Oct05
Posted on Oct 5 by Ruth Davis
After years of dreaming about it, I finally bought an inflatable kayak. It came with two deluxe seats, two paddles, a carrying case and a repair kit, big enough for two for when Marika wants to join me. We inflated the kayak on the asphalt next to the RV to try it out. It was easy to inflate and comfortable to get into. But it had a small tear in the skirt of the bow (front of the boat). I called the manufacturer and they said they would send a replacement skirt. Meanwhile, I was anxious to try the kayak out, even without the skirt fully inflated. So we folded it into a manageable 2’x5’ bundle, and hoisted it across the backseat of the RAV4. I chose to take my maiden voyage in a small lake at a city park, instead of the river or slough where I’d have to deal with the tides. And this way, Marika could walk the trails and look for birds, while I was on the water. I cried on the drive...
Sep07
Posted on Sep 7 by Ruth Davis
We are in Charleston, Oregon, a small fishing village situated along Coos Bay and the South Slough, forming the largest estuary on the Pacific Coast. Ocean access is just a quick drive from here, and right across the street is a short beach at the clamming mudflats where we take our family time walks at low tide. The city of Coos Bay, the biggest town on the coast, is 20 minutes away with a Walmart, Safeway and Fred Meyer, but no Costco. So before we left Florence, we drove into Eugene, an hour and a half each way, to get dog food for the next 2 months. We also got haircuts at a recommended woman barber, the best we’ve had since our long-time hair stylist in Phoenix! We’re in space #28 at the Charleston Marina and RV Park. It’s essentially a big parking lot with laundry, a rec room and a crab cleaning station, adjacent to the marina where private and commercial boats come in and out. We are backed into our double wide spot so there’s...
Aug24
Posted on Aug 24 by Ruth Davis
We’re still in Newport, with wind and fog, cool air, some sun. This morning it was clear blue and gorgeous and we were out in it, exploring the Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Headlands. We even hiked the quarter mile to the top of Salal Hill with a 36% grade! Marika’s knees are still pretty sore, but we’re walking every day! And it is so much easier for me to breathe here!! We decided to stay three extra days to make up for the days we lost not being here sooner. We’re eating local Dungeness crab, fresh, off-the-boat halibut and salmon, clam chowder and oysters. And the Farmer’s Market is gorgeous and delicious, with peaches, peppers, sweet carrots and heirloom tomatoes. On Friday we went to the free “Shop the Dock” program at the commercial docks and learned about the different fisheries in the area and the difference between trolling, catching one fish at a time on a line, and trawling, using a large net to catch many fish. A halibut fisherman demonstrated how fast you have to work when...
Aug17
Posted on Aug 17 by Ruth Davis
Last week we were still in Montana, awaiting a fix on a faulty tire sensor on our tow vehicle. We spent the night in the Walmart parking lot with a dozen other motor homers, and chatted with a young couple traveling across the country in an SUV, visiting every National Park. On Wednesday at noon, we finally hitched the car and headed west. It was a long three days of driving, 789 miles through Idaho and Washington, and we finally pulled into the marina in Newport, Oregon on Friday after 5, tired and happy to have finally arrived. We drove over to the seafood market for dinner to go, came home and prepared fresh Dungeness crab meat on a bed of romaine for me, the best clam chowder and smoked oysters for Marika, and a kid’s portion of local fish and chips with extra tartar sauce to share. We spent the night in the dry camping area behind the marina buildings, across the bay from the active fishing port, then moved into our reserved spot...
Aug10
Posted on Aug 10 by Ruth Davis
I am writing this on Monday morning from Basin, MT, where we are still waiting for the car to be ready. The wheel for the car DID arrive on Friday. But the tire pressure sensor got lost in the shipment, and they still need some clips, so they had to reorder the parts. Maybe they’ll show up today. Maybe the car will be done by the afternoon, or Tuesday. They reminded us that we’re in a rural part of the country, and things take a little longer to arrive. I started to freak out that we’d be here another week and Marika suggested the word surrender. She assured me that we will get to the Oregon coast in time for my Dream Altars class next Tuesday. It’s a 4 day straight drive, which I’d rather do in 5 or 6. But we will get there. Once I settled into the facts and let go of our original plan, I was actually glad we didn’t leave on Friday. We had the weekend to accept the not knowing, to ease...
Aug03
Posted on Aug 3 by Ruth Davis
After our immersion of 11 days, 3 times a day treatments in the radon mine, we were both excited to have some free time to get out and start exploring the area. On Thursday morning we went to the tiny Farmer’s Market in the next town. On the way, I said, “I think I’m finally going to find my silver earrings today. And for a reasonable price.” And I DID. A retired man named Bob makes chain-maille earrings, different designs, different colors. Only $12. And if I lose one, I can send him the remainder and he’ll make a new one for $6. WOW! We also got delicious snow peas from the youth garden, and beets, apricots, baby carrots, zucchini, a bag of purple, yellow and white cauliflower, and a quart of relish pickles, all from nearby Conrad, MT. We had fun going up and down every aisle in the hometown hardware store, past crock pots and BBQ grills, fishing lures and poles, glue sticks, rubber gloves, knives, bullets, and contact paper that looked...
