Monday, June 1
Here it is, June already!
This year’s travels so far have been a delight for me and the crew. From the Sonoran Desert of Arizona to the Salton Sea in California to Arizona’s Colorado River area to eastern Nevada (finding Reggie and those desert hot springs!) to southern Idaho and across Oregon to the foothills on the western side of the Cascades. I refer to these places as our “travels” when I really feel they are our homes. Isn’t that fantastic?
Wait a minute — “the foothills on the western side of the Cascades?”
No, I’m not mixing up east and west again!
I’m getting ahead of myself.
View through the side window of the BLT at Davis Lake
Since I didn’t unhitch at our boondock on the north end of Davis Lake (southwest of Bend, Oregon), our departure this morning is quick. We leave early in anticipation of rain. The more miles we can cover without me driving in rain, well, the better!
Without the drama of our arrival (see two posts ago) . . .
We leave the Davis Lake camp.
More specifically, for those of you who follow on a map, we take Forest Road 4660 to Route 46 which traces the eastern edge of Davis Lake. Route 61 (Crescent Cut0ff) brings us to Route 58.
We travel in clear weather to Oakridge (elevation 1200-1600 feet). Bridget and Reggie nap most of the way.
Oakridge is a cool community. Really. It has no average monthly temperature above 72 degrees (F).
I pull into Ray’s Food Place.
The crew is awake and excited to get out. “No, this isn’t our new camp. Let me put you in your suits for a walk-around.”
Soon we’re back on the road with plenty of provisions packed in the Best Little Trailer. We’re gonna’ drive into the rain . . . . Dark skies ahead . . . .
Lookout Point Reservoir is grey in the rain.
We’re less than an hour from the city of Eugene. Well, I don’t want to drive through Eugene in the rain.
I pull over and consult my Oregon Benchmark atlas. Hmm . . . . Winberry Creek Road might be good . . . .
I open up the BLT and fix a plate of rotisserie chicken for me and the crew. This snack sets us up for the last leg of today’s journey. Well, the rain is letting up . . . .
We take the turn to Lowell.
It’s a pleasant little village with a white covered bridge and the only cheerful-looking secondary school in America, painted white with red trim — “Home of the Red Devils!”
From Lowell we follow Winberry Creek Road into Willamette National Forest.
I’m beginning to wonder if there are any campsites along this increasingly narrow road when a — what shall I say — an incident occurs.
I’ll refrain from sharing the dramatic details.
Suffice it for me to say these two words — logging truck and one-lane road. Well, that’s more than two. Anyway . . . .
No damage to us and, it goes without saying, none to the massive logging truck — that humongous truck that roars around a curve hell-bent for leather, slams on its brakes, skids on the wet pavement, and narrowly misses us as I sit frozen and helpless at the wheel, the precious crew clueless beside me.
I smell the truck’s brakes as we slide past.
Thank God this happens in one of the wider portions of the one-lane road or we woulda’ been . . . . Oh, I wasn’t going to mention all that. Sorry!
Moving right along . . . .
Here’s the boondock! Isn’t it pretty? There’s a fire ring to the right of the big tree, and beyond the site, down a bank, is a creek!
Of course, Bridget, Reggie and I have fun checking out “our” new property.
Someone made a dam with rocks to form a pool. I imagine it’s refreshing on a hot day.
Reggie hurries down the path to get a closer look. I don’t let him go into the water.
Wow! All this greenery, freshly washed by the rain, is very pretty.
Reggie leads me down a path into the forest.
“Where are we going, Reggie?” (I’m sensing a pattern here!)
Bridget is smart to stay at camp. This is very spooooo-ky.
Reggie — the fearless, jungle explorer!
Oh my, what have we here? An outhouse . . . without the house!
“Yuck! C”mon, Reg! Let’s get outta’ here!”
To be continued . . .
rvsue
THANKS, RVSUE SHOPPERS!
I appreciate you shopping Amazon from my blog. Here’s a sample of items recently purchased by readers:
Garage Door Opener
Two-Way Marine Radio
Large Caribbean Hammock Chair
Blackberry Jasmine Iced Green Tea
Aluminum Stack Jack Stand – 4 pack
Keen Newport H2 Sandal, Mineral Blue/Vapor
“Mmm . . . rotisserie chicken!”
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
Well now this makes me feel better…
#1….
YAY FOR SHIRLENE! CONGRATULATIONS!
#2?
AND YAY FOR LINDA ROSE! (Why am I shouting?)
Well who cheers in a regular voice?
😀 😀
I DUNNO! NOT ME, OBVIOUSLY! 🙂
Wow, some excitement today! Logging truckers at time seem to have no sense, a narrow(ish) one lane road is nothing to be speeding on! Glad he was able to stop in time. Love the pictures today, from top to bottom they were all great. That old bridge in Lowell looks like it is nicely kept up. Reggie has turned into quite the explorer, he really loves to lead the way. Don’t blame you for not letting him in the water today, looks a little fast and maybe deep for a young boy to get into.
Hi, Lisa,
And that water is cold! He’d be shivering on an already damp day. Thanks regarding the photos. Lowell’s covered bridge is in good shape. What I saw of the town … It looks like there’s a lot of community pride.
Hi Sue! Great post, I have to admit when looking at the pool of water with Reggie, I was looking really close for a trout! Ha! Oh, the logging truck incident, WOW…..Thank God is all I can say…. We know that someone is watching over you. Lots of green, lots of wet… We are having June gloom here in California…Hey! maybe that is what is affecting my mood…I am a sun girl…need the sun out and the top off my car! I hope you all enjoyed the chicken and the 72 degree weather. Love to the Reggie boy and HRH.
Hi, Shirlene,
I’m sorry you’re feeling gloomy after all the fun and excitement you’ve had the past few months. I agree — Some California sunshine would be a big help.
I wish there were a trout in that photo. That might cheer you up!
Thanks re: the post. Hugs.
I do so love the green of Oregon better than the desert. Do you have a preference Sue? I will finally be heading out for a little trip in my little Roadtrek. It’s been a while and I am looking forward to getting on the road. Sooooo glad the “incident” with the logging truck didn’t turn out badly. I am not a fan of truckers, anywhere! The truck drivers of years ago used to be professionals with years of training and experience. Now I’ve been told they are mostly young fellas with barely 2 weeks of training and little or no experience. It’s no wonder there’s an accident involving a big rig almost every day of the week in my neck of the woods (Sacramento, CA).
Hi, Linda Rose & the 4 M’s,
I bet you have fun with that Roadtrek. Have a wonderful road trip!
I can’t say I have a preference either for desert or for green places like Oregon. I love both and after a time in one type environment, I’m ready for the other. I’m enjoying Oregon very much. I do think the high percentage of rainy days in this part of the state would be difficult to take over a long period of time.
Life without truckers would be very bleak. Virtually everything you own or use was on a truck at least once.
There is no such thing as a CDL holder with 2 weeks training. It takes months for a new driver to solo. It is a very tightly regulated profession and insurance rates are very high. Putting a driver on the road with little or no experience would put a lot of companies out of business in short order. From the time I entered driving school until the time I first soloed was 16 weeks.
An outhouse without the house. First time for me to see that – and the lid was up! So lush and green. Is there enough sunlight for the solar panels?
Hi, EmilyO,
Great seeing you here again!
As for the solar panel, it’s been fine so far. I’m not turning on the television, keeping my power consumption down.
Even though the Winberry Creek camp and the one we’re in now are both in heavy forest, I’ve been able to park the PTV so that it receives a few hours of sun. Of course, when we’re on the road the panel is in the sun, too.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you and your family are well.
Now you are getting my my neck of the woods. Years ago we were on the Lowell Bridge (the one now closed with a new bridge by it) in our pick-up and camper when the axle broke right smack dab in the middle of the bridge. Good times.
If you wander down south, check out Cottage Grove. It has a charming downtown and there are plenty of covered bridges around. Dorena Lake has a nice COE campground, Schwarz Park (with showers and dump tank), and the Row River rails-to-trails bike/walking trail is almost deserted during the weekdays. Do avoid the weekends around the lakes, though. The Bohemia Mining district is also an interesting drive.
Glad you are enjoying Oregon. You are in for some nice weather this weekend!
Hi, Robin B.,
You do know a lot about this area! I think we’ve moved past some of the places you mention. I’ll check the atlas. Thank you! Nice seeing you here. 🙂
Not sure how far past Eugene you are going or in which direction but CG is 20 miles south of Eugene on I-5. Beautiful countryside around there; I still miss it (it’s my hometown).
Thanks again, Robin.
Hi Sue and Robin!
Well, Cottage Grove is my old stompin grounds! Dorena to the East, Lorane to the West! You can go thru CG, past Gowdyville and go thru Lorane and miss most of the Eugene traffic if you plan to head to the coast…
Robin, I graduated in78!
Hwy 99 going North is fun… My kids and I rode those roads to Corvallis for years, via bike and Burley trailer…
Have fun! I have ‘ferned’ in that area many times, with Great-grandfather Hannah !
PS be aware…. LOTS of drug labs out the way you are… 🙁
Hugs from Orting, WA via Hoquiam
Barb
I’ve already gone through the Eugene traffic. It’s funny… So many times I’ve received excellent advice from this blog about local attractions, roads, campgrounds, and so forth… and almost always it’s too late! Not your fault, Barb… just the way this blog is timed… At least I have the info for the next time I come this way. Thanks… and yes, I’ll keep the drug labs in mind!
We’re supposed to have a very warm weekend. Hope you do, too!
Barb, probably don’t know each other, I graduated in ’71 and left in ’72. 🙂 Great little town to grow up in, though.
There are some perfect boondocking places out Sharps Creek past Dorena. If you do come to Cottage Grove stop at the community center and pick up some information.
I appreciate the tip, Susan! Thank you… We’re already west of Eugene…
Oops, should have read further!
If you are Headed Mapleton way, the cafe in downtown (lol) has great SOUP. Florence, and North to Yachats is fun. If you want a chance to hunt tide pools, Strawberry Hill, just North of the Sea Lion caves is an agate beach made up of marvelous tide pools. May need to park a bit away, and the hike to the beach is tricky. But worth it. We would rent a house on the coast, every summer when we lived in ATLANTA. My parents lived in Florence.
Have Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now this advice is well-timed! 🙂 Thank you, Barb. We will probably go that way. I did enjoy Florence and look forward to seeing it again. I remember a beach with tide pools when we were at the coast in 2012, although I don’t remember the name of Strawberry Hill. I’ll look for that.
It is just North of the Sea Lion Caves… It is where the Sea lions go to rest!!! I have many memories there. As I said, it is just a wayside, so parking can be tricky. I think there is RV parking about two city blocks up the road at the Sea Lion Caves.
Gave fun!
I sure am glad that angel is still sitting on your shoulder and riding with you, keeping y’all safe! Sure hope that trucker had a clean pair of undies with him because I bet he needed them!
This camp shows me what I was expecting Oregon to look like! Beautiful Emerald Green and lots of moss! Yay! I’m loving your visit there!
Belly rubs to the crew and a big thank you for all the great images showing me Oregon!
You’re welcome, Geri,
I’m glad for that angel, too! I will say that trucker had quick reflexes. . . .
Oregon — green, green, green, moss, ferns, and rain! I’m loving it here, too.
Hi sue, Nice to see that you and the crew made it to the west side,, We got to OR. This morn’ ’bout 10:00 and we’re settin’ just south of 58 at the 97 rest stop, ,,,,,,,,,, Don’t worry, we wont drop in on you.,,,,,,,,,, We’re lookin’ for a camp for fourteen days on this side, ,,,Stay dry,, nice photos,, Timber says Hi and give those babies a hug, from us,,,,,,,,,,,, me
Wow! Rusty! You’re not far from us! Where is “the 97 rest stop?” Do you mean where 58 goes off of 97, south of Crescent?
Whaddya mean . . . I’d love to see you again . . . .
Good luck finding a camp you like. Hi to Timber, and keep in touch if you have signal. I’m so glad you’re back in Oregon! I hope you haven’t been missing your Oregon Benchmark! I look at it several times every day. 🙂
I wonder if that’s the Beaver March rest area on 97 a bit south of 58 (north of Klamath Falls and then Chemult, OR) I stopped there last fall and remember it because a really nice fellow in a truck camper towing a fishing boat came over and we had a very genuine chat (one of those where you really connect with someone even on a casual encounter)
58 heading west over Willamette pass was really pretty (comes out in Eugene).
Beaver MARSH, I meant. “Beaver March” does form a mental picture though, doesn’t it… hee.
Oh my gosh, I see a beaver drum majorette!
Yes, we rode 58 through Willamette Pass and it is pretty. . . I should have mentioned it in my itinerary.
We’re camped down on some OHV 97050 just south of 58 and north of town ’bout a mile next to a small Butte. Had to get off 97, no defroster or fogger and the rain was commin’ down so fast my windshield wipers couldn’t keep up,,,,,,,,,,,, We’ll set here a spell,,,,,,,,me
Smart to get off the road. A prayer for your safety, Rusty!
Nice and Sunny today, ,,,,We’re in a new remote camp east of Hwy 97 off of 94, bout 2 miles in,, NE by N of Chemult, OR. and we have 4 bars on WiFi and 4 brs on the phone, both on At&t. ,,, We’ll be here for fourteen days. Have a great time in your new camp, Sue….,,,,,, Timber loves this camp, I’ve been lettin’ him run a bit and he doesn’t go too far, He stays close,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,me
Sounds like you’re in a good camp. I’m very relieved. Trying to find a camp in heavy rain isn’t easy. And Timber likes it, too. You’re all set with internet and phone…. Fantastic, Rusty!
Winberry Creek,Willamette Forest-even the names around there are lovely.Love the jungle green ,moss hanging from branches,creek full of river rock,pics of the crew-just a visually great post,Sue,gosh thanks!I think the guy driving the logger truck controlled all that weight pretty well considering the lay of the land-I’ll bet this ain’t his first rodeo,glad it was over quick-no feeling more helpless than having nowhere to go in situations we didn’t cause.Nice the downpour didn’t last all day,a chicken break’s a good way to gain time to make a decision.You put adventure into life,try or not 🙂 Love the thinking of where you’ve been as homes…life… vs.”travel”-that really is how you roll,how you live.
Hi again, weather!
I thought the same thing about the names, very gentle sounding, a place where elves live in the hollows of trees and bunny rabbits talk in whispers.
The truck driver certainly was alert. He probably doesn’t meet much traffic on that road and I was a big surprise. I wouldn’t recommend anyone looking for that boondock. The road is too dangerous.
Yeah, it’s like the rain stopped in order to allow me time to set up camp and for the crew to explore our new home.
You write great summaries of my posts. You pick up the small details and see beyond them. Love your comments!
…in the hollows of trees…bunny talk in whispers…fairy tales should hold such great imagery,sweet-I feel as though you gave me a gift to think of while falling asleep this evening.Until next coffee or chat be as wonderful to yourself and the crew
Until then . . . . 🙂
Sue and Crew! Wow, you scared the crap outta me! I’m glad you all are safe, what an idiot driving that fast. Your area now is really unusual and beautiful. I hope you get to meet up with Rusty! Enjoy!
Kay from KC!
Hi, Kay,
You probably were scared more than I was because it happened very fast and was over before I realized what had happened.
It is beautiful here. It makes sharing photos more fun than ever!
Reggie has good manners not to have grabbed a big bite of that chicken.
I moved that plate of chicken so fast he didn’t have time to show off his manners. 🙂
Have I said ‘I love Oregon’ more than once? LOL Love your drive into the new temp camp….and Reggie smelling the chicken smack dab in front of him…I can see the aroma in his eyes…looks like he is taking a good whiff. He’s so adorable. I can almost hear the pitter patter of gentle rain on the BLT while you snooze.
Hi, Rita,
That “pitter-patter” is sleep medicine! I can be wide awake in the middle of the day when it begins to rain. First thing ya’ know I’m curled up with the crew, dozing off. It’s the most comforting sound.
RVSue, now you are really in my neck of the woods, I live in Eugene. Its kinda funny, but you’ve hit the area during one of the only times we’ve had rain in quite a while. We are a couple of years into a drought, with many counties having just been declared “an emergency” by our governor. Mostly in SE and southern OR, but it will be felt in most of Oregon once it gets hot. Last summer I swear I could hear the trees screaming it was so hot and dry. Let’s hope that we don’t have a bad fire season this year.
I love following your adventures and just love your little crew!
Hi, Cindy,
We brought rain! Maybe there’s a moneymaker for us… “RVSue and her canine crew rainmaking service.” We’d make a fortune.
I’m happy you’re enjoying our travels and the activities of the crew.
Okay, Sue, I finally tossed in the towel in finding my Canon. I have torn the motorhome apart looking for it…still can’t find it. Mama would say, “The devil got it,” lol. So early this morning I broke down and ordered (your) camera and case. I can hardly wait to get them. If/When I find the Canon, I’ll toss it in the toad for a spare. Make sure you get credit for the sale. Thanks for sharing the Amazon links.
Hugs and kisses to the pups.
Cat Lady
Hi, Cat Lady,
Thanks for buying your new camera through my Amazon link! You’ll enjoy the Panasonic. It’s not too heavy to wear around the neck and you can take pretty good pictures without having to learn a lot of stuff (Heaven forbid I’d study the manual!).
As for the Canon, I recognize that situation — It will turn up after your new camera arrives. You can count on it. Well, it’s nice to have a spare. . . .
Hi, Sue,
Beautiful pictures – thanks for sharing! I love the moss dripping from the trees, like strips of velvet. Reggie really is taking to boondocking – he is turning into quite the explorer! The picture of Bridget on the ridge of lava rocks on the previous post was a perfect portrait! Thank God the three of you are ok and that the trucker had good reflexes. After that close call, I bet you could have put that potty with a view to good use!!
Hope you all have a good night in your emerald camp…so green and lush! Rainy and chilly here, but thankful for the needed rain. Love and hugs to you all from me and
Gracie pup! 🙂
Stanley Cup (hockey) finals tonight – go Chicago Blackhawks!!! 🙂
Hi, Denise and Gracie pup,
That photo of Bridget looking down over the rocks has received several positive comments. I agree. I think she looks beautiful, so confident and proud!
Yeah, Reggie has the curiosity and daring of an explorer…. and then something he doesn’t understand will make a movement or a noise and he jumps into the air, freaked out!
Thanks for the wish for our good night. I send the same to you. 🙂
🙂
Yikes! Close calls with logging trucks and a deep forest throne. What a day!
Hi, Marcia,
There’s always something to write about!
You were very lucky Sue. Thank goodness. I belong to a truck safety group and know two people who have had family members killed by logging truck crashes. I’m so glad you and the crew are safe.
Thanks, Dawn. The incident was a vivid reminder to stay off narrow roads used by logging trucks. I wouldn’t go up that road again.
What a beautiful place!
What a SCARY INCIDENT!!!
Thank goodness you are all safe!!!
I agree with all three!
Oregon is surely green! It’s pretty.
My father drove a coal truck “back in the day” and I drove a pulpwood truck briefly. That situation is exactly what the drivers worry about. There’s always plenty of pressure to deliver, but they/we do our best to be safe. I’m glad the driver you encountered had good reflexes and did not panic.
As pretty as Oregon looks, I’ll have to be careful there. I do better in arid climates.
Hi, Calvin,
I figured the drivers of logging trucks are under some sort of pressure to deliver quickly. Otherwise, why hurry? It’s best to avoid roads where logging operations are taking place (she says belatedly). You have to be careful in Oregon? I assume you mean a tendency for respiratory problems. . . .
Someone must love that spot dearly to have left their throne in such a beautiful place. Did they leave a copy of a Wall Street Journal? Nature at its best….I guess?!
Hi, Monica,
It’s a very weird sight, totally unexpected and incongruous. Who needs reading material in such a beautiful “outhouse?” 🙂
Someone who needs a toilet seat in the middle of the woods could possibly be needing some reading material…, but then maybe not!
It’s an interesting subject to ponder.
Hello cyber family. Well, as somewhat expected I was admitted to hospital today for IV antibiotics. When I went to my doctor appointment they did a breathing test and he said it was really bad. He was alarmed and al oat called an ambulance. So then I had to go through the how to get an IV line in me dance. They used ultrasound and kept starting IVs, then they would infiltrate. I finally wound up with one in my foot which makes it reLly hard to walk. My friend Tracy is picking up Chloe right now for a couple of days. So my health saga continues. I hate to miss class too. They said they would catch me up but I would rather be there.
So think good thoughts and send good energy, please! Need to get well soon. Love to all.
Oh, nooooo! You were so happy to be in NY and now this…. I hate it, Ginger. Yes, thinking good thoughts, sending positive energy and love, and praying for your quick recovery. Thanks for keeping in touch.
Ginger,
Good thoughts and positive energy are streaming across the country to you.
Rest and heal quickly, Ginger.
Ginger,
Oh, Gin! My heart breaks for you! You were so hopeful about getting to finish your class…life sure knows how to throw a fastball. Good news is you are NOT out of the game!!! Fight, Fight, Fight is the mantra of the day! So wonderful, too, that your friend steps in for you are Chloe. You are blessed 🙂
Well, now what? More meds and plenty of recoup time? I hope your hospital stay is super short!!! I must admit, I’m concerned now…I don’t do hospitals well and it seems that crossing my fingers for us both didn’t do the trick as hoped for. But I’m NOT flying the Surrender Flag anytime soon 🙂 You just keep your spirits up and kick that illness over the Moon 🙂 Always know that all of us care about you so never feel alone or lonely. I’m kicking it into High Gear, only POSITIVE thoughts for a SPEEDY recovery. A setback, yes, but this too shall pass. Hugs to you and all those who are helping you and Chloe!
Oh mercy Ginger…you are scaring us all!! And you too no doubt. Will pray for your quick recovery. I do hope you take suppliments when you are out of the hospital…lots of those good for warding off illnesses…Vit. C, garlic, Vit. D. And if you like pickled asparagus…get some. I have found when hubby and I get the same illnesses, mine leave quicker as I eat that stuff by the gob when I feel badly…and he won’t touch it…do some practical things for yourself. Doc put us both on some probiotics too…though you would have to wait until you are done with the antibiotics. I have read all illnesses begin in the gut…I am wondering about that…so studying up to find all the ways we can get ours in better order.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, DesertGinger. I am glad your friend is taking care of little Chloe for you…that makes all the difference in the world, not having to worry about her. Sending you positive thoughts and warm hugs! Kick that pnenomia in the ass! You don’t have time for that nonsense! 🙂
Oh, DG. I’m so sorry. I know how excited you were for these classes and you did so much to get there. IT’S NOT FAIR DAMN IT!
As always lots of loving, healing thoughts your way. Hang in there girl.
OH NO Desert Ginger…NOT AGAIN? I know you hated to miss your class and I don’t blame you…whaaa! My every thought is with you. Please get all better soon.
Krystina
Sending you good blogorino juju for a speedy recovery!
Great that you can get caught up with your class and that your friend Tracy can take care of Chloe.
Rest up girl!
Reggie’s eye seems to be looking better.
Yes, it is, Jeff! Even better than what these photos show because I noticed more improvement today.
Sue,
Please stay safe! I was born and raised in Portland. You learn early to stay off the logging roads, the trucks usually win. Your angel was looking out for you and the crew.
Never know what you’ll find in the forest, it always felt creepy to me, give me the wide open spaces anytime. I live in Chandler, Az. now, and would never move back to the PNW, been there done that. I have visited, but never wanted to live there again.
Once again, watch yourself and stay safe.
Thanks, Donna ‘N Girls,
I will do my best to stay off logging roads. To tell the truth I didn’t know that Winberry Creek Road was a logging road. It goes from the town of Lowell into Willamette National Forest. I guess in the PNW any part of a national forest can have logging going on.
I don’t know why… Your comment “it always felt creepy to me” makes me laugh. I know what you mean. I was feeling the creeps on that path to the pink toilet.
Thank you for your concern and advice.
Ummmm, there are places in the forest in Oregon that any rational person would feel “creepy”…we have seen some very unsavory people back in there…and so be careful!! You know, my heart kinda rose to my throat when you told about the logging truck. You know how I feel about all big trucks!! I will say the same to you I said to myself after surviving being hit by a mack truck, “it simply was not your day to die.” Guess GOD has some things yet for you to do, Sue…thankfully you AND the rig were unhurt!!
PS…when driving on such back roads, in our past life, we often would lay on the horn as we faced a turn where someone might be coming and not be able to see us!! And you even have that portable horn right?? USE IT!! And obviously drive with lights on!!
And I am thankful!
I’m in the dispersed area by the Grand Canyon south entrance, while looking around this afternoon I found an outhouse without the house too!
Hi, Rob,
Quite a surprise, isn’t it! 🙂
Sue,
Logger trucks…we have them plenty here in SW Georgia. They often speed faster than any Ambulance does. It’s such a danger, even on two lane roads with very soft or no shoulders! During my younger days, in West Virginia, my father taught me to honk the car horn several times before any turn on one lane roads. That saved my life more than a few times!!! Later, I taught my own son to lay on that car horn when in heavy fog too! It seems that the mind can hear something before it sees it, ear-to-brain VS eye-to-brain is faster. Sometimes that extra second is enough to make a huge difference. Point is…LAY ON THAT HORN if you feel a curve or hidden driveway is coming your way. If no one is there, who cares if you do that? If someone IS there, well, they know you are too!
SOOOO glad you and they crew are safe! Ya’ll were truly blesses that day!!!
the dreaded typos… I’m tired this evening but can’t sleep. Not always my best time for typing but I find reading to be very relaxing, especially your blog. Hope I can rest soon, I need the sleep. This illness shuts me down. Sure hope Gin is having a better go of it now that she is in the hospital. WOW, that thought is sure to keep me up alittle longer…dang!
I didn’t think about using the horn. I rarely do. I’ve driven for over 50 years and I don’t think I’ve sounded a horn more than 5 times. That road was nothing but curves. I could’ve leaned on the horn most of the way. Good idea… Thanks for suggesting it, Pamela.
Sue,
So glad you found the horn thing helpful for future use. Yes, lay on that horn if need be, I sure do when it is called for.
Sue, you and the crew were so blessed by that logger-guy’s quick reactions!!! I know a logger-guy, a senior fella. He has a leg brace! Can you believe it? He drives his logger truck with a leg brace because his foot is so damaged! He says he is in real pain most of the time but drives anyway because ~he says~ they pay him off the books!!! Just think if it would have been him behind the wheel that afternoon!!! That’s not the only logger-guy story I have heard about. They are a real breed of Wildcats…it is almost a club-like culture in some areas. Always take extra care on those roads.
Ok! I have to ask……What would you guys do if there was no rotisserie chicken? Jungle is right, that toilet is something I have ran into out by the Colorado river a couple of times. I think it is something the “permanent” campers do. In both cases I saw signs of long term usage in the areas. I’m glad to see Reggie’s eye is getting better. Keep those wheels turning. Ciao
Sue would have no choice but to buy a Show-Time Rotisserie Chicken Oven!
~Giggles wildly at the thought~
Hi, Jim,
No rotisserie chicken? How does one live without sun or rain? without air to breathe? 🙂
Reggie’s eye is better. He doesn’t have that sinister look any more. Ha!
Keep cool!
LOL, Some things are just universal! Rotisserie Chicken has to be one of them 🙂
Tonight’s dinner was Rotisserie Chicken with a side helping of fresh melons. Honey Dew Melon, Seedless Watermelon, and Cantaloupe. Those are our favorite sides with chicken, great together and refreshingly lite. If you haven’t tried them together before give them a try 🙂 Great for summertime eating.
well if anyone has ever bought an uncooked chicken to BarB-Q it costs just as much or more than a rotisserie chicken…..cant go wrong buying them if your a chicken person….
chuck
That really does look like a jungle there – so beautiful and lush! That fern – wow! Glad you didn’t get smushed by the truck – looks like England with that one-lane road. WHO uses that wall-less loo? EEK!
Hi, Jan,
Speaking of ferns, the crew and I were walking yesterday and came upon a “field” of ferns… under a canopy of mossy tree limbs. I’m enjoying the variety of plants and flowers.
Of course Reggie is headed into the jungle. That’s what special op’s are trained for after all. 🙂 So glad to hear that his eye is responding to the ointment, he looks much better.
Also glad that you and the logging truck driver avoided each other. It can be hard no matter what the speed when driving heavy equipment on roads that narrow. Many, many, many years ago I drove a logging truck in North Idaho. Not a hard job but some of the longest days I’ve ever worked and zero margin for error on some of those one lane mountain roads.
Hi, Rick,
Right now Special Ops Reggie is a bundle of soft, warm fur curled up in his bed with his blue monkey. Awwww…..
I imagine the long days contribute to log truck drivers having to hurry on the roads. This driver reacted quickly. I’m thankful the load didn’t cause him to tip…
So …. you were a logging truck driver with the soul of a poet… 🙂
“The soul of a poet”
Thank you so much. I’d be hard pressed to imagine a sweeter compliment.
But maybe you’re right. One of the reasons I didn’t do that job more than a few months was it broke my heart to spend my days in the middle of clear cuts.
Hi Sue, back home after a week camping on Lake Somerville…or should I say boondocking? HA….no lites, TV, internet but I did have a radio for a little music.
I have a dear friend that owns a marina there and the lake is 20 foot above normal
and it has devestated her business. Three years ago her marina was sitting on dry
ground so its been an up and down life for her…..I did take Pookie and Lulu with me
so I had some good company….
I see I have some reading to do to catch up on ya’lls adventures while I was gone.
chuck
ps….I like the potty picture….reminds me of my hunts in Colorado many years ago.
BTW, I like to cook outdoors when Im out camping. mostly dutch oven cooking. biscuits, stew, chili always tastes better over a campfire…I may have gained 10 lbs while out….
chuck
Hi, Chuck,
Any business influenced greatly by weather is risky. . . I’m sorry for your friend’s predicament.
Good for you, getting away from TV and internet, cooking over a campfire, eating well, fun time with Pookie and Lulu…
It’s nice to have you back here!
Wow, Sue, your blog is turning into some thrilling reading, between the sliding mud incident and the logging truck. Good thing the towns and villages are peaceful out there, since you’re having some excitement on the road.
So lush and green and mossy. I love the picture of the bridge, it is so white and crisp looking. The out house that’s really “out” is altogether funny, gross and a bit creepy.
Amazing what’s out there in the world.
Being from Vermont that covered bridge reminded me of my “used to be” home.
Same here, Krystina. I grew up in covered bridge country. 🙂
Hi, Applegirl!
I could do with less thrills!
It does look spooky! Beautiful though. Am glad the logger truck got stopped but “stuff” can happen anywhere and at least you had that beautiful reward when you finally found a spot. Hopefully, you taught that logger truck driver a lesson so that when he meets someone in the narrow part of the roads, he will be looking for them ahead of time.
Hi, Cathy P.,
I don’t think the logger truck driver will change his driving habits. The entire road is narrow, he’s coming downhill with a heavy load of logs, he’s under pressure to get the job done. . . . Maybe, as you say, I reminded him to stay alert!
The best prevention is for people like me to stay off the roads where logging is going on.
Sue I love your sequence of pictures. That was just perfect w/ the image of the toilet and then I swear I could see Reggie running the heck out of there. Enjoy your new site, it looks wonderful. With temps supposed to be in the 90’s this weekend, you may find yourself in that little pool soaking!
Rereading my comment, I was thinking 90’s is probably no big deal for June for many parts of the country, but in the NW, they call June, “June-u-ary” because we don’t usually get summer until July. But wow, its really been a very warm winter and Spring this year…
Hi, Tara,
I haven’t figured out the weather patterns in the Northwest, maybe because there aren’t any?
Yep, that’s Reggie running the path out of there and out of the photo frame. He knows how to move when he sets his mind to it!
Holy cow RVSue!!! I honestly cannot believe a logging truck would even fit on that road. You are very brave going down it…but then again, brave seems to be your middle name. I agree with some of the others here….I am a wide open spaces kinda gal! Your site is very beautiful and Reggie Man looks like he is having a ball. Did that “Vermont” covered bridge have the clearance height on it? I was in a National campground right on the ocean and at 42′ fifth wheel went off the narrow asphalt, tipped sideways up against 4 trees with maybe a 10″ radius! It was scary just looking at it. The rig was brand new and it was the first trip full timing for them!!!! It took 5 hours to get it out. The wrecker they sent was waaaaaay to small. I told the park manager they should take the trees down. He said they couldn’t do that because it was a National Forrest. The trees there were soooo thick you would never miss them. Because they wouldn’t do that the entire left side was a total mess by the time they got it out. In the end the park manger said that if he had a chain saw he would have used it!! In all honesty, the campground should not have let them in there as the curves were VERY short.
Hi, Krystina,
Gee, you’re moving it! Medford-Tillicum-Corvallis…. sounds like I’m calling out stops at the Greyhound station! I’m happy you are here in Oregon. I hope you are enjoying it.
Quite an interesting and sad story… What a nightmare for new full-timers with a new rig. Surely there must be a sign at the entrance regarding length limits… ??
I had to come to Corvallis to find a urologist. My kidney issue seems uncertain at this point. No bacteria grew in the urine culture. Ugh…I am in a bit of a panic…my Dad died of kidney cancer. I had my records from CA sent to the Dr. here and I am in a parking lot (not Walmart…tehe) waiting for him to look at the records and tell me to come in. Nope, no max length online or as you come in. Unfortunately there is never anyone minding the station to take your money, give you a map or tell you it is a no go for your rig.
Krystina. I had no idea. I figured you were over the kidney infection since you had antibiotics.
This may be totally irrelevant but I’ll toss it your way anyway. When I was in my early twenties I was hospitalized with suspected kidney infection. However, the tests said otherwise. I developed a very high fever, had lower back pain, and so forth. Finally the fever broke and I recovered.
There was a 3-year period when these symptoms would come and go. At that time my sorry excuse for a husband was busy having “affairs” while I was home with a new baby, and facing other challenges. Looking back, I’m pretty sure I didn’t have a kidney infection. I had too much stress!
I don’t wish that level of stress on anyone, let alone a sweet person like yourself, Krystina. However, it might be what you’re dealing with… You’ve had a lot of stress lately, traveling through California, a new grandchild far away.
I wish I were there to hold your hand or to help in some way. Keep in touch when you can.
We have experienced stress enough to give us more health issues too, before hubby retired. So Sue you have a point there. And grief can certainly cause the body to give us all kinds of fits!! Take care Krystina…will be praying you get well!!
Thank you Elizabeth. I might need all the prayers I can get. Still waiting for the Dr. to see me.
Keep us posted…will be praying still…till we hear all is well!
RVSue, thank you so much for telling me your story. I can only pray that “California Stress” is the cause of my issue. That would be great. Still have not gotten in to see the Urologist. I am still in the strip mall parking lot and cannot see a place to camp on the Benchmark – other then a $$$$ KOA. It is Friday so I am pretty sure I won’t get in today. I do need someone to hold my hand right now. I have not told my kids anything until I know what is going on. Yesterday I drove to a Humane Society Thrift Store and bought 15 books. A good way to forget your troubles. Thank you RVSue for your wonderful and helpful reply. xxoo
You’re right. There aren’t many choices around Corvallis. The forest is owned by the University and there’s no camping.
I did find an RV park that may be very reasonable. It’s nothing special, however, it’s about a mile from Corvallis, near the fairgrounds. Here’s a link. Be sure to scroll down and read the reviews. Although some of the reviews are very old and the place is now under new management, one person wrote it’s an improvement. There are pros and cons to this place, but the biggest “pro” is it’s not far from your urologist (I’m guessing) and it should be more reasonable than the KOA.
Benton Oaks RV & Campground
LATER: I looked at link again and see the recent rate is $34 a night. I’d call them anyway because one of the reviewers said they didn’t camp inside the RV area, but on the gravel area nearby. Note the instructions on how to approach the park, one of the ways has low clearance.
Another link to Benton Oaks. More details…
Another option… This one in Waterloo on the other side of Lebanon, 25 miles from Corvallis. I think this one might be worth the drive. The one above might be noisy.
Waterloo County Park
Sixty campsites are first come-first serve…
$19 with water/electric ($26 – $7 senior discount)… Cheaper sites without water/electric.
Looks pretty, on the South Santiam River. Good luck!
Oh! The Lebanon Strawberry Festival is this weekend if you feel up to it… 🙂
Corvallis has a fair grounds which has a nice campground at the back. It’s been a few years but I’m thinking we paid $10 a night. Probably gone up but worth a check. Has a camp host and full hookups if I remember right. Of course if it’s fair time it will be busy. Found a link to Benton County Fairgrounds where we stayed. Hospital in Corvallis is wonderful, my BFF worked there more that 20 years.
http://www.bentoncountyfair.net/
Go on the site and you will see a link at eight to RV Camping.
That’s the same place I suggested. There’s a Hereford Steer event going on this weekend. 🙁 I think the Waterloo County Park would be nicer if she can drive a little, but she needs to get over there, it being a Friday.
Wish I could introduce her to my BFF because she has a ranch out in the country three and we parked there with our RV twice, but friend getting ready to come this direction. My friend also has kidney issues.
Good Morning Sue,
While traveling along with you this year, I am beginning to be aware of what I prefer to landscape and what is something that I would like to see and move on. Well, it is really beautiful in Oregon, but I would probably get a closed in feeling. I guess I am a cowgirl at heart…”give me land, lots of land. I want to ride to the ridge where the West commences / And gaze at the moon till I lose my senses / And I can’t look at hobbles and I can’t stand fences / Don’t fence me in”.… hehehe. So in my own selfish way, I cannot wait until you get back out of the forest…I am cold and damp. 🙂 Have a good day.
Good morning, Shirlene,
I understand your feeling, because those wide-open spaces are wonderful. I love the change and variety that comes from travel and living in different environments.. Long-term living in this area probably would “get” to me. Mostly the dampness and grey days . . . A short visit is a delight.
You’re a sunshine girl!
🙂 🙂
Wow Sue!! So glad you and the Crew are safe…that was quite the scare just reading about it…can’t imagine! So nice to see Rusty and Timber chime in, sounds like they are having their own good adventures.
The photos are just beautiful, I’m a fan of green and lush so I’m just a “tad” envious 🙂
The scenery reminds me a little bit of some parts of Great Smoky Mountains NP, huge boulders with moss all over them…so beautiful. Enjoy the temps in the 70s…we’re heading to Maine this summer for a short trip to escape the NC heat…and eat some LOBSTA!!
Safe travels friend…hugs to the furbabies!
Hi, Millie,
Oooh, Maine lobster. Tender morsels dipped in butter. I’m am very jealous! And Maine country is beautiful. You’ll enjoy it, I’m sure.
Yes, this area does resemble the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Safe travels to you, too! Thanks for stopping by with a comment.
Mmm, now I want lobster…. for breakfast! (Of course, what meal *wouldn’t* you want it for?)
Did someone say Lobsta?
2 funny! :0 :O 😀
We’ve no hollow logs here and no recent bunny visits either.Looking for likely places for something as pretty as fairies to alight on I looked at lilies.Wild yellow tiger lilies,white lily of the valley wee yet lovely for tiny shimmering wings to flicker near… had goldfinches with their bright yellow feathers flying near-that’ll do!Good morning,Sue,I hope you have sunlit skies where you are,at least long enough to let you delight in what you see.If not there’s always sound to enjoy,like rainfall on the roof or wind coming in the window of the PTV if you’re going somewhere…My plans in jello include laundry,I really love the smell of soap,silly,but it makes me look forward to washing things!
Hi, weather,
Right now I’m looking forward to a trip to a laundromat. Funny how appealing that is when the dirty clothes pile up!
Goldfinches… *sigh*…
Well, it’s not raining. I can’t say it’s a sunny day…. at least not yet, too early to tell. Very quiet here, the crew is snoozing with their bellies full, only the sounds of birds. Rarely see the birds here, so much cover — I’m glad for them.
I’ll think of you as I do the wash and smell the soap. 🙂
Hi there!
No work for me today as my boss doesn’t need me today so I am drinking some coffee while catching up on comments. Two questions for you-Do the benchmarks indicate logging rosds? And did you see an Rv table leg show up on your order list? I want to make sure you are getting credit for our orders! Personally, I can’t wait to travel to the PNW! Stay safe!
Hi, Terri,
The Benchmarks show the logging roads and there are thousands of them. They show on the map as hair-like lines wiggling all over the state and national forests. It wouldn’t be accurate/practical for the atlases to show which roads are active logging roads and which ones are inactive, due to the time it takes to produce each edition and the change in what areas are being logged.
In other words, there isn’t any difference, when looking at the atlas, between a logging road and a road that would be good for boondocking. I’ve seen roads with signs warning of logging operations in progress. I didn’t see such a sign on Winberry Creek Road.
I saw the RV table leg. Thank you very much for the order, Terri. I appreciate it!
This wouldn’t always help (for example, a logging operation far up a road), but (at least in the Great Lakes) there are often some signs of logging: Piles of cut logs near a new “road” that branches off the forest road, orange tags tied to trees (at the boundaries of the logging zone), evidence of a bunch of trucks having come onto the forest road at a certain point, wood “scraps” on the ground, etc.
I don’t know that any of these would have been evident at the origin of the forest road in Sue’s latest situation, since it sounds like the logging was well up the road, but it might help occasionally (although nothing you could see in the atlas, as Sue notes).
P.S. Weather, would you please come do my laundry? I have LOTS of nice smelling soap! 🙂 HA!
Me, too, weather!
Have quarters-will travel-Ha!Leave what you want cleaned and left folded for you at whatever laundromat you find convenient.No meeting each other expected,of course 🙂 I leave you a sandwich,too.
Texas is a ways down the road from central NY,Terri-a road trip does sound like fun 🙂 Hm-m ,Texas-do you live where clothes lines make sheets smell like heaven or in a city where restaurant folks know what real barbecue is supposed to taste like?The huevos rancheros in El Paso alone makes a trip worth it-nice smelling soap “sells it” !
Road Trip, I love road trips….I will be waiting by the beach! Come by and pick me up and we can do Sue’s laundry for her and make her some Mexican food!
OK,we’ll take the jeep since I know you miss yours,you drive to the Ca.border I’ll take us in from there.As we hafta leave her lunch I’ll bring a thermal plate cover so her food doesn’t get cold .Pack your fly fishing gear,leave the camera home-oh,and better get someone to cover for ya at work in case we take the lo-o-ng way back 🙂
OMG, you had me laughing out loud….what a perfect plan. No cameras, made me laugh so hard. Thanks for my laugh for the day Weather!
🙂
Nice post Sue, the Oregon campsites look lovely (aside from the shady restroom that Reggie found). I enjoyed the “Hell bent for leather” link. 🙂
Thanks, Jenny,
I wondered if anyone looked at that link. I thought it interesting, too. 🙂
Afternoon Blogerinos and Sue, Bridget and Reggie! Nice day here in northern Ca. You paint such great stories with your pictures. I look forward each day to my virtual camping trip with you. I’ve been to Curves, walked on treadmill , now off to a recheck at doctor. D.Ginger I hope and pray you are soon well enough to enjoy your vacation.
Thanks, Velda. Hope your “recheck” was good!
Yep, Dr was very happy with everything. He had cut my BP med to half pill and it’s been good so I get to stick with that. The less the better I say. Have a splendid day.
Thanks, Velda… I wish you the same and I’m glad for your good report!
The logger probably thought he had the road to himself! Betcha ya scared the crap out of him! Glad it all worked out!
Nice forest…surprised you were able to get a signal!
The loo in the middle of nowhere is “probably not a good sign”.
Hah! Waiting for the ….watch THIS special ops! Grab the chicken and run Reg man!
Hi, Cinandjules,
The signal wasn’t very good, kept dropping. I wrote this post at the camp after this one…
Stealing chicken is against the Special Ops code…. 🙂
We used to have an out without a house–they don’t smell. We got the idea from a backpacking oriented state park in northern Minnesota not far from where our cabin was located. You do want lots of trees and brush around it though to give you at least some sense of privacy. We put a red seat on ours to help others see it in case they came wandering by. We kept the TP in a coffee can which protected it from weather and critters. We went to that cabin at least once a month (except for November when the deer hunters were out) for many years as a respite from our busy city lives.
How fortunate you were to have a cabin in the woods to which you could retreat. Your explanation of the open-air toilet makes sense. You have to do your “business” somewhere!
I love the picture out your window. After we had been camping for quite a while I thought “I should take a pic from the window every place”. Never did it, but if I’d started from the beginning I think it’d be neat, hint, hint for the ones who are fixin’ta go on the road. Of course as long as you aren’t giving identifying details about your neighbor.
OMG the logging truck incident ’bout scared my off my chair. Thank God ya’ll are OK! Sue, you have nerves of steel (always)! I’m glad you did mention it though because it’s a real part of traveling and doing what you do.
Gotta say I like Summer most with your beautiful scenery! But those pics can’t compete with pics of your wonderful fur babies!
Much love!
The Escape trailer owners forum has a long running thread titled “What’s out your back window?” or something like that. It’s an amazing variety of beautiful scenes from all over North America all framed by the same window out the back of folks Escape trailers. Pretty cool.
Hi, Carrie,
I’d post more through-the-windows photos only that would mean I’d have to clean them!
Thanks for the nice words about the photos and the crew and my “nerves of steel.” I’ll try to remember the latter the next time I freak out. 😉
Thanks for the logging tips, SW Pen. Weather, I live about 2 hours west of Houston. Nearest town is a half hour away. Right now the ground is still very soft from all the rain we got and its about 80 percent humidity. A guy in Weimar, the town I work in, has just ope ned up a barbecue trailer and it is probably among the best barbecue places I have ever eaten. I hope he makes a go of it! The meat is soft and tender-I am gettin hungry just thinking about it!!!
Hi Terry
guess Im gonna have to stop in Weimer on my next trip to San Antonio
and try this new BBQ place…..it is in Weimer?
chuck
80% humidity ?!Wow,Terri-I’m thinking clothes on the line will stay wet.Let’s just go get some of that bbq instead 🙂 Seriously,I’m glad the rain stopped -you were getting pounded with it for a while.Your location sounds nice,away enough to be country,close to highway 10 to make going places easy,sweet.
Krystina…. Did you see my suggestions above?
Good morning,Sue,I hope where ever you are today feels good to be in.It’s a butterflies,gentle breeze,pretty clouds everywhere day here.I love a few of those during June’s longer sun up part of the season,as the three bears line goes-not too hot,not too cold,just right!-with enough time to take it all in…It seems as though it’s been a little while since you’ve stayed anywhere for long.I hope the pace suits your soul and needs.Are you thinking the coast and ocean soon or more northward for a ways?
Good morning, weather,
We’re slowly moving west toward the coast. I hope to put a post together today about the camp we’re in now. It’s a place that “feels good to be in.” I’m glad yours is, too.
The frequent moves of late haven’t been tiring due to the short distances between them. This is our third day at this camp and most likely we will stay here through the weekend.
Enjoy your “just right” day!
Hi Weather, glad to see your comment, I love butterflies also…gives me an idea! LOL. How was your Mexican dinner the other night, did you get out and make those enchiladas? I hope your day with the troupe is as uplifting as your comment. Hugs.
Hi Shirlene,the closest store was out of tortillas,not wanting to cook for hours or get complicated I made chicken sandwiches instead and tried not to be disappointed-adding potato chips did the trick,Ha!I’m pretty easy to please with food.I’m guessing your umpteenth b-day dinner was much better 🙂
Pookieboy,
The barbecue trailer/hut is behind the Lowes in town.
It is called Brenners. Dont know if there is a phone or not. He is supposed to open a restaurant soon. Take the Weimar exit, go down Hwy 155 and turn left at Lowes grocery store. It will be on your right a couple of blocks down. Neighborhood is crappy-ignore it! A plate is about 10.00 but worth it!
P.S I think he is only open on Fri-Sun.
Good Morning Sue and blogorinos….just finished my morning coffee, I was a little late today. I hope Krystina is okay…I have kidney problems also and cannot help but keep her in the back of my mind. I wish we had a blogorino near her to hold her hand on this one…. I cannot wait until you make it to the ocean, I am not really familiar with the Oregon Coast…Washington Coast a little, so this will be fun…I had dinner last night with my BFF from Oregon, she flew into town to take care of some real estate business and we got together…I guess it is now my turn to visit her… I told her about you and that you were around enjoying her state. Much love to you and those sweet things that are always by your side.
Good morning, Shirlene . . . You sound perky this morning! It must be from the time with your BFF. Thanks for sharing my blog with her.
Wonder how many of our bloggerinos have severe kidney disease in which the use of dialysis is needed. Those on home device machines can probably take the dialysis with them as they travel, and I imagine others using clinics have to make proper appointments to find a clinic accepting them.
Ooh, Wayne…I know you mean well, but let’s not think about that right now. No need to . . . I’m assuming Krystina will soon be on her way with this issue resolved..
🙂
Another beautiful campsite…you sure have a knack for finding great sites! Glad the “incident” turned out OK!!!!