We are having a crappy start to summer her in Oregon. Damp, cool, not ideal camping weather. However, we had reservations at Nehalem Bay this past weekend with our friend Ron so what to do? GO CAMPING!

To be honest, we had both had a long week at work. We were sitting in bad Friday night traffic trying to get home to pick up the camper and Maddy. It was pouring down rain. I looked at Jim and said “wow, too bad Ron is already at camp because I think a glass of wine and a movie at home sounds perfect about now”. Too bad indeed. We were committed.

Ron’s ride at camp

The rain increased as we headed west towards the Coast. We were already talking about packing up and going home on Saturday. Not the start we were hoping for!

However, there were positives. Ron is a great cook and, having been at camp all afternoon, had cocktails and dinner ready when we arrived. A quick set up and walk for Maddy and we were soon all warm and dry in his camper van and enjoying chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, country gravy and sauteed green beans. Maybe this was a good idea!

The rain continued throughout the night but we woke to a dry morning on Saturday. A long walk on the beach with our coffee travelers gave us hope for a nice day ahead. Opps, we spoke too soon and the rain began again in earnest.

summer camping in Oregon!

Ron disappeared into his van and we settled into the camper with a glass of wine and a movie on Jim’s iphone. Miraculously, about one hour later the sun came out. This was more like it!

We all headed out for a walk on the beach that was incredible. Sunny, mid 60’s, and gorgeous. The balance of the day was perfection. An afternoon around camp reading in the sun. My turn for dinner and we had pesto and cheese stuffed chicken, a 4 grain harvest blend and asparagus with hollandaise. Who says you can’t eat well at camp?!

“It’s all fun & games until someone loses a weiner”

Now we have a Happy Camper!

Sundowners on the beach were a fit ending to a delightful day. The sunset became more amazing as the moments passed.

Sundowners!

Maddy & I played fetch in the surf

A happy dog at the end of a day at the beach.

and we enjoyed a good bottle of Cabernet before adjourning to the campfire.

Although it would rain again that night and while Sunday morning only cleared for a short time it was long enough to get packed up before a very wet drive home. It was a fantastic weekend away. Sure, we would have loved no rain but this weekend was an excellent example of never knowing for sure what the next day will bring. Thanks for already being at camp, Ron, otherwise we would have missed a remarkable day at the beach.