September 2011 - Camping Trip - #1

With summer slowly coming to end, Karen and I headed off to Central Oregon, and camped at Tumalo State Park for the first time. We stayed in Site - 66C, which came with plenty of room and Full-Hookups, and also included a nice fire-ring for evening campfires. It was a bit dusty however, which is expected in this drier area of Oregon. Unfortunately, I never got a picture of our campsite (we ended up having to leave early for home), as poor Abby ended up with a ruptured anal sac on this trip, and after visiting the emergency vets in Bend, we decided she would be better off at home. She's is doing much better now, and has been on antibiotic's and pain meds. Her swelling is slowly going down, and she'll be good as new in another week or so.

During our short stay, we did manage to fit in a lot of fun things and visited with friends that were either camping or lived the area. One evening found us eating at a wonderful Bend, OR Brew-Pub called 10 - Barrel. I "highly recommend eating here"... only get there early, or you may find yourself waiting a while.

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Karen and I at "10 Barrel" - Note the size of our Steak & Cheese sandwiches! Yum!!!

Of course... Dave & Sandy helped Karen to find all the Sale items at a local "Quilt Store".

At our camping site, we happen to have a very curious Stellers Jay, that loved looking into the back trailer window while standing on the back ladder.

Our noisy Jay

With plenty of lakes and rivers nearby, Abby and Maggie got the chance to play one of their favorite games. We throw the stick way out into the water, and Abby swims out to get it. When she gets close to the shore, she drops the stick, and lets Maggie bring it in the rest of the way. They're great friends and buddies.

Abby & Maggie playing "fetch" together

Central Oregon has a lot of beautiful areas to see and explore. The Cascade Mountains seem close enough to reach out and touch them. On one of our daily trips, we drove the Cascade Lakes Highway. We stopped at several of these high lakes, and I spent some time enjoying my hobby of photography. Karen even jumped in by taking my picture with my cell-phone, as I was taking a pictures at Sparks Lake. I happen to miss a great shot of a Bald Eagle that flew right over our heads, as I was in the middle of changing lenses on my camera, but I didn't miss some other wildlife that waded out to the Sparks Lake island.

Karen took this picture of me with our cell phone

And here is the picture I took

As we were returning back to the cars, I happen to catch some other wildlife enjoying the day and beautiful scenery. Note where the arrow is pointing.

There is something at the far edge of the island. What could it be?

A close up of Mom and her Baby

Even though we had to cut our camping trip short, the incredible sights we saw during our stay will be remembered for a long time. Great food, Great Friends, and Beautiful scenery! It can't get any better than that. Thanks for coming along with us on this adventure.

A 5-Picture Panoramic (5 pictures were used to make this picture)

Happy Trails...

Gary, Karen, and Abby Too!

August 2011 - Camping Trip - #1

I cant believe we are already into August! How time flies when you become a grandparent! :-) Karen and I just finished staying up in McMinnville for a few days, so that we could assist both McKenzie and Kevin as they adapt their lives and household around the cutest "Little Man" Jackson. We already knew where we'd stay (the "Olde Stone RV Park" next to the Evergreen Aviation Museum), which is only 10 minutes away from Kevin & McKenzie's house. The bonus this time around, was the swimming pool at the RV park, warm weather, and NO RAIN! :-) Of course... the main reason for this trip, was being able to see our new grandson Jackson again (Born July 24, 2011).

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Site #258

The empty swimming pool (not for long) :-)

Our trailer (see the flag in the center of the picture)

Even though we've stayed here at this RV Park before, we always manage to find new trails to walk Abby on, and new sites to see around the Evergreen Museum area. They have many static jets and other military equipment staged outside, so it's always fun to get up close to touch and view these displays. One new addition that just opened in June, is the Evergreen Indoor Water Park. Karen and I plan on coming back in the Fall (when school is in session again), so we can try out some of the fun slides for ourselves!!! :-)

Note the water slides coming out of the rear of the 747 Jet

The grapes around the Water Park will soon be turned into Wine

During our stay, I very good friend of mine (Ray Farm) from the Corvallis Fire Department was having his retirement party back in Corvallis. We couldn't miss out on an opportunity to do some "roasting", so Karen and I made a brief return home (without the trailer), to attend Ray's party. Catching up with old friends, eating some great Hawaiian food, and talking about Ray (Wood Ducks), made for a great time for Everyone! :-) Congratulations Ray!

FYI... Ray Farm is "finally" retired after 32 years! :-)

OK... I know a lot of you are wondering about Jackson, so all good things come to those that wait. Karen and I are both excited to be entering this new chapter of "grand-parenting" in our life. And of course... Jackson is without a doubt the most beautiful and handsome grandson in the whole world.

Grammy spending some cuddle time with Jackson

Jackson during a more "Peaceful" moment...

I must say that Karen and I are looking forward to spending the future with Jackson as he grows. At some point, we'll have to teach him about camping, fishing with Gramps, and trips to the Fire Station. But Christmas time is definitely going to be magical again in the years to come. I hope he likes playing the drums... trumpet... or harmonica! :-)

Another "Heavenly Body"

Thanks for riding along with us on our latest adventure. "Happy Trails to you... until we meet again".

Gary and Karen (and Abby Too!)

July 2011 - Camping Trip - #1

SUMMER is finally here!!!

In an unlikely event, this recent camping trip had not one drop of rain involved. This was the first camp out this year that the rain did not make an appearance. We had warm weather, sunny sky's, and nice friends to share our experience with... Jim & Linda (and Cirby too) from Albany, OR. This was our second camping trip together with Jim & Linda (we'd camped previously at Fisherman's Bend with them, along with Dave & Sandy), and we had a great time, even going out to dinner one evening at The Point Restaurant by Foster Lake. Great food, salads, and killer beer battered mushrooms!

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Site - 2A

Karen & Abby playing at the South Santiam River

Karen and I had stayed at the River Bend County Park once before a few years back (during the Winter), and they've just recently opened up a newer addition of this park in June. The newer side has larger sites, wider driveways, and more grassy areas. They still provide Water & Electric (30-50amp), but no sewer connections are available (just like the older side). A dump station is conveniently located on your way out of the campground. There is no doubt that on our next visit here, we'll be staying over in the E-F-G loop areas!

New Campground Sites - F20
(Water & Electric Only)

Three miles farther down the highway near Cascadia Park (heading East on Hwy 20 out of Sweet Home, Oregon), is the "Short Covered Bridge". This bridge spans the South Santiam River, was built in 1945, and was a favorite swimming area when I was in High School. I dare say, that yes... I'm guilty of stupidly jumping off of this bridge (on more than one occasion) into the deep pool below during those younger summer days in my life. :-) These pictures were taken about a half hour before sunset one evening.

The "Short Bridge" built in 1945

On the trail down to the river

Evening time reflections

As usual, our time away on these outings always seems to fly-by all to quickly, and the reality of Karen still working after 30 years at Good Samaritan Hospital, comes into play. One of these days our trips will become larger in distance and time, but for now, quite local getaways with family and friends remind us just how lucky we really are, in being able to enjoy the beauty of a rolling river or the serenity of an evening sunset. Oregon has so much to offer, and we're only more than happy to seek out it's special places. :-)

Wild daisies along the trail

The South Santiam River in camp

Abby enjoying one of her many walks on the trails

Until the next time, happy trails to all of you, and enjoy your own summer fun and adventures! Thanks for coming along Buckaroos.

Gary, Karen, and Abby Too!

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!