Eureka, CA 2015

August 29, 2015

Took a drive south to travel the 31 miles thru the Avenue of the Giants.   For those that have never seen a majestic Redwood tree, this area is filled with them.   You can pick up an auto tour guide and it explains the 8 stops that you can make along the route.   Even though they suggest the 8 stops, there are many groves of Redwoods that you can stop at and take short to long walks thru these beauties.  

We stopped several times and took anywhere from a 1/2 mile to about 3/4 mile hikes.   I must say I'll never get tired of see these trees.  Also we wanted to go drive thru the tree, but out truck was to wide.   The gentlemen said we'd fit but the little car in front of us just barely made it thru so we didn't try.   Bobby did back the truck down to the truck just so I could get the pic.

At several of the stops, we got to see where the tidal wave of 1964 had come thru.   It's amazing to see that the water was at 35' above ground level in some spots.  For those that don't know, this tidal wave killed my paternal grandfather.   At that time, he was living in Crescent City, CA.   Along with him, 10 others lost their lives that day. 

Also stopped at a local stand and bought a home grown tomato, nothing better than fresh from the garden.   The owner also allowed me to pick as many zucchini I wanted at no charge....end of the season.  They were the perfect size for making cookies and muffins.

On the way back, we took a drive through Scotia, this is where I was born along with my two sisters.   It's not a big town and not a thrive town to say the least.   Pacific Lumber Company used to run the mill here, but like so many other mills, ran into hard times and closed in 2008, sad as they started their business in 1884.  Today Humboldt Redwood Company runs the small sawmill only, sad as this was once the largest Redwood company in the USA, operating two sawmills.

Water maker from 1964 flood

In the town of Lolita, we stopped to visit the Lolita Cheese company.   Had the opportunity to watch them make White Monterey Jack cheese.   They still make it the old fashion way, not automated like so many companies are today.   This is another company that Diners, Drive-ins & Dives has visited. 

Got home around 2:30, will probably make zucchini muffins with zucchini we bought.

August 28, 2015

Weather is nice but not as nice as yesterday, as we have overcast skies.   Expecting rain late tonight.

First stop was Fort Humboldt in the heart of Eureka.  This fort was built back in the 1800's to protect the settlers from the Indians.   Lots of history here, in fact, Ulysses S Grant was station here for a short period of time.   There is only two remaining buildings left and you are allowed to tour them.   They also have several piece of old logging equipment that you can look at.   Sad but most of the lumber companies have shut down in this area, including Pacific Lumber Company.

Next we headed to Woodley Island to look at the lost fishermen memorial.   It a incredible piece of art depicting an old man trying to catch fish with a net.

Not far away is the Samoa Cookhouse, so we drove out to see it.   We got there around 10:30, to early for lunch but we might go back.   This was once a facility to feed the employees of the Vance Logging company.   Today they feed visitors family style food.   They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, but you never know what the main item will be until you get there.   Today for lunch it was short ribs and dinner was pot roast.   Prices were reasonable for an all you  can eat facility.

Drove around Samoa island, viewed the bay and ocean and then headed to Old Town to look thru a few shops and view some of the 30 murals they have.

Walked around old town and viewed the many murals that Eureka is famous for plus visited a few of the shops.   Found the Cafe Nooner and had clam chowder for lunch.   This is one of the restaurants that Diners, Drive-ins & Dives has had on their show.   The chowder was excellent.

Stopped at Costco, bought a few items we needed and got back around 3.   I worked on my new creations (wind chimes), redid the one I didn't like yesterday and Bobby watched TV.   The wind chimes look marvelous, even if I say so myself.

Going to dinner at the lodge tonight, they're serving ribs.    Should be wonderful!

August 27, 2015

We left the Elks lodge in Brookings around 8 and went to Les Schwab, where they fixed our air test gauge on the right rear tire.   Aired up the tires and hit the road around 8:30.

Coming through the redwoods was smoky from the fires near Crescent City.   Thankfully it did not cause us any problems other than it made the coach smell like a campfire.   We arrived at the Eureka Elks lodge around 1:30, had lunch and then I went into town to get brochures on the area.   Stopped at Michaels to get some beads to create my wind chimes using my driftwood.   Bobby helped by drilling the holes.   Must say, the one looks great, but will redo the other one tomorrow.   It will look great once I'm finished!

Brookings, OR 2015

August 26, 2105

Rocks from McVay Beach

McVay Beach

Day started out with a drizzle and I didn't feel like cooking, so Bobby took me to Mattie's.   Excellent little restaurant located south of the Chetco Bridge.   We certainly would recommend eating here!

I wanted to find some sea glass, so headed to McVay Beach, where I read I could find some.   Although we searched for about an hour, we came up empty handed.   However, I did find many colorful rocks and created a setting so I could capture them in a picture.  Better than hauling them in the motorhome, don't you think?

We then went to the local farmers market, bought some nectarines, a cantaloupe and a succulent.   I'm hoping the plant last until I can get it to Havasu to plant in one of my pots.

Port of Brookings

Port of Brookings

I'm still wanting to see the ocean, so went to the Harbor, the tide is in and not much beach, so decide to drive up to Salmon Run Golf Course and play 9 holes.   I must say, Bobby played as if he's never been injured, shot a 37, two over par!   And he only used irons!!!!!   Maybe he should give up his woods...lol.   I did not shoot that well but did shoot a 45, went out of bounds twice, which always hurts.

Got back to the coach around 2, will probably stay in the remainder of the afternoon.

August 25, 2015

Harris State Park

Harris State Park

Left the coach around 9:30 and headed towards Gold Beach.   Stopped at Harris Beach and walked down to the beach in search of tidepools, however we were to early.  We were able to play around on the rocks and got some awesome pics.  The weather is 100% better the further north we go, as the wildfires around Brookings, make the air saturated with smoke.

Mary D Hume, built in 1881

Whaleshead Beach

While continuing our journey to Gold Beach, we stopped at several view points, taking in the beauty of the Oregon Coast.   Once we arrived in Gold Beach, we headed to the North Jetty where we searched for driftwood, I want to try a new project.   Found several pieces that should work.

Next we stopped at the chowder house for lunch.   It honestly was horrible.   Clam chowder was not good and the fish & chips were greasy.  Not what we had in mind!!!

Whaleshead Beach

Arch Rock

After lunch we headed back to Brookings, making several more stops along the way.  Two of my favorites were Arch Rock and Whalehead Beach.   I love walking on the
beach, Bobby does it just for me!!!!   Yes, I'm spoiled!

Drove out to the Jetty and watched the fishermen attempt to catch salmon.   We did see one guy land one, think it was about 20 lbs.  

Got home around 2:30, I walked over to Fred Meyer to see if they had stuff for my new project, they did not. 

Going to Elks tonight for dinner, it's taco night...yum.

August 24, 2015

Angel Falls inside Oregon Caves

Went out to breakfast, as we had no water, not sure why the city water went off, but it was a good excuse to go out!!!

 Finished around 8:30 and headed to Cave Junction, where we unhooked the truck for the 20 mile drive to Oregon Caves, as they recommend not taking big rigs on the windy road.    Took the 10 AM tour, which lasted about 90 minutes.  It's nothing like the many other caverns/caves we've visited, but well worth our time.

Got back to the coach around 12:15, had lunch and then headed to Brookings.  Along the way, we encountered many signs warning us about the near by Gasquet fire.    Thankfully we did not have any difficulties get to Brookings and honestly, smoke was not as bad as we had anticipated.  We did see the fire crews camp, lots of tents and very little activity.   Sure they were either sleeping or out fighting the fire.

Brookings, OR

Firefighters camp

We arrived at the Brookings elks at 3, got settled in and then went to Chamber of Commerce to get information on the area.   Closed so we took a drive to the jetty, it was high tide.   We'll come back tomorrow to explore more.

Grants Pass, OR 2015

August 23, 2015

Today we took a ride on the Hellgate Jet Boat Excursions.   When we got up and walked over to the boarding area (about 5 blocks), it was cool and air was filled with smoke.   We weren't sure how much wildlife we'd see, since the smoke and the water is so low.  

We departed around 9, and headed up down the river towards Gold Beach.   Our pilot, Randy, is an excellent navigator and told us about the many things along our route.  We also saw bald eagles, ospreys, blue herons, egrets, deer (some were swimming) and fishermen trying to catch the fall salmon run.   We did not see any landed but did see two 30 lbs that had been caught.

The half way point is at the Hells canyon, an area known for rapids, etc.   We encountered many rafters that will spend the day go over the 1 to 3 class rapids.

On the return trip, our pilot did many 360 turns, those were exciting and thankfully we only got a little spray on us.  Many got wet!!!

After we got back, we took a walk into old town, not much open on a Sunday but did poke our  
heads into an antique shop.  Didn't find anything I needed.

Will spend the afternoon just catching up on the blog, watching golf, etc.   Tomorrow we head to Oregon Caves.

August 22, 2015

Walked over the Gold Miner Restaurant and met Toni Pyatt (she lives in the park in Havasu) for breakfast.   She's doing remarkable well for having lost her husband Bob just two weeks ago.  Had a great time catching up.   She'll head south around third week in Oct.

Next we walked to the Farmers market here in old town, it was about a 7 block walk.  Along the route, we looked in the windows plus took pics of the local artist work.   They have a contest going to see who can create they most interesting painted bear.   We liked the one called Margie (looks like two bears from the 50's era).

The market was nice but overpriced, however I did buy some lemon cukes and a bunch of flowers I'm going to try and dry.

We had bought some peaches in Sutherlin, so I sliced them up and put them in sugar water for later this evening.   Then we headed to the Douglas County fair.   It was not what we expected!  Very, very small, in fact to us less than an hr to see everything, yes, including the animal barns.

Got home and I made arrangements to ride the Hellgate jet boat tomorrow at 8:30.  Toni said it's better than the Gold Beach, OR mail run, we'll see.

 August 21, 2015

Got up and left Sutherlin at 6:15, as we had an appt. to have coach frontend aligned at Henderson Lineup in Grants Pass, OR.    We arrived at about 7:45 and got checked in about 8:15.  They finalized the work around noon and we headed to Fred Meyers to fill up the coach.   Diesel is $2.65 and seems to be going down, a good thing!

Drove to the Grants Pass Elks, where we got the last of the two spots they have.  Nicest thing, they have full hookups with 50 amp service!

At about 3:15, we headed to Central Point to locate Paul and Judy Godfrey's place.   We are meeting them and the Schefers for drinks and dinner.   We arrived at 4 and visited until 6:30, when we drove to Medford to a Mexican Restaurant to have dinner, it was excellent food.

Got back home around 9.

Sutherlin, OR 2015

Outhouse at Winery

August 20, 1015

Vineyards

Got up and headed out to explore the area.   The first place we stopped was at Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards http://www.reustlevineyards.com/.   I was told about this winery at the office so we decided to stop.    It was not open but we were able to view the grounds, which were stunning.   It was fun to look at the vines and see the various types of grapes they grow.   They only make two sweet ones, Riesling & Muscat.   We may return around 3, if I decide to try them.   Heard they are wonderful.
Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards

Riversdale Valley Farm

One of many areas we explored

Next stop was Riversdale Valley Farms.  It's a very unusual place, very similar to what you see on American Pickers, and no they are not a true business, although they do sell stuff.   John, the owner is full of stories and know exactly what's for sale and what's not.   He and his wife run this place and have created the unique barns that display their items.   We had lots of fun listening to John, exploring the barns and looking at all the items.   You are allowed to take tons of pics.   We did not purchase anything, but if I still lived in Oregon, I would have bought several things to plant flowers in.   Just think the water in Havasu would eat thru the metal & wood.

Inside of one of the barns

Oil can collection

Old town Roseburg was our next stop.  It's home to Umpqua Ice Cream, but they don't allow tours...drats!   We stopped for lunch and then came home, where Bobby did the laundry.   Tomorrow we head to Grants Pass to get alignment done and then onto Brookings.

August 19, 2015

View from our RV park in Harrisburg, OR

Got up around 6:30, as Bobby wanted me to see the sunrise, there's so much smoke in the air that the sun is a brilliant orange ball.   Beautiful but sad that the NW is burning up!

Took the coach in to Elite Coach Renovations at 8:00 AM so they could adjust the lock on the door.   We left so they could work on it without us being in the way and headed to Fiddlers Golf Course to play the par 3 course.   Met another couple (Linda & Rob) who we played the nine holes with.  Had a great time.    I shot 5 over par, Bobby shot 3 over.

Had tacos with them afterwards and then headed to the coach, it cost us $69.50 to get it fixed but it works like a charm!!!

Left Eugene around 12:00 and headed to Sutherlin, where we'll spend the next two nights at Umpqua RV Resort.   We are all hooked up and will try and cool down, extremely hot today...100.   One nice thing, we can see the golf course from our park....will check it out later.

Eugene 2015

August 18, 2015

Bobby got up at 7:00 and left t go get the parts that we needed to fix the awning, since we realized it was not the spring but the end cap.   He returned around 10:30, then we started to reassemble the awning.   It takes two for this job!!!   Thankfully I got the taller of the two ladders we carry and was able to reach the top of the slide.   Got it fixed around 12:00, then we headed to return tools we'd borrowed to Elite.  

Went to lunch at the Chinese place in town, it was OK.   Then we went to look at trailers, as we will downsize in a couple of years, once we've finished touring the USA.   We really liked the Arctic Fox 27', as it has plenty of room and a rear living room, with a big picture window.

Stopped at Countryside Renovations and looked at a new loveseat, found one I really like, it's a double recliner.   Cost around $1,500 but we just didn't have time for them to order and install.   Also found some tile I REALLY like.   They are sending us samples so we can order and have installed in coach if we like.  

Next stop was DQ...it's hot and so are we!!!!   We both got small cones but they were SOOOOOO good.

Got home around 4:00, I worked on the computer and Bobby played on his computer.   We were both tired from going up and down the ladder so many times...lol.

The wildfires in Oregon & California are creative smoke in the valley, it's so bad, we can barely see the mountains east of Eugene.   Hopefully the NW gets rain soon, I believe Oregon has 19 fires going.  Washington & California are worse, in fact they've called in the military to help fight the fires, as all of the resources have been exhausted.   Feel sorry for our firefighters.


August 17, 2015

We left Vancouver at 6:30 and head south.   Thankfully we left early, as the morning traffic wasn't that bad.

Stopped just south of Albany and had breakfast at a truckstop.  We then continued onto to Harrisburg to Elite Renovations, who are going to look at the coach's shocks.   We arrived around 9:30, and low and behold, Terry & Jack (they own lot 30 in the Havasu) were waiting for the shop to open.   They are there to get their slides serviced.  We visited for about 1/2 hr and then it was our turn to have them look at the coach.  Per Eric (owner) shocks are fine but we do need an alignment.

He suggested Henderson Lineup in Grants Pass.   We set up an appt. for Friday at 8:00 am.   We have an appt with Eric for Wednesday to adjust the locks on our door into the coach. 

We are staying at the River Life RV park, about 1 mile away from Elite's shop.   Pulled in and went to push out the drivers side living room slide and noticed that the awning was not coming out correctly.   Bobby thinks it's the spring, so off to Monaco we go, as Eric did not have one in stock.   Monaco did have one either but suggested we go to NW RV Parts.   They didn't have one either, but will order one and have it to us tomorrow.

It's about 2 so we go to the Springfield theater and watch the new Holmes movie.  It's very slow and nothing what I thought it was going to be.   Bobby didn't like it at all.   In fact, took a nap.

Got home around 4:30 and Bobby decided to go take the spring out of the awning so we'd just have to replace it with new one tomorrow.   Upon doing this, released it was the end cap broken and not the spring.   So tomorrow we have to find an end cap, hopefully Monaco or NW RV Parts has one in stock.   Otherwise, we may not be able to leave on Wednesday.