During my 2014 tour through the Pacific Northwest, I must have thought a thousand times, “Oh, Don would LOVE this place!” Some of our greatest outdoor adventures have been trips we have taken together, from my Dad’s cross country road trips from Texas to Knotts Berry Farm as kids, to tent camping in the wilds of Alaska. We even rented a nine-speed manual gear shift RV with a steering wheel on the “wrong side” to tour the South Island of New Zealand. So whenever I see a foggy mountaintop or steep, craggy coastline, my mind first turns to these memories of our good times.
So of course, when I get word that Don is on his way, I quickly backtrack down the coast to meet him so I can show him “a few of my favorite things.”
As I have mentioned before, traveling the Oregon Coast has been a challenge this summer. Seems like every single state park has a “Campground Full” shingle hanging out, even midweek. So add to that now trying to find space for TWO rigs, and it has been a bit stressful. Couple that with the fact that I have always been the “follower” and am now in the lead role, not a role I play very easily. As the “middle child” behind an Alpha-male Leo-the-Lion, I learned to enjoy a good game of “Follow the Leader,” as long as I don’t have to lead!
We’ve had to get a bit inventive in finding places to park, like the fenced in gravel dry camping lot of Newport Marina, which happens to be right next door to the Rogue Brewery. How fortuitous!
Newport is a great stop along the coast as it offers a picturesque seaport, beautiful beaches nearby, and not one but TWO lighthouses. Any tour of “my favorite things” is going to include a mandatory lighthouse stop as I extol about the beauty of the Fresnel lens!
The further up the Oregon coast one travels along Highway 101, the availability of the state parks becomes inversely proportional to the price of the independently owned RV parks. As we pass one “Campground Full” sign after another, we pull off the road so I can consult my trusty AllStays App. How convenient that it directs me back to the nearest turnoff to the Blue Heron French Cheese shop. Although they are a member of the Harvest Host program, they also allow overnights for non-HH members. This may be the most unique place I have ever dry camped. But what a great way to prepare a meal! Go into the cheese shop, pick up a wheel of peppered brie and a chunk of blue cheese, and come back out to the rig and plan a meal around it!
As we round the tip of the Oregon Coast pointing inward, I am holding my breath hoping for a spot to park so I can show Don around my favorite coastal town of all, Astoria. I have tried every way I know to contact the little Pier 38 RV Park where I stayed back in 2014, but local newspaper articles indicate it’s closed, if not closing soon. As I lead the way up Highway 101 rounding the corner eastbound, hoping against hope the park is open, my mantra is…”Come on, Astoria….do me a solid!”
Now I have to go back to Tillamook again! I’m a big fan of the Blue Heron, but always fall for their smoked brie. Now I need to go back and try that peppered brie – sounds wonderful! It’s so great to see you enjoying time with your brother!
LOVE the gumball terrarium!
It’s so neat you got to show Don some of your favorite things! It must be little like a couple of big kids traveling on their own!
I want a brother just like Don! His smile is so infectious! Every time I see it, my instinct is to do the same. What wonderful times you are having. I am soooo happy for you. It is glorious to be able to share these experiences with someone you love!!
Virtual hugs,
Judie
I’m so pleased for you both, that you can travel together! I’ve had some lovely times traveling solo, and nothing really tops sharing an experience.
Oh to be traveling together again, this time by RV. Enjoy the new memories you are creating. Just maybe now Don can coax you into Mexico in your RV’s.
What a surprise to find this, LOL. I was thinking that the theme of this post must be “Phases of the Moon” but then I realized all but one of them was of the back of my head :-). This must be your new plan to reduce blog work and to spend more time “on the trail” – photos of me!
Yes, this is one of those points in my life where I feel in a time warp and it’s going to take some time I believe for me to realize “I am really there”. So far my guide is superb, the scenery magnificent, the pace driving, the parking challenging, the experience breathtaking and the thoughts unforgettable. Thanks Sis!
How nice that you have a brother who likes to eat and drink beer as you do. Must be in the genes!
You had me at bourbon-barrel aged imperial stout. Don’t remember much after that (well, except the lighthouse buts). Glad you found some good spots to park despite the summer craziness.
Nina
wow!! Thanks~
Seafood, beer, and salt water taffy,. Don might be in your rearview mirror for a long time :).
Don seems to be a master of the selfie shot among other things! Looks like you guys are having a great time, full campgrounds or not.
Suzanne:
RE: Campground Full
You probably already have these apps, but I thought I would send them along:
1) For a small yearly fee you receive “free” camping at:
https://www.boondockerswelcome.com/
2) Maybe be even more “robust” than Allstays(?)
https://www.campendium.com/free-camping
We’re off in the am to the V/N rally at Grand Marais and then over to Glacier by way of Teddy Roosevelt NP….maybe we’ll see you along the road?
John & Mary
Great post! I wish I had a sister that would take me for taffy. Keep those pictures coming! They are a real joy to see.
What fun even with the parking challenges. Looks like there is lots of good eating and drinking going on. Enjoy your time together!
This post made me long for our days traveling the Oregon coast. How great to have your brother along for the ride. I am a middle child as well but also a Leo, so I vacillate between wanting to be the follower yet having that desire to be the leader. Fingers crossed that you get a place to stay in Astoria, a city we really love.
Bonding with your brother – so special for you both. Good thing you have similar interests. Happy for you both. Great pictures, as always.
Thank you.
Pamelab in Grand Rapids, MI for now
Although I like to explore alone sometimes it’s extra special to share with a loved one. Very cool opportunity to share a few of your favorite things/places. You both look happy.