July Camping Trip

Karen and I just returned from our latest camping trip, which took us to the Nehalem Bay State Park along the North Oregon coast. In true fashion... it turned out to be one of those "Thurlacki" trips as well. Even though we did not see any bears (they have a bear problem along the central Oregon coast), or feel any of the 2 large earthquakes Friday out off the Oregon coastline, poor Dave ended up catching his hand (more notably his right-hand little finger) in a park shower door, which ended up needing 6 stitches.

Our camp site at the park.

What's really nice during the Oregon summers, is that while the interior valley areas are subject to hot temperatures, along the coast the temperatures can range between 20 - 30 degrees cooler (natures air-conditioner). We just happen to hit one of those times. We would dip down into the low 50's during the nights (great for sleeping with your bedroom windows open), and would warm up into the high 60's during the daytime.

Looking out at the beach.

During the daytime, we would drive into the smaller surrounding towns, and checkout the local ice cream shops, the antique stores, and of course... run Abby on the beach.

Abby cooling off from playing with her stick.

The off-shore wind keeping the fog at bay.

A wind-surfer having fun.

Abby and Maggie (Dave & Sandy's dog - part basset hound and boxer), both are best buddies. The problem comes when playing with a stick out in the water. Abby stands much taller and will swim out to retrieve the stick, then bring it in for Maggie to carry up onto the beach in much shallower water. It was fun to watch how the two of them have learned to play and work together as a team. Not only was this great exercise for the two of them, they both slept very well during the night. :-)

Abby bringing in the stick for Maggie...

Abby getting ready to drop the stick...

Maggie (bringing in the stick) just dropped it.

All of us had a wonderful time (except for the finger episode), with lots of rest and relaxation, cold beer, red wine... and sharing time with best of friends.

-Gary-