Healdsburg to San Francisco

We left early yesterday, and made the trip at a good time, as I think traffic get busier as the day moves on. By noon we made our way to Marin RV Park, on the sunny side of the bridge, as they advertise.  With help from Polly and our GPS, we made it to within 2 blocks away, then it said we had arrived on left??? What, no place on the left, was a highway! Hmm, quick decision time, in middle of intersection, ok, turn right down short road, and regroup. Park, and ask someone where this place was? Yep should have just kept going on the road, place was 2 blocks further on the right. OK, Now turn around again... Practice makes perfect... LOL

As I try to make the turn around, and man comes out from the garage, and looks, and walks up to me and I roll down the window and he says "GPS Huh!"  LOL, he says it happens about 2-3 times a month, at least you don't have a car, un hook, and hook back up...  I just had to laugh. All this with an American drawl accent. Got turned around with Polly's help, and off we went to our new home for the next 4 days.  

Check in was easy, but long as all we had to learn about the place and transit to and from the city, places to see and rules of the park, which I usually break right away. Now the tough part, back into our site! Was not too hard, just a few back and forward, (well maybe a few more) with help from Polly again, may have to take out that back up camera we bought before we left and try it next time.

All went well, no bangs, and now setup again. We are getting better at this, but today I did stop when Polly said lunch.

After lunch, I went out and had a look around, and saw the pool, now I know what's next. Polly  puts on her suit, me I always have mine on, she takes some laundry, and we make our way to the laundry room, then to the pool.

As we cross to the pool I get a comment from a man waiting in his van, and he says I got a shirt like that! I look down at his plate, which says Beautiful BC. Dam if he wasn't from Gibson's, BC and just did same trip as us. Of course had to have a talk with him.

Pool time, now this is so nice, water was warmer that the river, and just so clean, was a salt water pool. Yep I could get used to this. Of course we met others at the pool, a man his wife and 2 daughters from Denmark, and he wanted to know what a motor home was worth here. He was pointing to one  by the office. I say between 150, to two hundred, he says a million? Noo, thousand. He is surprised, as where he lives a car, a small one is 100 thousand. Wow, well glad I live here.  They were nice to talk with, he is a construction worker, her a butcher. Both had 4 weeks vacation, and first time to USA.

We stay here tonight, no big plan, dinner and get to talking with neighbours from Texas, who have just been to Alaska, and back along the coast. They did stop outside of Vancouver, and took their jeep off the motor home and went to Victoria for a day.

We talked about BC, Alaska, and Texas, they live just outside Huston, so had much to talk about. Hope to talk with them again.

Nice to be in one place for awhile, I will enjoy retired travel better, as don't have to move so often so quick. The evening was warm, and today we look forward to seeing the sights of the city, and meeting up with our friend Sarah Montaro for a chat, and visit as she works close to China town.

Healdsburg California

Was an interesting town to visit, like most small towns there has been a transformation from what was to what is. This town has come full way around, and will continue to be redeveloped as people with "Deep Pockets" as is said, have moved in and are redeveloping this small town to a new style. The down town has so many art galleries, and restaurants we didn't know which one to step into. I did make my way into a gallery that was interesting, and way over priced in my opinion. Also went into another that had wood tables, and other wooden things made of "Reclaimed Trees" not ones cut by faller, ones that had just dropped. I didn't comment, I just looked around, and saw what was there for $5,000.00 per table. A slab of redwood, cut from the center of a log say 5' long and 3' wide covered with glass, and metal legs. Man did I get into the wrong business...

We looked over the park in the center of town, and checked out a few clothing stores, which Polly said same as me, just way too much $ for us. We also took a walk around the older neighbour hoods close to down town, picked a lime off a tree, and enjoyed what the town was before. Old architecture, and beautiful wooden homes, some with curved glass, don't see that from the past often. Went in a old stuff kinda place, and saw many things I remember from when I was younger being displayed... Gee I guess I'm old stuff now too... LOL I looked around for awhile at what was displayed till I overheard someone ask about what the building housed before, and the lady said Machine Shop. Hmm now I stopped  looking at the stuff, and started looking at what the building was made of. There was many rails on the beams bent around in curves that people would have moved heavy iron parts around the shop. The old beams were heavy wood, and the floor was smooth finished cement, Yep Machine shop for sure.  

Somehow it feels kinda graveyard like walking through a town that has gone through this transformation. A working part of the area, transformed to hmmm well different. Next door was a sign on another building and I told the woman it would be a nice building for a collector. She said it had been sold, an art gallery was opening there.  

Polly and I did have a nice day, and enjoyed our walk, now to look around a few wineries in the countryside, and back to camp.

Eureka to Healdsburg California through the Redwoods

What a beauty drive that was, sometimes windy and really narrow in some places, but was nice to see the huge redwood trees are still alive in what seemed like huge amounts. Polly and I took a turn off 101, and went to what was a small town, Pepperwood. On our way there the road wound through the huge redwoods, and we stopped off the road in Humboldt Redwoods State Park to check out the trees up close. Like what we see in MacMillan Park closer to home, but  much bigger around. We met a couple visiting here from  Michigan, they had camped the night in the forest, in their tent. They were on a 2 week holiday, and were trying to see all they could of the west coast too. We talked for about 1/2 hr, and went or separate ways, was nice to hear what they liked and saw on their trip.

Soon we were over the mountains that separated the coast from the vineyards of Sonoma, and stopped at a campsite close to a town called Healdsburg on the Russian River, called Alexander Valley RV Park. The pictures looked much better than the site, but was a nice warm place to spend a couple nights, and visit Healdsburg.  

Setting up the trailer now is a little more organised, and we are establishing what each will do and when we make our way to complete setup. Choosing a campsite is something that will take some time to get right, taking a good look around once you get there is better than just driving in and then looking around. We did the drive in before we looked, and well that was another exercise in backup... I am getting better at that, not that I want the practice. The whole process, once you have traveled a good portion of the day, you just want to get set up. Easy to jump ahead and make an error while just wanting to get set. We took more time this time once we got the layout of the place, and decided where we wanted to be, then decide exactly where the trailer should be. Level it and then we are on our way to getting all done.

All finishes with a beer, and a talk about what we could have done better, and what we will do next time, as well as... OK What's next?

This time we cooled off in the river, which was more of a creek now as the summer has taken its toll on this area as it has many places this year. Water was colder that I thought it was going to be, but I did get right in eventually. Polly just her legs got cooled, but she was happy to get a little cooler. We had our air-conditioned on for the first time, was nice to have the warm sun, but liked the cool air from the AC. All is working good with truck and trailer, Polly always says knock on wood when she says that.

 

   

Redwood Acres RV park in Eureka was less than we expected.

This RV park was just a strip of serviced sites packed close with people having to share service two on each pipe, with extra sewage dumps in front of the next sites front door. The woman who is the hostess, was very helpful, and did what she could to make our stay good. Pay before you see what you have is a problem. So is it to not to have a place booked and being ready to pull over and stop traveling. We are learning how to get what we expect, and mostly it has to do with how much you pay. We have joined Passport America, as we were advised by others before we started out, and this can be a problem, as the places that honor this discount are sketchy to say the least. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for.

We had wifi after some moving around till we got on the site, bathrooms were decent, but somewhat primitive, and the place is attached to the fair grounds, so Saturday evening was races at the track. Didn't bother us too much, as we stayed inside as was a little cold out. We are learning how to pick a site, and how to make the best out of what we get. We didn't hang around during the day much, but did go for a walk in the morning Sunday before we went to look around Erica and area. Was nice to go

 up to the track and see what was still there after the nights races. One car on a trailer, and a couple with their 3 dogs. We talked with them for a short while, then walked around, and got up close to the track and saw all the rubber chucks from the tires that was shot off the track out of the fenced in area. Stands were close to the corner here. Would have been a rush to sit here during the races, and could have been dangerous as pieces were strewn all around the bleachers.

After our tour of the Eureka, Polly an I came back to our site, and made a couple Margaritas, been enjoying these in the trip, as have found a new mix. We sat in the sun, and talked about what's next, and how nice it was to just sit and enjoy the warm sun, and cool drinks.

Tomorrow off through the redwoods toward Healdsburg, Santa Rosa area.  Planning to stay at the Alexander Valley RV Park, another Passport America place? See how this goes.

 

Today Polly and I went into Eureka city.

We saw the best and worst of the city. Before we left a neighbour in the park said the town was not a great place to visit, go to Arcata, much better place to visit. Now looking at what we saw, I see why he said that. More rubies, and people that had seen the worst in life. Polly and I talked about how they got where they are? I shake my head, and Polly does too. Polly says she feels bad for them, and how did they get there? Abuse when young? I say who knows. Have to deal with what comes, and do yer best, my take on life. Many people as we drive through town are marginalized, and a friend of ours labels them. I see people camping close to Wal-Mart, and where they can get free something. Shit happens, what you do about it has to do with you! My take on it...

What we did see that was interesting, even more a few miles north in Arcata was Hippies doing same as we saw in the 70's... Wow if I had my camera, I would have some 60's pics. head bands, dread locks, and all the garb I call hippie crap. Dancing around, smokin pot, and giving hugs, while ignoring the town next door that could use some help. Gee I guess the well to do hippies are still doin OK! They had a festival as they called it, tents all around the square with many things that didn't sell over the summer, for one last chance to make a buck, while saying love and peace and a hug for your $... LOL

I saw when we left this town they had the university above the town, I wonder aloud how much this played on what was going on? The guy I talked with this morning said there is a separation between people that have education in this town, and others. I wonder what that does here, and all over the California, gee the world?! He also said that he had the same experience when going to small towns, and rural areas, he was helping people that had children that needed special help. They would say you are not from here, and would reject him, as he was not  from their town, area!  

Yes I Learned again today, and will continue. I also learned I can cook a sirloin steak like I did last night, with thin strips, on a shish kabob that was tender, and tasty. I also learned that salmon on the BBQ is great in tacos, soft tacos. Mmmm I like this dinners late,  and Margaritas in the late afternoon, in the sun is just the best. Polly and I are happy to know we are so happy, and are doing what we want, before we can't.  

Depoe Bay was a beauty, staying put for a couple days here in Coos Bay at Lucky Loggers RV Park.

What a drive that was, nice weather to start, but a windy road, and made a wrong turn to start, and made it a little worse going into a place with tight turn around, that I had to get Polly out to make the turn. After that we made good progress and saw many beauty beaches, but windy, bumpy roads made for quite a day, by the time we got here Polly and I were ready for a beer, and a review of went good, and what didn't... LOL we do well together, GPS helps, but Polly and GPS, may be best! Difficult to keep eyes on the road, trailer and directions. We are learning, no bang ups so far.

The stop at Depoe Bay was great, we stopped early, and walked a ways, but was best place to pull in. Many places you can't get into with a truck trailer combo. Whale statues, and whales in the bay was a nice touch. There is a whale interpretive center, and was a good view of the bay from there, as well as good to look at the displays of whale parts, and explanations about whales. Got to see one boat make its way into the harbour, but was a small boat, still good to watch.

We managed to go into a candy making store on our way back up the street, and of course had to buy some made in Depoe Bay salt toffees, Mmmm.  When we got back to where we had parked, car behind, and car in front! Dam I thought, but by the time we were about to leave, the car in front pulled out, and Vola, we were off with no pain! That was nice.

Now we get into the windy roads, and narrow, well just hope that further down from Coos Bay we get better roads. We pull into Lucky Loggers RV, and see that it is close to full, good we called ahead. 2 spots left, and we could have had one facing the water, but chose the pull through anyway, easier, and now I didn't want any frustrations. Back and forth a few times, and OK good enough. Not, after blocking front and taking truck off, realized couldn't get truck in, so up and on it goes again, now Polly guides me to take all the site to the line, and OK, now was good. Learning all the time right now. Set up, and plug in, and beer. That feels good to stop for awhile. BBQ is out, dogs on and lunch is served. Polly did make quick lunch, and now a nap for the old guy.

After nap, went to look at an RV Super store they call themselves. More $ than I wanted to spend for some stuff we needed, so off to Wally World. Polly went for the groceries, me off to the RV stuff. I got talking with a guy that needed a water filter, as I did, and he told me he is a vet from Vietnam War, and wow, he had much to say. He was nice enough, but had many things to say about war, and what it was like coming back. I heard about this, but never talked to someone who was treated badly. I can understand people being angry at that war, but to take it out on the men that fought, well that is just stupid. He was so angry with Jane Fonda, and all in that war he says are as well. I have to look up why that was so bad. Yep he was interesting to talk with, and could have talked more, but Polly came and so did his wife, and all went south! I got the filter he recommended, and a hose extension for the sewer, and a jack and flares for in case we get a flat. Oh and I met a Canucks Fan in an auto store here in Oregon, got to love that! No team here so he is a of our team. Nice...

Today we took a walk to town, and will again, as got cards for many birthdays to send, end September, and beginning of October. Got  the sewer hose on, and working, and got the water filter on, and working too. All is good here in Coos Bay, Lunch and a snooze now.

Long Beach Washington, to Lincoln City, Oregon. Chinook Winds Casino

We started the day with a drive to look around the north end of Long Beach peninsula, as we had spent most time south so far. Was a beauty morning to go for a drive. Rain on and off, with sun mixed in. As we traveled north, we saw the area in the center of the peninsula, was mostly 1-2 acre lots, and beach side had access, and other side was often less developed, and rural settings. As we got to the town at the far end, we saw more single lots on the road close to the beach, houses looked like subdivision most places, just on beach, and had protection from the winds, plastic deflectors on sundecks, to ward off the winds.

As we got close to the wild life refuge/park at the end of the peninsula, we took a road that led to the other side of the peninsula, to where they harvest and grow oysters. Where the workin folks of the area live. We ran right into history of this place we didn't expect, an oyster shuckin place, where they were about to start their day. This place had been around for many years you could tell, and so was the whole neighbourhood. Homes that had been here since the late 1800, and early 1900's. Was nice to look around here in the early morning, before people started moving too fast, not like they did here!

Polly and I talked about what this place reminded us of, and how well maintained it was, like a historical place, then we started to notice signs on the fences, and yes it was a designated historical place, here in the middle of nowhere, and we were wondering how we ran into this, as we hadn't seen anywhere in all we had read, about this place. But as we got back on the main road, there was a little sign telling you about it. Oysterville, was a nice treat for us before we packed up, and left.

Got fuel in this little town Ocean Park before we left, diesel was cheaper here than anywhere so far, $2.49 cash, or $2.54 on card. All in all a good drive before we left Long Beach.

Cranberry RV Park is where we stayed for the 2 nights on Long beach was mostly still asleep when we got back, except Gary, whom we met the afternoon we pulled in. He hangs his hand out the window of his motor home, and looks around the park, he knows all that goes on, and was really friendly. Gave us a bag of ice to make Margaritas that first day we pulled in, so we didn't have to drive to get it. He also gave us a package of his fresh caught salmon for our dinner. He has old cars, like most people here do, a 55 Chevy, that he has no place to work on right now. Like many he had a job, that quit on him, before he wanted it to. His wife works here now, and soon he will collect his pension, till then he will fish, and enjoy what he has.

Terry the park manager was real nice, gave us some local info, and helped me with getting parts to repair the water valve on the toilet. The evening before we left Terry and her husband pulled up beside Polly and I in their car as we sat and enjoyed a margarita in the afternoon sun.  They had just got back from a Dr. appointment, her hubby wasn't impressed, didn't like what he was told to do... Like most of us, don't want to make a change as we are used to doing what we do, the way we want to. Before they left, Terry's hubby dropped a couple beers on our table, and said enjoy. Nice people, and we will remember or stay here.

While Terry was gone, Julie came over, she helped when Terry was gone, as park hostess. We had a good talk as she kept looking around corners as who was coming and going. I am learning that some people are here for a short time, and some are here as this is it, no house will be there's again. Circumstances have been dealt late in life, and this may be it! Sickness can really make things shitty, we just don't know how shitty till the day comes, then it is too late to change it. My learning going forward is take care of myself, and do what I want to before I fall by the wayside. Polly and I are on the same track when it comes to doing what we want, before we expire!  LOL, I like that way of saying done, finished, the end... LOL

Today we are off to Depoe Bay, one of my favorite places on this coast, one of the shortest distance between open ocean, and the harbour. Bridge goes right over the inlet that boats have to maneuver. Then we will visit Newport, and check out the Aquarium there, touted to be 1 of the best around.

Now for a walk on the beach before we leave.