April 2009 Camping Trip

It's been a while since our last camping trip in January, but after having knee surgery in February and some cold arctic snow storms in between, it felt good to finally get back out on the road again. Karen and I are also getting ready to ramp up our busy camping schedule for this year, so it was nice to "dust off" some cobwebs and have a few relaxing days at Oregon's South Beach State Park. And best of all... we had nice weather!

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Camping sites at South Beach State Park

We were lucky enough to meet up with some NuWa Owners Forum members as well. We'd made arrangements to camp with Stacy & Sharon (Exploring Wises), as they traveled up the Oregon Coast this year. They "Full-Time" in their trailer, so it was nice to see them again after meeting them last summer as they traveled through Corvallis.

Stacy & Sharon

While camped at South Beach, Forum member "poppaj" drove over to meet with us on his way up to Alaska. John also brought along his trusty "sidekick" BC, so Abby got to meet a new friend as well.

John & BC

Sitting outside in the sun, we got the chance to chat and chew about our travel plans, meeting up with other Forum members, and just enjoying each others company. Why even "Earlvis" got into the Oregon sunshine (and some of you will get to meet him at the G & G Rally in June)!

Taking it easy

"Earlvis" soaking up the sun-rays, and looking for the "chicks"


Karen and Abby relaxing

Later on in the evening hours, Karen and I would slip over to Stacy & Sharon's trailer, where Stacy would fix us some of his famous "Margaritas". They were awesome (Lemon, Lime, and Orange flavors)... and we'll make sure that we use his recipe the next time we make these at home.

The margarita King!

As usual... Abby got to enjoy her favorite part of camping, finding water! With the ocean just a 1/4 mile away, we'd make several trips each day and find her that special stick, and throw and throw it... until she got tired, and wanted to cool off.

Abby cooling off

During one of our days together, we took in some of the local Newport, Oregon attractions. We visited the "haunted" Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, looked at the exhibits at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, and stopped by "Pyromania" where they hand-blow glass floats which are hidden on the Oregon Beaches during the summer months for beach combers to find. I'd be remiss, if I didn't say we also spent another afternoon with the Wises, eating at our favorite local sea food restuarant The Chowder Bowl at Nye Beach in Newport. Not only is their Clam Chowder good, but their Bread Pudding with "Rum-Butter" sause is to die for!

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

A "hands-on" tide pool exhibit at the Marine Science Center

Stacy and I checking out some of this Pirate's "booty"

Sadly, all good times must come to an end, but our 5 days of camping at the beach was a blast. And after all... isn't that what it's all about? We said our good-bye's to Stacy & Sharon, but we'll be meeting up with them again in less than 2 months at West Yellowstone, as they continue to travel the country.

Until then... Happy Trails to you.

-Gary-