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Barbareno
Nomad
Posts: 410
Registered: 11-4-2007
Location: Vernon BC
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Pretty soon....you will be in God's country 
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
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Mood: Optimistic
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Barbareno
Pretty soon....you will be in God's country |
Right you are, Barbareno...I've seen it on our route many times. 
A man dies and goes to heaven.
When he get to the Pearly Gates, he takes a look around as Saint Peter is checking to make sure that everything is in order. He sees beautiful lakes,
pristine landscapes, and angels laughing and enjoying the afterlife. But over to one side there is a big building, locked from the outside, and a
terrific racket coming from inside.
The man says to Saint Peter, "What's that building over there?"
Saint Peter looks sadly at the building and then back at the man. "Oh," he says, "that's where we have to keep the Baja
folks. If we open the doors, they'll all go home." 
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
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Mood: Optimistic
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FUR AND FINS
PART 10
2010 7-15
GOLDEN GATE PARK, SAN FRANCISCO:
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM AND AQUARIUM
Ticket line outside: Around $25 per adult.
Sensing some division, I take a poll of the museum patrons. 
Entrance:
Many dead animals in the past changed to fossils while others preferred to be oil.
'In all works on Natural History, we constantly find details of the marvellous adaptation of animals to their food, their habits, and the
localities in which they are found.'
Galapagos tortoise collection:
Co-pilot agrees with this, "Why do I get the feeling I am attending a funeral when entering a natural history museum? "
Sharkray in tank:
"These are bad times for the environment. No aquarium, no tank in a marine land, however spacious it may be, can begin to duplicate the conditions of
the sea. And no dolphin who inhabits one of those aquariums or one of those marine lands can be considered normal."
Jacques Yves Cousteau
Stuffed Mammal displays:
From left to right descending: Sable antelope, cheetah, African hunting dogs, and...a parrot? (When I see a bird
that walks like a duck and swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck. The moment a little boy is concerned with which is a
jay and which is a sparrow, he no longer sees the birds or hears them sing)
Penquins:
Looking down at one of the aquarium's scuba maintenance team:
We listened to a VERY interested lecture on anthropology..and the evolution of man thru the ages.
I don't mind if my skull ends up on a shelf as long as it's got my name on it.
Reptiles in attendance:
Albino alligator:
Amphip inmates:
Aquarium scenes:
Ocean: A body of water occupying about two-thirds of a world made for man - who has no gills.
Hey, I remember this baitstealer:
We also signed up for and took the Planetarium show: Birth of the Universe.
"In order to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe." Carl Sagan
"When people run around and around in circles we say they are crazy. When planets do it we say they are orbiting."
Of course taking photographs during a darkened display of the universe would be distracting to the audience, so I have no photos of the event, but
we thoroughly enjoyed this walk thru time and space to see the beginnings of life. I believe in God, only I spell it Nature. Like Albert Einstein
said, 'Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.'
END OF MUSEUM TOUR.
The Great Highway - scenes along SF coast
Discharge pipe along SF Great Coast Highway:
"It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment." Ansel Adams.
"Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have become global garbage cans." Jacques again.
Go Cars Rental:
Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet.
Trees along The Great Highway:
How true this is....'I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree.' Joyce Kilmer
I also love this quote from George Bernard Shaw, "Except during the nine months before he draws his first breath, no man manages his affairs as
well as a tree does."
The CLIFFHOUSE roadhouse. Never went in, but it looked nostalgic to me. Any memories of this place?..anybody?
END OF SAN FRANCISCO VISIT.
TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NAPA VALLEY
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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irenemm
Senior Nomad
Posts: 623
Registered: 7-16-2009
Location: vicente guerrero, baja
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Mood: relaxed
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Thanks for the trip into my home town. Just as beautiful as always.
can not wait for the Napa valley another beautiful place.
drive careful and enjoy
I am
thanks again
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
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Mood: Optimistic
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"Life's too short to drink bad wine."
Saying goodbye to San Francisco, we motor up 101 a short distance, then turn east to search out the Napa Valley..and check out some wineries.
Ah...Vinyards. A wonderful thing.
When Leif Ericsson landed in North America in A.D. 1001, he was so impressed by the proliferation of grapevines that he named it
Vinland.
In terms of acreage, wine grapes rank #1 among all crops planted worldwide.
There is at least one commercial winery in every state of the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska!
NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA - JULY 16-17, 2010
As of 2010 there are over 250 wineries in California. Napa County is the home of 232 of them. In the year 2000, Americans spent $20 billion on wine.
72% of that was spent on California wines. As one California winemaker said, "We release no wine before the bank tells us that its ready."
$$$$$ Top Napa Valley vineyard land sells for over $100,000/acre!
MONDAVI WINERY TOUR:
The Mondavi winery stands out, along with a select few others along this wine route. With a legacy of more than 40 years of fine winemaking, the
Robert Mondavi Winery is a shining symbol of Napa Valley. Founded in 1966, the winery's beautiful architecture reflects the missions of early
California history.
"Making good wine is a skill; making fine wine is an art." --- Robert Mondavi
"Wow..and to think that it all started with grape jelly." ---A mental giant
Robert Mondavi has hosted many lavish music festivals over the years. Lots of big names have entertained visitors.
We take the thoroughly FUN..tour. Our guide was intelligently witty and showed us exactly how the wine is made..step by step. He was very
information and supplied us with many current facts about wine production and consumption.
There are only three legal categories of wine in the U.S.: table, dessert, and sparkling. In the early 1950s, 82% of the wine Americans drank was
classified as dessert wines. These included Sherry, Port, and Madeira. I don’t have current national figures, but one of the USA's largest retailers
reports sales of wine today = 90% table wine, 7% sparkling wine, and only 3% dessert wine!
Merlot was the “hot” varietal in 1999, but in 1949, the “darling of the California wine industry” was Muscatel!
Until 1970, Bordeaux produced more white wine than red. Today red wine represents about 84% of the total crop.
The Fields:
In terms of acreage, wine grapes rank #1 among all crops planted worldwide. 
The world’s most planted grape varietal is Airén. It occupies over 1 million acres in central Spain where it is made into mediocre white wine, but
some quite good brandy. 
Before harvest, the canopy of leaves at the top of the vine is often cut away to increase exposure to the sun and speed ripening.
Rose bushes are often planted at the end of a row of grape vines to act as an early warning signal for infestation by diseases and insects like
aphids. A vineyard manager who notices black spots or root rot on the roses will spray the grape vines before they are damaged.
The cask catacombs:
The average age of a French oak tree harvested for use in wine barrels is 170 years!
Utopia:
..and the wines not bad, either..
The Tasting...........and guzzling..sigh.
My favorite for this year:
I think it peees God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it.
.
If you are a wine lover or collector, you'll like this: Once a year the rarest new Napa Valley wines become available under one roof at an event
called Premiere Napa Valley. Wineries throughout the Napa Valley are given one task to participate; create a one-of-a-kind wine for this event to be
auctioned off to one lucky bidder. This event is only open to select members of the wine trade and the successful bidder is the sole owner of this
unique wine. Below you will find Robert Mondavi Winery's most recent contribution to this event and the member of the wine trade who purchased the
wine.
Robert Mondavi Winery
Cases: 10
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2008
Release Date: August - 2011
To purchase this wine or check on availability contact:
Gary's Wine & Marketplace
Madison, NJ
www.garyswine.com
973-822-0200
.
Market research shows that most people buy a particular wine either because they recognize the brand name or they are attracted by the packaging.
TIPS ON CHOOSING A WINE:
Best one I heard was this: "When it comes to wine, throw away the vintage charts and invest in a corkscrew. The best way to learn about wine is the
drinking." Works for me...I know what I like.
One wine maker's opinion: “Never buy the cheapest wine in any category, as its taste may discourage you from going on. The glass, corks, cartons, and
labor are about the same for any wine, as are the ocean freight and taxes for imported wines. Consequently, if you spend a little more, you are likely
to get a better wine, because the other costs remain fixed. Cheap wine will always be too expensive.”
.
.
"Wines are like your children; you love them all, but boy, are they different."
"My dear boy, there are some things that are just not done, such as drinking Dom Perignon ‘53 above the temperature of 38° Fahrenheit." ---
Co-pilot
"I cook with wine; sometimes I even add it to the food."
A tip on how to pour a glass of sparkling wine or champagne:
Grasping the bottle firmly, take a clean napkin and wipe the rim of the bottle removing any dirt or boat oil.. then pour a small splash into the
bottom of each glass, then return to each glass, filling it three quarters full with champagne. This process will avoid the dreaded foaming over of
the champagne. Foaming is for rabid dogs and Bud.
After our wine tour at Mondavi winery, we rambled thru the valley sightseeing and looking for that evening's bivouac...which we found in Calistoga.
Our nice city park campsite..Calistoga, Ca. $28, nicely shaded, all hookups plus free wi-fi & cable. Quiet neighborhood is terrific for a
hangover.
Tomorrow, we head for the REDWOODS...with a few twists and turns, naturally.
TO BE CONTINUED
[Edited on 8-10-2010 by Pompano]
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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ELINVESTIG8R
Select Nomad
Posts: 15882
Registered: 11-20-2007
Location: Southern California
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WOW WEE Pompano... Great pictures...Can't wait to retire again and get a Motorhome to cruise all over the place...WOOO HOOO
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irenemm
Senior Nomad
Posts: 623
Registered: 7-16-2009
Location: vicente guerrero, baja
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Mood: relaxed
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thank you for all the information.
not only a great viewing trip but a learning trip too.
can't wait for tomorrow.
thanks again
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
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Mood: Optimistic
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THE REDWOODS - CAMPFIRE TOASTS
THE REDWOODS - CAMPFIRE TOASTS
THE MAJESTIC REDWOODS
Our route from the Napa Valley Wine Tour. (wine is always welcome and good for the soul, but beer is the staff of life..and so we renew our search.)
Hwy 101 and Hwy 1 are full of bridges. I gotta say it..I LOVE BRIDGES..ever since I was a kid. Trolls! (No..not the
Nomad kind of troll)..Hans Christian Anderson...fantasy stuff.
Holy Smokes! When did Audrey Hepburn get in this thread? Is that really you, Co-Pilot? You put your hair up,
I see. Wow..you had me going for a minute there.
Hey, maybe I look like a little like Cary Grant? Huh?..huh? ..hmm.. Hello.....Yoo-hoo...Co-Pilot?.....sigh...
Okay, never mind her...she probably needs glasses or something. Meanwhile: The drive north of the Napa Valley is very scenic and relaxing.
A pastorial pastime even.
"From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters This land was made for you and me."
-Guthrie,Woody
We find many nice RV parks along this route...seems to be a perfect choice for a motorhoming holiday. Even the touristy Redwood Tree House and other
gimmicks were fun..nostalgic of an earlier, more innocent America. Uh...Anybody want to buy a redwood carving of the Leaning Tower of Pisa..cheap?
The camping rate at most of our sites was about $32 per night..full hookups usually. Splendid and spacious sites in the woods. One had a 5mph speed
limit...to keep you from running over the attack dogs.
The mighty and majestic redwoods...what can one say about these trees? I have no words to describe the satisfaction and
elation these giants give you. I'm just glad to be here..and to touch them.
Of course, Co-Pilot is a REAL tree-hugger! Being from Italy, she is especially appreciative of the abundance of nature in
America. Thanks for reminding me of what we have, tesoro. I promise never to take it for granted.
"Son, I say SON!... never throw a punch at a redwood."
The best friend of earth of man is the tree. When we use the tree respectfully
and economically, we have one of the greatest resources on the earth.
- Frank Lloyd Wright
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree. - Joyce Kilmer
Acts of creation are ordinarily reserved for gods and poets.
To plant a pine, one need only own a shovel.
- Aldo Leopold
Plant trees. They give us two of the most crucial elements
for our survival: oxygen and books.
- A Whitney Brown
Wow...do they give these trees Viagra, too?"
Nothing..nothing beats a campfire. Nobody screws with my campfire..nobody. Ah, Co-Pilot, did you know there are untold mysterys in
campfire flames? Would you like to hear the secrets of the universe? Who shot Kennedy? Explanation of the Global Warming/Cooling Theories? Is
Obama really the anti-Christ?
No? .....NO?
Obviously you need a glass of Red Truck, Co-Pilot.
Then come sit next to the fire and get comfy... and I'll relate to you all that I learned today about these Magnificent Redwoods:
"These trees we are camped in are ancient. They are Ever Living. Redwoods have outlived the great dinosaurs, survived sweeping
geologic changes that sculpted mountains and moved continents, and successfully competed to claim a place in modern forest ecosystems. Today,
botanists recognize three surviving Redwood species: The Dawn Redwood is native to China, the Giant Sequoia clings to life in California's towering
Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the Coast Redwood reigns over the coastal forests of northern California.
Coast Redwoods as we know them today, have been present in the North Coast area for over 20 million years. Reaching heights of over 350 feet, Coast
Redwoods live for 2000 years and thrive in the area's mild climate, standing as ever-living examples of the tallest trees in the world.
John Steinbeck wrote "The Redwoods once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always..from them comes silence and awe. The most
irreverant of men, in the presence of redwoods, goes under a spell of wonder and respect."
Redwoods today are divided into Old-Growth and Second-Growth forests.
"Care for a little more Red Truck, tesoro? Yes? Well, when you are getting yours, would you make me another dirty martini?..talking redwoods
is dry work."
To continue. Second-growth forests are heavily shaded due to uniform height and crowded conditions; little plant life grows on the forest floor. You
can see that these trees around our campsite exhibit similar circumference and height. That's a telltale characteristic of a second-growth forest.
"Ah..Forest floors, yes. You know about the forest floors, Pompano, no? You were laying on the forest floor for a long time last
night...did you see the mysterys of the universe again there?"
Ahem...to continue with my talk, Old-growth forests are home to a lot of fallen logs supporting hemlocks, redwoods, evergreen huckleberries, and
ferns.
I can see the question in your mind, Co-Pilot. You are wondering..Would redwood forests fare better if rangers cleared away fallen trees?
Absolutely NOT. New growth and wildlife depend on dead trees. Massive logs on the forest floor and trees snapped off by wind provide nurseries for
new life. Damage to redwoods caused by wind, fire, or flood may also trigger buds (burls) to sprout. They grow rapidly in the moist, temperate
conditions.
Redwoods drop their seeds in late summer, and they take root in moist, silty soil that's above 58 degree F. About 99 percent of seedlings die of
fungi and disease. Those that survive do not produce their own seeds for another 20 years.
Redwoods are remarkably resistant to fire and depend on it to help them compete with other trees in the forest. Fires occur naturally along the Coast
every 250 - 500 years. Redwoods have thick, moist bark that insulates them against fire, and they lack resin to fuel the flames. Smaller fires on
the forest floor stimulate sprout growth and control fungi and diseases that kill young seedlings. Following practices of local Indian culture, park
rangers have reintroduced controlled burns. Fire eliminates exotic plant species such as scotch broom and enhances the health and growth of native
grasses, bushes, acorns, hazelnuts, and berries.
There now, Co-Pilot, I hope my little talk about redwoods interested you? Hmmm?
Hey..wha you doing?! Watch it..those flames are HOT! Wha' the hell?? Are you torturing a squirrel.... or cooking something?
So??...what is that you got? It sure smells good...give me some..grazie. hmm...munch, munch..
Ahh...your first campfire food, was it? Salud!! Simply a delicious campfire toasted English muffin...
...and with this great mysterious creamy stuff on it..?
..NO..don't tell me WHAT that creamy stuff is. I'd rather not know at this point..
It just amazes me that you toasted this nice little muffin and only burned 2 cords of wood!
"If you liked that, you will love what I can do with this new grille. Do you perhaps own some gasoline and a cow, tesoro?"
Luckily, I sidetracked her with a visit to a nearby barbeque expert. Ah..RIBS! I can live on them!...and DO.
The Redwoods were supercalifragilistic. Spend some time in the forest and discover them for yourself. But now....Time to break camp and
be off..
"We're burning daylight, Pilgrim!"
Off.. Up the coast highway..on The Road To Adventure.
Getting awfully close to the Cal/Orgeon border by now.
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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willyAirstream
Super Nomad
Posts: 1786
Registered: 1-1-2010
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At first glance - thought you guys had shrunk. Keep up the always great tales, they enhance my morning coffee. Onward!
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irenemm
Senior Nomad
Posts: 623
Registered: 7-16-2009
Location: vicente guerrero, baja
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Mood: relaxed
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Oh I so enjoy your stories and photos. What a great adventure you 2 are having.
Such beautiful picutes.
thank you so much for sharing. Enjoy your trip and be safe.
I hope you stop on your way home so I can meet you both. I would love to say thank you in person.
Irene
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
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Mood: Optimistic
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TRINADAD, CA. - INDIAN LANDS - ELK MEADOWS
We resume this Non-Baja Trip Report.
FOREST PRIMEVAL
We were last deep in the Redwood Forest, enjoying another wonder of Mother Nature. The deep dark woods seem enchanted to us..and probably are, you
know. !!
CO-PILOT'S LAST REDWOOD WALK
It apprears that Co-Pilot cannot bear to abruptly part with this tranquill place, and takes one last walk through the forest.
'ON THE ROAD AGAIN' is our theme song and Discovery is our mission.
You have to stop and check for shiny stuff in the riverbeds, naturally. Nothing like finding a bit of color! But Shhhhh....don't be a blabbermouth
like those dunderheads at Sutter's Mill. Look what happened to California after that little faux pas.
Yup..the modern-day California...Pet a Shark, indeed. I'm gonna pass on that in favor of the two-headed python.
PAUL BUNYAN & BLUE OX? In California? Hmm...guess Minnesota has lost it's native son. Probably the surfing lured him away?
We somehow manage to stifle the desire to have our pictures taken sitting on old Blue and wander on up Hwy 101 in search of better discoveries.
Coming around the next curve, Co-Pilot yells EUREKA!
Somehow I knew it was not trout rising.
......................................................................................Okay, I'll admit the iced frappuccino was delicious.
Back on the coastal road, we come to this other jewel.
TRINADAD...a quaint north coast town in California.
Trinidad is a seaside town in Humboldt County, located on the Pacific Ocean 15 miles north of the college town of Arcata. Situated directly above its
own North Coast harbor, California's smallest incorporated city (with a population of just 311) is noted for its spectacular coastline with ten public
beaches and offshore rocks. These rocks are part of the California Coastal National Monument of which Trinidad is a Gateway City. This natural
landmark is joined by three additional marine landmarks - the historic Trinidad Head Light, the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse, and Humboldt State
University's Fred Telonicher Marine Laboratory. Fishing operations related to Trinidad Harbor are vital to both local tourism and commercial fishery
interests in the region. Trinidad lies at an elevation of 174 feet.
Yurok Indians settled the bluffs over the bay before 1700 AD. The first European sighting of Trinidad Harbor was by the Portuguese navigator Sebastian
Rodriguez Cermeño, who did not make landfall. The next visit was by Bruno de Heceta and Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra of the Spanish Navy.
Their two ships anchored in Trinidad Bay on June 9, 1775. On June 11, which was Trinity Sunday, a formal act of possession was conducted.The area was
named "la Santisima Trinidad".
Trinidad was incorporated in 1870 as a City of the State of California, USA. The following State Historic Landmarks are in Trinidad: Trinidad Head ,
Town of Trinidad, and the Old Indian Village of Tsurai. The Trinidad Head Light Station is a National Registered Landmark, which is located on
Trinidad Head.
The temperatures year-round range from the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit - one of the smallest ranges in the lower 48 states. The winter months are rainy.
The ecosystem is ideal for the growth of coastal redwoods, with which the area was once thick. Stands of old growth can still be found 20 miles north
of Trinidad, in Redwood National Park, and second growth abounds.
Parks nearby are Little River State Beach, Patrick's Point State Park, and Trinadad State Beach.
Some events you will like are:
Trinidad to Clam Beach Run (February)
Trinidad Fish Festival (June) Dang..we just missed this one.
Blessing of the Fleet (November)
Trinidad Head shelters the Trinidad harbor and pier. Trinidad's picturesque setting is complemented by an extensive trail system for public
enjoyment. A trail loops around Trinadad Head with views in all directions. On clear days like ours, you can see Patrick's Point and Eureka. The
Trinidad Head trail is moderately strenuous but well worth the effort. If you are not in prime shape, allow at least an hour or two for this hike. I
don't walk fast! There is ample parking near Trinadad Beach below Trinidad Head.
TRINADAD SCENES
Small town excitements...
Ahem...Mike & Roz..note the nice lavender? Not as good as the Squim stuff, I know, but still pretty.
Co-Pilot finds the steps for us to reach the beach below..a nice trek down..and UP.
Fishing is always a dangerous business. Here is a memorial to those lost at sea.
..we now leave Trinadad...and head for some early Native American history and some elk meadows I had heard about. We start out with a visit to a
Ranger Station.
One thing about California, the ranger stations are beautiful structures and very informative. Always worth a visit. For me, it's for the
history..an avocation of mine.
I admire a Yurok Indian canoe. A one-piece carving.
I read quite a bit about the early natives living in this coastal redwood region..pre-Spanish era. There were a few different tribes back then.
With the discovery of gold in California, prospectors and settlers arrived in droves, forever changing native Indian life in California. Some
survivors were forced onto reservations or to remote areas, while others assimilated as best they could into American society. Today, Yurok, Towola,
Hupa, Chilula descendants their continuing cultural and community identities that have survived on the North Coast for thousands of years.
Much of the land we are visiting..the land within the parks, including the Redwood Creek watershed, lies within Yurok ancestral
territory. At one time, more than 70 village sites flourished throughout Yurok lands. A village might consist of one to several families, all living
in redwood plankhouses. A single community could contain as many as such homes. The Indians built their villages along river terraces, along the
coast, and in prairied to utilize abundant fish or acorns.
Now we drive a short distance away from the ranger station to where they said the resident elk herd could be found. And sure enough, the elk were
waiting for us.
I am sure they are real camera hams by now..as we are soon joined by lots of other onlookers. The elk were used to all this, of course, and posed for
all who wanted a picture.
Co-Pilot says, "Oh no, that one has lost it's horns." (No comment, but I fear what may happen this fall when hunting season rolls around..)
Well..it's time to make some jerky..er..hit the road, I meant to say. See you down the trail, amigos.
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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Cypress
Elite Nomad
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What a jouney!
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
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THE OREGON COAST
OREGON
As we leave northern California and enter Oregon, Co-Pilot asks, "Why do we go to Oregon, tesoro?
There is something beautiful there, no?"
I said, "Yes, there are many beautiful things I like about Oregon. Here's just a few.
First, there's no damn sales tax.
But also because...Oregon is the only state in the union that facilitates suicide.
Oregon has more Ghost Towns than any other state.
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the US and is formed in the remains of an ancient volcano.
Oregon and New Jersey are the only states without self-serve gas stations...you don't have to pump your own gas.
Eugene was the first US city to have one-way streets.
Portland is the home of the Poetry Slam.
Oregon's state flag pictures a beaver on its reverse side. It is the only state flag to carry two separate designs.
And most important, Oregon is the only state that has an official state nut."
Armed with those facts, we follow Hwy 101 north and enter: OREGON
The first thing we see and hear is the gurgling surf.
Co-Pilot says, "Wow, che bello.. beautiful."
Pompano, "That gurgling sound..damn. NOW I have to stop and go to the bathroom."
The famous Oregon Coast starts out near Brookings with breathtaking coast scenery...and it just keeps getting better.
.
.
We decide to make camp early and start looking for a RV park or a good boondock? I spot this boondocking space in a great location. It was just a
rough exit off the coast highway into an unkept open spot. Which could not have been any better, and best of all..it was free.
1ST NIGHT CAMP - OCEAN VIEW - $FREE
1ST NIGHT CAMPSITE - SUNSET VIEW & GREEN FLASH - $FREE
Let's celebrate this great sunset with Martini Time! We had a great night..
Let's celebrate this great sunrise with...Vino Time! We had a great morning...
.
.
COOS BAY
The next coastal town is Coos Bay. Coos Bay is a beautiful coastal town located in southern part of the state. It is the state's largest coastal
city.
Coos County was created on December 22, 1853, from parts of Umpqua and Jackson Counties. It was named after a local Indian tribe, the Coos, which has
been variously translated to mean "lake" or "place of pines."
Although exploration and trapping in the area occurred as early as 1828, the first settlement was established at Empire City in 1853. The Territorial
Legislature granted permission for the development of wagon roads from Coos Bay to Jacksonville in 1854 and to Roseburg in 1857. Although a
mountainous county, it has considerable areas suitable for agriculture and dairy farming. Timber and fishing have been the foundation of the county's
economy. The area also has produced large quantities of shellfish.
There are several port districts in the county: Port of Coos Bay founded in 1909, Port of Coquille River founded in 1912, and Port of Bandon founded
in 1913. Coos Bay is considered the best natural harbor between San Francisco Bay and the Puget Sound.
Gold mining was the magnet that drew people to explore and exploit the mineral resources of the county during the nineteenth century. Today there are
rich deposits of iron ore, lead, and coal that await development. Vacation and recreational possibilities, such as the Oregon Dunes National
Recreation Area and many state parks, attract tourists to the area and provide an additional economic stimulus.
. The port transports a wide variety of items, but the vast majority of the tonnage consists of wood products. from the timber yards
that once employed thousands..but no more after certain environmental laws were passed.
And thinking of wood...at 329 feet the Coast Douglas-Fir in Oregon is considered the tallest tree in the state.
The channel or jetty offers both the visitor and the residents the ability to enjoy many recreational activities - these include, but are not limited
to, fishing, dungeness crabbing, and clamming. Crabbing and clamming are usually excellent given the right tide conditions, and the best crabbing is
normally during the early fall and winter seasons. A license is now required for the harvesting of shellfish and may be purchased at any local bait
and tackle shop.
My favorite passion is taking Oregon scenery pictures. Many people visit the area strictly for the Oregon photograph opportunities. Photographers can
be found taking stunning coastal and beautiful inland mountain pictures. The sunsets over the Pacific offer some of the most spectacular to be seen
anywhere in the world. During the winter the sunsets can really be spectacular, and if you look a bit to the south you can often find some awesome
rainbows. There is normally a fog bank on a clear night over the horizon which is about 23 miles offshore. As the sun crests behind the fog bank the
colors in the clouds make an excellent opportunity for photographers. The colors are dazzling to say the least.
THE FABLES BOUTIQUES OF COOS BAY...well, fabled to some anyway.
Of course, the lure of many novelty boutiques is not to be ignored. We have HATS now..
While staying in a very nice Coos Bay RV park, we went out to dinner at the Coos Bay Casino steakhouse. A nice waterfront place to dine. We enjoyed
oyster appetizers, clam chowder, clam fritters, a rib eye, and a sea bass dinner. Moderate cost at about $100 with drinks and tip.
Note: The owner of our RV park gave us a ride in his car to the casino..and showed us how to get a free shuttle bus back. Nice.
A bit further north up the Coast Highway.
This gorge cut into the rock wall is called The Devil's Churn..magnificient display of crashing, thundering waves when a storm hits the coast.
The Sea Lion Caves
A private family-owned enterprise for many years, Sea Lion Caves is just 11 Miles North of Florence, Oregon or 38 Miles South of Newport, Oregon. Sea
Lion Caves opens at 8:30 am. and ticket sales close at 6:00pm. Plenty of parking for RVs. You must cross a busy highway..so be cautious!
For $12 each (I think seniors get in for $11..wink), kids 3 to 12 are $8, under 3 free. For that you get to take the 200ft deep elevator ride to the
caves below. Take a warm jacket and a nose mask. These guys eat fish and don't floss or brush.
Kind of touristy for me..you have to go thru the gift shop before taking the tour....and I see lots of sea lions for free all along the coast and from
my boat, but it's cool for newcomers and kids. You might like it for the first time. Me..been there, done that.
(Weird..what happened with the sea lions at San Francisco this year, right?)
LIGHTHOUSES OF THE OREGON COAST
Along the Pacific Coast Highway you will find eight lighthouses, each with a unique history.. The Oregon Coast Lighthouses are something to behold,
and something not to be missed.
The Oregon Coast is a lighthouse fan's paradise. This rugged coast certainly needed many such warning lights. Each has it's special charm and
character. Imagine the life of being a lighthouse keeper back in the day...must have been lonely, but very satisfying to help save lives.
HECETA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE
Built in 1894, this operational lighthouse is located about 12 miles north of Florence, Oregon and one mile north of the Sea Lion Caves. This
lighthouse is about 205 feet above sea level and stands 65 feet high. The light emitted is the most powerful on the Oregon Coast, signaling ships up
to 21 miles out to sea. Named after a Portuguese explorer, Don Bruno de Heceta, who sailed the Oregon Coast in 1775. Legend has it that the
lightkeeper's residence is haunted. From the 1890's to this day, lodgers and visitors claim "strange things" continue to happen within the house. The
lighthouse and buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.
WINCHESTER BAY - REEDSPORT
My current favorite coast town in Oregon...Winchester Bay. Great fishing nearby..in the ocean or in the river. In my opinion, the best fishing on
Oregon's coast.
OYSTERS Umpqua Oysters at Winchester Bay...the best...try them!
We buy lots of oysters at this fishery...recommended by an expert friend. His choice was excellent! We loved them so much we went back to buy more
for some friends we would be visitin up the coast.
THE BAR
I have often stayed at a local RV park where you can dock your boat. Great fun fishing salmon..but not so great running the bar when the wind is up
and the waves are merciless. Which is most of the time! This is not a ride for a novice boater. Air-ride pedestal seats help...or merely stand and
brace with bent knees. It's worth the trip though..I've caught some nice 30lb kings there in August/September.
Winchester Bay is a vacationer's paradise; home to miles of undisturbed beaches, abundant wildlife, lake and ocean fishing, Lake Marie, nearby hiking
trails, plenty of campgrounds, 3 beach parking areas, and vast stretches of off-road riding fun for ATVers.
Another popular event is the Ocean Festival, which includes U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Demonstrations and a Seafood BBQ. We have been there twice to
witness these exciting demonstrations..and also at Westport, Washington.
The community is home to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area headquarters office. A unique 50- mile stretch of sand dunes which offers hiking
trails, beaches, 30 lakes, fishing, swimming, interpretive exhibits, and wildlife watching. Campgrounds extend throughout the area. We found a
couple free ones..at least nobody came to kick us out!
REEDSPORT HISTORY
I had to follow up on some history...which I love. The area of the Reedsport was originally inhabited by the ancestors of the modern day Confederated
Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua (Kuitsh), and Siuslaw Indians. The sixteenth century brought tales of contact between the local Native American Indians,
Spaniards, and British explorers. By the 1700’s contact increased and by 1791 Lower Umpqua traded with ships that stopped at the mouth of the Umpqua
River. Some of the first recorded contact between the Siuslaw and fur trappers from the Hudson’s Bay Company occurred in 1826. In 1828 conflict
between the Lower Umpqua and fur trapper and explorer Jedediah Strong Smith resulted in the loss of many of Smith’s company.
Fur trapping continued to grow in the area and in 1836 the Hudson’s Bay Company established a trading fort, Fort Umpqua, upriver near the modern day
town of Elkton. In addition to fur trapping, the gold rush brought more Euro-American settlers to the area. Reedsport was established in 1852 and was
named after a pioneer resident Alfred W. Reed. The post office was established in 1912 and seven years later the town was incorporated. Reedsport was
built on marshy ground and was subject to frequent flooding; therefore buildings were elevated above ground. Primary industries in the 1900s
included timber and fishing. In 1964 a devastating flood caused major damage to the community and a dike was built to protect the lower town. With the
collapse of the timber industry in the late 1990’s, Reedsport continues to be supported by such industries as tourism, agriculture, and fishing
THE DUNES, the tallest in the nation, offer some of the best riding on the coast.
THE DUNES
We camped..right out in the dunes. $Free
.
.
NEWPORT
It's history: In 1778, when the United States was declaring its independence, no visitors had recorded contact with what is now the central Oregon
coast. Captain James Cook passed by the southern coast, naming Cape Perpetua, and then landed at Yaquina Bay. He continued north, naming Cape
Foulweather, reflecting the rough weather he encountered.
Through the mid-1800s trappers ventured south from the Hudson Bay Company, headquartered at Fort Vancouver on the Columbia River.
The history of the central coast was changed forever in 1855 when the United States established a 1.3 million-acre Reservation. More than 4,000 people
from 20 different tribes were resettled on this Reservation which the government deemed unfit for farming and inaccessible...duh...BUT....there were
other resources that would soon be discovered!
In 1861, two events again changed the course of history. A sea captain was shown beds ofrare, delicate oysters in Yaquina Bay.
Companies from San Francisco came to harvest the oysters, creating conflicts with payment to Reservation Indians and depleting the supply within a few
years.
About the same time, regular troops on the reservation were needed for the Civil War, and they were replaced by volunteers soldiers who saw the
possibilities of the resources and lobbied to open up the land. This started the program known as Screw the Injuns.
Responding to this pressure, the government opened the Yaquina Bay area to non-Indian settlement in 1866. Reservation employees, fur traders,
commercial fisherman, and others seeking opportunity and free land staked their claims. The Indians were soon forgotten...and so it goes.
'Dungeness Capitol of the World'
Newport, located on the central Oregon coast, has been a favorite tourist destination since the 1860s. The small, succulent Yaquina Bay oyster made
Newport world famous, and a popular destination for seafood lovers. Now commercially grown, visitors can buy the oysters and watch them being
processed at the Oregon Oyster Company.
Newport's Dining Experiences. Great seafood cafes we tried.
[ pic removed on request - bn ]
Our friend, Sharksbaja (Corky) has a great cafe right in the center of things ..the waterfront district. We enjoyed a truly great dinner there with
him and his charming wife. A very popular place, you will be lucky to find an open table..but keep trying..it's worth it! Corky went out of his way
and treated us to some samples of his unique and healthy style of steam cooking. "We'll Be Back, Corky!"
Co-Pilot test drives a new motorhome in the safety of the Newport Marina parking lot. LOTS of open space and opportunities to practice
manuevering, running into posts, scaring seagulls, etc.
More Sea Lions of Newport Waterfront Tourist District..see, I told you there are lots of them to see for free along this
coast!
RV Camp at Marina..Foggy Day and Night..dry camping $20..all hookups $36. Nice atmosphere and ambiance...you got to have that ambiance!
"Triggerfish"
My friend's trawler, Triggerfish. Among other species, Mike does long line albacore...way, way out there. We're talking
1500 miles out there. Not your casual 1 day fishing trip.
Also sea urchins..these came from Puget Sound. Mike is quite the diver and fisherman.
Slinging albacore in while 1500 miles out in the Pacific. Trolling lines, you can feel the thump of the jacks...Thump! 20 bucks! Thump! 20 bucks!
Thump! 20 bucks. A good way to keep up with the accounting. Also means 2-3 weeks boat time..lots of weather...all different..all dangerous. Some
never return. I've seen the ends of the outriggers plunging into the ocean one at time..rockin' and rollin' in a good blow.
We need to stop and party hardy with these fine old Baja amigos. So unsaddle and rest awhile with us:
MIKE AND CECELIA'S - SILETZ RIVER
Another great feast...oysters, beef, fresh garden veggies, vino, etc, etc..
Time to take a swing. Nice backyard abutting the Siletz River..a tranquil setting.
Fine place with a garden to grow your own salads.
The 2 Chessies love the greens, too..and it's very healthy for them.
Hey...it was worth a try, right?
Taking a stroll on the Siletz River with these 2 active retrievers is a ball...iliterally a ball.
Good times with good friends..Grazie, Mike & Cecelia!
TILLAMOOK
Tillamook History
The story of Tillamook County began on August 14, 1788 when Captain Robert Gray, an American sailing the sloop “Lady Washington,” anchored in
Tillamook Bay thinking he had found the “great river of the West.” This was the first recorded landing on the Oregon coast.
In its early years, the town of Tillamook, the first community to be settled in the county, bore the names Lincoln and Hoquarten, the latter believed
to be an Indian name meaning "the landing." Its name was eventually changed to Tillamook, an Indian word meaning “land of many waters.”
The first settler in the vicinity was Joseph Champion, who came in 1851 and made his home in a hollow spruce tree he called his “castle.” Within
months other settlers came – all bachelors.
In 1852, the first two families arrived to make their homes. Each successive year brought more families. On Dec. 15, 1853, Tillamook County was
created by an act of legislature.
In 1854, the first election was held, the first census taken, the first school started and the keel laid for a community ship: the “Morning Star.”
The “Morning Star” was built out of economic necessity because shipwrecks had destroyed all transportation that had carried local dairy products, fish
and potatoes to market. The vessel was built by the combined efforts of Tillamook’s settlers. Most of the materials came from the forest, but iron
work from a wrecked ship was laboriously packed on horseback from the Clatsop beaches by way of Neahkahnie Mountain. Sails were 'purchased' from the
Indians who had salvaged them from a ship wrecked near Netarts. Pitch was used to caulk the craft. Paint was not available. The ship was launched in
the Kilchis River on Jan. 5, 1855, and for some years made possible the existence of the pioneers and development of Tillamook County.
In 1861 Thomas Stillwell, aged 70, arrived with his family from Yamhill and purchased land. The following year he laid out the town that would become
Tillamook and opened the first store. In 1866 the first post office was opened and the town was permanently renamed Tillamook. An election in 1873
chose Tillamook as the county seat. The first public building was the jail built that same year. Hopefully, those who screwed the Indians were
incarcerated.
Just south of Tillamook lies a very interested and complete Air Museum...plus a nice but little known campground.
AIR MUSEUM:
Built for WWII Pacific Coast blimp recon duty (think Japanese subs!)this massive hanger once house the mighty airships.
There are many classic fighters at the museum..each with it's own unique story and history.
We get into 'a kind of uniform'...bought Air Museum T-shirts and caps. Pretty stylish, eh?
The BELLANCA AIR CRUISER
Here's a personal favorite. I've flown this plane Up North...a real classic.. and one of the best flying machines ever
designed.
BLIMPS
.
.
CAMPSITE..within walking distance of the Air Museum.
AIRPORT RV PARK - A SECRET? $10 NO HOOKUPS
Honor system..sign in, put $ in envelope, go camp.
A great place to unwind and catch up your reading while doing some motorhome chores. (there are capitans..and there are crew)
Okay..okay. I'm not really a couch potato. I do my share..and then some.
Of course we all know where that good cheese comes from...and no trip to Tillamook is complete without a tour of:
The TILLAMOOK CHEESE FACTORY
What can one say about cheese?
Cheese - Milk's leap toward immortality.
I've got one - Fettucini alfredo is macaroni and cheese for adults.
My favorite cheese quote:
"How can anyone govern a nation that has two hundred and forty-six different kinds of cheese?" - Charles De Gaulle
The early bird may get the worm, but it's the second mouse that gets the cheese.
Washington, DC is to lying what Wisconsin is to cheese.
Dennis Miller
.
.
I always look forward to a Road Trip and coming across these places.
ROADSIDE GROCERY MARTS - FARMER'S MARKET DAYS
SMOKED SALMON
$20 LB is a mite spendy for me, because I smoke so much of my own salmon catch..but..IT WAS DELICIOUS with some crackers, cream cheese, and chilled
champagne. Plus Co-Pilot gets to fondle an Italian Greyhound. Lovable, as all dogs are, but I never much liked the tucked-in tail thing.
Reminds me too much of certain types in our foreign affairs dept. (grin)
.
.
LINCOLN
Lincoln City is nestled between seven miles of sandy beaches and a 680 acre scenic lake on the central Oregon Coast. And while it's a charming resort
town, it's also a paradise of beauty, history and adventure. I know this for a fact!
The mighty Pacific Ocean greets the beach along seven gorgeous miles in Lincoln City. I like the way the beauty and activities along the seashore
change with the seasons, adding spice and variety. There are excellent locations for wave, whale, sunset and storm watching, and the beach is a
treasure trove for collecting driftwood, agates, shells and floats. We found some neat collectables. Large rocks emerging from the sea create
perfect pockets for tide pooling during low tides (my pastime favorite), plus beach hiking, surfing, windsurfing and fishing await all you adventure
seekers. Fifteen public beach accesses welcome those who wish to indulge! Not crowded either.
Devils Lake, deep only in terms of historic folklore, is 1/3 mile wide, 3 miles long, and reaches a depth of only 22 feet. Nine species of freshwater
fish beckon the fisherman.
Here's an oddity. Flowing from Devils Lake is the "D" River, which holds the title of the "World's Shortest River". From its source at Devils Lake,
the river reaches its destination of the Pacific in a mere 120 feet.
Early history:
The cities around Yaquina Bay and the Yaquina River were formed by soldiers and workers who staked claims on the former Coast (Siletz)
Reservation...grrrr, fur traders from the north, men who had come with shipping companies to harvest a rare oyster, and families from nearby
Corvallis. In 1893, Lincoln County was formed from portions of Benton and Tillamook counties.
About the same time, federal allotment policies led to the transfer of lands from Indian ownership, and towns developed in the far north and south
of the county. resulting in people living in a maritime environment, the development of an economic base of tourism, fishing, and logging, and
the gradual transfer of land from the Coast Reservation to non-Indian ownership and settlement.
Tidal Wave - TSUNAMI!
This was the scene of a great tidal wave..a tsunami..in the 1700's. We reflect a bit...then go crabbing and fishing. Had a great time..NO WAVES..but
also no crabs and no fish worth reporting.
.
.
Continuing up the COAST ROAD - HWY 101 NORTH
Right arm says PUSH..Left arm says HOLD!. Another reason I may become a Leftie!
We come to the north end of the Oregon Coast...at ASTORIA...and Long Beach. (Just HOW many Long Beaches are in the USA? Or doesn't this question
plague you?)
Columbia River...where she joins the sea. The Columbia River gorge is considered by many to be the best place in the world for windsurfing. I can
hear her now..."Let's try it!"
Decision time now. Shall we go across the big bridge and into Washington?...or turn east towards Portland? "Why Portland?", you may ask. Because
I like poetry and Portland is the home of ..The Poetry Slam...fun stuff and educational. The mission of Poetry Slam is to promote the performance
and creation of poetry while cultivating literary activities and spoken word events in order to build audience participation, stimulate creativity,
awaken minds, foster education, inspire mentoring, encourage artistic statement, engage communities worldwide in the revelry of language, and help
keep me out of the cantinas.
But...the Rain Forest, Olympic Peninsula, Puget Sound, and a faint odor of lavender wins out...so...
NEXT STOP...WASHINGTON STATE..BRACE YOURSELF!
[Edited on 8-25-2010 by Pompano]
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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Martyman
Super Nomad
Posts: 1904
Registered: 9-10-2004
Member Is Offline
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You are livin' the life!
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Baja12valve
Nomad
Posts: 185
Registered: 7-12-2006
Location: Oak View
Member Is Offline
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Fun seeing the pictures of the Oregon coast again. Some of your vantage points were the exact same ones I stopped at on my bicycle.
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wsdunc
Nomad
Posts: 179
Registered: 8-24-2006
Location: So Cal
Member Is Offline
Mood: Upbeat
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great story
Great story and photo journal. Recently drove So Cal to Coos Bay, recognized much of your trip along there. I know what you mean about museums, we
used to call a museum the Dead Zoo
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13197
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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very entertaining and enlightening trip log ..... thanks for taking the time to write and share !!
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AmoPescar
Senior Nomad
Posts: 835
Registered: 7-15-2006
Location: North San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Need a Fish Taco and a Pacifico!
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HI ROGER,
re: Washington
If you and Co-pilot get as far north as the Seattle area and venture further east, be sure to visit Molbak's Nursery in Woodinville. They are famous
for their selection of plants, gardening accessories and home decorations, especially their Christmas decorations (probably already out) Worth the
time to visit!
AND...if you have the time, be sure to stop in my Brother Frank's restaurant in Redmond which just a few miles away. He owns a very popular Pizza and
Pasta restaurant which he has owned for almost 20 yrs. His food is excellent and is great for lunch or dinner. Prices are good and he also has an
award winning wine list. which is well priced too.
Frankie's Pizza and Pasta
16630 Redmond Way at 166th Ave NE (right on corner)
Redmond, WA
If you make it there, ask if Frank is in, or my nephew's Chris or Noah. Ask if Kelly is waitressing and ask for her table. Tell her I said "hello"
Woodinville has more to see too. There's a lot to see there. There is a Redhook Brewery which offers tours and a couple of wineries, Chateau St
Michelle and Columbia are nearby, right on the same street, NE 145th St.
There are also many other great small wineries in the immediate area.
Thanks once again for all the great pictures and stories. I'm enjoying them very much!!
Tu Amigo, Michael (aka Miguelamo / Amo Pescar) 
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windgrrl
Super Nomad
Posts: 1335
Registered: 9-2-2006
Member Is Offline
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Yes! Try windsurfing! Or at least stand-up paddling. Hood River is excellent. Check out vendors at the "Hook" at the river (there are places to park
your cruiser there). Also Big Winds or Windance stores in town for rentals. Lots of super cute boutiques and good coffee in town.
In Stevenson, WA there is a sublime campground called Timberlake RV Resort. Quiet, no highway and no trains and good for big units. If you stop
there, say hi to Leroy from the folks in Medicine Hat!
I expect a full report from the Maryhill Winery!
When the way comes to an end, then change. Having changed, you pass through.
~ I-Ching
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
Member Is Offline
Mood: Optimistic
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The Olympic Peninsula
I'm rushing this report to meet a deadline, so here we go....
.
WASHINGTON COAST - OLYMPIC PENINSULA - RAIN FOREST][/b
.
We crossed the bridge at Astoria, Oregon after deciding to continue our choice of a coastal route..so we go north through Washington.
It was getting late in the day and we kept an eye open for the first good camping spot.
That turned out to be a nice RV park with a decent rate...$26 with full hookups. Located on the Washington shore of Columbia River where it meets the
ocean. Very scenic with some huge stumps left over from old logging days.
In Aberdeen, we came upon a fellow mending his gillnets. A common chore of all commercial fishermen.
Have you ever noticed how many restored old classic cars you see in the Great Northwest? Also seen frequently on the highway, lumber is still one of
the main industries of the Northwest...although somewhat curtailed in the last decade, due to environmental concerns. There have been fires,
naturally. Then one avenue of giants made a kind of tunnel for us.
Shipwrecks of the NW Pacific has always been a fascinating study for me.
Maps are available showing the history and location of known wrecks.
Some remains of a recently exposed early century wreck near Long Beach, Washington. An important discovery for shipwreck and history fans...or just a
great photo-op for beachcombers.
The Rain Forest
Just some of the things to do along this stretch..Whales are always worth watching.
Queets, Wa. Miles of driftwood await the beachcomber..
..literally miles and miles. You are requested NOT to burn any.
Unique shapes and designs. This one kind of looks like a fossil dinosuar, no? Perhaps a triceratops?
A fossil in the making...
.
.
The coast drive is spectacular and always entertaining.
Olympic Peninsula Rain Forest
Many wonders await you in the primeval forest. Be watchful for Bigfoot sightings.
Lake Quinalt was a very nice and scenic stop. We sailed a 16ft cat on the lake.
Port Angeles and Squim
Lavender Country
A great coffee stop in Squim.
Always time to do some shopping for nautical items.
Dungeness Crabs
We make it the Hamma Hamma River..and then Hood River.
A nice hamburger joint along Hwy 101. And had a helluva collection of dollar bills that customers have left over the years.
We came across this jerky vendor on the roadside. We had to try some...was not the best and a little spendy. $10 for a couple ounce packet. He had
hundreds to sell. I make it and give it away. Lots of venison, goose, and crane jerky coming up for me this fall.
Another nice view campsite along Hood Canal. Cost was around $30 I think.
That's all I can do today, folks...the clock is ticking.
We are closing in on SEATTLE...
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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