Baja or Bust 2016

We set out on our fourth winter trip heading for Mexico, the Baja on October 3, 2016. We retired the previous motorhome and now have a 2005 Newmar Kountry Star, 1 foot longer and a beefy diesel engine. We were told that diesel was better, we now believe it!

at Mt. Robson

The temperature dropped to 0 overnight before we left, a sign we said. We caught up with all our kids, leaving behind Christmas presents and saying our farewells - Shane, Sarah & Rosemary and Scott in Edmonton and Adam, Jen, Emma & Ty in Grande Cache. With snow on the roofs we were eager to leave Grande Cache and “get on the road”. It is a beautiful time to travel, trees are turning color, the weather is still mild and the roads are clear. And yes, I do drive, just not very often.

We had a wonderful visit in Penticton with some dear old friends, always a treat to see them. We drove thru Keremeos, beautiful in the fall with their pumpkin displays. We crossed into the US at Sumas, less than 5 minutes and the first time we have not had to endure an Agriculture inspection!

Keremoes

We literally popped-in on some friends in Bellingham that we met 4 years ago on the Baja and were treated to some warm hospitality (and a bit of Jack Daniels). We spent our 40^th wedding anniversary with them, out for shrimp omelets for breakfast, touring the coastal drive, popping in on more Baja buddies, finishing the day with fresh crab while watching the Hilary/Trump debate on TV. Excellent day and great visit!

Washington coast, San Juan islands

South of Seattle we happened upon Shipwreck Beads, 80,000 sq. feet of beads, beads and more beads! I was like a kid in a candy store, can’t wait to get creating (making jewellery is a new hobby of mine). We tried to park at a Walmart in Portland but signs indicated not. We tucked into a big lot at a Lowes and were fine the first night, our second night we woke at midnight to someone banging on our door – it seemed a security person didn’t want us there. Moving at 12:30 at night was unpleasant but we parked on a street nearby and were back to sleep in no time! We took the car out to the coast to tour for the day(prior to us being “relocated”), started in Cannon Beach, travelled south to Tillamook and back to Portland. The weather was grand, clear blue sky and warm. The coast was breathtaking, huge rocks in the surf, high cliffs, tall, tall trees; many covered in moss. Did some beach combing, found some Oregon jade (green jaspers) and some agates – our rock collecting has officially begun! Hiked to see an 800 year old Sitka spruce, 48 ft in diameter! Visited the Tillamook Cheese factory for a tour and tastings. Stopped at a lighthouse and enjoyed an amazing sunset. Lots of exercise for the day, 16,500 steps.

Ecola State Park, Oregon

Tillamook Cheese factory

800 year old Sitka spruce, 48 ft diameter

Cape Meares Lighthouse

Before we left Portland we got hooked up with a plan thru AT&T for our phone, bought cheap gas - $2.69/gallon for diesel and decide that we would travel down Hiway 101 instead of the much busier I5. Our destination was Beverly Beach State Park, just north of Newport, right on the coast. $29 per night for power & water and a shower building right beside us, lots of very tall trees and beach access. Surprising how many campers are out and about. We settled in for at least 3 nights as there is a wind advisory, predicting gusts up to 85 MPH and lots of rain. We did a beach walk, of course collecting more agates and pretty rocks, also shell fossils.

Beverly Beach, strange rock formation

We spent the day Thursday getting rather wet despite good raincoats – stopping at the overlooks to watch the storm. Devil’s Punchbowl was impressive but the blowholes just below the seawall in Depoe Bay were spectacular! A quick walk out to the shore at Agate Beach felt like sleet hitting your face, but we did see a Great Blue Heron. Back to the RV, made chili, turned on the furnace, hung up our wet clothes and relaxed in our comfy recliners. Life is good.

Devil's Punchbowl

blowholes at Depoe Bay

Still Living the Dream!