Golden Eagle National Park Pass

When we pulled up to the entrance of Yaquina Head Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, the attendant asked if we had a Golden Eagle Pass and I said "no, but we'd like to get one." I told her that Rick was close to the age to get one. She asked to look at his ID and agreed that he was close enough. We really thought we'd have to wait until he was actually old enough to get one, but she may have gotten extra credit for selling us the Pass. We're glad that she agreed because it was a great benefit to us. Instead of paying $5 to get into this one area, we paid $10 for the lifetime pass and can get into National Parks like Yellowstone and Glacier for FREE! Free is good! We plan to spend many days at these parks, and I'm sure there will be many others now that it's FREE! It's a coincidence that the picture on the card is almost exactly like some of the cactus photos I've taken in our own yard.

I'll share our visit to the Yaquina Lighthouse tomorrow.

(disclaimer: Rick thinks that he may be questioned the next time we try to use it since he's not really old enough to have it yet. We'll test it soon and I'll let you know.)

20 Million Year Old Mud & Fossils

The beach we're near is beautiful. But then most beaches are, aren't they? It stretches for miles, uninterrupted in both directions. There are only a few houses visible on the cliffs, with an occasional freshwater stream running from the cliffs to the sea, carving an ever changing path through the sand.


There are stretches of soft sand, pebbles and small cobble stones, and a few areas of hardened mud. If you know Rick then you know the formations of hardened mud were what he found most interesting. Yes, he picked up agate and jasper gems, but he also found clam and snail shells that looked like fossils. These held his interest more than the pebbles. He tried to get me interested in the hardened areas of mud, but I wandered away in search of colorful agate gems. After visiting the beach he checked the Internet for more information on the mud and old shells and found an interesting website titled OregonFossilGuy.com

Rick learned from the Internet that he had been playing in 20 MILLION YEAR OLD MUD!
It's actually hardened, but when you walk on it you feel a little squishiness and softness. Not enough to squish between your toes, more like day-old clay. There are pieces of hard mud broken off that hold fossilized shells, leaves, and twigs. In addition to the small collection of agate gems, we also have a small collection of choice fossil shells. Not sure what we'll do with them, but perhaps when we're far from the Oregon coast we will look at them and remember the beautiful beach.

Newport, Oregon - Ahhh, the beach

What a beautiful campground we are lucky to be in! Thousand Trails Whalers Rest in Newport, Oregon. There are trees, but not too many. Lots of ferns and wildflowers. With the ocean shining through the trees and the sound of the waves crashing on shore, we have arrived! There is a short path to the highway, and then the beach. Just be careful crossing that highway! I could stay here for our 3 week allowance, but there are some other TTN/NACO/LTR campgrounds we would like to visit before settling in for the summer in Montana. So we will enjoy this little piece of peace for a week or so.

Thursday morning we stopped by the Allison Transmission service center in Coburg for the 5,000 mile tranny filter replacement. We're not quite at 5K miles, but we will be in the middle of no where (Montana) when we get to 5K. I called Allison at 7 AM, was there by 8 AM and they were finished by 10 AM. Rick finished up with the paperwork at Guaranty RV and met me at Allison. After a painless $70 charge and a few cups of their coffee, we hooked up the CR-V to the moho and drove about 120 miles or 2 1/2 hours on scenic Hwy 20 across to the coast. The road was curvy and 2 lanes most of the way, but nice.

We settled into our campsite and then headed to the beach for the afternoon. All of the waiting around for the past 4 weeks was washed away by the waves, literally. If you know Rick, you know that he was soon in the water, not body surfing like the teenager Rick, but up to his shorts.

There were a number of people walking bent over looking at the small rocks on the shore, every once in a while bending down to examine a gem of a rock. We knew from our visit to Thousand Trails South Jetty in Florence just south of here that rock collecting is a popular past time on the Oregon coast. We are rock hounds from the '80's and enjoy looking and finding beautiful rocks. We found a lot of agates and quartz the size of cherries, a few as big as a golf ball. They're yellow, orange, clear, gold, and the elusive blue. There aren't many shells and only a few pieces of broken glass. There is also jasper and lots of fossilized clams and snails. Relaxed and happy, with our pockets filled with gems, we headed back for a late dinner.

On The Road Again

Oh, it is soooo good to be finished with the warranty work on the motorhome and to be in a nice campground. We could see the shine of the ocean this afternoon through the trees and you can hear the roar of the waves as they come to shore. We're a short 3 minute walk from the beach. We just have to be careful crossing US 101, but we can see for miles in each direction.

The coach looks fantastic and we believe everything is working correctly. The fuel gauge tank sensor caused the technicians a few headaches and the next 150 mile trip will confirm that it's working as expected. For the last 120 miles the gauge is still pegged at Full. It was expected that it wouldn't move off the Full mark for at least 100-150 miles, but it needs to move to indicate when we are getting low on diesel. What's the saying? If I have checks in the checkbook I must still have money to spend? If the gauge always shows Full, do we still have a full tank? NO! Anyway, Guaranty RV is aware of our overly cautious concerns and asked us to continue on our trip north. If after the next 150 miles it still doesn't move off Full, we will deal with it.

The best part of staying put almost 4 weeks at Guaranty RV were the many nice, new friends we made. So many people were surprised that we had been there so long and we were still in a good mood. We knew it would do no good to get stressed, angry, or upset, and we think our positive attitude rubbed off on others also waiting. We enjoyed sharing stories and talking about fulltime RVing.

However, I've been wanting to spend some time on the Oregon and Washington coast before starting our Montana fishing and we are finally here! We'll probably be on the coast until the end of May when we start across Washington.

We've had a very busy and active Thursday and Friday, but I'll have to tell you all about it next time. We've got some nice photos to share also. Thanks for stopping by to check on our happenings!

Inspiration & Coffee on a Sunday Morning

Have you ever had one of those deja vu moments? A connection to someone that is amazing? When you truly understand what makes someone tick? Or a "I can't believe it" coincidence? I just had one and it's making me smile from ear to ear. Please read on with me. I drafted the following post about 3 weeks ago, after sitting for hours reading another person's blog. Her words have stayed with me since then and I've tried to look at art and life a little differently because of her story. I've wanted to let you all know how inspired I felt and I wanted you to go read the other blog so you could feel a small part of what I felt. If you do or not is obviously up to you, but I hope you do. It might just make you smile also.

I wanted to tell you enough about her so you would take the time. I wanted to tell you her story, but OH. MY. GOD. she did just that in a post 2 days ago. It's like she and I were listening to the same song on the same CD at the same time. Thank you, Susan, for inspiring me and making me smile.
http://susanartjournal.blogspot.com/
http://www.susancarlin.com/
---------------------------------------------------
A few weeks ago I took what I thought was going to be a quick look at another blog. A blog created by Susan Carlin, daughter of Louis and Billie. Well, I sat at my laptop reading Susan's blog, all of her blog, for hours, enjoying my Sunday morning coffee and her stories from the past years. Knowing her parents, I felt like I knew Susan. I knew that she was once a chiropractor and always an artist. Reading her tales of changing careers, opening a gallery, achieving goals, being happy, and sharing with others was truly an inspiration.

After reading Susan's story and being totally motivated, I started looking at hobbies more as a creative endeavor rather than just something to make or to pass the time. Susan made me ask myself "how can I be more creative?" Instead of following a pattern could I try my own design? Could I look at something and see it in a different light? Could I take a chance with my own concepts?

Something that really struck me was the sharing that Susan does with others who want to learn. She seems to take great pleasure in helping others. And realizing, then going for, what makes her happy and fulfilled = now that is something to write about.

I think painting people as Susan does is very difficult and takes an incredible talent. I like to think Rick and I are somewhat creative. We've taken a couple oil painting classes (landscapes) and I've taught classes on tole and fabric painting. Rick likes to wood carve (carve wood) and create fishing flies. We've both made stained glass items (sun catchers to windows) and we've made jewelry. I like to work with fabrics, yarns, threads and have made quilts, clothing, and crocheted various items. Susan reinforced the fact that "art" can be just about any media, not just a watercolor painting. It's whatever you create.

For the past 7 years or so, photography has been the one "hobby" that has remained constant with me. While in high school I thought I would enjoy working with textiles or in a plant nursery growing flowers. I love to photograph flowers and plants and love their textures and patterns. I will continue with this because it brings me pleasure. A couple years ago I submitted 2 photos to website contests and won the first place prize in both cases (t-shirts, yipee!), and my photos were displayed for the month - the real prize. Another of my photos was also choosen to be included on the intranet screen saver at work and it was nice to be recognized by peers and receive their compliments. I've created photo cards and used them and given them as gifts. I've had people say they would pay me for my photos, but I usually end up giving them one rather than charge money. Just this past week someone asked me to create 24 greeting cards for them and they want to pay me for them! I have given a few card assortments as gifts to family, but being paid is a good feeling.

There are so many computer applications available to enhance or tweak digital photos. I like to explore the filters and play with the editing features, however, the true image of the flower is what I like best. I don't plan to make artistic photography a career, but it sure is nice to have a creative outlet and to be able to share my art with others.

It's Just Not The Same Since You Left

We Miss Our Friends

We've met some great people while waiting for the service to get finished on our motorhome. If we had been in and out of here in a short time we wouldn't have met them, so it makes it worthwhile. Bob & Jerry, Jim & Kris, Tom & Jo, John & Linda, Ron & Becky, Harry, and many others who's name I don't know or remember. Most of you have moved on down the road, but we shared some very good meals, good glasses of wine, yummy happy hours, and pleasurable conversations. Having nice people around made the time fun and memorable.

While waiting in the reception area we've spent most of our time using our laptops, reading and crocheting. It's interesting to hear other's stories, experiences, and why they are here. Some are here because their refrigerators don't work, some need body work & paint repairs, and some have water leaks. Probably the most unusual was the couple that had 3 turkeys fly across the road and hit their motorhome, resulting in thousands of dollars in damages. (Note to self - start writing down all the strange and unusual stories.) We've learned that getting the needed parts shipped from other locations takes a very loooong time. Having a roof or side wall removed and rebuilt takes a loooong time. Surprisingly, getting body damage fixed and new paint happens fairly quickly - usually within a couple days.

We've seen many motorhomes with body damage, scrapes and dents. Low posts and trees are the enemy of motorhomes. When backing up or going around corners we need to be on the lookout for obstacles jumping out at us, barriers that sneak up on us, and low hanging eaves that reach out to grab us. No matter how careful we try to be, I think it's inevitable that something will happen to these huge homes-on-wheels. At least I know that work can be done to make it look brand new again.

Some people are curious about our laptops and what we're doing with them. We're happy to share what we know. We've discussed Internet air cards, cell phones, printers, scanners, laptops, software, XP vs Vista, free email providers, and booster antennas. We've helped some move their email to gmail, which is free and saved them $60 per month. We've offered "classes" that I jokingly called 'The Blog You Never Knew You Needed' and showed many how to sign on and navigate the website 'iRV2.com'. It's rewarding to help others learn and enjoy something new.

Even though we are now into our 4th week here, people say we are still in a good mood, have positive attitudes, are calm, and appear stress-free. Some say our good mood has rubbed off on them. Getting upset that it's taken this long doesn't make the technicians work any faster. In fact, the techs are concerned about us and sorry that we are still here instead of on the coast.

It's nice to think we've helped some people as much as they've helped us. Actually, I think they've helped us more than we've helped them. Our gain.

A Bouquet for Mom

The yards in Oregon remind me of my Mom's yard. Such beautiful flowers! Hope you enjoy these.
Happy Mother's Day!

We took a walk around the neighborhood in Junction City and saw all these flowers! Just gorgeous!

Bright & Shiny Object

We are still in Junction City, Oregon getting warranty work completed on our motorhome. We have been here 3 weeks and we are oh-so-ready to get on with life! We should be on the coast enjoying the scenery. However, we are nearing the end and hope to be on the move in a few days. The windshield was replaced, most of the flooring was replaced, the Corian countertops were polished, other minor issues were addressed, and the motorhome was buffed to a bright and shiny lustre! It looks so nice!

Although the paint was new and there were no problems with it, the black was dull. The small areas and tight corners were not buffed as well because they were difficult to reach with the big orbital sanders. There was over-spray and it was under-buffed. Now the black is truly black and shiny! A detailing company, Elite Coach Care, buffed the entire outside and it looks like a new coach should look! Elite can detail the inside and outside for a thorough job. If you're in the area and your motorhome needs a facelift, be sure to call Brian Hanavan at 541-998-1177. They know their stuff and do a fantastic job.

Friends - Louis & Billie

A couple Sunday's ago I received an email from Louis, an old neighbor and friend. (I'm not saying he's old! In fact, he's very young at heart!) His email reminded me that Louis has an interesting website as well as having lived an interesting life (part of it in Africa).

Louis and his wife, Billie, used to live close by, then moved a few miles away and lived near Rick's parents. Louis and Dad are both advanced computer users, more like computer explorers, and are always testing out the latest and greatest programs and PC gadgets. They both have webcams and frequently keep in touch via 'live feed'. We also have webcams and try to keep up with them, not always easy.

Louis and Billie had a scrumptious veggie garden and often shared zucchini and other homegrown crops. They also shared homemade breads and other tasty treats, as well as being there when you needed a ride to the doctor, the mail picked up or other favors. Louis was a veterinarian and we remember the time he helped us give our cat a pill, a very tricky task for us, but so simple for him! If you want to check out their interesting website click here http://louiscarlin.com/ and spend some time following their adventures.

Rick says, "If...

you stand still long enough,
moss will grow on you."

Time for Reflection & Reflecting on Our Blog

Staying put for so long here in Junction City and being able to explore the area and my thoughts, has caused me to reflect. Having the blog as an outlet gives me the place and excuse to record thoughts and feelings. This blog started as a diary and a method to stay in touch with family & friends. I want to record my feelings, but don't want this to become all about me. Rick is also here sharing in all this so bear with me while I figure it out. You might find it interesting, you might find it boring. I need to make it mine, no ours, but I want to make it interesting for you. Ultimately though, it is mine (ours!), so I'll take the liberty to ramble about whatever is on my mind.

We've been to places and events that I want to tell you about. There are people we've met who are so interesting that I want to tell you about them. There are other blogs that we've found that I want to share with you. There are artists we've talked with and I want to share their inspiration with you. Especially the inspiration! Rick and I both like to think we're somewhat creative and we're lucky to have hobbies that keep us busy and provide us a creative outlet. Being retired will allow us the time to explore our hobbies, interests, and of course, fish.

We'll try not to bore you with our ramblings. Let us know if there is something you'd like to know about. Leaving us a comment is easy to do.

Follow Up On Warranty Work

We are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel! They have made so much progress on completing our new floor and it looks so nice! When they returned our motorhome to us last night at 5 PM we still did not have our front chairs, but we're only missing a couple pieces of trim for the floor. They still need to reinstall the driver and co-pilot chairs. Sitting on a regular chair while driving that is not attached and is now on a slippery floor can be quite tricky. At least we only have to go across the street and park. There is no way that anyone could safely drive while sitting on a dinning room chair! It was also a little disconcerting to be able to see the ground around the steering column, but they will have that sealed soon.

The people we have met while waiting for our motorhome has made the wait worth while and interesting, even pleasurable. They come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, but we all have the RV lifestyle in common. In addition we are all here for some type of repair to our RV's. Some have a homebase in Florida, Illinois, Alaska, and Washington. We've even met some folks from our own community in Arizona! And there are those who no longer have a homebase with a "stick house", but travel fulltime in their RV's. Truly free to roam and explore!