After a week on the road we finally arrived in Oregon! We drove through some beautiful sights on Hwy 101….zillions of trees and the dramatic coastline often with crashing waves. it’s not what you would call mountainous driving here, but certainly there are plenty of dips and swells and hairpin turns. There was an abundance of fog which is beautiful, and in it’s own way, very calming.
When we arrived at our camp near the beach, after minimal set up and some food for all of us we went for our walk….the ocean was calling. The wide, sandy beach goes on for what seems to be miles with fog blowing in and out as we walked. There were a few other campers there with their dogs, but other than that….no one. Joy and Shiloh just ran and ran, in and out of the shallow water….Joy always wants to lie down in it, Shiloh just runs through it.
Since we arrived we’ve made three extended trips to the beach, all resulting in saturated, salty, sandy dogs. I’ve dried and brushed and brushed some more, but they are still sandy. All part of living with fur kids. It’s heartwarming to see them having so much fun.
I have pictures that I took with my phone, but so far I haven’t gotten them transferred over to the laptop. Eventually….
I’ve had some concerns about WS’s battery. A few days ago I accidentally ran the fridge on battery power for about an hour after I set up camp, seriously depleting it….a newbie error for sure! The sun was shining and I thought the solar panel would bring back the charge (I’ve since learned it takes awhile) and when it didn’t I thought I’d wrecked the battery. Then for 3 days we were plugged into electric and the battery charged nicely and I stopped worrying. Now, at our present site without electricity, I resumed worrying, like a good worry-wart. I worried so much that I finally emailed Doug and Peggy, the people that I bought WS from. We have kept in contact and they have been kind enough to answer questions and offer helpful advice on many occasions. Doug has a huge knowledge of solar and batteries so he was the perfect person to ask.
His answering email came this morning before the light, and was very reassuring. He believes I did not wreck my battery because it took the charge well when plugged into electric. Since we’ve had major fog here, he encouraged me to use the generator that was part of the package when I bought WS. It’s a (quiet) little Honda 2000 and just perfect for a Casita. So, I got out the generator instruction book and followed the steps to start it up, and hook it up, and got a great charge on the battery! Thanks Doug and Peggy for your help….yet again. 🙂
Tonight I made a little campfire to ward off the chill. The sound of the ocean never ceases….the wine is nice. (Thank you Laura and Joel). The dogs are sound asleep after their very active day.
I feel….content.
Wandering Spirit 
Congratulations on making it to Oregon! I can easily imagine doing the same thing with the fridge on electric…a very easy oopsie to make. I’m really glad it didn’t result in any lasting problems for you.
It’s wonderful that you can hear the ocean. It’s so soothing.
Previous owner Doug put some solar on top of WS and he put a…what do you call it Doug….anyway, lights that indicate what is going on with the solar and the battery, on the wall. Usually the battery light is green. I happened to notice it was flashing red, which is how I figured out what I’d done. This thingie on the wall also tells me what the battery charge is and how much solar is coming in.
The ocean sounds….more good medicine, like the trees. So many kinds of beauty….
“THINGIE” one of my favorite words – living in the country I love to visit the seaside (probably every 2 years) the smell of the coast is terrific so you are at a great spot A little learning curve with battery – soon rectified with common sense & email help – no worries breath easy – ah,! The salt air enjoy cheers for now…..
There you are Leslie….somewhere out there….on the other side of this ocean. Hugs!
Hi Micky! Glad you got the battery thing worked out. That can be a real “Pucker Factor” when things don’t work and you are not sure why. Loved the pics you have been posting. This is so great to travel along with you and see the sights! How have you been doing with hauling the trailer and parking? Looks like you are getting along just fine. Miss you!
Hi Mary! The driving has been ok, considering my route which has been mountains, hills, twists and turns since my 3rd day. I try to make frequent stops both for the dogs and for me. Parking….well as long as it’s pull through, I’m good! Where I am camped now, it is a back in site….and a full and busy campground. A story in itself, which I’ll be sharing soon, but the gist of it is that my neighbor backed in for me, in one smooth move. Oh I want to be able to do that!!
Miss you too Mary!
Just found your blog, I like it and will be following along
Ron
Hi Ronnie. Nice to have you along. We’ll be heading into Washington tomorrow!
Oregon and Washington are States with so much beauty! Gip’s entire family lives in Oregon. Happy travelling to you!
Thanks Carmen! Yes this has been a beautiful trek up the coast…relaxing to the eyes and the spirit.