May 11 - 13, 2012 Humbug...

No, this is not a new rendition of a Charles Dicken's tale, it's our tale of new adventure and drama on our 2012 shakedown camping trip.  We were headed to the coast again (our favorite destination).

Kat had Friday off, the weather forecast for the weekend called for sunny skies so we really didn't need too much arm twisting to flee the confines of C. G..  Thursday had us loading the camper, washing the truck and gathering supplies. All the duties we had to do slowly came back to us as we hooked up and started up and stocked up the camper.  By the time we were done with all that we were exhausted and made it an early night.

After finishing the loading process in the morning,  we left at about 10.  Our destination?  Cape Blanco State Park for camping, hiking, beach-combing and relaxation.  The sky couldn't have been bluer or our spirits higher.  We were doing the thing we love the best.....traveling on the fly, with our home on our back and the freedom to enjoy the ride.  The familiar road toward Reedsport was a leafy tunnel that encased us as we drove along the Umpqua River.  It seemed like the grasses and trees were on steroids.....they were pumped up with green-ness We stopped in Elkton for breakfast and a loaf of bread for the road and were singing along to The Amazing Rhythm Aces as we turned south.

We got to the turn off for Cape Blanco after a stop to fill the fridge.  It's about 4 miles to the campground. We were aware of the wind, as the camper was being buffeted and the pines were bent sideways.  The campground was only about half full and we found a lovely spot with a view of the ocean through the trees.  We parked, got out to look around and realized we were freezing.  The temp of the warm day inland dropped considerably under the influence of a brisk north wind.  We drove to a more sheltered campsite, and again parked and tested the atmosphere, this time with our coats on.  Still windy and still cold.  I looked at Jeff and he looked and me and we immediately concurred:  keep going south to Humbug in search of wind and cold free camping.

We turned the corner at the intersection to Humbug Mt. State Park and knew we had come to the right place.  While Cape Blanco is on a windy promontory, Humbug is in a sheltered valley with a creek running through it to the sea, off of the steep mountain slopes.  Those slopes are protective, and the  temp felt balmy and the wind undetectable.  Perfect!  We quickly found a spot away from 101 and close to the base of the north slope.  There were no neighbors.  I would say the campground was about half full.

Memory served us well, and we got the camper and camp set up in record time. All those miles on the road last summer weren't wasted. After a sandwich lunch, we filled the backpack and headed down the trail and under highway 101 to the beach.  A group of 30-something testosterone filled boy/men were playing horseshoes on the beach.  A pile of dead soldiers gave away their state of intoxication.  But they sure were having a great time.  We had the rest of the beach to ourselves.  The wind was there, but not enough to keep us from walking into it.  We picked out a comfortable looking log a ways up the beach and headed to it.  We were amused by the antics of the pelicans diving for fish, seals sticking their heads up and eying us, and the frat brothers playing football.  Finally, it was time to go back to camp and settle in for the night.

The trail under Highway 101

Watching the pelicans dive for fish

Crashing waves

Marinated cube steak cooked over a wood fire, asparagus sauteed in garlic with a veggie packed salad with a chocolate ice cream bar for desert, wow, this ain't your father's camping.  A very nice night with WKRP playing on the computer for bedtime entertainment - still very funny after all of these years.

Saturday saw a veggie omelet, toast served with large quantities of strong coffee.  I talked Jeff into going for a walk to the front campground to get a map of the campground and all the trails.  We followed the creek up and back about a half mile there and the same back.  As we approached our campsite, we saw the same maps available 45 yards from our site - tenderfoots, I'm so embarrassed.  I talked Jeff into taking a hike up into the stratosphere to a guaranteed great viewpoint.  The trail started right behind out camp and zigged and the zagged pretty much straight up the side of a steep slope.  It was entirely wooded with pines, firs and myrtlewood shading the path until it met old highway 1 halfway up.  We took a breather and enjoyed the sunshine.  We could see remnants of the old pavement slowly being swallowed up by grasses and brush.  We kept going up, up, up until we came to a clearing and a picnic table.  And what a view!  Our mouths dropped open as we gazed, the Pacific stretched out before us meeting a rugged old growth coast line.  We took pictures and ate our PB and Banana sandwiches and lingered.  Then we found a trail to another viewpoint.  Sitting on the very tip top of the mountain and staring down at the sea, 1200 feet below.  We gave thanks to be alive on such a marvelous day.

Our lofty lunch spot

So happy to be here

From the top of the mountain looking south

And looking north.....Highway 101 below

Focusing--It's a loooong way down!

We started the long trek down.  The camp host came by and Jeff hitched a ride, but I hot-footed it down the hill in the cool shade.  With my hiking sticks I felt like a four footed graceful gazelle, but I probably sounded more like a rampaging grizzly.  Here's what I saw in camp.

J holds down the fort

A Stellar Blue Jay takes advantage of Jeff's inattention

I climbed into the camper and took a little nap and I believe I heard some snoring coming from outside also.  (She did)  After the rest, we had dinner and packed up to go to the beach for the sunset.  We decided to be comfortable and packed the chairs and beverages and soon found a spot on the beach to call our own.  This spot of our own was moved twice as high tide crept up the beach.  The sunset was beyond our expectations and then we hustled to get home and build a fire before it got dark.

Swirling birds

A comfy chair, an adult beverage, an amazing sunset.....ahhhh!

Sunset at Humbug Mt.

The fire was warm, the cocoa was hot, the marshmallows toasty.  A very good day.

Sunday - After a leisurely breakfast we broke camp.  What's nice is easily falling into old patterns where we each assume different chores and responsibilities and it almost feels like a choreographed dance.  We waved good bye and headed up the coast.

We agreed to stop at the Casino for one hour to try our luck.  We were down $10 and were about to head out when I sat down at a slot called Twin Win while waiting for Kathy on a bathroom break.  She came out just as I hit 3 seals which pays a dollar.  I explained how hitting 10 seals is a good thing as I pushed the slot one last time - 10 seals come up and Kathy looks at me with a quizzical look of, did you just call your shot, well yes I did - me and Babe Ruth.  It felt great walking out with more money in my pocket - $40.00 plus a bunch of warm memories of the weekend.

Wild Iris's, just a small part of the whole package

The lone pelican

Check out the smiles

April 19 - 22 Days of Joy

Well OK, every day is pretty special but this past weekend was over the top.

On Monday, Kathy told me that she was off on Friday and wanted to load up the camper and head to the coast.  Great idea but the forecast called for rain, rain and a bit more rain.  Reality trumps desire so we go to plan B.  I called the Mill Casino in Coos Bay and with my perks, they have a room for $59.00 a night - deal - put me down for one of your finest.

Thursday, 4/19 - Kathy survived the week at school and made it home by 5:00.  Me, Mr. Detail Man - had lots of stuff that needed to be wrapped up.  I got to Kat's around 5:15 and we decided to take advantage of a break in the weather and take Fred for a walk.  The air was fresh, the birds were on the wing, the frogs were in tune and all was right in the world.  We covered a mile with ease and felt a calmness settle in our souls.  A quiet evening ensued with Max and the critters.

Friday, 4/20
J woke up early and kindly let me sleep in, but by 10 am we are on the road.  We stop at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant with a view of the Umpqua river and fill up on eggs and such and continue the ride to Coos Bay.  On the way we went through our mental checklists and come up with a few items we forgot, so we spent a little time in Coos Bay shopping, including stocking up on lunch supplies.  We headed for one of our favorite spots on the coast--Shore Acres.

The weather was clearing except for a persistent fog bank just offshore, but we put on coats, packed the lunch in the backpack and headed for the beach.  A short walk and we were on the sand and soon found a log for our bottoms. We enjoyed our picnic with the sun shining through the fog.  As we were finishing lunch, the sun came out in force and off came our coats. The path to the beach continued up past a creek and we decided to follow it and see where it lead.  Up over and around the point south toward Cape Arago the trail led.  We enjoyed the cliff side views.  Then, getting tired, we reversed. Back around again to the beach and up to the park.  We enjoyed more views of the sea before getting in our car and heading back to Coos Bay.  We stopped for a sumptuous dinner in downtown Coos Bay where the native Italian cook/owner came out to ask us if we had enjoyed the fare.  Our raves were purely genuine. Finally we arrived at the casino and our room.  And then I proceeded to contribute to the Native American economy via the Blackjack table, while Jeff won all that I had lost and more.

Saturday, 4/21:
Our day's plan was to drive south and explore campgrounds on the way to Gold Beach.  It was a stunning day with blue skies, little wind, and just a little left-over fog that came and went.  We drove south past the Coquille river, and Port Orford to Humbug State Park.  I had seen it on the map, but it was so much more impressive in person.  We saw that it was in a protected valley with a little stream and beach access via a trail under the Highway 101 bridge.  Note to selves:  this may be a good place to stay on a windy day.  We made it to Gold Beach and enjoyed lunch by the sea, although the fog was pretty thick there.  Then we headed north again and stopped just south of Coos Bay at Cape Blanco State Park.  This is located at the most western point in Oregon.  There is a authentically preserved early 1900's house left from a dairy farming family, a nice campground, beautiful beach and the oldest surviving lighthouse in Oregon. A lone man with a remote control glider imitated the seagulls.  His skills in the stiff wind awed us.  Amazed that neither of us had ever stopped there before, we vowed to stay there soon.  Reluctantly, we drove north to Bandon and found a restaurant on the Coquille river with a view of the lighthouse.  The seafood was delicious, and so was the view.  Then back to the Casino for more fun and a late night.

Sunday, 4/22:
Jeff wanted to try a hike that was recommended by a friend of his, so on the way home we decided to give it a go.  It was located on Sweet Creek Road which is off Hiway 126 near Mapleton.  We turned onto the road and followed the Siuslaw River, and then Sweet Creek for 11 miles into the dense coastal forest.  A full parking lot showed that this was a popular destination.  The trail followed Sweet Creek past some landslides and lovely peek-a-boo views of the water and there were lots of wildflowers along the way.  In about a mile we came to the waterfall.  All the recent rains had made for a thundering torrent.  We stayed for a few minutes, but there was a crowd.  Seeking solitude we kept following the trail, up and up until we came to an upper falls and another viewpoint.  This one was unoccupied, so we sat down and unpacked our sandwiches. What a delightful lunch spot.  We listened to the waterfall, watched the mist float through the sun's rays and enjoyed the peace and joy of nature.  It sure was hard to leave that primordial beauty and go back to the chores of home and work on Monday.  But we were refreshed and renewed.  Here are a few pictures from the weekend.

Tulips in bloom at Shore Acres gardens

Lunch on a log in the fog

That smile says it all

View from the trail

Back to the beach....the fog went away

Hughes House at Cape Blanco State Park

The beach at Cape Blanco--it goes forever

Takin' a load off

Cape Blanco lighthouse

Sweet Creek on the trail to the falls

Wild Lilly

Lower Sweet Creek Falls

Lunch spot at the upper falls

Jeff hauls it up the hill--we love our hiking sticks

Trillium

Happy people

Back to the rain

On Saturday we decided to take advantage of as much of the sun and heat as we could.  We got up early and breakfasted at the Hampton, then switched to swimsuits and headed for the pool.  Jeff wrote on the blog while I soaked up the rays and finished my book.  When we were both hot enough, we went in for a last swim.

Vitamin D Junkie

Mr. Happy

Then, sadly, as Jackson Browne said "all good things, they gotta come to an end",we went back to room 105 to pack up one more time.  We hit the road, stopping only for fast food and last souvenirs and enjoyed one last drive under the hot Arizona sun.  The temperature was about 92 when we said our fond farewells to Laurie and Dennis.  May we all be together again soon. 

Mesa Airport was crammed with end of spring vacation travelers, many of whom were glumly waiting for flights that had been postponed for hours.  The unlucky fliers who were headed for Las Vegas had already waited over an hour and a "rescue plane" was at least a half hour away.  We got snacks and finally got on the plane to Eugene an hour late.  I never heard so many crying babies or saw so many restless children for such a long time as that 2 and a half hour flight. Jeff took a nap and I did a crossword to try and keep my sanity. It was a real pleasure to deplane in Eugene and smell that fresh moist air as we waited for Max to pick us up.  We were glad to be home.

Even with the current Oregon liquid sunshine we now enjoy, we have our memories and future plans to keep us warm.  The southwest was definitely a respite from rain and cold in March, and being with Laurie and Dennis just enhanced the warmth.

3/30/12 Dessert at the Desert

Morning arrives and after breakfast at the Hampton next door, (included) it's time to talk turkey as to the plans for the day.  Kat leans towards another day of stocking up on Vitamin D around the pool, Dennis and Laurie favor a trip out to the desert and I am Switzerland.  The vote 2 - 1 goes to my esteemed brother/sister so we pack the cooler/camera equipment, first aide kit and head out into the heart of the beast.

We jump on I - 10 to Speedway and here is about where my words become a distant 2nd to my ability to express the beauty that we were to experience.

The road winds between steep hills and rugged mountains covered by 10 - 30 foot cactus charged with sentry duty guarding a Kingdom of ancient volcanic flows with a surprisingly wide array of flora and fauna.  There was a wide palette of colors' as cacti were approaching full bloom.  Around each bend of the road was the sounds of ohhhh's to greet the postcard that was revealed to us.

I got so excited over a particular flowering cacti that I demanded my brother stop and let me get out to capture this beauty.  Well, there I am practicing my photo skills while 4 cars are calling a lively tune with their horn section.  Let's just say I had to cash in a few credits of my good will stock with my brother.

We stopped at a pullout with a great view of the desert with the mountains framing the horizon.  Kat and I climbed a 350 foot rocky hillside to reach a small stone hut that had a wonderful view of the desert below.  I was amazed at the amount of broken glass and graffiti that covered the trail and the hut.  I was ticked until I realized a conversation that probably took place 10,000 years ago, "...and Org, stop drawing pictures all over the damn cave, can't I leave you alone for a minute without you ruining the feng shui?"  Now we view these ancient  attempts at art with reverence and regard.  So with that in mind, Happy birthday Thelma who was here in 2010 and has a birthday coming up in April.

So close but we had a rocky start

A room with a view

View from the hut

So much to write, so little to say...

We then headed to the"Sonora Desert Museum" which at $14.50 each was the deal of the day.  The large Southwest style building exits out to miles of meandering trails covered with the widest variety of cactus in the world.  Shapes and colors that could give my mind a cramp trying to take it all in.  Strewn about the trails are various exhibits and information boards that teach us flatlanders a new respect for the desert.  There was the Hummingbird pavilion that housed thousands of multicolored Hummingbirds, flying past, feeding and sitting atop their nest warming the next generation of these frequent fliers.  The only sound to be heard was the hummingbird chatter and the clatter of a thousand shutters trying to capture this spectacle.

Home Sweet Home

Truly amazing colors

There were raptors, tortoises, big horn sheep, mazes, butterflies, caves, ancient forests, bird atrium and more then I can even attempt to convey.  If interested in this must see, go to www.desertmuseum.org  to check it out.

That's some tall flower

More then just friends...

Big Horned Sheep

The only negative to the day was that my battery died in my camera and I will just have to rely on the warm emulsion of my mind to bring forth the images that we feasted on.

We had a wonderful dinner at Miquel's which is attached to our hotel.  We sat on the veranda and sat mesmerized by the view of a verdant green expansive golf course with the Tuscon skyline framing the picture.  Dinner of a seafood bouillabaisse was excellent and we all had smiles over our various selections.  A DQ sundae for dessert capped a perfect day.  My face muscles have had a true workout with all of the smiles and grins that have been given me.

Dining was a real pleasure