March 2010 Camping Trip - #2

This early spring camping trip brought us two NEW events... camping at a new county campground, and the "maiden-voyage" for Dave & Sandy's new Evergreen "Ever-Lite 27RB" trailer. Even though we had rain the first day, the second day brought out the Sun, Lafuma chairs, afternoon coffee, and snacks of dark chocolate Biscotti's and orange flavored Milano's! You know, enjoying the "fruits of our labor". :-)

We stayed for the first time at this newer Lane county campground (opened up in 2009), called Armitage County Park. Some friends told us about this place, and it's in a beautiful location along the McKenzie River within an hours drive from home. Perfect for a quick "get-a-way", but still within minutes of Eugene, Oregon or the fun Antique shops of Coburg, Oregon.

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Site #16


Full-Hookups (Water, Electric 30/50amp, Sewer) with Cable TV, and Free Wifi... all for $25 a night!


Nice level (and spacious) paved sites

The excitement of our arrival to this newer campground, gave way to seeing Dave & Sandy's new trailer all setup for the first time. It's a beauty... which I'm sure will bring years & years of fun on our future "Thurlacki" adventures together. It took some doing, but Dave finally succumbed to the "Dark-Side" (after some "gentle" prodding from Sandy), and for a guy that owns too may tents, he ended up selling one of them (their Coleman Utah tent trailer of 7 years), for a hard sided RV... complete with all the amenities like a flushing toilet, shower, microwave/convection oven, furnace, air-conditioning, and a flat-screen television! You know, back to the basics of "roughing it" on camping trips! :-)

The "Maiden Voyage"

What a nice looking trailer!


Dave demonstrating the proper way to take a "camp" shower

This campground is located along the McKenzie River, and future camping spaces will be placed closer to this river. They will be upgrading the larger "Group" camping sites this summer in this park, with new showers and a laundry facilities to be built.

Abby and I walking beside the river


Wild "Bleeding Heart" flowers

Oregon Grape in bloom


There were bunches of wild Trillium flowers

Without a doubt, camping offers a way to relive the stress of "everyday" life and get away from the day to day monotony. The only thing better, is being able to share this time with close friends and family.

More Milano's please


Ahhhh... camping can be so relaxing
(Note the distance between camp sites)

Until our next trip... Happy Trails.

Gary, Karen, and Abby Too!

Our Annual Trip to the Beach - March 2010

This doesn't really count as a "Camping Trip" per-se, but all the same, it was time away from home enjoying the company of our best friends Dave & Sandy. We make yearly trips over to Yachats, OR together, and stay at the Fireside Motel. One of the best features of this Motel (other than the room decks overlooking the ocean a mere 50 ft. away), is that they allow dogs to stay with you in your room. And Abby just loves stretching out on a King sized bed.

The "804 Trail" which runs right behind the Fireside Motel, has miles of beautiful scenery to enjoy, and tide pools to explore. If you head North on the trail from the motel, in about 3/4 of a mile you'll hit sandy beaches that stretch out for miles. This is Abby's favorite running area.

After eating lunch at the "Chowder Bowl", we headed down to the beach to exercise the dogs before heading south to Yachats, and the Fireside Motel.

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Perched Seagulls at Nye Beach

Sandy, Dave & Maggie, Karen & Abby enjoy a windless beach


Foggy Sun & Seagulls

After stuffing ourselves on a couple of pounds of freshly cracked crab for dinner, we were blessed with a different sunset every night. Here is our first nights sunset, taken from Dave & Sandy's deck.

First Night Sunset

One of our favorite things to do while we stay here, is to drive the "Yachats River Road" from the South end of Yachats, all the way up to Cape Perpetua Overlook. If the whales are traveling along the coastline, you'll be able to see them from up here.

Abby and Karen exploring on the Beach


Abby & I taking in the sights along the 804 Trail


More 804 Trail scenery

During our last night, we went out to dinner at the "Drift Inn". We always get a great meal here whether its breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Afterward, we crawled back to our rooms, put on our comfortable "stretchy" pants, and wondered if we'd ever be hungry again.

Last nights sunset

Thanks for following along with us on our trips, and always remember... "Life's a Beach", so grab some for yourself!

Happy Trails until our next adventure.

Gary & Karen