get it to work. Each time I'm out in "Ellie" I discover new things about making her more a home and less a "camper". Hooking things up properly and more quickly is the key to my success! My dad has shown me numerous things to make life a little easier on the road. Yesterday he gave me a TV cable because I didn't know I should travel with one in case they have cable TV at the park. The things I'm learning! Now, if I can just get the TV to recognize the cable! Not that I mind really....I'm not much of a TV watcher anyway and I'm in the middle of a pretty good book.

After we arrived at the RV site we went to lunch at a great little cafe down the street and I had a sourdough bread bowl filled with homemade clam chowder. Since I'm blogging I really should write more notes because I can't remember the name of the restaurant we were at. After eating we went to Walmart and I got a clamp on desk light so that I can read in bed. The overhead light above the bed/sofa casts shadows on my book and the desk light is above and behind me and works perfectly for reading! I have it clamped to the magazine rack on the wall - doesn't look great but it works and I'm happy to be able to see the print in my book. I also took a little step stool that I had and I use that as my end table. Improvise, improvise.....

After shopping at Walmart we went to an RV sales/service place where dad wanted to pick something up. I thought I'd ask them about my slideout. Seems that it's dragging on one side when I slide it out. I noticed it when the panel under the dinette bench was bending when the slide was going out so I'd slide a little and then KICK the panel with my shoe, slick a litte - KICK. It was a slow process but I didn't want the panel to break. It's already cracked a bit and I know it'll be an expensive fix to get it replaced. So I asked Tony, the service tech if he could adjust the slideout this week. He said the BT Cruisers were a little tricky and so the job may take up to four hours (think labor cost!) but they could get me in first thing on Friday morning at 8am. I'm hoping that once it's adjusted properly it will stay that way and not be something that becomes misaligned on a regular basis.

After that we went to a little store called Chucks (I remembered!) where they sell fish/seafood/sauces/mixes....that sort of thing. I bought a small can of smoked salmon, a small can of smoked oysters (I hope I have crackers), a smoked salmon with jalapeno "stick" and some rosemary, olive oil facascia bread.

We were going to have a fire in mom and dad's firepit last night but we all decided we were tired after our excursions and were going to call it a night. A ranger came by earlier and told us there was a tsunami warning on the coast and to stay off the beach for the afternoon/evening. Keith loaded his car with necessities just in case we needed to drive to higher ground later on and I decided I'd better take the awning down just in case of high winds (or a tidal wave!). I woke this morning and I'm still here so I guess the tsunami was a little one after all. I'm looking forward to that run on the beach this morning!!