July 2009 Camping Trip

Our early summer camping plans with Dave & Sandy, had to be canceled due to the loss of Karen's mother Val, but we did have some great timing with this trip to Harbor Vista Park in Florence, Oregon (our first camping trip together this year).

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Abby & Karen in the Bay

As usual... as soon as we setup our camp, the next item of importance is "watering" the dogs. Dave & Sandy's dog Maggie is a cross between a Boxer and Basset-Hound, and is Abby's best friend. Those two just love playing together, and have worked out a system while playing "stick" in the water. Karen or I will throw the stick way out into the water, and Abby will take off for it. Meanwhile, Maggie waits patiently for Abby to return closer to the shore, and then will swim out to bring the stick in the rest of the way when Abby is closer. They do this time and time again... sharing like two best friends.

Maggie & Abby playing in the water

This was our first time to the Harbor View Park, and we fell in love with this campground. It has both Water and Electric (30/50 Amp in most sites), but does not have Sewer connections. They do however have a Dump Station located on the way out of the campground. All the sites not only have lots of room and space, but they have a great deal of brush between each site, so you also get your privacy.

Site 18


Plenty of room to stretch out with a warm blanket...

or the warmth of the sandy ground. Whatever makes you happy.

I had mentioned earlier that we had planned this trip perfectly, in that the Willamette Valley (50 miles East of us), was having a heat-wave. When this happens it creates an inversion along the Oregon coast, and brings the cooler coastal air inland. While the Valley was roasting at 100+ degrees, we were at a comfortable 65 degrees. In the evenings, we could actually see our breath as we ate dinner at the picnic table. We even managed to stay up long enough to have an actual campfire!

Ahhhhh... Summer along the Oregon Coast

While camping at the Geysers & Geezers Rally in West Yellowstone earlier this June, Forum member Bill Teetz gave me a set of "Koozies" that he had. He said that since I actually owned a HitchHiker II, that they would work better for me. Well Bill... Thank You very much! Even though we didn't get a chance to drink a lot of "COLD" beer, when it did warm up... I tried them out.

The Beer Koozie at work

Luckily on this trip... we managed to escaped any serious "Thurlacki" experiences (even though I do have a few stories to tell), but more importantly, we didn't have to do any evacuations while staying at Harbor Vista!

The "Tsunami" siren warning system by camp

What a great 6 days of fun we had. No rain, the sky was blue (most of the time when there wasn't fog), and the temperatures were nice and cool (compared to the scorching Valley). We arrived back home to record breaking temperatures - 108 degrees! Today was much cooler however, and we only managed to get up to 107 degrees. I almost missed a warm campfire just thinking about the much cooler weather today.

The Sun sets behind the fog bank just off the coastline

Traveling to new and unfamiliar destinations is what I like most about camping. You never know what you'll see along the way, or what you'll find once you get there. But as long as you have good friends to share your adventures with, it's not the destination... but the journey that matters.

Happy Trails...

-Gary & Karen-

April 2009 Camping Trip

It's been a while since our last camping trip in January, but after having knee surgery in February and some cold arctic snow storms in between, it felt good to finally get back out on the road again. Karen and I are also getting ready to ramp up our busy camping schedule for this year, so it was nice to "dust off" some cobwebs and have a few relaxing days at Oregon's South Beach State Park. And best of all... we had nice weather!

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Camping sites at South Beach State Park

We were lucky enough to meet up with some NuWa Owners Forum members as well. We'd made arrangements to camp with Stacy & Sharon (Exploring Wises), as they traveled up the Oregon Coast this year. They "Full-Time" in their trailer, so it was nice to see them again after meeting them last summer as they traveled through Corvallis.

Stacy & Sharon

While camped at South Beach, Forum member "poppaj" drove over to meet with us on his way up to Alaska. John also brought along his trusty "sidekick" BC, so Abby got to meet a new friend as well.

John & BC

Sitting outside in the sun, we got the chance to chat and chew about our travel plans, meeting up with other Forum members, and just enjoying each others company. Why even "Earlvis" got into the Oregon sunshine (and some of you will get to meet him at the G & G Rally in June)!

Taking it easy

"Earlvis" soaking up the sun-rays, and looking for the "chicks"


Karen and Abby relaxing

Later on in the evening hours, Karen and I would slip over to Stacy & Sharon's trailer, where Stacy would fix us some of his famous "Margaritas". They were awesome (Lemon, Lime, and Orange flavors)... and we'll make sure that we use his recipe the next time we make these at home.

The margarita King!

As usual... Abby got to enjoy her favorite part of camping, finding water! With the ocean just a 1/4 mile away, we'd make several trips each day and find her that special stick, and throw and throw it... until she got tired, and wanted to cool off.

Abby cooling off

During one of our days together, we took in some of the local Newport, Oregon attractions. We visited the "haunted" Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, looked at the exhibits at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, and stopped by "Pyromania" where they hand-blow glass floats which are hidden on the Oregon Beaches during the summer months for beach combers to find. I'd be remiss, if I didn't say we also spent another afternoon with the Wises, eating at our favorite local sea food restuarant The Chowder Bowl at Nye Beach in Newport. Not only is their Clam Chowder good, but their Bread Pudding with "Rum-Butter" sause is to die for!

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

A "hands-on" tide pool exhibit at the Marine Science Center

Stacy and I checking out some of this Pirate's "booty"

Sadly, all good times must come to an end, but our 5 days of camping at the beach was a blast. And after all... isn't that what it's all about? We said our good-bye's to Stacy & Sharon, but we'll be meeting up with them again in less than 2 months at West Yellowstone, as they continue to travel the country.

Until then... Happy Trails to you.

-Gary-

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-

November Camping Trip

After what seemed like "forever", Karen and I finally got the HitchHiker out camping once again before this year ends. As the Summer slowly came to an end and Fall approached, we found ourselves busy finishing up with the last of the house projects before Winter sets in. Luckily... we have completed all that we can this year, and are now starting to finalize our plans for the "Big Trip" scheduled for June of 2009 (more on this in a future posting).

For this trip... we headed to the Belknap Hot Springs Resort. The Belknap Resort is located about 55 miles East of Springfield, OR, on Hwy 126. It's just East of the Hwy 242 intersection with Hwy 126.

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Camping Site #37 at Belknap Hot Springs Resort

The Belknap Hot Springs resort is located along the McKenzie River, and the true "Hot Springs" are located across the river from the main Lodge. The extremely hot water from the springs, are pumped over a walking bridge to both lower & upper swimming pools, where it is then mixed with colder water to make about a 104 degree pool temperature all year round. The lower pool is used mainly by the Lodge guests and families, while the upper pool is for cabin and RV guests.

The Belknap Hot Springs Resort Lodge

The Lower Pool area behind the Lodge

One of our favorite things to do while we're staying there, is to walk the miles and miles of walking paths that are located among huge gardens, water fountans, and flowers. In the Summer time, the "Gardens" are used by many wedding parties. They are truly beautiful (see below for yourself).

Our most favorite part of the resort, is finding the hidden access to the "Secret Garden". You may stumble on this secret by accident, but you'll never forget what you've found when you do see it for the first time. See below for a look for yourselves.

Karen and Abby in the "Secret Garden"

While we were staying here, Karen and I also toured the smaller communities of "McKenzie Bridge", "Rainbow", and "Sisters" Oregon. One day, we also drove the "Old McKenzie River Hwy" (Hwy 242). This highway is very narrow and curvey, so you can't tow your 5th wheel trailers through this section of road. But when this road is open during the Summer and Fall (it's closed during the Winter) it's a beautiful drive going through lush green forests, and topping out at a volcanic lava flow area. When we made it to the top of this pass (5300ft elevation), it was snowing. The stark contrast between the black lava, and white snow is something to be seen... "Fire & Ice" together. Here are some more pictures of our side-trip adventures below.

The "Belknap" Covered Bridge. Originally built in 1890

Snow begins to fall in the lava fields

It looks as if the hands of Winter are starting to spread it's blankets of white in the higher reaches of Oregon, and soon, the hibernation of the season will be upon us everywhere. Thanksgiving and Christmas are soon approaching, but that doesn't mean Karen and I are through camping for the year. We still have a "Christmas" tree to light and decorate by our rear trailer window... so stay tunned for our next trip before years end.

-Gary-

September Camping Trip - 2

Karen and I just returned from our second excursion this month, and the weather was fantastic. We stayed at our favorite campground... Fisherman's Bend BLM Park (located 32 miles East of Salem, OR on Hwy 22), and camped with our friends Sandy & Dave.

The Fall colors are just starting to show in the Vine Maple trees, as evidenced in the picture below.

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Fall colors are just starting to show

We love this campground for several reasons... it's close to us (1 hour drive), it has Full-Hookups, Abby can swim in the North Santiam River that boarders the campground, lot's of hiking trails, seclusion from the other campers, and all this for only $18 a night! See below the pictures of our camping site. We were in a "double" pull-through site, so Dave & Sandy were camped beside us... but you could barely see them through the trees and brush.

Our very large camping site (just half of the double pull-through)

During one of our days in camp, we drove to the "Old McKenzie River Highway - Hwy 242", for a senic drive through the Cascade mountains. Please be aware that you can't tow a trailer through this area, and that it's for sight-seeing while driving your truck or car only!

Two of the Three Sisters (North & Middle) and the Lava Flows


Mt. Washington and the Lava Flows


Karen, Abby, and myself with Mt. Washington in the background


Elk cooling off in a field being watered

We also took in many sites along the way off of Hwy 126, such as Sahalie Falls, and the Holiday Farms Resort ( a future Thurlacki Adventure).

Sahalie Falls


Holiday Farms Resort

As usual, we had plenty of great food. Karen and Sandy do a great job of making sure that "everyone" in the campground has enough to eat. Dave tried out something new for us one night with his Dutch-Oven cooking... Pizza!

Dave checking on the melting cheese


Two Pizzas ready for consumption... Yum YUM!!

It really is amazing how quickly time goes whenever you leave on another camping trip. It takes forever for the camping time to come, then in an instant... your camping trip is over, and you're heading back home. I can understand why some people travel the whole year round, enjoying new and different things every day, and experiencing the "call of the road" beckoning to new adventures around every curve.

Thanks for taking the time to look over "our" short adventures.

-Gary-