Day 102 - June 26, 2008

Today we spent the day at Olympic National Park. We got an early start as we had big plans. We started by stopping at Lake Quinault Lodge. This was a lovely old place with lots of charm. Then we followed the road around Quinault River and saw some beautiful waterfalls and also a mama and baby deer. They had a really big storm here last year so part of the road was closed and there was a lot of timber debris. Then we walked through the the rain forest trails. Wow that was like being in "Snow White". Next we drove up to the Hoh Rain Forest and walked two incredible trails. Our last stop was on the coast at Ruby Beach.

Washington is a neat state but doesn't hold a candle to Oregon. Along the route we saw so many butchered mountains and meadows so you can sure tell they do not have the timber laws that Oregon does. It sure makes a difference. It also makes you want to recycle as much as possible to "Save the trees". Also the towns along the way were rather depressed as they are mainly timber towns and I guess the trees are giving out and the people are struggling.

Here in Olympic National Park they measure the rain by feet rather than inches. No wonder they have a temperate rain forest here.

Lake Quinault Lodge in Olympic National Park, WA

Is this not incredible?

Papa and G at one of the waterfalls in Olympic National Park

Mama Deer and little bitty baby deer we saw along the way in Olympic National Park

Wow about this temperate rain forest? Isn't this awesome and spooky?

Ruby Beach, WA

Day 101 - June 25, 2008

Today was another mini travel day from Long Beach, WA to Pacific Beach, WA. This is a tiny little town right on the beach and has a rather large military resort with rooms, houses, campground and cottages. Our camp site is on the edge of a 100' bluff for only $20 a night!! Frank's many years of military service are really paying off. The low lodging price helps to balance out the increasing gas prices.

We took the day off from touring and drove the car down to the beach and set up for a great relaxing afternoon. Wow, we are so blessed to have this incredible opportunity.

Day 100 - June 24, 2008

Can you believe it - we have had the wonderful opportunity to tour this great country of ours for 100 days. As the title of this blog goes - this is truly a Big Adventure.

We started our day with a stop at Jack's Country Store in Ocean Park, WA. This store is known far and wide for its extensive inventory array that covers everythings from a full grocery department featuring fresh local seafood to an extensive hardware selection, RV parts, housewares and sporting goods. This was quite a treat and a walk back in time.

Then it was on for some hiking at Leadbetter Point State Park. I tell you what, I don't know who has more mosquitoes - Washington or Florida.

Then we drove through the delightful little town of Oysterville. It was settled in 1854 and is one of the oldest towns in Washington. The entire community constitutes a historic district!!

Then it was another great seafood lunch in Long Beach.

Next stop was the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment State Park. Then we walked up to the top of North Head Lighthouse. So we had quite a full day today.

Jack's Country Store in Ocean Park, WA

Church in Oysterville, WA

Washington Coast Line

North Heads Lighthouse in Cape Disappointment State Park, WA. It is 65' tall and sits on solid basalt more than 190' above sea level. This lighthouse was established in 1898.

Day 99 - June 23, 2008

Today was a mini travel day from Cannon Beach, OR to Long Beach, WA. We had to cross a huge, high, 2 lane 4.1 mile bridge over the Columbia River which is the borderline between Oregon and Washington. As usual Frank handled the crossing with his motor home driving expertise. We have a great campground which is very close to the beach - we only have to walk over the dunes. We decided to make this a chill day and we took our chair, books and cooler and enjoyed the afternoon on the beach.

PaPa tries out the Pacific Ocean

Beach at our present campground - Anderson's on the Ocean; Long Beach, WA

I know this is a little out of order but this is dedicated to Parker - "Holey Moley"

Day 98 - June 22, 2008

This morning we finally got a strong wifi signal so we spent some time updating the blog. Then we started our touring with Seaside, Oregon. This is Oregon's oldest and largest ocean resort. This was a neat beach town and almost reminded us of Daytona Beach. They had a main street called Broadway and it had all sorts of things - t-shirt stores, bumper cars, popcorn and all sorts of other assorted beach shops. This was also the end of the trail for the Lewis and Clark Discovery Expedition. Frank is currently reading the Stephen Ambrose book "Undaunted Courage" which expertly tells the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Therefore, any Lewis and Clark place has a real importance. Next we drove up the coast to Astoria, Oregon and guess what - had another great seafood lunch. Then we stopped at Fort Clatsop National Monument where Lewis and Clark spent their winter in 1805.

Tomorrow we will head to Washington and it is with great sadness that we will be leaving Oregon. I cannot say enough what a fabulous state this is. I hope all of you get to see this state in your life times. Granted it has taken us 60+ years to see it but it is well worth it.

Our campsite at RV Resort at Cannon Beach

Seaside, Oregon

Ft. Clatsop National Monument

Day 97 - June 21, 2008

Today was a mini travel day from Fairview, Oregon to Cannon Beach, Oregon. It was quite amazing to see cars with surfboards on the top as opposed to yesterday when we saw people skiing and snowboarding. What an incredible state!!

Cannon Beach is such a quaint little seaside town. It was named for the cannon that washed ashore from a schooner shipwrecked in 1846. We went to the little downtown area and had a fabulous seafood lunch. We are getting spoiled with all this incredible seafood. I had a razor clam dinner that was out of this world. We continue to have good luck with our weather. Last night we had a bit of a mist so we didn't get to have our camp fire but during the day it was partly cloudy with the sun peeking out now and then. Guess what all you folks in the southeast - our high temperature for this next week is not expected to get above 62 degrees.

I hope you enjoy the pictures of this neat little place.

Haystack Rock - the world's third largest monolith

Note - beaches in Oregon are beautiful but they are not meant for swimming unless you have a full wetsuit. Notice that everyone is WALKING on the beach and not swimming.

PaPa with the Old Sea Captain

Typical cedar shingle weathered homes in Cannon Beach, Oregon

Charming Town of Cannon Beach

Day 96 - June 20, 2008

Today we did the scenic loop drive around Mt. Hood, Oregon. Majestic Mt Hood rises 11,239' in splendid isolation, dominating the horizon for miles around. Many living glaciers extend to near the timberline on all sides. This is the highest point in the state. We unfortunately were not able to go to Mirror Lake or Trillium Lake as they were still snowed in so I wasn't able to get a "postcard" picture of the mountain reflected in the lake. This is definitely a place I would like to come back to another time. It is so awesome and inspiring. We did get to go to the incredible Timberline Lodge. The lodge was hand-crafted by WPA artisans and is know as the people's lodge. It was hewn by public workers into a monumental masterpiece and dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on 9/28/1937. Timberline is finished with museum quality original paintings, carved linoleum, mosaic glass, sculpted wood, stone and metal work. It is where historic preservation, stewardship, recreation, and hospitality come together to provide an unforgettable experience. We were fortunate enough to take a guided tour of the lodge with a US Forest Service Ranger who pointed out and explained many of the wonders in this fabulous place. As we continued our scenic drive, we also took advantage of the "Fruit Loop" portion of the area. This scenic drive takes you through the valley's orchards, forests, farmlands and friendly communities. We stopped for some glorious cherries and apples, another stop for the best cookies I have ever tasted and last but not least at an alpaca farm. I actually bought a hank of homespun yarn which came from one of the resident alpacas. This will be an heirloom scarf as you can imagine the price was of "heirloom quality".

What a wonderful day of memorable sights and events!!

Mt. Hood, Oregon

Can you believe snow boarding and skiing in late June? From what we understand this is only 1 or 2 places in North America where you can ski year round.

Awesome Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood, Oregon

"G" with a skiing Smokey the Bear at Mt. Hood, Oregon

Glorious Mt. Hood, Oregon

Visit to Alpaca Farm in Hood River, Oregon

Hi Mr. Alpaca - how about some lunch?

Papa feeding the alpaca

Day 95 - June 19,2008

Today we toured the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge. Our first stop was a view point at Cape Horn. Then we made the tough hike up to the top of Beacon Rock. We had lunch at the Big River Grill in Stevenson. Then we visited the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center where models of early steamships were on display along with relics of frontier life and exhibits that highlight the geological features of the gorge. Our next stop was the Dalles Lock and Dam and the town of the Dalles.

View from the Top of Beacon Rock. This 850' rock is second only to Gibraltar in size and is the core of a vanished volcano. Lewis and Clark described it as a "remarkable, high detached rock.

Top of Beacon Rock

We BOTH hiked the 1 mile (850' change in elevation) hike up Beacon Rock. This is a picture of just 1/4 of the switchbacks on the hike.

The Dalles Lock and Dam

Day 94 - June 18, 2008

Today was a great day of touring of the Columbia River Highway and Columbia River Gorge. I hope you enjoy the incredible sights as much as we did.

Columbia River

Latourell Falls

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls

Multnomah Falls - the second highest continuous waterfall in the US

Frank did the mile long hike up to the top of Multnomah Falls. This was quite a ways up.

View from the top of Multnomah Falls

Horsetail Falls

Spill water at the Bonneville Dam

Day 93 - June 17, 2008

Can you believe it - we left Florida 3 months ago today. What an amazing trip this has been. We are so thankful.

Today was an "administrative" day. Frank made a visit to the eye glass place to get new glasses and then we went to a body shop and met with an adjuster to get another estimate on the coach.

Day 92 - June 16, 2008

Today was a travel day from Lincoln City, Oregon to Portland, Oregon. We had a mishap with the motor home as we were leaving the campground in Lincoln City. As we pulled out we ran over some large rocks which damaged 3 of the basement doors on the passenger side. We have all ready stopped at a Winnebeggo Dealer here in Portland for an estimate workup. Oh well, you know what - if we just stayed home we would not have had the meeting with the rocks. However, we are taking part in the Big Adventure which is just fabulous and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Will give you an update tomorrow when we hear from the dealership.

Day 91 - June 15,2008

Today was a great Father's Day for Frank. All of the girls called and wished their very special Dad a Happy Day. It doesn't get any better than that! Then we went out for a seafood lunch. Even though the place came highly recommended, we found it was so, so. Then it was on to the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. We took a little hike and then climbed the 104 steps to the top. On the way back to the campground we stopped at several over looks.

Couldn't resist - another Oregon Coast Picture

Devil's Punch Bowl Formation

Check out these surfers with full body (including the head) wetsuits and gloves. The temperature of the water was probably in the 50's.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse in Newport, OR

Day 90 - June 14, 2008

Today was a mini travel day. We arrived at this great river front campground and just chilled and enjoyed a great fire.

View along the Oregon coast taken from the window of the coach as we travel from Florence, OR to Lincoln, OR

Check this out - Florida boy in his corduroy OP SHORTS with a sock hat on setting up the coach in these chilly Oregon temperatures!!

Our river front campsite here in Lincoln, OR