THURSDAY WITH ALLYSON

May 30, 2013 -

Our first visitor was Allyson.  We were excited to see her and show her our new home.  Allyson had great knowledge of the area and recommended some spots for hiking and dining.  The best thing was going to Rendezvous Grill for dessert.  Allyson shared memories of past dinners at the Rendezvous Grill with her parents.  It is worth a trip to Welches to have dessert.  We all ordered something different and shared.  YUMMMM

Check out that Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler

Thanks Allyson for being such a great friend and coming to visit us.

Mount Hood/Welches

May 29 - June 28, 2013 - Mt Hood RV Park

Whew, made it to Welches without any interesting mishaps.  The park was not very full and we had a very exclusive space.  The best part of Welches is seeing friends one more time before departing on our big trip.  The most frustrating was no WiFi.  We decided to contract with Verizon and now have a HotSpot.  This will solve most of the tardiness problems I was having with posting on the blog.

This is the section we stayed in.  The site had beautiful ferns, trees and a fire pit for Ray.

It appears Ray became heavenly while we were there...

THOUSAND TRAILS SUNRIVER/BEND

Sunriver Oregon - May 24, 2013

We're here, already for Memorial Day Weekend.  We arrived before the crowds and have been watching the stream of families with packed RVs looking for the perfect spot.  Our criteria is enough space for the slides and a clear view of the south so the satellite works.

We took the bikes out and plan to ride them everyday we're here.  Weather is still a bit chilly, but there is a promise of warmer weather in the next couple of days.  Ray has fire wood so this site will feel like camping instead of resort stay. 

Looking forward to visiting with friends and enjoying Central Oregon

NEWPORT OREGON BEACH

 – May 19, 2013

The best part about visiting Newport is the beach.  But there are a few things you need to know about visiting the beach along the Oregon Coast that only a seasoned beach goer knows.  I am extremely qualified to share this knowledge since I spent 14 years of my life living in this beautiful coastal city.

First always go to the beach in the morning.  Why?  To avoid the afternoon NW wind.  Even if its blowing a little (5-15) in the morning, it will be twice that in the afternoon. 

Second, always check the tide chart.  Why? Nothing worse than getting all ready for a long walk on the beach and discovering there is a 12’ high tide.  

Third, don’t plan on swimming in the ocean unless its August or you are 15 or younger.  Why? Seriously, it is cold.  It didn’t bother me when I was younger but now the experience of wading into 57 degree water is something I’m not interested in doing.  However, for the record, I was an excellent body surfer, wave jumper, and poor board surfer in my youth.  Just not going to temp faith with a romp in the waves in May.

Fourth, don’t feed the seagulls.  Your sitting having a nice snack with a nice view of the ocean and a friendly gull comes to visit.  No matter how temping it is to feed the begging gull, don’t.  That gull has a 1000 friends that will join you immediately.  Thoughts of movie “The Birds” will cross your mind immediately.

Fifth, wait to shop the tourist traps (shops) until the afternoon.  Wait until the wind is blowing 20 to 25 mph to pop in and out of shops.  Spend every minute of good weather on the beach.  Exception to this rule is rain, then you can shop all day long.

Last, don’t miss the sunset.  Schedule your day so you are on or near the beach to view the sunset.  It will not disappoint you.

Now I have passed on my knowledge, enjoy.  Grab the dogs, take lots of pics and get out there on the beach.  Recharge your soul (not sole - what was I thinking).  Nothing like the beach!

Did I mention it was my birthday – so happy to be at the beach!

I'll start my diet tomorrow, I promise!