The next few days take us north from California to Oregon and finally....Washington. First on the list is Gold Beach, Oregon and Turtle Rock RV Resort. Our buddies Tim and Ramie have recommended this spot to us...because some sites have private hot tubs. Who wouldn't choose this option?
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| Turtle Rock....Oregon Coast |
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Hot tub right outside our door...overlooking the river and ocean!
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We are able to do some beach combing here too, and a fabulous beach for the dogs to run....and run...and RUN!
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| She's seen better days! |
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| The Beach Boys |
Then it's on up the coast to a federal campsite called Tillicum Beach. This means it's a $12.00 a night....(because we're OLD)...and another incredible open beach...hardly a soul around...and more free running for Sparky and Skipper!
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| Pacific waves hit the beach |
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| Many "rules" and warnings, but NO rules about dogs!??? |
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| Dog heaven? |
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| View from our campsite |
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| Cell reception for a phone call from Jessica! |
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| Pano shot of the beach right at our RV doorstep |
The next morning we are pushing further north....and yes, it rains. The first real rain of our driving trip north...and it doesn't last too long. Just long enough for us to "remember"....
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| Classic highway bridge on hwy 101 in Oregon |
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| Yep, wet pavement |
Our goal this night is Astoria. We poke along the coast highway and keep looking out to sea. Somewhere out there, not far away, is a friend taking his classic wooden excursion boat back to Friday Harbor from Baja. No doubt about it...our path is calmer.
Our evening in Astoria takes us to the waterfront and the Wet Dog Cafe for dinner. How could you pass this by? Check out the menu....
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| Ready for dinner? |
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| A burger for the boys? $1.00 each?! |
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| Better try one! |
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| Sparky sleeps off the night.... |
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| Live music .... guitar, banjo...and YES! Ukulele! |
The next morning we are off for Ocean Park, Washington....across the Astoria bridge and the mighty Columbia River. Roll on Columbia....roll on...
We have never been to the peninsula that hosts the tiny town of Ocean Park....so here we are for Easter to visit "cousin" Adrianne where she is the pastor for the Lutheran Church.
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| Steve and Adrianne |
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| Steve and cousin Mary walking the beach |
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| Pastor Adrianne gives a dynamite children's sermon! |
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| ....and a great sermon! |
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| Kai, auntie Adrianne, cousin Mary, Steve, Tayia and cousin Eric |
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| Bunny Sparky |
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| Bunny Skipper |
It's a great Sunday for us...and all too soon...time to keep on traveling north...with the morning Seattle traffic in mind, we choose to go the evening before!
We have one more stop to make before our ferry reservations on Tuesday morning. That would be Anacortes to visit with Nan's cousins from....Wisconsin...who we missed in Arizona...but are now visiting their daughter before turning east and heading home. We arrange to meet cousin Fritz, his wife Mo and daughter Jennifer in Anacortes...at a sports bar as Wisconsin plays basketball in the final four this night!
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| Cousin Fitz, Nan, Mo and Jennifer |
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| A toast to the wounded.... |
Yes, that's a huge bandage and ice pack you see on cousin Fritz's shin. There's a story here, but like any game, the score explains some of it: Chainsaw wood chip: 1, Fritz: 0.
They were a little delayed in meeting us at the bar...as they were trying to get discarged from the Anacortes Hospital ER.
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| Steve, Nan, Fritz the wounded, Jen and mom, Mo! |
The next morning we are off to the Anacortes ferry terminal...and yes, I really think Sparky recognized...well, something! As we pull into line...he's whining at the window.
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Hey! Woof! Where are we??!!!
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| Ahoy....it's Friday Harbor!! |
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| Froglanding....hoop garden house, barn, house....and lots of green, green grass! |
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| Almost there.... |
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| Look who welcomes us home! |
Whew. It's been the longest trip ever....four months and one week away from home, sweet home, and the Pacific Northwest. 4,752 miles...460 gallons of diesel...and once again, we are grateful for good traveling grace....new sights seen...new friends made...old friends reunited....movies watched, paddle boards paddled, kayaks floated, songs sung, ukuleles strummed, strokes swum....hikes walked, photos taken, campfires shared....what a time to be treasured.
Now...for "re-entry"....into island life....and wherever the next path takes us...
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