Travels with haRVy

We stopped off in Portland, OR for a couple of nights on our way to the coast from the Columbia River Gorge. We spent one night with Boondocker’s Welcome host Corky, who took us out for a delicious dinner at Seasons & Regions. If you’re ever in that neighborhood, I highly recommend this restaurant. Thank you Corky, it was an unexpected pleasure!

The next night was spent with fellow Westy owners Rob and Sue who not only allowed us to shower and do laundry at their place, but cooked up a delicious smoked salmon chowder for dinner. Al and Rob exchanged Westy upgrade suggestions while Sue passed along some travel tips to me. Thanks guys, really appreciate your hospitality and hope to meet up with you on the road somewhere.

After a beautiful drive west on Route 26 and south on Route 101, with several scenic stops along the way, we landed at another Boondocker’s Welcome home in Rockaway Beach. Sheila and Earl warmly welcomed us upon arrival and invited us in for tea and travel story telling, which proved interesting and entertaining. We enjoyed their company and generosity very much.

Boat restoration project that sadly never got started.

The next day was gloriously sunny with temps up to 60 degrees! We had a nice long walk at Sandbeach Campground at the Sandlake Recreation Area in South Tillamook county before a pretty sunset and an incredibly dark and starry night.

Warm enough to walk the beach barefoot!

Sandlake Recreation Area

We continued south on Highway 101 through Lincolnville and Depoe Bay and then took a short detour onto the Otter Crest Loop Trail, part of the original coastal highway built in 1931. That wet and windy evening was spent at the marina in Newport. We proceeded south along the coast for the next several days.

We saw hundreds of miles of views like this or better.

Newport Harbor

Cute baby octopus at the Hatfield Marine Science Center.

Historic Nye Beach in Newport

Heceta Head Lighthouse in the mist.

Sand dune walk from campground to Baker Beach.

Apparently the sand blows around quite a lot here.

Hallelujah – gotta love these prices!

Coos Head from FREE overnight camping spot.

Big surf in morning light.

That breakwater will need to be rebuilt next spring.

Cape Arago Lighthouse

The last stop on our tour of the Oregon Coast was in Brookings where we spent three days with my sister Judy. We don’t get to see each other often, so it was great to have time enough to just visit and talk.

Hate to admit that my sister is twelve years older than me. She sure doesn’t look it!
Here we are at her weekly “Taco Tuesday” girl-friend gathering.

California here we come!