June 2011 - Camping Trip - #3

Karen, Sandy, Dave and I, just returned from our latest camping trip of the year. For Karen and I, it was our 3rd trip out this month. We did have much better weather this time, and didn't need to inflate a raft to get around the campsite. :-) We all ventured down to the southern Oregon coast (about a 4 hour drive), and stayed in Bandon, Oregon at Bullards Beach State Park. There is much to see and do down in this area of the coast, and we were able to take advantage of our good weather and spent each day touring and exploring. I've included more pictures in this edition than I normally do, because (as they say), "a picture is worth a thousand words", and it would be hard to capture all we did without some pictures.

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Site A48

Coquille River Lighthouse

Karen, Abby, and myself

The Southern Oregon Coastline

Some of the beach rock formations

Abby cooling off in a tidal pool

Looking out of a cave

Many of our daily outings, took us into the local features of this area. On one outing, we stopped by Floras Lake, where we watched the wind and kite surfers playing in the water. I also found some Foxgloves (flowers) growing nearby in bloom, and took a few moments to catch them in all their glory.

Foxgloves in bloom

A closer look

Floras Lake

Kite & Wind Surfers having fun

While on another trip, we happen to find these beautiful Tiger Lilies off to the side of the road, and I stopped to grab a few pictures of these as well.

Tiger Lilies

Tiger Lily closeup

For those of you who might drink cranberry juice, or have cranberry sauce with your Thanksgiving turkey, here is a look at where they may have come from. These are cranberry bogs where they grow the cranberry's, and when ready for picking, the bogs are flooded with water allowing the berries to float to the top of the surface, where a skimmer (picking machine) grabs them and sends them off for processing. There are a lot of cranberry farms located in this area of Oregon, and you may see them if you're driving down Hwy 101 along the coastline.

Cranberry Bogs

About 2 miles north of Bullards Beach State Park (along Hwy 101), is a golf area known as the "Bandon Dunes Golf Resort". I don't golf (except at Par 3 courses or Put-Put Golf), but I have to tell you that this is one classy course (actually 4 different courses). According to "Golf Magazine", the Bandon Dunes resort is the best public access golf course in the nation! Even beating out the Pebble Beach Golf course down in California (their words... not mine). While in Bandon, they were just starting the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championships (both Men & Women). We were able to get a "Spectator" pass, and drove around the facilities to take a look. They were still practicing on Sunday, with the playoffs to begin on Monday June 27th for both the Men & Women's Championship.

The Leader Boards & Flags from several different countries

Both Men & Women practicing the day before the competition

During the last evening of camping, we always go out to dinner (so no one has to cook) at a local eatery somewhere. Dave had asked around for good eating establishments, and was told about one of those "Hole-In-The-Wall" places that you'll always find great food to eat. It's a good thing we arrived early (4:50PM) for dinner, as there were only two tables that sat 4 people, with seating available for 16 on the inside of "Tony's Crab Shack" (there is more outside seating than inside... but it had started to rain). I highly recommend this Seafood eatery if you're ever in this area!! Both Dave and I enjoyed the Smoked Salmon Alfredo (served with Ciabatta Garlic Bread), while Sandy had their famous Crab Sandwich, and Karen the Hot Crab & Shrimp sandwich. Yummy!!!

As always... I enjoy taking photographs of all the interesting places we visit, and with a last minute decision, we all ran down to the "Face Rock State Park" (a few minutes away), to watch the evening sunset. Below are just a few of the many pictures I took that night. The first photo shows "Face Rock" (for which this State Park was named) at the far left-hand side of the photograph. You can see a face looking skyward out of the water at an angle, and the forehead, eye, nose, lips, and chin are clearly visible. The second photo is a capture of the more interesting rock formations in this area, and their reflection on the wet sand. If you look close enough (just above the Sun), you'll see a wayward seagull passing through this beautiful sight.

Face Rock (far left) looking skyward

Sunset reflections

Thanks for following along with us on our most recent outing. May you all find your own adventures in life, enjoy beautiful sunsets, and share them together with close friends.

Happy Trails...

Gary, Karen, and Abby Too!

June 2011 - Camping Trip - #2

This past weekend, Karen and I ran up to McMinnville, Oregon to attend two family "Baby Showers" and Bar-B-Q's. Since we had stayed at the "Olde Stone Village RV Park" before in McMinnville, we knew what to expect when we returned to this very nice spot, and it was located within 10 minutes of Kevin & McKenzie's house. This made it much easier for us to attend the two different baby showers that were a day apart (Saturday & Sunday), instead of having to driving back and forth from Corvallis each day. Besides... we took long walks with Abby, looked around the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum buildings, and even walked into the NEW Evergreen "Wings & Waves" Water Park (which just opened June 6th), just to take a look. WOW!!! Karen and I will have to return this Fall or Winter when school is going on, so we can have a fighting chance at getting into water park for some adult fun! :-)

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Site #247


The NEW Evergreen Wings & Wave Water Park
(Yes... that's a real 747 Jet with water tubes coming out towards the rear of the jet)


Abby & I standing by an F-15


Is that Howard Hughes I see looking out of the cockpit window of the "Spruce Goose"?

We all had a wonderful time at McMinnville, and we can't wait to be grandparents in July! :-) I do recommend this RV Park if you plan to stay in the area. There is also a 1/4 mile paved walking path from the RV Park to the Evergreen Aviation Museum grounds. We watched remote controlled planes being flown behind the aviation museum (where they have their own paved runway), and there was a car show on Saturday in the back Evergreen parking lot. I got to see and drool over a lot of older cars restored into tip-top shape (especially a 1955 Chevy).

Until next time... Happy Trails.

Gary, Karen, and Abby Too!

June 2011 - Camping Trip - #1

This ended up being a last minute quick trip, as Karen and I wanted to catch up with our friends "Dutch & Di" who are the owners of the "Plug-It-Right" company. When we met up with them last year at Prosser, Washington (for the Pacific Northwest Rendezvous Rally), we had their RV Stabilizers installed on the front end of our 5th wheel. Wow... what a huge difference they made in removing movement in the bedroom overhang area!!! We started sleeping all night after having these installed, because there wasn't any more side-to-side movement in the bed if someone rolled over, or got up to use the bathroom. They offered "Rear Stabilizers" as well... but we decided to hold off because we used the "Wayne's Stabilizer" system at the back of the trailer, and it seemed to be doing an OK job. Dutch & Di never pushed us to put their system on the back as well... but I do remember Di saying "You'll be back"... and she was right. :-) After having to lean down in mud and water the last 3 camping trips to but the Wayne's Stabilizer in place, I knew there had to be a better way... and now all I have to do is tighten a couple on knobs.

The two of them are avid golfers (when they aren't Full-Time travelers across the country), and they just happen to be staying close to us before heading east to another RV Rally, so we met up with them for some relaxation, some catching up talks, and most importantly... rear stabilizer installation by Dutch. :-)

We stayed at the "Umpqua Golf Resort" in Sutherlin, Oregon, which happens to be a very nice facility (even if you don't golf). They except both Good Sam Club & Passport America discounts, and the amenities include Full Hookups (Water, Electric 30/50, Sewer), Free WiFi, and Cable TV hookups - 78 Channels. Since we were Passport America members, it only cost us $15 to stay there for the night (another bonus!). They do have golfing specials for couples staying there for a month, which include All-Inclusive Golfing (as much as you want), a Golf Cart, and your RV Site... all for $550 for the entire month! If this sounds like something you'd like to do, check them out. The managers are very nice and accommodating as well.

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Our Site #29


Dutch working hard
(Even after I nearly dropped a board on his head)


Our afternoon chat
(Left to Right: Karen, Dutch, and Di, & Abby laying down)

We ended the afternoon by heading into Roseburg, Oregon to the Rodeo Steakhouse for dinner (Good food). When we returned back to the RV Park, we continued our conversation with Dutch & Di in their trailer. In all actuality... it's really their home on wheels. What a wonderful couple, and we look forward to meeting up with them again in the future out on the road. Karen and I counted 4 Bald Eagles when we returned home the next day between Eugene & Corvallis. That just ended our trip by putting the icing on the cake.

Sunset on the Golf course

Until our next adventure... Happy Trails to you.

Gary, Karen, and Abby Too!

May 2011 Camping Trip

Spring time has arrived in the Northwest, and with it the wildflowers are growing. During this time of the year, Karen and I always enjoy our forest trail walks, because we get to see the smallest of wildflowers coming to life under the forest canopy. This year was no exception, and we were blessed with many different types of flowers in full bloom for us to enjoy. I'll be posting some of our favorites below.

Fisherman's Bend campground is a wonderful place to stay. This time we shared our camping trip with Jim & Linda (and Abby's friend Cirby), as well as Dave & Sandy. Jim and I met a few years ago when I was walking Abby, and he was walking Cirby. Both dogs love playing together in the grass fields, and Jim and I shared common interests (like camping). After Karen and I met up with Jim's wife Linda, we tried unsuccessfully to camp together, but something always came up, and we were never able to connect at the same time. So this was finally a first! :-)

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Site 13A


Abby always on guard... for running the other way from danger!

Fisherman's Bend is a BLM Park, but many of its sites include full-hookups, which make longer stays more enjoyable. This campground is also within a little over an hours drive away, so it has become one of our favorite places to visit (especially with the increasing fuel prices). With the North Santiam River just a few yards away, and miles of beautiful nature trails and hiking paths (that are well maintained) to explore, there's always something to see or do. I also recommend eating lunch or dinner at "Giovanni Mountain Pizza" located just 2 miles east of the campground (in Mill City, OR), if you want to sample the local fair, and Karen and I found the Mountain Edge Cafe a great place for breakfast as well. Jim & Linda ate at the "Swiss Village" restaurant (a few miles west of Fisherman's Bend) off of Hwy 22, and loved the hamburgers and rubin sandwich.

Karen and Abby on one of the beautiful trails


The forest canopy

Detroit Lake State Park is located about 22 miles farther east on Hwy 22, so we took a ride one day taking in the sites... and of course watering the dog. :-)

Abby enjoying a cold dip in the lake with some geese

Below are just a few of the many beautiful wildflowers and interesting sites to see along the vast trail network.

The White Trillium


The Purple Trillium

Bleeding Hearts


Hooker's Fairybell


Tree Fungus

Some of you may remember my BLOG post from last September when we stayed here at Fisherman's Bend. We ended up seeing a large "Ape Type Beast" being video taped for a Forest Service video, on "how to" teach children to pick up litter on the trails, and how not to run through others campsites (this movie is shown in the campground amphitheater). Since our sighting last year, the campground has now put up a NEW crossing sign. It's best not be be sitting too long around the campfire after dark, as you never know who's warm breath may be breathing down the back of your neck. :-)

Bigfoot Crossing

Hope you enjoyed tagging along with us on this trip. Happy Trails... and don't forget to take the time to look for beauty in the smallest of places. You won't be disappointed in what you find.

Gary & Karen, and Abby Too

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"! :-)

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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!

February 2011 Camping Trip

The new year is here, and our camping adventures have started once again. January didn't start out well for me however, as I'd ended up in the hospital for three days with an intestinal blockage. Luckily, three hours prior to a scheduled exploratory surgery (to try and find out what was causing it), my intestinal tract reopened, and after twelve days without food (since December 28th), I was allowed to have some apple juice. It tasted like liquid Gold to me. :-) I've had three followup tests since then, and nothing has been found for the cause of this. I still have another test tomorrow, but I'm not holding my breath that they'll ever find the reason why. For now... I'm feeling back to normal and am ready to explore more fun and exciting areas of Oregon... so onward we go!

We started off this years camping trip with our friends Dave & Sandy to Lincoln City, OR (located along the Oregon Coast), and stayed for the first time at the Devils Lake RV Park. If you ever make plans to stay in or near this area of the coast, I highly recommend this very nice (and clean) park. They are currently offering a "3 nights for the price of 2" special until the end of April. Best of all, there is a traffic light off of Hwy 101 that allows you to make the left-hand turn into this park (located next to Devils Lake). During the busy weekends, you won't have to wait hours to try and cross safely across the on-coming traffic.

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Site #37


Devils Lake in the background taken from our site

Those of you that have read about our past camping experiences, or for those of you who refuse (wisely) not to even camp with us, are used to our tales of whoa. We like to call them "Thurlacki Adventures", but this camping excursion almost surpassed all of our past camping trips combined, and nearly involved cannibalism (shades of the Donnar Party)!

Due to the abnormally cold weather while we were camping (even though we were at sea level), we woke up on Friday morning to snow showers at the RV Park. This slowly changed over to "thick rain" (rain and snow mixed). Not really thinking much about it, we shopped at the local "Outlet Mall", and allowed our dogs to run on the beaches during the short clear breaks. The next day however proved to be one of the most interesting days we've had together (to say the least).

Saturday turned out to be beautiful with blue skies and sunshine. It was still very cold (below freezing), but just being able to be out in the sun made it all worth while. I had recently purchased the book "Photographing Oregon" - By Greg Vaughn, and was interested in taking pictures of the Drift Creek Waterfall (located about thirteen miles away). So we loaded up the trucks and dogs, and off we went. The first stop was the Drift Creek Covered Bridge.

Drift Creek Covered Bridge

The Drift Creek covered bridge was actually at one time located on "Drift Creek", but was about to demolished, so it was purchased by a private family and moved to their farm, and rebuilt over Bear Creek which runs by their property. The bridge is still graciously open for the public, so pictures can be taken of Oregon's covered bridges that still exist today. After a few photo's, we continued our journey towards the waterfall about 9 miles away.

Soon the bare roadway started to show signs of snow, and as we slowly climbed higher and higher, it became apparent that yesterdays snowfall at the lower elevations, really dumped a LOT of fresh snow up here in the Coastal Mountains (hmmm, funny how that happens).

What a beautiful sunny day


The snow seems to be getting deeper Dave

The idle chit-chat between Karen and I (and I'm sure it was the same for Dave & Sandy), soon gave way to silence, only to be broken by an occasional scream (or cuss word). Try as hard as she could, Karen's leaning in towards me (and gasps of sucking in air), didn't move the truck farther away from the steep loooooong drop-offs to "her" side of the truck. And the deeper the snow got (with hidden ice underneath), only added to the depletion of the oxygen still remaining inside the cab of our truck, as the ledges along the roadway got higher and steeper as we climbed. Over the "walkie-talkies" that we shared with Dave & Sandy, we heard Dave say that they no longer thought they could make it, and that they were going to turn around. Karen told them that we'd just meet back up with them at the RV Park... and onward we continued.

Finally, the roadway began to level off and we started to drop in elevation, and we soon discovered what we'd been looking for all this time... the trail parking lot for the Drift Creek Waterfall! As Karen and I prepared for the 1 1/2 mile hike down to the falls, we looked up to find Dave & Sandy pulling in and parking beside us. We asked what had happened, and they told us that the roadway was so slick with ice under the snow, that they couldn't turn around without getting stuck, so they reluctantly continued forward up the road (their only choice).

As we took off down the trail towards the waterfall, Dave mentioned to us that "they" (Dave & Sandy), were not going to return the same way they came up, but were instead going to continue down the road we were on, and follow it toward its eventual ending at Hwy 101 (thus being closer to the lower side of the mountain (meaning less snow) and a shorter nerve racking trip to paved clear roads and back home). It sure sounded good in theory.

When you arrive at the end of the Drift Creek Waterfall trail, you get cross the largest suspension bridge in Oregon. It's 240ft. across a small canyon that contains Drift Creek and the Waterfall. In fact, you can actually look down (if you want) at the waterfall as you cross above it. The bridge itself is hanging some 100+ ft. above the ground. I wasn't too sure if Karen was up for this (she's not a heights kinda gal), but as you can see, even with snow and ice on the 3 ft. wide walk, she and Abby did just fine... even when the bridge swayed... a little. :-)

Karen and Abby crossing the suspension bridge
(Note: The dent in the handrail was caused by a falling tree)

After crossing myself, I continued another 1/4 mile to the bottom of the creek, while Dave & Karen waited behind with the dogs. I took a few photographs of the falls, and joined back up with them for the hike back up to the trucks.

Drift Creek Waterfall
(Note: in the upper right-hand area behind the angled tree, you can see the suspension bridge we crossed over)


Another shot of the Falls, with a longer exposure to make the water look "milky"

You would think that this would be a great time to end this BLOG (on such a beautiful note), but alas... we are talking about the "Thurlacki" factor.

After returning back to the trail-head parking lot, the decision was made NOT to return home the same way we'd come. We decided to continue on down the road towards (what we thought), would be the shorter and quicker way home. In short... we turned out to be wrong! The road at first led downward with less snow, but it soon turned upward again gaining elevation and depth of snow. Six miles later, we came to a 3-Way intersection with the road signs only pointing in two directions. Back towards where we'd come from, and going forward towards a Forestry Camp of some type. The road to the right was not marked. Thinking that the Forestry Camp must be close by to Hwy 101, we continued forward (now in 4-Wheel Drive), towards our escape of the slipping and sliding hell. Another six miles later... the road came to an abrupt end! We had come to the "Forestry Camp" (which was now a Mennonite Camp), and after asking a man at the camp for directions, discovered that we should have taken the third (unmarked) road back from where we'd just come from. Karen and Sandy were not too happy (to say the least), but we had no other options. Our only thoughts were of making it back to civilization, and in doing so, hopefully nothing would happen (like getting stranded), and we'd have to eat each other to survive (much like the Donner Pass story). As Karen put it over the "walkie-talkie" to Dave and Sandy: "Who ever dies first will be eaten!" :-) Yes... sometimes even at the worst of moments in time, even a sickening thought can bring a smile to the face.

As you've all probably figured out, we safely made it back to the RV Park, thus ending another chapter in our looooooong history of adventures. Later that night (while eating dinner at Pier 101 in Lincoln City), we all lamented over our day of hell, laughing and sharing thoughts as close friends do. It's only just a guess, but I have a feeling that our "snow" adventures are over in any future escapades. :-)

Lincoln City beaches


And brighter skies ahead

If you are interested in learning more about Drift Creek Falls (and how to get there), click on this link: Drift Creek Falls Information.

Thanks for taking the time to share our adventures with us... and until the next time, Happy Trails to you during your travels through life.

Gary & Karen, and Abby Too!