April 2011 Camping Trip

After a wet & cold winter, Karen and I were finally able to find the time to head out camping again this year. Little did we know that we'd be experiencing the wrath of Oregon monsoons (the worst that we've ever encountered yet to date), but then again we are talking about "Thurlacki" luck, which seems to find us no matter where we go or where we stay.

We took off for Newport, Oregon, and camped at the Beverly Beach State Park campground, which is located about 7 miles North of Newport on Hwy 101. Our reservations were in order (surprisingly), and we drove to our site (G-03) at the far end of the park loops. The camp slot beside us (G-04), would be taking the following day by Kevin & McKenzie (our son and daughter-in-law). They purchased a very nice trailer last summer, and are trying to get in as much camping time before McKenzie delivers their first baby in July. Yes... Karen and I will soon be "Grandparents"! :-)

*** Click on pictures to make them larger for viewing ***


Site G-03

It's a good thing that we didn't plan on building any campfires... as our fire-ring ended up being surrounded by a lake!

This picture was taken after the water receded! The actual water line was up to the wooden green covered step you see in the background at one point

Camp "Soggy"

Needless to say, I didn't get a chance to take a lot of pictures this go-around, as I really didn't want to see how water-proof my digital camera was. At one point, Karen and I were watching a DVD inside our trailer, and we actually had to turn UP the sound because it was raining so hard we couldn't hear the movie.

Poor Kevin & McKenzie got soaked when they arrived on Friday, as they were faced with setting up their trailer in a downpour as well. Luckily (after a few drying towels were used), we were all comfy and dry in our trailers, and both Abby & Harris (Kevin & McKenzie's 7 month old Golden Retriever), went for walks around camp. No snow this time! :-)

"Harris"
(Named in memory of Capt. Phil Harris from the Deadliest Catch TV Show)

The "3-Brothers" Rock Formation
(located at the southern end of Lincoln City)

One afternoon we hit the beaches with the dogs, and there were 40+ mph wind gusts to boot! Not to mention the rain that was traveling sideways. We all came away wet from that excursion, but we all got a good laugh out of doing it (something a true Oregonian would appreciate). On Saturday we shopped for baby clothes at one of the the Factory Outlet stores in Lincoln City, and later that evening, we all ate dinner at the Chowder Bowl in Newport.

Kevin trying to walk towards us against the wind gusts

The one thing that really loved all the wet weather, was the "Skunk Cabbage" that was blooming around the campground. If you could smell it, then you'd know how it got its name (take my word for it).

Skunk Cabbage in bloom

We're all holding out for the warmer weather that will soon arrive, and with it, the long days of summer. Karen and I are looking forward to our new roles as "Grandparents", and in the future, sharing camping experiences with our new grandson or granddaughter. There is much we'll have to teach the "little ones" as they grow into their own person, and juggling full & heavy gallons of milk over the lap of their father will be one of them. Life has a funny way of getting back at you for all the "dumb" stuff we did as kids to our own parents. I guess that's why "grandchildren" are so special... right Kevin? :-) Hope they don't drop the milk. ;-)

Until the next time... (in a slightly high pitched voice), Happy Trails to you (yep... it hurt).

Gary & Karen and Abby Too!

November 2010 Camping Trip

Just because the weather gets colder, and the sunlight during the day is shorter, doesn't mean that you can't head out to the Oregon coast for a little R & R. Yeah... we only saw the sun one day out of the 5 days we were there, but we still enjoyed each others company and spent time walking Abby, watching movies, reading books, and checking out our favorite shops in the Newport area.

*** Click on pictures to make them larger for viewing ***

Our waterlogged site - C6

The backside of our site

Abby really likes this campground very well, and knows all the short-cuts to the beach. She loves running ahead of Karen and I on the sandy trails to the ocean, and pops up to see where we are, or runs back to hurry us along. We got lucky for a November day at the beach, in that we had the whole beach pretty much to ourselves... with Sun! Abby ran and played to her hearts content.

Common guys... were almost there!


Our rewards... Sun, Sand, and Solitude


Karen and Abby enjoy the Sun & Surf

Karen and I also explored some new trails this time, and actually got to see 4 Mule Deer and some Bear scat. Karen wasn't too excited about the latter, but we did meet up with some "Fun Guys" (fungi) on our trek. Here's one of them in the next picture.

There's no place like Knomb... but we didn't see any. :-)

Along with the wetter weather is the fog that hugs the coastal regions. That's the perfect time for some great photo opportunities! So off we went looking for some interesting pictures, and we found some we thought you'd enjoy.

Docked fishing boats in the approaching fog


The Yaquina Bay Bridge - A bridge to nowhere

Thanks for following along with us. We're looking forward to heading out again next month for another adventure. In fact, we'll get a chance to try out our small Christmas Tree for inside the trailer.

Safe travels... and Happy Trails to you.

-Gary, Karen, and Abby Too!-