OREGON in September

We were here in Oregon last September and we had two weeks of blue skies and the Dungeness Crabs were abundant. We won’t be joining our RV friends this year for the annual “CrabaRang”, but at least we will have a few days on the coast before moving south. If you don’t know what a “CrabaRang ” is, here is a link to a video I produced from last years activities.     https://vimeo.com/246283397

I’m not sure when Mark noticed some unusual wear on one of our front tires but he had a plan for stopping in Eugene and purchasing two new front tires.  OUCH!  Our tires are huge so I knew this would be an expensive stop. We made several calls to shops in Eugene.  We found the best deal to be $1700.00 for two at a shop Joe Moody recommended, Wyatt’s Tire Co. Thanks Joe!  They mounted and balanced two fresh Michelins and we were on our way.  We spent one night at the Valley River Center which is convenient for downtown Eugene businesses.  They are happy to allow out of town RVs to park there for two nights (maximum).  It’s located next to the river and the park.

We also have a situation going on with the bedroom slide. On the 4th of July in Wasilla, Alaska, the bedroom slide would not come in all the way. After a call to Newmar the following day we tried numerous things that they recommended. The best we could do is bring it in with two inches remaining askew.   Well, that’s how it has been through the rest of our Alaska trip and up until now.  We have an appointment to have it worked on this week.  Since that appointment is several days away we headed for the cooler temperatures and smoke-free air.  FLORENCE, Oregon.

We have stayed here in Florence many times.  We used to stay at the Three Rivers Casino but they have changed their camping policy. Now you may stay one night free and if you wish to extend you have to put a minimum of 50 points on your player’s card every 24 hours. From what I could figure based on my experience, it’s about $20 – $25 in wagers per day…Win or Lose

After two days there we moved to the Elks Lodge on Mercer Lake Road.  It is quiet and the sites are in the woods. $25.00 including water and electric and a dump station. No AT&T phone service and Verizon has one bar phone and one bar for data. You may use the Lodge’s free WIFI to make WIFI “enabled calls” or texts.  For Internet use, however, it is very slow.

It was lunchtime when we arrived and we know there are many great eateries at the Wharf.  It has been a long time since our 6 am breakfast snack. Little did we know they were having a car show.  In spite of the crowds, we were able to be seated right away and enjoy a nice lunch at “1285 RESTOBAR”.  We know from last year that “The Firehouse” has a special chowder that is very good, both establishments are located on Bay Street.

Street Rods and other beauties were scattered all along the wharf area; over 140 entries.

Several of the gals who were members of the local car club were on hand to perform a dance number from GREASE. They were dressed in poodle skirts and some were Pink Ladies in their satin jackets.

The weather here is beautiful and we’ve spent many afternoons at the beach. After spending all summer near water;  Lakes, Bays, Oceans, and Rivers, it’s great to get one more ocean “fix” before heading to the desert in Nevada and Arizona.

For me, it’s always calming to be along the coast.  Right now being calm and sitting at the foot of the ocean is where I need to be.  Several days ago,  I received word about the health of a close family member, it was very disturbing news.  We are all pretty much in shock.  One can feel so helpless when someone’s health takes a Left turn.  The best I can do from here is keep calm and direct my thoughts and prayers in his direction.

“Time and Tide Wait for No man..or Woman”