Trip up the North Coast

 

We decided to head North Saturday as we haven’t been to Astoria in ages .  Got a late start but onward we went.

Nehalem Bay was our first stop as there were many boats out crabbing.  Got the scoop on boat launching etc.  They had big tubs full of live crab for $8.00 so really probably cheaper to buy them than haul the boat up and go out, but of course it is the experience of catching them. Also stopped at a winery just up the river a mile.  Very nice and free tasting.  A lot of fruity wines that reflected the fruit they came from.

Drove thru Cannon Beach, which is a lovely community.  Full of art and also people – was like driving thru Sisters in the summer.  All the condo and cabins were full.

Seeing the Columbia at its mouth is awesome.  There were quite a few small boats out, I assume salmon fishing.  We stop at a drive thru coffee shop to ask about a good chowder or fish and chips place.  She recommended a place farther up on 101 stating it was a “boat”  Hmmmm  I thought will maybe a restaurant inside a ship.  No she really meant a BOAT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was quite a line so we jump in.  All they serve is fish and chips whole order or half.  This boat was used on the Columbia in the 30’s for fishing and the owner decided to put it in the service of selling the fish.  Very tight kitchen, but they were the best we have ever had . Halibut and it was so dense it was almost like a chicken strip.  Certainly our recommendations if anyone is in Astoria.

This was right off the wharf so a great view of the river.  Walked up the hill from there to take some pics of the historic home in that area.  You need several days to see all the sights. Will definitely need to come back with the motor home and stay .

We thought we would be here another week, but Tuesday they cut back on trucks and Gary was one of those cut.  So brought the truck back on Wednesday and motor home on Thursday.  Before we left the rv park a couple was camping from Vancouver BC on their way to Argentina on motorcycles!!   We had a good visit with them – probably in their late 40’s both riding and planning a 5 month trip.  They have a spot with them so said they would invite us into the site so we could follow their journey.

The RV park we stayed at was Camper Cove in Beaver, which is 11 mile south of Tillamook.  It is a lovely park and the owners went over and above board to accommodate everyone.  They are heading south this winter, so we hope to connect with them in Arizona

We are back at the archery range.  I wish we could have stayed a little longer in Tillamook, but nice  to have all the room and quiet of the range.

Right now our plans are to leave for Utah the end of September.

On The Move

 

We left our little spot (key word little) at Leone’s the end of July.  It lacked shade which made the motor home a pretty hot box during those high temp days. 

We moved out to the archery range in Lacomb, which is 8 miles North of Lebanon.  It is a glorious area all shaded with oak trees and completely private with tons of room for the trailer and quads.  We were range hosts which consisted of checking people to make sure they were members when they came out to shoot.

 

Gary had sold most of his archery equipment in all of our garage sales, so got a used bow from one of the guys.  There is no way we could stay here without being able to shoot.  The trails are groomed so it made it great for walking.

He is working for Knife River but hard to get 5 days in a row.  It is hard to believe the summer is going by so quickly.  We are hoping to head South the middle of September.  We want to go thru Utah to ride on our way.

Last week Oregon Mainline called with work in Tillamook for at least 2 weeks.  We decided it would be a good push to end the season as the job is 12 hours a day.  Brutal for Gary, but for a short period of time he was game to go.

One advantage of living full time in the motor home is there is no packing and unpacking when you need to move, however we had a lot of outside STUFF.  I indulged in several large flower pots and a hanger.  Sharon was kind enough to keep the large ones and we packed up the rest.  Had to load everything else in the trailer which we left at the range.

We took the truck over first to check out RV parks.  Gary really wanted to make one trip with me driving the motor home, but never having driven this one I balked.  Parked the truck at the site for the plant which is in the middle of a dairy field.  See cows in the field.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We took the motor home and pickup over the next day and I did drive for several miles to get the feel of this one.  Much harder to steer than the Dutch Star so I heard a lot of “Get off the fog line” which is usually what I hear when I drive.  The traffic was horrible so Gary took over for which I was grateful.

We found a great Rv spot 5 miles from the job.  Tucked in the trees just off 101.  A creek, lots of flowers – I am happy.  There is lots of opportunity to do yard work as quite a few weeds in the flower beds.  The owners are happy to let you dive in so worked on it yesterday.

We drove in so the front window is facing trees and the creek rather than the road.  It is very private.  We drove over to the coast on Sunday, a beautiful day and did some picture taking.  Has been very hot in the valley so we are enjoying the cool of the coast.

So the plan is to be here for 2 weeks, or until the job is done.  We never know what will happen with construction but that is what  makes it the adventure.