Donald and I unloaded the Yukon and he cleaned it inside and out! It was so nice to have an empty, clean car again!
Dad had some Lego's and the kids played with them ALL DAY! The kids (and D) loved the hot tub too!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Day 14: Grants Pass
Grandma was released from the hospital and I drove over to her house to visit. My Uncle Rod, Aunt Corlynn and Uncle Phil were all there and we visited for a little while. Grandma seemed okay...more quiet than usual, but good. She definitely had her sense of humor!
Donald and I unloaded the Yukon and he cleaned it inside and out! It was so nice to have an empty, clean car again!
Dad had some Lego's and the kids played with them ALL DAY! The kids (and D) loved the hot tub too!
Donald and I unloaded the Yukon and he cleaned it inside and out! It was so nice to have an empty, clean car again!
Dad had some Lego's and the kids played with them ALL DAY! The kids (and D) loved the hot tub too!
Day 13: Grants Pass
We woke up early, made breakfast, packed up and checked out of Beverly Beach. We have decided that we will be coming back here in Summer 2011!
As we drove from Newport to Corvallis, the "service engine" light came on again. Donald wasn't worried, but now I am always worried when that light comes on. I hate being stranded in the middle of nowhere! We drove around Corvallis for a while before finding an Auto Zone. It turned out to be "multiple random misfires", most likely from towing the trailer. We really needed to remember to ALWAYS shift into 3rd gear when towing the trailer up hills.
Around noon I got a call from Mom. Grandma Kolkow had a stroke in the early morning and was in the hospital. The doctor ran tests and found that she's had many small strokes in the past. Her only side effect was that she was having a hard time coming up with the right words. Mom said she still had her sense of humor though!
We finally arrived in Grants Pass around 4:30. Grandpa had some bubbles and rubber duckies for the kids and they had fun playing in Grandpa's hot tub!
As we drove from Newport to Corvallis, the "service engine" light came on again. Donald wasn't worried, but now I am always worried when that light comes on. I hate being stranded in the middle of nowhere! We drove around Corvallis for a while before finding an Auto Zone. It turned out to be "multiple random misfires", most likely from towing the trailer. We really needed to remember to ALWAYS shift into 3rd gear when towing the trailer up hills.
Around noon I got a call from Mom. Grandma Kolkow had a stroke in the early morning and was in the hospital. The doctor ran tests and found that she's had many small strokes in the past. Her only side effect was that she was having a hard time coming up with the right words. Mom said she still had her sense of humor though!
We finally arrived in Grants Pass around 4:30. Grandpa had some bubbles and rubber duckies for the kids and they had fun playing in Grandpa's hot tub!
Day 12: Oregon Coast Aquarium
We woke up to sprinkles and fog, but it turned into a beautiful day! It was 63 degrees and barely breezy and sunny! We all took nice hot showers, ate French Toast for breakfast, and went to the Oregon Coast Aquarium. The kids loved it!
We drove north to Depot Bay and Lincoln City and looked through some shops for gifts. On our way back to camp, we stopped at Cape Foulweather and took some more pictures (check out the pictures to see D in 2001 and the kids in 2009!)
After dinner (chili dogs!), we took the kites down to the beach. Shelby chased a crow all over - almost up to the highway! D tried his new kite and LOVES it! Joey tried flying our little parafoil and Macy helped D fly his new kite. Shelby chased D's kite and barked like crazy!
We drove north to Depot Bay and Lincoln City and looked through some shops for gifts. On our way back to camp, we stopped at Cape Foulweather and took some more pictures (check out the pictures to see D in 2001 and the kids in 2009!)
After dinner (chili dogs!), we took the kites down to the beach. Shelby chased a crow all over - almost up to the highway! D tried his new kite and LOVES it! Joey tried flying our little parafoil and Macy helped D fly his new kite. Shelby chased D's kite and barked like crazy!
Day 11: June 1st - Newport, Oregon
Donald and I love the Oregon Coast. I think we have been here four times in the 12 years that we've been together. That is a lot, considering how far we have to travel to get here!
Anyway, we woke up early at Honeyman S.P. and took an amazing free shower! It was a pretty mild morning, still overcast, but in the mid 60's. Macy befriended a couple more slugs and we packed up the trailer and were out of the campground by 9:00am.
I thought there were more tourist shops in Florence! We didn't see many (if any), but we did walk on the beach. Shelby came with us and thoroughly enjoyed the run. The night before was a HIGH tide and there were lots of shells on the beach, but most of the sand dollars were already broken by the seagulls. We did find a crustacean on the beach and took him to the water and watched him dig into the sand!
We arrived at Beverly Beach (north of Newport) around 12:30 and unhooked the trailer so we could travel around town more easily. We ate at Georgie's Beachside Grill - they had an amazing view, good food and great prices. D was obviously impressed because he took their business card so we can remember to eat there next time we are in town! I had a Sourdough Chowder Bowl and salad (amazing!), D had some yummy grilled salmon topped with salsa, Joey had a huge grilled cheese sandwich tower with Yukon Gold fries and Macy had some tasty chicken tenders with Yukon Gold fries. Afterward we took Shelby down to the beach and looked for more seashells. We didn't find any, but I did rescue a ladybug from the surf! She stayed on my hand and unfurled her amazing wings to let them dry. When we got back to the car she had pretty much recovered, so I set her in some flowers.
We went back to Beverly Beach, set up our campsite and walked down to the beach. We didn't find any more shells, but we did find some perfectly dry sand for "squeaking" our feet! (check out the video at the top of the page). D found a piece of drift wood for Shelby to fetch and had her swimming in the ocean.
We roasted marshmallows (pink strawberry marshmallows for the kids) and sat around the fire until dark. Then I whipped D in another hand of pinochle!
Anyway, we woke up early at Honeyman S.P. and took an amazing free shower! It was a pretty mild morning, still overcast, but in the mid 60's. Macy befriended a couple more slugs and we packed up the trailer and were out of the campground by 9:00am.
I thought there were more tourist shops in Florence! We didn't see many (if any), but we did walk on the beach. Shelby came with us and thoroughly enjoyed the run. The night before was a HIGH tide and there were lots of shells on the beach, but most of the sand dollars were already broken by the seagulls. We did find a crustacean on the beach and took him to the water and watched him dig into the sand!
We arrived at Beverly Beach (north of Newport) around 12:30 and unhooked the trailer so we could travel around town more easily. We ate at Georgie's Beachside Grill - they had an amazing view, good food and great prices. D was obviously impressed because he took their business card so we can remember to eat there next time we are in town! I had a Sourdough Chowder Bowl and salad (amazing!), D had some yummy grilled salmon topped with salsa, Joey had a huge grilled cheese sandwich tower with Yukon Gold fries and Macy had some tasty chicken tenders with Yukon Gold fries. Afterward we took Shelby down to the beach and looked for more seashells. We didn't find any, but I did rescue a ladybug from the surf! She stayed on my hand and unfurled her amazing wings to let them dry. When we got back to the car she had pretty much recovered, so I set her in some flowers.
We went back to Beverly Beach, set up our campsite and walked down to the beach. We didn't find any more shells, but we did find some perfectly dry sand for "squeaking" our feet! (check out the video at the top of the page). D found a piece of drift wood for Shelby to fetch and had her swimming in the ocean.
We roasted marshmallows (pink strawberry marshmallows for the kids) and sat around the fire until dark. Then I whipped D in another hand of pinochle!
Day 10: Jet boat trip up the Rogue River
We woke up early, loaded the car and went to Jerry's Jets. We had the local pet sitter (Sandy Jo) take Shelby while we were on the boats and Sandy met us at Jerry's Jets to take Shelby. It was a cold morning! Macy and Joey had to wear life jackets the entire time and Joey wasn't happy with it! We saw bald eagles, ospreys, harbor seals, a family of 8-10 river otters, some pond turtles, deer, vultures, and a running bear!
We stopped at Singing Springs for a potty break and then we all wore life jackets for the rest of the ride. Tommy (our driver) spun the boat around to give us a spray of water. Joey and Macy liked most of the ride and they each napped on the river. We traveled up to Blossom Bar ( Class V rapids on the Wild and Scenic portion of the Rogue River). On the way back down river we stopped at Cougar Lane (just up river from Agness) for lunch. It was nice and warm, so we stripped our layers, but as soon as we got back on the river it was cold and windy! We got back to Gold Beach around 4:00pm, picked up Shelby (who had been spoiled beyond belief), and headed north. We were all tired! We finally arrived at Honeyman Campground, picked the first campsite we came across, and set up. Honeyman had a new playground right down the road from us and the kids played for a long time.
We stopped at Singing Springs for a potty break and then we all wore life jackets for the rest of the ride. Tommy (our driver) spun the boat around to give us a spray of water. Joey and Macy liked most of the ride and they each napped on the river. We traveled up to Blossom Bar ( Class V rapids on the Wild and Scenic portion of the Rogue River). On the way back down river we stopped at Cougar Lane (just up river from Agness) for lunch. It was nice and warm, so we stripped our layers, but as soon as we got back on the river it was cold and windy! We got back to Gold Beach around 4:00pm, picked up Shelby (who had been spoiled beyond belief), and headed north. We were all tired! We finally arrived at Honeyman Campground, picked the first campsite we came across, and set up. Honeyman had a new playground right down the road from us and the kids played for a long time.
Day 9: Patrick's Point to Gold Beach, Oregon
We woke up late...9 am! We quickly rushed to the showers, but Macy and I had to wait for about 10 minutes while the women's bathroom was cleaned. D & I had each brought 4 quarters, thinking it would be plenty. Macy and I were able to shower with 2 quarters at Half Moon Bay! Macy and I finally got in out shower and organized ourselves (there never is quite enough shelf space or hooks for two sets of jackets, towels, & clothes!) When I started the shower it was lukewarm, but I figured it would soon turn hot. I heard Joey in the shower next door screaming in the water. Macy didn't like the temperature either, but I quickly soaped her up, rinsed her off and put conditioner in her tangled hair. Then I quickly soaped up and the water turned off! It hadn't even been two minutes! I put in 2 more quarters, but the shower wouldn't turn on again! So here we were, soapy, cold and out of quarters! I tried yelling to D to bring us more quarters, but he and Joey were just finishing their cold shower and still had to dry off and get dressed before running back to our campsite to look for more quarters! In the mean time, Macy and I gathered up our stuff and moved to the other shower. D finally came back with more quarters and Macy & I quickly finished out freezing shower! When we got back to camp, quickly brushed Macy's hair...only to find another tick! Ugh!
I made a quick breakfast and we started packing up. Check out time was 12:00 and the Camp Host came by to ask if we were staying another night! According to D's watch we still had 6 minutes! We weren't penalized for leaving "late", but it didn't make for a good start to our day!
About 40 miles from Crescent City the "service engine" light came on - of course there are no Auto Zone's on the Northern California coast and no other auto parts store would check the codes! The light finally went off on its own just north of Brookings, but until then my stomach was in knots. (we've had some SERIOUS problems with the Yukon in the past, so I'm a little "light" shy!)
We finally made it to Gold Beach and checked in at Jerry's Rogue Jets (were were upgraded from the 64-mile trip to the 104-mile trip!). We decided to stay at Jot's Resort on the north side of the Rogue River. We swam in the indoor pool (which Joey loved), took a nice long, hot shower and slept in an actual bed!
I made a quick breakfast and we started packing up. Check out time was 12:00 and the Camp Host came by to ask if we were staying another night! According to D's watch we still had 6 minutes! We weren't penalized for leaving "late", but it didn't make for a good start to our day!
About 40 miles from Crescent City the "service engine" light came on - of course there are no Auto Zone's on the Northern California coast and no other auto parts store would check the codes! The light finally went off on its own just north of Brookings, but until then my stomach was in knots. (we've had some SERIOUS problems with the Yukon in the past, so I'm a little "light" shy!)
We finally made it to Gold Beach and checked in at Jerry's Rogue Jets (were were upgraded from the 64-mile trip to the 104-mile trip!). We decided to stay at Jot's Resort on the north side of the Rogue River. We swam in the indoor pool (which Joey loved), took a nice long, hot shower and slept in an actual bed!
Day 8: Tidepools, Elk & Trees of Mystery
We woke up early, quickly ate breakfast and headed to Palmer's Point to check out the tide pools. We took a LONG, steep walk down to some amazing tide pools. We saw mushroom corals, ricordeas, starfish, baby fish, stony corals, and LOTS of snails & crabs. Macy and Joey had a difficult time on the rocks, so they stayed up on the rocky shore and played while D and I ventured out separately to see some amazing sea life. We walked back up the path and watched a bunch of sea lions on the opposite side of the point.
Before heading back to camp we drove to Agate Beach and walked down another steep trail to the beach. Joey was so exhausted, but we had fun looking for agates. We then made the long climb back up the trail!
Before heading back to camp we drove to Agate Beach and walked down another steep trail to the beach. Joey was so exhausted, but we had fun looking for agates. We then made the long climb back up the trail!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Day 7: Patrick's Point
We packed up and headed towards the Redwoods. This time we took a different way through S.F. and the traffic wasn't too bad. It was foggy, so we couldn't see the Golden Gate Bridge very well.
The drive to Eureka was LONG! There was a lot of construction and California has a crazy law that any vehicle with "3 or more axles must go 55mph and must stay in the right lane"! We were pulled over for going 68... in a construction zone...in the left lane! The motorcycle cop had an attitude and that didn't make D too happy. We are still waiting to find out how much that ticket costs!
We rolled into Patrick's Point around 8:00pm, set up the trailer, ate some hot dogs and put the kids to bed. D and I stayed up and played two hands of Pinochle - I keep whipping him!
The drive to Eureka was LONG! There was a lot of construction and California has a crazy law that any vehicle with "3 or more axles must go 55mph and must stay in the right lane"! We were pulled over for going 68... in a construction zone...in the left lane! The motorcycle cop had an attitude and that didn't make D too happy. We are still waiting to find out how much that ticket costs!
We rolled into Patrick's Point around 8:00pm, set up the trailer, ate some hot dogs and put the kids to bed. D and I stayed up and played two hands of Pinochle - I keep whipping him!
Day 6: Half Moon Bay
May 27 - we woke up, all took a shower, and felt much better about our lazy camping day ahead. As I was putting Macy's hair up I found a tick and then made D check my head!
I headed down to the laundromat to do FOUR loads of laundry - only to find out that it cost $5 to wash one load (in tiny washers!). The dryers were horrible, so I brought half-dry clothes back to camp and humidity!
D set up the tent for the kids and they had fun riding their bikes around. Joey loves his huge piece of seaweed!
I headed down to the laundromat to do FOUR loads of laundry - only to find out that it cost $5 to wash one load (in tiny washers!). The dryers were horrible, so I brought half-dry clothes back to camp and humidity!
D set up the tent for the kids and they had fun riding their bikes around. Joey loves his huge piece of seaweed!
Day 5: Fisherman's Wharf
We headed to San Francisco. The drive was nice...until we got to San Francisco! Traffic was crazy and we seemed to be stopped more often then not! California drivers are nuts! And the motorcyclists drive right between the cars when we're all driving 60+ mph!
We finally made it to Fisherman's Wharf and parked at Ghiradheli Square. We started at Hyde Street Pier and visited the San Francisco Maritime Museum. We toured four ships and then walked down to Taylor Street and had lunch at Nonna Rose's. I had Fettuccine Alfredo with Bay Shrimp and D had half cracked crab and clam chowder. We were served delicious sourdough bread before the meal - yum! Macy doesn't like sourdough bread...which meant more for the rest of us!
We saw the Trolley & Cable Cars and wandered along Pier 39 - watched the sea lions for a while and bought a trolley Christmas ornament. We didn't go to the Aquarium of the Bay since we planned on going to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in a few days.
We watched the bakers at Boudin Sourdough Bakery for awhile (again - YUM!) On our way back to the car we stopped at the Rainforest Cafe to look at their huge fish tank and their mechanized animals. Joey DID NOT like them! The giant snake in the tree made him wary, but the big gorilla scared him! After that he kept his eyes on everything!
The drive back was a bit less hectic. It was strange to see fast food restaurants smashed in 3-story buildings, Jiffy Lubes and auto body shops on the first floor of large buildings...all right on the main road without a parking lot or turn lane to get in! Even the car dealerships were in buildings!
We finally made it to Fisherman's Wharf and parked at Ghiradheli Square. We started at Hyde Street Pier and visited the San Francisco Maritime Museum. We toured four ships and then walked down to Taylor Street and had lunch at Nonna Rose's. I had Fettuccine Alfredo with Bay Shrimp and D had half cracked crab and clam chowder. We were served delicious sourdough bread before the meal - yum! Macy doesn't like sourdough bread...which meant more for the rest of us!
We saw the Trolley & Cable Cars and wandered along Pier 39 - watched the sea lions for a while and bought a trolley Christmas ornament. We didn't go to the Aquarium of the Bay since we planned on going to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in a few days.
We watched the bakers at Boudin Sourdough Bakery for awhile (again - YUM!) On our way back to the car we stopped at the Rainforest Cafe to look at their huge fish tank and their mechanized animals. Joey DID NOT like them! The giant snake in the tree made him wary, but the big gorilla scared him! After that he kept his eyes on everything!
The drive back was a bit less hectic. It was strange to see fast food restaurants smashed in 3-story buildings, Jiffy Lubes and auto body shops on the first floor of large buildings...all right on the main road without a parking lot or turn lane to get in! Even the car dealerships were in buildings!
Day 4: Half Moon Bay State Beach
We packed up and left New Brighton around 11:00. We were in such a hurry to leave the annoying neighbors that we forgot our good rope & leash. (That's a good story, but I'll have to tell it because Donald seems to not remember exactly how it went!)
We followed the signs, but still managed to get lost in Santa Cruz! We took a little drive down to the wharf and saw their roller coasters before finally getting back on track and heading North on the PCH.
We stopped at a beach along the way and took a STEEP trail down to the water. D walked out on some rocks with Shelby and was hit by a few waves. I spotted a starfish on a rock and as Joey and I walked closer, a fast wave smashed on shore and got the both of us wet!
We pulled in to Half Moon Bay State Beach around 1:30pm. We had a great camp site, but there were an incredible number of people who felt it was fine to walk through our site on the way to the beach or showers! No one seemed to think that it was rude and they looked at me like I was nuts for staring at them as they walked right in front of my trailer door!
We drove up to El Granada and ate at The Crab Landing. It was very expensive, but so good! I had crab stuffed salmon and D had salmon wrapped scallops. I wish we would have taken a picture!
We followed the signs, but still managed to get lost in Santa Cruz! We took a little drive down to the wharf and saw their roller coasters before finally getting back on track and heading North on the PCH.
We stopped at a beach along the way and took a STEEP trail down to the water. D walked out on some rocks with Shelby and was hit by a few waves. I spotted a starfish on a rock and as Joey and I walked closer, a fast wave smashed on shore and got the both of us wet!
We pulled in to Half Moon Bay State Beach around 1:30pm. We had a great camp site, but there were an incredible number of people who felt it was fine to walk through our site on the way to the beach or showers! No one seemed to think that it was rude and they looked at me like I was nuts for staring at them as they walked right in front of my trailer door!
We drove up to El Granada and ate at The Crab Landing. It was very expensive, but so good! I had crab stuffed salmon and D had salmon wrapped scallops. I wish we would have taken a picture!
Day 3: Monterey to Santa Cruz
We pulled into a couple of places today, but they were either Full or would have a "lottery" for available campsites. Luckily we arrived at New Brighton State Park near Santa Cruz, California to find one site available and we took it! We were next to some strange (and somewhat annoying) neighbors - but it is a great location!
We had lunch and walked down to the beach. D & Joey played in the waves and we finally got Macy to get wet. We were all incredibly sandy, so we all took a quick rinse in the showers and the kids napped while D and I played cards.
After dinner we took the kids on a bike ride around the campground to wear them out. We walked back down to the beach and had Shelby chasing waves. She had a great time and Joey clapped approvingly.
We had lunch and walked down to the beach. D & Joey played in the waves and we finally got Macy to get wet. We were all incredibly sandy, so we all took a quick rinse in the showers and the kids napped while D and I played cards.
After dinner we took the kids on a bike ride around the campground to wear them out. We walked back down to the beach and had Shelby chasing waves. She had a great time and Joey clapped approvingly.
Day 2: McGrath SB to Monterey, CA
Saturday morning D made a great breakfast and we headed down to the beach. A large portion was roped off because it was the breeding ground of the Plover Tern. Macy & Joey showed me the strange fish in the marsh. Joey & Donald tried escaping the waves - Joey loved it! Macy, however, didn't want to go anywhere near the water.
We headed up the Pacific Coast Highway looking for a camping spot, but everything was full. We did stop and see the elephant seals and spotted Hearst Castle from a distance. We finally rolled into Monterey and tried to get a room at the Holiday Inn, but they were booked (and they wanted $199/night!). Luckily I spied a vacancy sign and we pulled in, and got a good night's sleep. In the morning we happened to look out our hotel window to a vacant parking lot behind us and found someone camping in their pop-up trailer!
We headed up the Pacific Coast Highway looking for a camping spot, but everything was full. We did stop and see the elephant seals and spotted Hearst Castle from a distance. We finally rolled into Monterey and tried to get a room at the Holiday Inn, but they were booked (and they wanted $199/night!). Luckily I spied a vacancy sign and we pulled in, and got a good night's sleep. In the morning we happened to look out our hotel window to a vacant parking lot behind us and found someone camping in their pop-up trailer!
Marana to McGrath State Beach
We had no reservations for the start of our 19 day vacation. We left Marana at 5:00am and were able to find a camping spot at McGrath State Beach (near Oxnard, CA) for one night only! It wasn't the best location, but it was within walking distance to the beach.
I had a huge headache as we entered Los Angeles and it quickly turned into a migraine. We did take time to stop in Baldwin Park, California to eat at In-n-Out and see their headquarters. When we arrived at out campsite D took the kids to the beach so I could nap. Our neighbors were an older couple staying in their RV with their granddaughter and Macy & Joey absolutely loved riding their bikes with her around the loop.
I had a huge headache as we entered Los Angeles and it quickly turned into a migraine. We did take time to stop in Baldwin Park, California to eat at In-n-Out and see their headquarters. When we arrived at out campsite D took the kids to the beach so I could nap. Our neighbors were an older couple staying in their RV with their granddaughter and Macy & Joey absolutely loved riding their bikes with her around the loop.
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