LAST DAY IN OAKHURST JULY 16, 2015

July 16, 2015

LAST DAY IN CAMP

Nothing official planned for the day, some played golf, others continued exploring and some of us just relaxed in camp.  Getting quite warm and there is a pool at the near the golf course and sort of wish I took advantage a warm day. 

Typically the last night the group goes out to dinner but since we just did that last night, this was designated as heavy snacks (I cannot spell the H word).   Butch again as tradition, generally has our group sing a long after dinner.  Because there was going to be the grand finale playoff for Ladder ball, he decided to have it early.  This year Jack McGee joined Butch as he is a musician also.  Bonnie was so gracious as to print out our song books .  Ours were getting pretty worn and tattered.  Some of the songs we sing have fond memories of past trips and some sad memories as some songs meant a lot to members who have left us.  The last trip where we had our music evening was our last official SIRS 15 trip to Calistoga Calif. in 2013, before we merged with SIRS 96.     Have to admit that was a very emotional  time thinking back to all our trips and the fond memories.   The good news is we did merge with SIRS 96 and met and still meeting new people and looking forward to new adventures and memories.

Ok.... as usual I got side tracked.....  We had a great feast of different food, everything awesome and yummy.  Onto the big match for ladder ball!  There were eight teams and when a team lost they were out.  When it got down to the final two teams, the winner of that game, played each other and the winners were: Len and Bill H.   Their playoff the final 1st place went to Bill the second place to Len. 

After the big tournament we celebrated four birthdays, Mike, Len, Steve and Jack.  Happy Birthday Guys and many more happy birthdays to come.

The rest of the evening, there were card games and trivia games going on, people just chatting and time to break down the gathering area.  Always a letdown when we have to do this and get  everything put away.  Must remember there is always another trip/adventure to look forward to.

Last but certainly not least....  a HUGE THANK YOU to our trail bosses and wives, Ed and Carol Maloney, Butch and Betty Fisher, an amazing trip, we thank you for putting together the dinner train ride and just making this as many other trips come together.  Appreciate all your efforts.

Safe travels to everyone heading home tomorrow, hope to see you all soon...

Until next time............

 

OUR HOSTS

CAROL, ED,BUTCH AND BETTY

BUTCH AND JACK

THE MUSIC MEN

SUE AKA RED AND STEVE

BEV,GEORGE AND MAX

GROUP SINGING

ANOTHER SHOT OF GROUP SINGING

MAUREEN AND CAROL

CAROL IS ALWAYS SMILING

RON AND ED

 

MORE PICTURES TO FOLLOW

 

July 15, 2015 Yosemite Blog

July 15, 2015

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Today was a free day, some went golfing, some went exploring, some went shopping and some just kicked back to relax. 

Ed and I went back to this cute shop The Purple Cow, where we found two neat lamps for the Yerington house.  Explored the town a bit and back to camp to hang out with some of our group.  We were resting up for the evening festivities..

A group of about 38 signed up for the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad BBQ, train ride and campfire.  The meal was New York Steak, or Chicken and for those that prefer a Vegetarian meal.  One thing about this traveling group, we can find fun and humor anywhere. The steaks were pretty darn good.  OK, for desert there was OMG bread pudding.  Long story about bread pudding and Ed and I contributed ours to anyone who wanted them in our  group. 

We boarded our outdoor car and some were in the cars with tops and we were pretty darn cozy as other people moved our belongings down and took our spots.  We take this kind of stuff in stride, well I did want to confront them but what good is that going to do, they would not have moved.  The ride was about two miles up the road and at the end of that part of the ride, an area with seating and a campfire.  The foursome group that entertained us through dinner were there to do sing  a longs and stories.  A lot of good old campfire songs and the funny part is to see some of the "younger teens" looking extremely bored.  I suppose not much of this type of activity is popular these days unless on a mobile device.   We headed back down to the train station, the weather was nice, just a light jacket needed.  We got back to camp about 10:00 pm, everyone went to their home on wheels for the night. 

If anyone is in the Yosemite area, I would recommend this train ride, it is not often you can find these old steam trains running anymore.

  YosemiteMountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Driving through Yosemite

 

Setting up for dinner

Campfire

Some of our group

 

More pictures to come as soon as I transfer them

 

Until next time......

DAY 2 July 13, 2015

July 13, 2015  DAY 2

 

Ed and I started out the day with good intentions to be to camp by 3:00 ish.  Hoping to start the day for breakfast at the RV park location  to find out it is closed Monday and Tuesday.  No problem, we will find a place along the way..   We get down to Highway 108 which was our intended route and the first warning sign was  trucks exceeding 30 feet not advised, then the second sign up the road said vehicles with trailers not advised, and the third one was the 26% grade, THAT was the topper, and it was "hell no" no doing that one. We finally find a place to turn around and headed back to Highway 395 and Tioga Pass.  There are some grades on that road, it is a pretty ride although Ed did not see much but the highway.  The roads are narrow through Yosemite to begin with but with idiotic tourists that stop smack in the middle of the road to take pictures and then the really intelligent ones that stand aside their parked car on the side of the road and backing up into the road to get a better shot of a TREE, that idiot is lucky to be alive.  Then the tunnels, glad I was not driving as I covered my eyes.  At any rate it took six hours and we arrived to camp at 5:00 pm   just in time for dinner.  Excellent timing for sure.

Butch, Betty, Carol and Ed our leaders on this trip provided a very nice meal of, pulled pork, beans and potato salad.  It was awesome and thanks for all the work they put in for this meal for forty people.  Now Butch came around with homemade cookies (at least that is what he said) red velvet cookies, not to be outdone Ed M. claims his cookies were freshly baked.  He must be a heck of a baker, they tasted just as good as Costco cookies.  I do believe both men as they are fine upstanding gentlemen... 

It was great catching up with everyone.  Since our SIRS 15 and SIRS 96 merged, there are still a few unfamiliar faces but over time I am sure that will be resolved.  Quite a few folks were playing this game, where you throw a rope type thingie with balls at each end at a thing that looks like a three step ladder.  After watching a while Ed and I went up against Len and Ron, and well, I have never been the most coordinated one so I may have made one point, Ed was a bit better but we got  whupped!  I am going to practice and show em!!!  Tomorrow was to be the official trip to Yosemite but I think only half our group is going, Ed and I declined as well since we just drove through the park but will no doubt go another day, maybe Thursday.  We do know one thing for sure, we are not going back the same way.  We will go with the rest of our group back to Amador County, maybe spend the night in Ione then back to Reno.   We live and learn.

I will report more tomorrow on who is here and doing what.  I will say it was great seeing Sue and Steve. They have been through a lot and Steve looks marvelous.  Don't tell him I said that tho!  

Some of our group watching the ladder tournament game

Making lunch driving through Yosemite

 

Time for some sleep soooooo.....

Until next time......

Back on the road again! July 12, 2015

July 12, 2015

Our first official trip with the RV group starts this weekend.   Ed and I are going in a day late as we had the opportunity to go to a Giants ball game with my daughter who works with Franklin Templeton and  had one of the VIP booths. It was amazing, very comfortable, good food and drinks and the host of FT was very gracious.  This came about because every year Denise goes, I complain, hey what about your mom?  Guess whining long enough got Ed and I tickets.  It was a great time and quality time with Denise and Doug.  We got back to Ione about 2:00 am, got about six hours sleep, drove back to Reno, picked up the RV and drove about 80 miles to Coleville/Walker RV park for the night.  We have the lovely drive over Highway 108 tomorrow about 180 miles of twisty winding roads.  We will catch up with our RV group tomorrow afternoon, a day late but looking forward to seeing everyone. 

Doug, Maureen, Denise and Ed at AT&T Park

 

Beau is not making this trip, he is being well taken care of by our dear friends Sally and Alf at our house.  He will go on our next trip to the ocean for sure...

 

Until next time......

April 2015

Well, so much for keeping up the blog.  As it turned out we did not do any trips since May of last year except to take the RV down to MCC in Indio.  As it turns out Ed and I may have spent eight days there and Sandy and I went down for about five days.  As much as I like the place in Indio it is just not practical to keep it.  The lot is back on the market and hope it sells but probably not until next "season" that starts in October.  MCC has been rated the most beautiful Motorcoach Country Club in the United States. 

Our Boat dock looking across to the Yacht Club

 

From the Contessa

 

To the Suncruiser

 

 

 The street view to our lot

 

 

Golf cart path thru the golf course

 

Across the street from our lot

 

We have so many commitments in Nevada especially since we acquired another property near Yerington with some acreage to play, shoot skeet and pretty much be out of the city.  Of course our Amador property needs our TLC as well. 

My goal is to travel with our RV group this year, we are signed up for at least two trips. So looking forward to these new adventures, our group has so much fun.  Friends Alf and Sally from MCC are heading our way and plan on some Oregon coast trips with them.  Also plan on spending time with Jimmy and Tori who moved to Oregon and she is actually looking for a shack on the beach for me.  :-)  :-)    LIKE I need another property but that would be so cool.  Practically we will drive the RV there.  One more trip hopefully to get in will be a trip to Yosemite with Denise and family.  With all her international travels, she has never been to Yosemite.  I think Steve finally drove through Yosemite for the first time recently.  Hope he considers going on this trip as well.

Another start here and I will do my best to add when we travel or just on a whim.  I so enjoyed writing the blog for all these years .....

Random pictures.....

Beau and Bullet

 

Ed on the Segway at MCC

 

 

Maureen on Segway at MCC

 

 

Steve and Scout

 

Doug and Denise

 

Cousin BBQ

 

Baylee, Jessica, Wyatt, Sarah and Katie The Grandkids

Bullet, Beau and Zena the pooches

So until next time......

Dang, where did this year go?

It has been a year since I have updated the blog.  We did not go on many trips this last year with the move to Reno and all the other interferences of life.  I will go back and post some updates and hopefully have a few trips this year to post about.


One of the main issues is the new coach was in the shop for almost six months.  Moving to Nevada, the laws on coaches and drivers license are different from California.  The Beaver Contessa was just too heavy and we would have had to take tests for advanced license and know why and where everything to drive on the coach would be.  No problem for Ed, but all I need to know is where the accelerate, brake pedals and shifting gear is to drive.  The blog will stay Contessa on the road, as I have named this "other" coach Contessa.  Works for me......  anyway will be back with more info and looking forward to a couple of trips this year.

 

  

Been A While... and Changes

Been A While... and so much has happened.  First of all Happy Belated New Year.  We have been so busy with so many projects that we have  not found time to breath.  The main news is California has finally driven us out of the State. 

We are now official residents of Nevada.  We started looking last October and closed on a home in Reno.  Who would have thought?  Born and raised in California, never thought I would ever leave.   I always pictured Reno as the sometimes unattractive Downtown area.  We have found that the city is totally different from what you see from Highway 80. The University of Nevada for one is such a beautiful campus.  There are so many unique neighborhoods and shopping everywhere.  I love Amador County but have to say the convenient shopping is a huge plus.  We will still be a part of Amador County, being there a few months a year.  Until the market gets better (hopefully in my lifetime) we will continue to have the California property.

FAREWELL CONTESSA-WELCOME SUNCRUISER

One of the things we had to do is switch out Motorhomes.  The laws in Nevada are different and they go by weight rather than length as in California as to what one can drive with a regular license.  If we kept the Contessa, we would have to apply for another class of license and have to know the workings of the MH, climb under and around and explain.  Well I know where the gas pedal and break are, and that is all I need to know.  We found a 38 ft. gas model that we both liked. We were looking for a Winebago Adventurer and found the Itaska Suncruiser is the exact same coach and found one which was not easy.  I really like the floor plan and seems easy to drive.  So it was farewell Beaver Contessa and hello Itaska Suncruiser.  I had such mixed emotions, first the move out of State, then giving up my home on wheels, the Contessa took us to a lot of fun and interesting places, many good times with awesome people.  I am sure the Suncruiser will bring as many fond memories.

FAREWELL SIRS 15 RV GROUP-WELCOME SIRS 96 RV GROUP

We started the new year with a dilemma regarding our RV Group.  We only had two trips last year and lost some of our dearest members, plus others selling their RV's and moving on.  Our roster showed quite a few Sirs 96 folks in our group and quite a few of us in Sirs 96.  At our annual meeting in January it was decided to merge with 96.  I know quite a few folks from 96 and traveled with them, I think this merge will work out well.  There are several trips planned already and know that the blended RV family will be a fun and adventurous year. 

As you can see, quite a few changes already in 2013.  I am hoping things settle down soon   We need to finish getting settled here in Reno, it has been a very busy two months. 

I have to talk to Steve about our final official SIRS 15 BBQ/Picnic which will be held at the Nunnally Amador home in a few months.  I will do my best to schedule the event when it is not over 100 degrees.  Seems no matter when we choose a date, it gets hotter than heck!!

That is about it for now, I will still get some pictures up from our previous trip.... and will post a few pictures of our current adventure. Just have to get things transferred to a different computer.

Hope everyone is well, looking forward to warmer weather and Spring. 

So, until next time.....

Back to Amador County September 20, 2012

Homeward bound!!!  We were leaving Redding about 9:00 am and gave George and Bev a call to see where they were.  They were about to leave Red Bluff in about 45 minutes, so we told them we would catch up with them.  We timed it pretty good and as they were coming on the freeway we were right behind them.  Back in line, George and Bev,  Steve and Sue, me and Ed and Oneta and Bob taking up the rear...  never would have known we split up..  We stopped for breakfast in Corning, rehashed the trip and as always concluded we all had a fine time.  

We got home about 2:00 in the afternoon after a stop and fuel stop.  I headed up to Pine Grove to pick up Beau dog.  I was so glad to see him, I do miss him when we are traveling.  He has a better time playing with Maggie, Koda, Bogie and of course the smallest dog Mini supervising.  He plays hard and does quite a bit of napping when he gets home. 

End of the SIRS 15 travels for 2012.  I am looking forward to 2013 and  travels with good friends.

Until next time....

Redding September 19,2012

We all got back on the road about 9:00 am, stopped for breakfast and when we got to Redding the rest of the group traveled on ahead.  They wanted to check out a RV park in Red Bluff. 

We were going to visit with Jim and Julie, old time friends for many years.  We stayed at the Premiere RV Park Redding, where we have stayed many times before.  This is also a sister resort to the Lincoln location.  Jim and Julie's son and wife Jimmy and Tori along with their son Hunter have started a new business, a 50's type Hamburger Food Wagon.  It is called Fallis Around Town.   Absolutely totally amazing burgers.  They are half pound burgers, fresh beef and so dang yummy.  If anyone is traveling through Redding, check out their facebook page for a schedule of where they will be that day.  You will not regret it at all..   Jimmy and Tori set up the truck outside their parents home, it was fun and the neighborhood folks dropped by for a burger.  I looked out and saw a police car and thought oh noooo they are in trouble... LOL  no way the officers were there for a burger!!!  We all got a chance to visit later that evening and caught up on the last year or so....   I am looking forward to stopping back in Redding on one of our adventures and will be sure to visit the Burger Truck!!

Tomorrow, the last leg of the trip home...

Until next time....

Leaving Oregon... September 18, 2012

Time to head on home.  We all left Premiere RV Resort .  Dorothy and Ed left quite a bit earlier to try and get home a day earlier.  We had an uneventful driving day and arrived at Seven Feathers Casino RV Resort.  This is a beautiful park and they are very accommodating.  The provide transportation to the Casino and the Truck Stop restaurant.  We all went over to have dinner and made a contribution to the establishment.  A very nice evening.. 

Tomorrow, Ed and I are traveling to Redding to visit friends.  Bev, George, Oneta, Bob, Sue and Steve will be traveling a bit further down the road..

Until next time....

Lincoln City Oregon September 17, 2012

This was the official end of the RV trip.  I did not get enough of my ocean fix so extended another day.  George, Bev, Dorothy, Ed, Oneta, Bob, Sue and Steve decided to stay on for another day as well.  Dave, April, Paula and Len had plans to visit some other areas of Oregon and headed out that morning.  

This was a kick back day, just enjoying the sunny weather and getting things ready to head home.  Ed and I took a ride down the road and found another beach to explore.  We took a long walk and came upon a dead otter, icky and sad at the same time.  

That evening those of us that stayed on went to dinner at Inn at Spanish head.  This is where Bev and George had their anniversary dinner. Very nice place and the food was good, an excellent view of the Pacific Ocean.  A very nice way to end the trip.....

Until next time....

Lincoln City Oregon September 16, 2012

It occurred to me that I did not finish the blog for the last trip. Since it has been three months, I am going on memory... watch out!

Sunday, September 16th, it was a cool morning but prediction of another sunny day.  Tom and Trisa had to leave today to attend their grandson's birthday celebration.  Great seeing you both again and hope we can get together again soon.

Today was retail therapy day.  Just so happens there is Tanger  Outlet Mall a couple miles down the road.  The ladies of Amador County are retail deprived so we take every opportunity to shop.  Bev, Sue, Dorothy, Oneta, Paula, April and myself had a very productive day.  This Mall had stores that we do not have at home, one very popular store being the Pendleton Store.  I think everyone enjoyed that store.  We had lunch at the deli and moved on for more shopping.  I really do not remember what the fellas did that day. (This is what I get for procrastinating)

Our group went out to dinner for our official last night at Lincoln City.  It was a BBQ place and will post the name if and when I remember.  Dorothy introduced me to Lemon Drops!  Amazing, just like lemonade until one tries to stand up and walk.  Sorta sneaks up on ya!!  We all had a good time, we have such an amazing travel group.   

 We played some games in the rec room again that evening.  Enjoyed another game of farkle with Bob and Oneta....

Until next time....

Lincoln City September 15, 2012

YES!!!!  The sun is shining, it is a bit warmer, enough to put away the jeans and break out the capri's, well at least for the gals.  Ed and I started out the day with Trish and Tom and went to breakfast at Pig in the Blanket!  I think that is the name, a very nice breakfast.  We decided to go to Newport to the Aquarium.   I have to say I was very impressed.  This is an indoor and outdoor aquarium and it is so neat.  It is far better than the one we have in Monterrey California.  I hope the pictures turn out because the colors of some of these fish were really pretty.  We then started back to Lincoln City and stopped in a little town Depot City.  Trish and I went through some of the shops while Ed and Tom went over to the beach.  There is a Whale Visitor Center there that Ed explored.  We came back to camp and tried to get to the beach.  There is a tunnel under the highway but it goes to a hotel and really not to the beach. Ed and I went through the hotel to the beach and almost got blown away, it was so dang windy.  Decided to do the beach another day.  We had dinner at Mo's restaurant  a real popular place on the beach.  We did not have much of a wait but when we left they were out the door and down the side of the building.  We checked out that beach and there were quite a few folks having fires on the beach. Pretty cool!

Steve, Sue, George and Bev took a ride down and visited Newport and Depot City.  They did see some whales out in the ocean below Depot Bay.  Len, Paula, Dave, April, Bob, Oneta, Dorothy and Ed went into Salem to the Wool Factory tour and the State Capital.  They reported back that it was very interesting and they had a great day in Salem.  

Since there was so much spaghetti left over from last night, dinner was available again to those that wanted to stay in.  

Before I go on, I want to wish George and Bev a very Happy Anniversary. It is 55 years for this great couple.  Many happy wishes to you both, you are very special people.  George and Bev went out to dinner and was able to see a very beautiful sunset.   Bev is a very good sport, it seems we are always on a trip on their anniversary.  Much love to you both!

Bob, Oneta, Trisha, Dave and I played farkle again tonight, and for the second night in a row Oneta was the big winner.  In closing for tonight, I think everyone had a great day and tomorrow another day here on the Oregon coast...  

So until next time.......

Travel Day Coos Bay to Lincoln City 9/14/12

Travel days are tedious, I have decided.  George, Bev, Steve, Sue Ed and I started out first from Coos Bay.  It was only about 130 miles to Lincoln City but Highway 101 North is narrow and at times looking over the cliffs to the ocean.  I am so glad I did not volunteer to drive this stretch because I do not think I could have done it.  The scenery is awesome, the ocean is amazing but it took over three hours.  Bob and Oneta had to stop in Coos Bay for a water heater repair, which unfortunately when they got here to Lincoln City found out the heater was NOT repaired.  Ron and Evelyn made a reservation at another park in Depot City so they were going to spend Friday night there.   Dave, April, Len, Paula, Ed and Dorothy were about an hour behind us.  We are at Premiere RV Park in Lincoln City.

We had a few errands to run after we got settled in.  I was waiting for Trish and Tom from Salem to join us and the arrived late afternoon.  Trish and I have been friends for many years and whenever we come to Oregon we try to meet up with them.  They are staying here with us until Sunday.  

Gary and Marilyn who were to be on this trip and always cook a great spaghetti dinner had to cancel but they came through with the amazing spaghetti sauce.  Dorothy took on the spaghetti project and we had a fine meal of spaghetti and meatballs....  lots of meatballs, salad, french bread and dessert.  I can't say it enough, we eat very well on these trips.  A big thanks for Dorothy to carry on and she had Steve doing kitchen duty also.  

We ended the evening with some of us playing farkle, a fun dice game and some were playing canasta. We are expecting sun tomorrow and some wind.  Some of our group are going to Salem for the day and some of us are touring around the local area... 

So until next time......

Coos Bay September 13, 2012

I have been lazy the last couple of nights to write on the blog so will catch up now.  On Tuesday, September 11th, we went to Bandon Oregon for the day.  It is a cute little town with an old town section with restaurants and shops.  There is a wharf there in fact that is where we had our Crabbing boat experience the last time we were here.  As I said the plan to go crabbing was scratched due to weather.  We had lunch, I think everyone that likes clam chowder has been getting their fill on this trip.  We looked through the shops and of course some retail therapy was in order.  It was a very windy and cold day, the sun was shining but the wind took any warmth out of the day. In fact we did not even get a walk on the beach that day.

We returned to camp and Ed, Dorothy, Len and Paula provided hamburgers for the evening meal.  We had side dishes provided by some of the gals.  One thing for sure we never go hungry on these trips. 

Wednesday September 12, 2012, I think everyone went in different directions today.  Ed and I went to get the car washed, had to get some bulbs for the coach, a real exciting day for sure .  We found a small shopping mall that I took a stroll through, nothing exciting  so we headed back to camp and was able to spend quite a bit of time walking on the beach.  I have always said if I lived near the beach I would be skinny.  It was a sunny and cool day but the wind did die down.  

We had a catered dinner that evening provided by a local restaurant in Charleston Oregon.  What a feast, brisket that melted in your mouth, BBQ chicken and shrimp, a great salad, rolls and of  course clam chowder.   Dorothy provided desert and no one went away hungry from this meal.  Most of stayed at the yurit and played games.  Paula, Len, April and Dave played 3-13.  Ed, Bob, Steve, Oneta, Dorothy and I played Sequence.  It was the guys against the gals.  Now it seems the guys whupped up on us gals but a game or two should be questioned because there was some jokers played the incorrect way.  No intentional cheating but I think all those games should be voided!! LOL  

Thursday, September 13, 2012.  Butch and Betty left us to head back to California to go to their grandson's football game.  Safe travels to you and we will miss you for the rest of our trip.  Today was another kick back day, folks going their own way exploring.  Dorothy and I went to the mall to check out Macy's and we ran into Bev and George.  George decided to go back to camp and Bev spent the rest of the afternoon shopping with us.  We did find a few good bargains and headed back to camp.  Ed and I took another long walk on that gorgeous beach.  It is so relaxing to walk and hear the surf , watch the kids playing and the pooches running in the ocean.  

We had a heavy snack night tonight, again lots of good food. Since it was our last night here, we finally were able to have a campfire.  The only thing missing was marshmallows...darn it!

Tomorrow we will leave for Lincoln City.  Richard and Shelia will leaving to go home tomorrow. We wish you safe travels and hope to see you soon. The rest of the group will travel about 130 miles to Lincoln City to the Premiere RV park. We will be there until Monday and a couple of us until Tuesday.  Although the plans for Coos Bay fell through, I think we all enjoyed our stay here.  Just to be here at the ocean is well worth the trip.

So until next time......

Coos Bay September 10,2012

We woke up to overcast and cool this morning.  It rained during the night so the grounds were icky to say the least.   Today was planning day and seems our timing is off this trip due to weather.  The guys went out to check the boat rental for crabbing and was told due to a storm coming in and high winds there would be no crabbing until Friday.  Since we are leaving Friday that is not going to be an option.  

Some of the gals went into  Coos Bay to go to Freddie Myers.  We do not have one in California so it was one of first shopping excursions.  We were wandering around the store and find the guys in the little snack shop eating donuts and bagels and just all that good stuff.  We went to the Mills casino for lunch.  We were good, just had lunch and did not make any deposits.  I did not get much on this outing except we stopped in Charleston to check out what stores were there.  All we could find is a thrift shop open, I have to say I did find a good buy there, NMDJ are generally $100.00 which is ridiculous for a pair of jeans but I found a pair in there for $8.00.  

When we returned to camp, down time for a couple of hours before our Hamburger night.  A big thanks to our Wagon master Ed and Dorothy, they put on a fine BBQ with the help of our cooks George and Butch.   The gals provided great side dishes and as usual everything was awesome!

We have the use of the Yurik for our events here at Oceanside RV Park.  It is a neat building and so handy for our meals and whatever events we have.  Nice TV in there and there were some watching the Raider Game tonight.  Dorothy, Betty, Ed, Oneta, Bev and I played Sequence, Dave, April, Len and Paula were playing a card game golf 9 I think is what it was called.  The rest of the group just visited.  Sort of a nice easy day overall after two days of driving.  Not sure what is on the agenda for tomorrow yet, I am sure we will find something fun to do.... 

I am going to try and get pictures on in the next day or so.  Ed got me an Apple Mac Book Air and I am having difficulty getting the pictures in order and edited for the blog.  If I do not figure it out on this trip, I will post them when I get home so be sure to check back.

So, until next time........

Travel Day Benbow to Coos Bay

September 9, 2012

We woke up to a cool brisk but sunny morning.  Everyone was ready to roll out at 8:00 am. With ten rigs we sort of spaced it out a bit and I believe everyone was on the highway by 8:30.  We drove about 170 miles to Brookings, Oregon for lunch.  Most of us squeezed  into this small place for lunch, I will post the name tomorrow because I just don't remember the name tonight.  It was cool in Brookings but the sun was shining.  For miles before we stopped for lunch the ocean views from the highway were just breathtaking.  I love to watch the ocean, if I lived at the ocean, I would be skinny because I could walk that awesome beach for hours. 

 Anyway.....  after lunch we took off for the next leg of our trip.  We followed George as he knew the correct road into the campground.  I have to say and there are more on this trip that agrees with me, this place has to be one of the most difficult to find.  We were happy thinking we would get to camp mid afternoon.  We were not that far from camp when we were stopped, an accident ahead that was closing the road for hours.  Unfortunately it was a motorcycle head on with  a car and a fatality.  We tried to call back to warn the group behind us to stop or turn around but of course there was no cell service.  This is a narrow two lane road and we have three motor homes towing and three fifth wheels out of our group stuck there.  The other four rigs did not get up as far as we did.  There was a little dirt area so we unhooked the cars and backed the motor homes down onto this dirt area, just barely enough room to get everyone turned around.  Bev took off in her car, I could not get in behind her because I was blocked but finally we got everyone turned around to head back to the main highway.  We all have navigation systems that do not work well in this territory, So with so many different directions we just winged it.  When we did turn off to head to the camp up in Coos Bay, somehow I got on a different street and can see motor homes going one direction  then a fifth  wheel going another way, it was almost  like an old Laurel and Hardy movie.  We had our two way radios and I finally got behind Steve.  If I were to say, tempers were short would be an understatement.  We arrived at the campground about 5:00 pm and so glad to finally be able to park.  Two other couples got lost coming in, they were smart and called the office here and stayed on the phone until they got here!!!  WAY TO GO!

After we all got settled in, hooked up etc. we had heavy snacks, I still cannot spell that H word.  We had an amazing variety of food, adult beverages which I participated in tonight.  We hashed over our adventures of the day and ended the evening with several of us walking the beach.  We had four dogs with us, Buddy who belongs to Dave and April was running in the surf and just having a good time, then Gracie who belongs to Butch and Betty was doing her best to keep up with Buddy.  Max, who is with George and Bev was restrained a bit by George but he finally let Max loose to run for awhile.  Jake who belongs to Ed and Dorothy did not get as rambunctious but he had a good time as well.

I have to say that walk on the beach was the best way to end the day, especially this one.  Tomorrow is a free day, and a day to organize some activities for the week.  Everyone is tucked away for the night and I am heading that way myself...

So, until next time......

On The Road Again....... to Oregon

September 8, 2012

After a week of problems we were not sure we were going to make the Oregon trip.  Water pump problems with the coach.  Thanks to George's help, he and Ed were able to get the problem fixed. It was a busy day Friday getting everything in the coach to leave on Saturday.  

We met up with George and Bev, Ed and Dorothy and Dave and April about 8:00 am for a 263 mile day.  Does  not sound too bad but we were on curvy country roads a good part of the day.  We stopped at Oasis Restaurant for breakfast in Dunnigan.  Good food and as we were leaving the server told us this restaurant used to be called Panty Coat Junction many years ago.  I heard stories about that place, LOL the servers were in skimpy clothes and were no spring chickens.  Most of them were of the "senior generation"  This place was popular especially for the truckers on Interstate 5.  It was also known for it's good food as well.

We arrived at Benbow RV Park about 2:30 in the afternoon.  What a gorgeous day, sunny, warm and a bit of a breeze.  Sue was holding down camp, while Steve, Butch, Betty, Len, Paula, Bob and Oneta were out on the golf course.  Some of the gals just went along for the ride, those playing must have done ok, they were smiling when they returned.  The rest of our group for this trip arrived late afternoon,, Ron and Evelyn, Richard and Shelia arrived. There was no official plan for the evening, some of us sat out and visited until time to fix or find dinner... We are back on the road tomorrow at 8:00 am ish.  We will have a long day tomorrow as the road is quite curvy and narrow.  I know this because on our last trip here, I drove that part of the trip and it was white knuckle for me the entire time I was driving.  We are heading to Coos Bay....

So, until next time.........

FAMILY BBQ

Unfortunately due to circumstances with several members of the family, the BBQ has been postponed.  We will try and do something in October if all goes well otherwise we are on for next year.  Sorry we missed this opportunity to get together, I really enjoy seeing everyone!  Will keep you all updated....  

RV PICNIC AUGUST 11, 2012

What is it about the RV picnic and heat?  No matter what month I plan the picnic, the heat wave hits.  Last year we had the picnic in June and it was 103 degrees, IN JUNE!!!   So this year I went back to August since it has been mild, the temperature was the hottest day all Summer 107 degrees.  There is no winning this one!  Next year whoever hosts the picnic should maybe try October! :-)

We still had a successful day, about 40 guests and we were spread out.  We set up tables indoors for some of the gals to play cards or games and visit.  The guys were outside and we had some in the pool.  It was a perfect day for the pool there is no doubt.   George was the bartender, he did a fine job.  Mudslides were the popular beverage of the day.  They are like a chocolate milkshake with a bit of a kick!  Very good stuff.  Beer and wine were also on hand.  Butch was the main BBQ cook with help from Ed Reno.  As always we had awesome side dishes provided by all the gals of this group and BBQ steaks.  One thing about this group, we do not go hungry!  

Despite the heat, I think everyone had a good time, I know quite a few really enjoyed the pool.  This group has a good time no matter what, an amazing bunch of people for sure.  I would like to thank those that help set up and clean up. Thanks to Dorothy for getting the silverware done, she always makes it look nice.  A special thanks to the ladies for all the great food.  

I will be posting pictures soon, I still have some editing to do.

So until next time.......