After a shocking one month break from camping, we headed to Central Oregon to Lake Billy Chinook with our new black dog, Porter, and our camping buddies, Ron & Dario. Our favorite moments are spent in the camper, and we were missing it greatly. Although we have a very comfortable house and quite fantastic back yard/palapa we’ve learned that being on the road is where we’re most at home.
We recently stayed at South Beach Campground for the second time this year, the first being for the Rogue Brewers Memorial Ale Fest in May, and this time camping with friends Dave, Anne and their daughter Zoey for her very first camping trip.
With the weather forecast not horribly promising, we none-the-less all headed to the beach Continue reading
Our second island visit in the San Juans was Orcas island, a much larger and busier island than Lopez. While we were sad to leave our fantastic beachfront campsite on Lopez, we were extremely excited to head to Orcas for one reason: Doe Bay Resort.
Back in February when we were researching and booking this trip I found Doe Bay online. We were taken back by the cost ($62 for a non-hookup site!), but we were drawn to the ideals of an organic, earthy, yoga inspired resort. The advertised soaking pools on a deck overlooking the bay sealed the deal! Continue reading
The San Juan Islands, famous here in the Northwest and beyond as a haven for boaters, those seeking solitude, and hippies. Surprisingly enough, neither Jim nor I had ever traveled there before. We were told the week of July 4th was not the optimal time to to travel to the islands, with stories of 10 hour waits for the ferries and overcrowded campgrounds but we decided to take the chance. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
One of our favorite things is spending time with black dog. Whether it be camping, hiking, or just hanging out, things are always best when we’re hanging out with Maddy. In May we had two big doggie events which, as expected, proved to be highly entertaining.
Early in the month we participated, once again, in the Oregon Humane Society’s annual Doggie Dash. This is a premiere Portland event and is attended by over 2000 dogs and their humans every year with proceeds going towards the Humane Society.
Portland sign
The “dash” consists of either a 1.5 mile walk along the waterfront at Tom McCall park or the walk we always do, a 2.5 mile walk Continue reading
Last weekend we celebrated our anniversary at Timothy Lake, one of our favorite camping spots in Oregon.
We met in our friend Ken’s living room. It was one of those random moments in time that changes your life forever. Continue reading
Trout Creek campground is a special spot, in fact, I hesitate to even write about it because I don’t want to ruin one of Oregon’s hidden gems. In the end, however, it is simply too good not to share.
Part of the joy of Trout Creek is the scenery en-route to the campground. Anyone driving from Portland first experiences the majesty of Mt. Hood before crossing into the sagebrush strewn high desert that is Central Oregon. Continue reading
“I hear the waves, sun beating down on my shoulders, it’s a near perfect day….” Zac Brown band.
