January 2009 Camping Trip

The new year is upon us (2009), and Karen and I decided it was time for some rest & relaxation. We'd had plans to camp in December (right before Christmas), but unfortunately, an Arctic Cold front moved down from Canada bringing snow to our region. Even though we would have been fine inside the trailer, driving back home would have been an adventure... so we decided to stay home and be safe.

Due to our "last minute" decision to go camping, we stayed close to home, and only ventured 35 minutes away to Waterloo County Park just East of Lebanon, OR.

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Waterloo Park - Site 8A

While the campground remained pretty much empty Thursday night (2 camp hosts, and another camper), more people arrived on Friday to fill up the remaining Winter sites still available. Since the sun appeared on Friday as well, I was finally able to try out my Flag Pole Buddy and the Solar Powered "Glow Globe" topper (with it's changing multi-colored lights). During the nighttime, the globe-topper changes from Blue... fading to Purple... fading to Red... then Yellow... and Green... then back to Blue. It's Awesome!

Our Flag Pole Buddy with Glow-Globe Topper

During the night, the temperatures dipped below freezing, but the furnace made sure our water-lines didn't freeze and that our holding tanks remained free from ice. The mattress pad warmer made our bed sheets and blankets nice and warm as well, when it was time to head off to the "Land of Nod".

As usual... Abby got to run and play with a stick in the Park. The South Santiam River was at flood stage, so we didn't allow her swim this time around.

Abby playing with her stick

The flooded South Santiam River boat ramp


No "Lifeguard" on Duty!


Flood water rapids


High water - Full river

Friday evening, Karen and I got to see a beautiful pink sunset. Although the picture doesn't do it justice, we both stared up at the sky watching the colors become bright pink... and then slowly fade away into the evening darkness. Karen and I ordered a Pizza for dinner from one of our favorite Italian Restaurants nearby in Lebanon called "Mama Linda's". Great food, a beautiful sunset, and spending a relaxing time camping with your favorite girls. It doesn't get any better than this!

What a great way to ring in the "New Year"

Karen and I have plenty of adventures planned for 2009, including a cross-country trip for our 30th Wedding Anniversary, and a Rally at Yellowstone in June, to meet up with well-over 100 of our NuWa Owners Forum members and friends. Let the fun and camping trips begin!

-Gary-