2015 in review: Part 5 — June

In June the crew and I journey to the sea! 

We leave our piney camp on Davis Lake and take Route 58 northwest toward Eugene, Oregon.  About twenty miles before we reach Eugene, I turn the Perfect Tow Vehicle onto Winberry Drive which follows the course of Winberry Creek into Willamette National Forest.

A logging truck comes flying around a bend on the narrow, two-lane road, narrowly missing us.

Boondocks along this road are scarce — scarce as in “none.”  At last we come upon a campsite by the creek!

P1050373 - CopyWinberry Creek boondock, southwest of Eugene, Oregon

This in rainforest.  The crew and I explore the environment around our camp and are surprised to find a pink toilet!

P1050386P1050380

 

 

 

 

 

The next morning we continue on our way to the ocean.

About thirty miles west of Eugene we settle into a pleasant campsite at verdant Whitaker Creek Campground.

P1050411Towering ponderosa pines, lush ferns and moss along a sweet, little creek, foxgloves in bloom in vivid purples, pinks, and white . . .

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After a few days, in an attempt to stay clear of weekenders, we move our camp deeper into the forest only to discover we’ve entered ” weekend party central.”

Even so, nature’s quiet beauty compensates for the cacophony of humans.

P1050469Clay Creek is an old, rustic campground on the Siuslaw River. 

The campground loop is a tight circle and sites are short.  We find an empty pull-through and set up a minimal camp.

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Ahh!  The Pacific Ocean at last!

P1050544We tour the coast, heading northward from Florence on Route 101. 

The Perfect Tow Vehicle cruises along with the Best Little Trailer rolling behind.  We stop at overlooks along the way.

P1050530At Waldport we turn inland in search of a quiet, uncrowded campground.

P1050754Route 34 passes Alsea Bay and follows the Alsea River into Siuslaw National Forest.

P1050610 - CopyWe find what we’re looking for at Blackberry Campground!

This inexpensive, national forest campground serves as our base for excursions to the beach and for obtaining internet signal to publish posts for this blog.

P1050608We watch kayakers go by on the river below our campsite at Blackberry.

“C’mon, crew!  Let’s go to the beach!”

It’s a windy morning when we arrive at the day use area of Driftwood State Park.

P1050493I unhook Reggie from his tether and he explodes with pure abandon!

P1050631In a flash he’s way down the beach until he’s only a dot in endless sand.  My heart is in my throat until, finally, the little dot turns and comes racing toward Bridget and me.

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“This is fun, isn’t it, Bridge!”

P1050505The crew and I enjoy two glorious mornings of play at the beach.

We hitch up and leave Blackberry Campground.  Route 101 takes us to Newport, Lincoln City, Pacific City . . . .

P1050660At Pacific City Route 101 turns inland to the town of Hebo in the Siuslaw National Forest.

After negotiating a curvy climb we arrive at Hebo Lake!

P1050711Hebo Lake Campground is a lovely, small, old, rustic, inexpensive campground. 

It’s a popular day use area for families picnicking and fishing.  Three fishing platforms provide access for disabled folks. The sites are short.  We’re fortunate to find one in which we fit!

The crew and I walk the trail around the lake and a man points out a bald eagle perched high above.  One day Bridget, Reggie, and I hike part of the Pioneer Indian Trail through the dense forest.  It’s magical.

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It being June, the coast is crowded.

Rather than continue along the coast, I postpone that for another year during the off-season.  We take the tortuously winding Route 22 east.

Our next camp is at Fisherman’s Bend Campground in the North Santiam River Recreation Area.

P1050796Santiam River seen from the platform on the campground’s river walkway

At Fishermen’s Bend Campground, the crew and I walk far from our campsite. 

Fortunately a campground volunteer comes along and gives us a lift in his golf cart.  Bridget cuddles up to the man, a lovestruck look in her eyes.  Reggie is struck with fear that I might leave him with the man.  I think Bridget wishes I would!

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From Fishermen’s Bend Campground I drive further east on Route 22 to Detroit Lake.  The lake is extremely low and unappealing.  We keep going until we find a charming campground along the Breitenbush River.

Camp Humbug!

P1050818The day is hot when we walk the short trail to the river.  Reggie sprints down the steep riverbank.  Bridget and I slide down on our butts.

We find a clear, cool pool in a mini-paradise!

P1050876The perfect place to conclude our review of June 2015!

rvsue

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P1050868The crew cools off in Oregon’s Breitenbush River on a hot day in June

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67 Responses to 2015 in review: Part 5 — June

  1. Chey (WA coast) says:

    Merry Christmas all!

  2. Scamp says:

    I love your pictures…. Scamp

  3. Sidewinder Pen says:

    That pool in the last photo is so appealing! I love a good swim almost more than anything, and that pool makes me want to jump in (although I can’t remember, it may have been too cold for that). And Reggie’s flat out run on the beach. Zing! Running his heart out. Bridget adored the ride with the friendly man, while Reggie just wanted back with you!

    With all the “smoke running” you ended up doing, I had almost forgotten how much really good camping you had up there prior to the fires.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Pen,

      It wasn’t too cold for a dip in that pool. It was a hot, June day, in fact. I waded and splashed around. I wanted to dive right in but it didn’t seem wise to do that. To swim by myself with two dogs to supervise and in an unfamiliar pool where “Help!” wouldn’t be heard by anyone … well, I thought better of it.

      Yeah, we packed in a lot of fun and new camps this past year!

  4. Elizabeth in S.E. New Mexico says:

    Beautiful places that were on my summer route for many years….
    Thanks for the the pics which are always wonderful!

    Elizabeth aka E2/etwo…. and Clyde Cat

  5. eliza says:

    Merry Christmas! I am loving these month-at-a-glance posts. I love the usual ones too….thank you again….
    and sending my very best wishes to the blogorinos who are not feeling their best….I hope the new year brings you good health and much joy…

  6. Pat H. says:

    Love the pics, great as always.

    Sue, do you think about going to the east coast or has the west got in your blood?

    I have lived in the east (WV) and the west (WY and AZ). I think the desert, with trips to the coast is where I’m supposed to live.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Pat H.,

      I’m glad you like the photos. Go to the east coast? No, I have no desire to do that. I spent a lifetime in the East and am familiar with the coast from Maine to southern Florida.

      It’s expensive, too. Love the public lands of the West!

      Ha! You think you’re a desert woman like me… 🙂

      • Pat H. says:

        I’ve lived in the desert for over 25 years, Phoenix, Yuma, and Tucson. I did spend the last 2 years on the Oregon coast as a campground host, but decided I need a new adventure. So I plan to travel and do a lot of boondocking.

  7. Cynthia from San Clemente says:

    Great recap today. I remember that day when Reggie ran down the beach. There is something about a dog running all out on a beach that just reminds me of “freedom.” I just realized with all these “year in review” posts you aren’t telling us where you are 🙂 Wherever it is, I hope you’re all safe, warm and dry!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks, Cynthia from San Clemente!

      The crew and I are still at Midland LTVA. These year-in-review posts take up most of a morning. It seemed best to stay put, work on the recaps, and laze around for the rest of the day. We will be here until New Year’s.

  8. Susan in Dallas says:

    Great places, so lush and green. Best photo, hands down, is the one with HRH snuggled up very close and personal to her new BFF and Reggie’s eyes and body pleading to you to not leave him! And they say dogs can’t talk!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Susan in Dallas,

      Bridget was head over heels in love! If you click on the photo, it enlarges in a new window. The look in her eyes — priceless!

      Little Reggie looked like he was getting ready to panic, the poor guy.

  9. nancy s says:

    Pink toilet in the woods. I can think of a few times I wish I’d ran across one . Priceless. Would love to know the story behind that. Great big grin:)

  10. Jenny Johnson Manuel says:

    Okay — I am close to the top–Loving your year in review and my oh my how Reggie has grown…he is learning a lot from Bridge!!

  11. Barbara (Nashville) says:

    Love these reminiscing photos. The hysterical commode in the middle of the forest to Reggie’s first free run at the beach. What a great year you have had Sue and Crew.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Good morning, Barbara…. Yes, it’s been a good year for us and 2015 is the year you found Angel. 🙂

      • Barbara (Nashville) says:

        Yes, and I feel so blessed to have her. Keep wondering what I would do without her at this point. She had an upset tummy last night, which resulted in an “in house” accident. I couldn’t really scold or be mad at her for that. I think I just gave her too much people food yesterday. She is feeling her usual self today. We have been on two walks already.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          You know she’s doing her best to be a good dog for you. I’m guilty of the same thing — too much food sharing with the crew and then they give “reminders” that it’s not what I should do!

  12. By far…. Watching Reggie run the beach! How happy he was that day!
    Amazing photos, amazing memories! Thanks for sharing! ?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Geri. The beach is the only place I’ve found so far where I can let Reggie run free. I’m glad he had that. Thanks re the photos!

  13. AlanOutandAbout - Pahrump, Pahrunp, Pahrump says:

    On the 6th day of Christmas RVSue gave to us, June.
    Happy holidays to everyone and a glorious new year.

  14. Maryanne Davis-Baldwin-CT says:

    Thanks for the various replies to my question “what do you say when someone says you’re so brave traveling alone with your trailer”. Usually if it’s a woman, I’ve been known to ask who drives their rig & almost always it’s not her. Then I suggest strongly that she needs to learn how, for safety’s sake if nothing else. This hardly ever gets a positive result, unfortunately. I had driven our trailer while my husband was alive-albeit briefly while he napped for an hour-and hadn’t backed it, but I was very glad I had some experience. Re attaching my solar panel to the battery; it has a tiny box “sunsei” which I believe keeps it from overcharging the battery. I don’t know if that’s a controller. It’s 30 watts, 1.74 amps, so I was hoping it would keep up the battery if I were careful how much it was used. I guess I need some way of checking the charge on the battery. My boat had one for each battery on its big panel. Thanks for the replies on that as well. Great people reading this blog & I do enjoy the comments.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I don’t know if that’s a controller. Oh, Pen? Where are you? 🙂

      Good for you, Maryanne, reminding women the importance of knowing how to function on their own. I don’t understand how they can let time go by while being helpless regarding their rig.

      Yes, “great people reading this blog.” Several are happy to write answers to questions…

  15. Sealarkesmiles says:

    Hi Sue, Crew and Bloggerinos,

    Photos are especially beautiful in this recap. Thank you for the Ocean pics. I miss it. Now, I swear that my first glance at Reggie’s first pic on the beach that he was ‘assuming the position’ and I thought “Now why would Sue post such a sensitive private moment of Reggie’s?” Then I realized that he was either running REALLY fast or you have a very ‘different’ sense of humor. I love it. Forgive me if I offended….just thought it was funny. I was planning on the PNW for the summer 2016. Two beautiful grandchildren may be changing my plans. We shall see. As always, Thank you for your generosity in sharing your journeys.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Sealarkesmiles… It’s always a pleasure to share my photos of places we’ve been.

      Whatever you decide — grandchildren or PNW trip — I hope 2016 is wonderful for you!

  16. Wendy in Thailand says:

    I am loving the year review, I get to see what I missed while away. Have a very Merry Christmas, and I wish the three of you a wonderful 2016!

  17. Wendy in Thailand says:

    Oh and Merry Christmas to all the Bloggerinos, have a joyous time where ever you are and whatever you are doing. May 2016 be kind to you all.

  18. Pamelab in Houston says:

    Hi, Sue –
    Thank you for the year end reviews. I am really enjoying them. As one of the earlier Blogorinos mentioned – it is a great way to see a condensed version of all your camp sites. You do get quite a bit of variety when you get into the “green” areas, as well as the desert. Enjoying all of it. Thank you for this great blog.
    I’m with you about movies that you know will make you cry – or scare you silly. Not for me, thanks. Merry Christmas. I know you will enjoy it.
    Pamela

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Good morning and you’re welcome, Pamelab in Houston! I’m glad you like these review posts. Merry Christmas to you, too…

  19. Cinandjules (NY) says:

    The reviews are great!

    Run like the wind Reg man! omg the look on his face while riding in the golf cart! So sad…it’s okay little feller.

    Bridgee babeeee….I do remember you really taking a liking to that man!

    That water is soooooo blue!

    Enjoy your evening!

    • Cinandjules (NY) says:

      De Gin

      Hey lady…..hope you are feeling better!

      Keep your head up! Check in if you can…and if you’re just reading the posts….a big hug and positive thoughts sent your way!

      Cin and Jules

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks, Cinandjules…. We did have an enjoyable evening. Hope all is well and happy at your house!

  20. bess from eugene, oregon says:

    i was happy to see that you found the hidden treasure of Hebo Lake by Tillamook, Oregon. the water and lush vegetation are amazing in real life and your photo brought back memories of a lovely afternoon Barry and i spent having lunch on a bench there. the drive up there is paved all the way and it seems that you just keep climbing and climbing, hoping the sign at the road’s valley entrance wasn’t deceiving you that a lake was truly going to appear.

    and then you break through to find a lake that could be in paradise, perfectly placid, surrounded by protecting evergreens, a gentle path around the edge, quiet except for the fish jumping and the dragonflies hovering. our voices were hushed, even though no one else was there. so special and so happy that you and the crew got to be there.

    i hope that Oregon will call you back again sometime. much love, bess

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, bess…

      It sounds like you were at Lake Hebo at a time other than the peak season. While we were there most of the camping sites were filled and on the weekend several day-use people arrived. Even so, everyone was considerate of others, allowing all to enjoy the beautiful setting you describe so well.

      I hope we return to Oregon. When we do, it won’t be in the middle of summer!

      • bess from eugene, oregon says:

        yes, summer is very hot sometimes and certainly popular for visitors on vacation. we like to camp in September after Labor Day. when we were tent camping, late September would be close to freezing and hard. now with the trailer, we can go out till the end of October before the rains come down hard. and we can go to the Coast throughout winter when we see the forecast is for a dry few days.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          It’s nice that you have that cute trailer. The advantage of being an Oregon resident — going to the coast in winter!

      • bess from eugene, oregon says:

        also, before the school’s get out in mid-June is a time for fewer people out camping. mid-June is a good time for wildflowers and butterflies, but iffy for rain.

  21. AZ Jim says:

    Sweet memories. I didn’t realize how much more mature Reggie is now than then. He sure was a find. Just think if the timing had been off just a little we might never have seen him. Lucky day for Reggie, You and all the blogorinos who love him.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re so right, Jim. If the timing had been off just a few hours — if we had arrived at the adoption event late — Reggie might be with a different family. He wouldn’t be on this blog or in our hearts.

  22. weather says:

    “The little dot turns and comes racing…” There are few things better than seeing a beloved dog happy to be running for all they’re worth to come towards us. Especially when(as happened that day) we’d worried that they might not. It’s that rush of relief and joy “all’s right in our world” feeling that dances through us as we realize we might have lost him or her, instead we laugh watching them enjoy being unrestrained .

    Sometimes I feel a similar joy for your sake, Sue, like after reading this post. Instead of seeing a rain forest and ocean you might have been confined to watching towels dry on your clothesline in Georgia during June. You, and therefore the crew and we readers, could have lost all the gifts found along your path through this beautiful world. I like these reviews mainly for that reason, how glad I am to see you free, to see your dreams coming true over again.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I love how you make connections, weather! — This time connecting the joy of seeing Reggie run free and the vicarious joy to be experienced at “RVSue and her canine crew.” … to see what it’s like to be set free ….

      You have a gift for choosing images perfect for what you want to convey. I remember standing at my kitchen sink, looking through the window to the back yard, watching towels on the clothesline. Only one correction: Towels don’t DRY on a line in Georgia. They stay wet for days in that darn humidity!

      “I feel a similar joy for your sake.” — How precious that is to me!

      • Sidewinder Pen says:

        That’s so true! They just hang there, limply. I remember taking something like a T-shirt off in the evening. Could I throw it in the hamper? No way, too damp. So I had a little clothesline in the house. Some days later (!), I could finally put the shirt in the laundry (never mind that in a dryer climate I don’t need to go through shirts at the rate of one per day).

        weather: You’ve hit on something I really miss. Doggie running back toward me at full speed! (Never mind that at the last moment he might swerve away, stick in mouth, tail wagging triumphantly.) Another thing like that is the “thwack, thwack, thwack” of a happy tail in the morning on the kitchen cabinets, stove, or whatever is there.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Oh, yeah, the damp clothes in the hamper. I remember the mildew… I love the dry desert. I spilled some water out of the crew’s dish by the door and didn’t bother to wipe it up. Ah, why bother. It’ll dry up in a minute. Ha!

  23. Renee Galligher says:

    Another great post and in such a short time! You are doing a quick review of 2015. Sure seems that way though, doesn’t it? My how time flies. Great travels photos! I especially love the ones of Bridget and Reggie in the golf cart. Poor Reggie, he does look struck with fear you are going to leave him. He’s sticking close to Bridget for sure.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Renee,

      Finding those golf cart photos brought forth chuckles here. Two very different reactions from Bridget and Reggie!

      Thanks regarding this post… It’s a lot easier to create posts when staying in one place.

  24. Dawn in MI says:

    It’s so much fun revisiting all these beautiful places that you and the crew have shared with us this year! Thank you for doing this!

  25. Good Morning Sue, I just finished my coffee, I hope yours was a good as mine. I will be having the next couple of days off work…yippeee. But working Christmas Eve and working Christmas Day, so I will reserve my Merry Christmas for that time, but just encase, I get too busy at work, I want to wish you and your Crew a very Merry and delightful Christmas with peace and quiet on earth. Oh one more thing, today is the Winter Solstice…my favorite because days are getting longer! Stay warm and happy!

    Merry Christmas to all blogorinos.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Shirlene,

      Good for you! A few days off from work! I’m happy for you. 🙂

      Yay, winter solstice! I look forward to longer days. I realize now that being a “morning person” isn’t precisely accurate. A better description is a “daylight person.” Once the sun has set, my body says n’nite! Same with the crew. Gee, they go to sleep at 5:30 for the night. I manage to stay up later than that!

      Merry Christmas to you, too, Shirlene. You have been a gift to me this year.

  26. Pamela K. says:

    Sue,
    I couldn’t help finding myself amazed at all these month-by-month reviews! They are soooo wonderful! Tomorrow — I am going to make it my plan to stop at Staple’s just to buy one of those Jan. – Dec. binders. If I keep it up it will be like a huge calendar of 2016 (and years past) of all your travels! I can’t think of a better new hobby than that — a picture calendar complete with locals and write-ups! Does it get any better?! Short of “being there” I think not. 🙂 (claps hands now!) Oh sweet travel journals… Sue, yours are the BEST!!!
    Thanks for all the memories of days past, the sharing of today’s memories, and the hints of days to come. Like so many here, I too, am hooked, line and sinker — and you say you don’t fish, HA! Well, we all love it so being hooked is a Good Thing!!!
    Merry Christmas RVSue and Crew, You have truly Blessed our lives with such wonderment — we laugh, frown, hiss, tease, giggle, gasp, cry, sigh, hug, rejoice (the list goes on). All that AND at the end of the day we are satisfied…for a short while mind you…until your next post. Yes, we ARE gloriously Hooked and wouldn’t want it any other way! 🙂 Thanks Sue!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Pamela K.,

      A new hobby… fun!

      Several readers have ordered 2016 picture calendars from Amazon. I can’t resist looking at the photos. The Sierra Wilderness calendar has me stoked for camps in those mountains, but I think we will head in another direction for 2016. 🙂

      I’m glad you’re hooked to my blog, Pamela! I know I’m hooked reading what you and all the blogorinos have to say each day. Addictive… It’s like the blog is my baby and I have to check on her several times during the day or just take a peek for the joy of seeing the miracle again!

      I hope folks aren’t becoming bored with this review. That’s one reason I’m moving quickly through the months. It’s hard — There’s so much to choose from!

      Wishing you and Klemper a great day…

      • Marilu from Northern California says:

        Bored reliving your journey through the most beautiful mountains, deserts and seashore the west has to offer? How could that be? Uninterested in photos of the cutest crew on eight paws? Not possible! I’m enjoying the review as much as the original posts.
        Merry Christmas, Sue. Blogorinos, whatever winter holiday you celebrate I hope it brings joy and peace to you and your loved ones.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Pamela… cateW replied to your comment under the Part 3 review post.

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