Seventy Five Days Without Rain

We have seen and experienced so much since I last sent out this blog. I kept saying the first rainy day I would get busy writing... well 75 days later our first rain.  If you are on Facebook, you have been able to follow our adventure, that part I have been good doing.

Hello Family and Friends!
Our time with the kids went way too fast, as it always does. We went Star Garnet digging in Emerald Creek Idaho. There are only 2 places in the world with these garnets, India and Idaho. Seanna is studying Geology and Rocks so this was a fun, interesting way to show her how to dig for them. We actually found 9 small ones. Seanna had a good eye for finding the garnets in the water trough after we dug and sifted. We won't get rich from the stones but the memories digging are priceless.

We played golf, swam, fished on Brian and Emily's boat, played rounds and rounds of  family Rummikub, watched Seanna show her goat Tinkerbell at the Latah County Fair as well as won ribbons once again for our baking, watched Oceana as a cheerleader and had a luncheon with just us gals. We met Frank, Oshie's boyfriend, whom we like quite a lot. We feel so blessed to have had quality time with the kids. We miss and love them so much.

 

 

 

 

After all the tears we are on our way to see the Oregon Coast. Sighhhhhhhhh......

 

First stop Prosser WA, birthplace of our neighbor John. Wine Country RV Park, 13 wineries within walking distance of the RV park. We decided we will not drive more than 5-6 hours a day so have tried to pick interesting areas to stop. We spent 2 days tasting wines and watching Hops being harvested.



 

Onward travels to Cascade Locks, Or for 3 days of exploring. We stopped at Toppinish, WA, City of Murals, Mary Hill Winery and Museum on the Columbia River (WA side). Such a beautiful area!

 





 

 

 

Mural at the Centurylink Building at Toppinish, WA.

                        

Cascade Locks is an interesting, packed full of history area, part of the Lewis and Clark Trail. We stayed at the KOA there Thanks to a gift certificate from Roger and Toshi. We visited Bonneville Hatchery and Salmon Ladders. I have always wanted to see the Salmon jump the ladders so thoroughly enjoyed that experience. Interesting note on the Bonneville Dam: it was considered at the time as Franklin D's "White Elephant" but instead has been an ongoing project of great success. We saw Herman The Sturgeon, a 10 ft long, 450 lb and 70 year old fish. Bridge of The Gods is spectacular! We ate at CharBurger, one of Emily's favorite stops.

We walked the Cascade Locks Trail Head which used to be the main road before I-84. Spent a day putzing around Hood River, watching the paragliders, checked out Naked Winery and Full Sail Brewery.

 

Mike getting a his head scratched by Sacajawea. lol

 

 

 

As always 3 days went by very fast but we saw a lot. Our next stop for 2 weeks is Depoe Bay on the Oregon Coast. I am very excited to see this area. On the way we stopped to see the falls traveling on old US Route 30. Multnomah Falls is absolutely spectacular. Evergreen Aviation, Mcminnville to see the Spruce Goose was on our agenda. We spent a full day at the Evergreen Aviation Museum, time really got away from us- so interesting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depoe Bay OR for 2 weeks so we can explore the coast. WHAT A FANTASTIC AREA! To say I loved it here is an understatement. We did day trips North to Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Rockaway, Tillamook, Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City and Lincoln City. Then South to Newport, Seal Rock and Florence.  We played golf at Agate Beach, hung out at Gracies Sea Hag by the fireplace for seafood especially their Friday night all you can eat buffet, explored lots of beaches, went to the Aquarium in Newport, Fort Clatsop (winter home of Lewis and Clark) and watched the sea lions on the Astora docks. We indulged in cheese and ice cream at Tillamook so we needed the long walks on the beach. We took one Saturday to just sit on the beach and watch the ocean move a rock while drinking wine. That was our relax day. The "girls" loved running the beaches. Lizi, being the typical Spaniel, bird dog, scared me several times by chasing birds straight into the ocean. The undertow, rogue waves and seals would have had a hey day with her. Lizi lost her off leash privileges after scaring me the second time. Maxi was good. She could be off leash and stay right at our side. Depoe Bay's claim to fame is they are the whale watching capital of the world. We observed many grey whales playing off shore. We went to Turner, OR one day to see a classmate of mine. It was wonderful seeing Steve Frantz after 40 some years and meeting his wife, Marilyn. They are also full timers in their motorhome so gave us great tips. We have visited several Elks Lodges along the way and met many interesting people.

 

We got an extra day in Lincoln City when our air compressor/ clutch mechanism decided to fall apart. I had called Good Sams Emergency Road to get a recommendation for a squeal + oil change. They highly recommended Car Care Specialists in Lincoln City so we made the appointment. The squeal was the air compressor so we had them fix  it. Randy and his wife were very good to us. They worked with our maintence plan, got us a hotel on the beach at their discounted rate and did a great job of fixing our rig.

 

We are now in Brookings OR for a month. I need to download more pics and hoping I can be more deligent about keeping up with this blog. The Oregon Coast is incredibly beautiful and we have been blessed to have record setting dry, warm and sunny weather. We love this lifestyle and having the time of our lives. We will take the rains so we can get caught up with Shtuff.