When we were deciding where to go first, we realized that there is no place with better summer weather than the northwest, so we spent two months exploring the Willamette valley area of Oregon - - wine country, and all that. Although we have been to Oregon more times than we can count, this is the first time we took the time to really explore both iconic places as well as those roads less traveled.
We found soooo much to do in this area of Oregon . . . we re-connected with old friends, toured factories (sausage, cheese, beer, and pies - - oh, my! - - I might add that none assisted us in reducing our number of belt notches, unfortunately), visited historic sites like the covered bridge at the top of this page, went to festivals . . .
and, yes, that really is a 747 atop this building, sitting in a vineyard. And, the tubes coming out of the plane's belly are water slides that descend into the pools that are housed in the building below! A most amazing water park that is part of the Evergreen Air and Space Museum in McMinnville. The museum is a 'must see' whenever you go to Oregon. One building houses the famous Spruce Goose; another is dedicated to the space program. We were parked in an RV park next door to this facility so we got to spend some quality time there. Well worth a stop.
I had a great time getting reacquainted with my camera as well. Had fun with the super moon, enjoyed a foggy day at the coast,
and even got 'my abstract on' in a small town in the valley.
We couldn't bring ourselves to head back into the hot weather after leaving Oregon, so decided to stay cool and go south down the coast of California. Enjoyed some train art work . . .
some big surf . . .
some amazing back roads with wonderful trees . . .
and the craziest surfer I have ever seen . . .
Not only NO, but H**L NO!!!
As in the past, we have learned some lessons on our adventure. We learned that sometimes, as we have more birthdays (I really HATE that saying🎂!), it is OK to give ourselves permission to throw caution to the wind and just have a big slice of pie for dinner! (Oh, and please don't tell our kids we do that occasionally - - they will surely send us off to 'shady acres'!!)
The other lesson I learned is that when you drive around the back of a building on what turns out to be a dead end road, and then have to back out to go a different direction, make darned sure an old motor home is not coming up behind you, going too fast to avoid your stopped vehicle. Not much harm done; just a little bruising on 'Kermit's' bumper. But, rest assured, Kermit bruised that beast right back!
Also, in our stays at RV parks, state parks, casino parking lots (free!-my favorite word), forest land campgrounds, and county parks, we have gotten the experience necessary to successfully deal with the maneuverability of 'Kodi' the trailer, although sometimes - - since I do the driving/backing - - my executive director of motion (that would be Jerry) still has a few problems with his hand signals. But, we're working on it . . . ⬆️⬅️⬇️➡️
Next stop: Sequoia National Park - - a place neither of these ex-California kids have seen. Then, FINALLY, we'll make our way to all the parks and monuments in Utah and Arizona. The holidays will be spent in Texas with our daughter, Crista, and her family. (I'm already practicing my 'ya'lls' in preparation for our visit there!)
Hope you enjoyed my new 'ramblings' - - - more to come.
