tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78715384427890309112024-03-14T05:00:31.189-07:00Learning the Fulltime LifeDown-sizing into an eventual motorhome from our traditional "stick & brick" house. The process as we learn it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-21995759555372041992013-12-06T20:20:00.001-08:002013-12-07T09:35:33.454-08:00Campground hosts at Champoeg State Heritage Area<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2jnahazd2_6-cTfMJe-J5zfrMuTC6p_YWEioKFSszC08PgvkpGSy61jpHiFgvB5qlxc1_8vBn2_ewFuEpMzA8ZKQCvqhAkD_8MXIkFBdS4lHybu3lLYNap7A_kvcMQCaFdEmMpm7dGaL/s1600/IMG_1347+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2jnahazd2_6-cTfMJe-J5zfrMuTC6p_YWEioKFSszC08PgvkpGSy61jpHiFgvB5qlxc1_8vBn2_ewFuEpMzA8ZKQCvqhAkD_8MXIkFBdS4lHybu3lLYNap7A_kvcMQCaFdEmMpm7dGaL/s320/IMG_1347+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moby & Caddie at Champoeg State Park<br />
October 30, 2013</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are two kinds of excitement I feel every time we move
to another park hosting job:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One is the
fun of discovering another treasure of a park – sometimes a park we’ve never
heard of before accepting the invitation to work there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another is what we are experiencing at
Champoeg State Heritage Area – a chance to get to know a favorite park from a
whole different perspective.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As Steve and I took our first walk around the park after
arriving at the end of October, I could already see a difference from what I
remembered from our many previous off-season camping experiences in our 2000
Cardinal 5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> Wheel Trailer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Keep in mind, at the time of our walk, we hadn’t even begun our hosting work
yet, or met a single ranger in person!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, I was already looking at the park through <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">different eyes</i>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Pi1GuQdnWW_ufXfi0shMnc81NyBkA0bkiPgz9Gfj3Qr2KM7UxrQUOTkhmHaPSDoUHkoRl_7x8G2jZh22mdzL2C8nkyvjuB8WbJXquysdLUttFRZ0RPsio8xR317-_m1rLQu7DNIMjBmM/s1600/IMG_1337+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Pi1GuQdnWW_ufXfi0shMnc81NyBkA0bkiPgz9Gfj3Qr2KM7UxrQUOTkhmHaPSDoUHkoRl_7x8G2jZh22mdzL2C8nkyvjuB8WbJXquysdLUttFRZ0RPsio8xR317-_m1rLQu7DNIMjBmM/s320/IMG_1337+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The host sites were
located - right where we expected, just inside our loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked through the RV group
camping area, and I noted the meeting hall. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had never noticed it before!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew there was a RV group space area, but had no idea about the extra building, complete with wood stove! While not providing
full hookups, it certainly is a great place for a weekend family reunion or a
weekend social of some other organized group.</span><br />
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Continuing our walk, we realized we had no idea where the
park office was located at Champoeg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often
they are either a part of the registration area, or near the entrance of parks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Steve and I later studied the campground
map, we found there are areas of this park we’ve never even walked
through!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The park is much larger than we remembered - something like 615 acres in total. </span>We’ve gone on many walks along
the river – it’s amazing to realize how the Willamette River runs here and
there around Oregon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The office is down
at an end of the park we hadn’t even realized existed!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hEzy6wTEEGKYlhoP5ITxvhoxagxpoWdshJOGIuFBxoAmLzdTcc0AKW_btvobFR301FsDz6aUiBME-RfuP1XC73ZgHtzXwRJQHQO48_fReBwLLaPGJDoP45MBt3-YmKV1CMkL9G4hXmZr/s1600/IMG_1389+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hEzy6wTEEGKYlhoP5ITxvhoxagxpoWdshJOGIuFBxoAmLzdTcc0AKW_btvobFR301FsDz6aUiBME-RfuP1XC73ZgHtzXwRJQHQO48_fReBwLLaPGJDoP45MBt3-YmKV1CMkL9G4hXmZr/s320/IMG_1389+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a>When we were given our assignment at the park we were
surprised to hear from the ranger that we were assigned to “Loop A” – the older
loop in the campground – as in our off-season experiences, that loop was always
closed for the winter months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, my eyes see it is the more
beautiful loop (many mature trees surround us).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Somehow it seemed it must have been “spruced up” since we were last here,
though we’ve been told since then that it hasn’t been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is quite beautiful with the mature trees, many of them oaks, mixed with some evergreens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those trees make getting our Dish Network satellite a bit of a challenge,
but the leaves fell fast which helped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve had no
problem at all zeroing in on those satellites with the help of a computer program
he uses on his Nexus tablet (of course, he’s also getting better and better at
it too – practice makes perfect!). Only when the winds cause those tree branches to bounce and sway does our signal get interrupted.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbS_WjG8NWauvZf5aLzweh6__aX-WX10AHuWyO-gicmb0VOokfHN4G3OTOe7YiHoROsAbYNOTDhYHW8ALUZLNjj8P9kJD2v3pJIpYLKrnKzQeyare7Vosmy8Ik0NSePt5zhS8XXh9EggD/s1600/IMG_1372+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbS_WjG8NWauvZf5aLzweh6__aX-WX10AHuWyO-gicmb0VOokfHN4G3OTOe7YiHoROsAbYNOTDhYHW8ALUZLNjj8P9kJD2v3pJIpYLKrnKzQeyare7Vosmy8Ik0NSePt5zhS8XXh9EggD/s320/IMG_1372+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>We’ve walked the path along the Willamette River during some very high river levels a few years back!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s so nice to enjoy the river in so many seasons of change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We knew about the large Champoeg day-use area
with the disc golf course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve since learned
that area is the Oak Grove Day Use area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is well treed, with a path leading down to the river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a boat dock (for fishing), and a
group tent camping area beyond that. Disc golf is very popular. We see groups even on days we consider inclement!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAMzDiIQ0B1RzrLiH1jjVwh7k9uJXHz5V3EW1Ng5u4xmPdDu8i9iODIXn5Pbqafdd0E2xRm0pmwZVKkLwN3FdxxRUrR8-FjMeN_LRH-d_zXnn8pTD6SA2GiB43uCQicG1qEt_-PZojchF/s1600/IMG_1383+%2528480x640%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAMzDiIQ0B1RzrLiH1jjVwh7k9uJXHz5V3EW1Ng5u4xmPdDu8i9iODIXn5Pbqafdd0E2xRm0pmwZVKkLwN3FdxxRUrR8-FjMeN_LRH-d_zXnn8pTD6SA2GiB43uCQicG1qEt_-PZojchF/s320/IMG_1383+%2528480x640%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a>As park hosts, we learn repeatedly to be
very careful about absorbing attitudes of other hosts without discovering our
own perspective about various parks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to say we were a
little nervous as we waiting for our job to begin here, as we received unsolicited
opinions from a pair of hosts leaving the park after three months of
service here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were lovely people,
but had gathered some negative views of various people and how things work
here, all the while planning to return to work again next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve and I both were a little
nervous about what we might have got ourselves into …<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also cautioned us about our incoming
fellow co-host…<br />
<br />
<br />
It became clear very rapidly that perhaps those previous
hosts had just been on the job too long and had their own ideas about how
things ought to work here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our personal
experience is that his is a <em>wonderful</em> park to work in!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have truly enjoyed and respect all of the
rangers we have met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are hard
workers, and very appreciative of everything we do to assist them, as is most often the case with many rangers we have met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new host coordinator ranger, Mel, is a
very nice and helpful lady.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We probably
work most often with Ranger Michael, who we have also found to be a pleasure to
work with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He assigns us our extra
tasks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been able to help him blow
off the roads and paths of leaves, and have been blowing leaves out of the
landscape areas for ease of mulching them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both Steve and I enjoy getting to use the power blowers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUvXHIQJDTN_MZXiewT0mFIzEW64PCPbXzd0v9iFG4tlhEdLPo3_As3wYG0cubw9saLQYwEZORwhWwPgJxN_e0ObgfRsz9u0SKx2RMDEsRycYigSvwQlLdZR56BQmT42BdNdLTOxuMMdO/s1600/IMG_1375+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUvXHIQJDTN_MZXiewT0mFIzEW64PCPbXzd0v9iFG4tlhEdLPo3_As3wYG0cubw9saLQYwEZORwhWwPgJxN_e0ObgfRsz9u0SKx2RMDEsRycYigSvwQlLdZR56BQmT42BdNdLTOxuMMdO/s320/IMG_1375+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>We have also helped with winterizing of the
yurts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Insulation in the form of wall
padding needed to be adjusted and retied, ties on the window flaps had come off
and needed to be replaced, and the gutters over the doors needed to be clean
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With our loop being closed during
the weekdays, we have had extra time for some of these kinds of tasks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our loop was opened on weekends as an
overflow camping area up until Dec 1st.<br />
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Our main ongoing activity is dealing with the yurts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have six yurts located just in front of A
Loop, just behind our coach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We check in campers when they
arrive, sell firewood, and clean and disinfect the yurts when they are
vacated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also keep an eye on the
restrooms in A Loop, for refill needs and cleanliness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not a hard job.<br />
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmyrUbi9tH_XyGeMFiHz2gZzU03z52Xhvi8tMAA-3lXY4I-Ra-Is64In4yqYo58H8Z6Baew7MZgSI8LQnCDL9GNssnjyzi5nAWKWv9t7Mz2zjlilOPmUOHAE2Rs21r6qG5klMaQrwa9nN/s1600/IMG_1380+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmyrUbi9tH_XyGeMFiHz2gZzU03z52Xhvi8tMAA-3lXY4I-Ra-Is64In4yqYo58H8Z6Baew7MZgSI8LQnCDL9GNssnjyzi5nAWKWv9t7Mz2zjlilOPmUOHAE2Rs21r6qG5klMaQrwa9nN/s320/IMG_1380+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>A real positively unique aspect of our job here at Champoeg is the work
schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rangers work four 10-hour
shifts a week, in general.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We, as hosts,
work three days on with four days off, then four days on with three days
off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are expected to be here all day
on our work days, but other campgrounds require that of us for a regular five
day a week work schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s nice to
get 3 and 4 days off on alternating weeks here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have already decided we will be looking forward to return to Champoeg
to work again in the future! It's a beautiful park, we've met some very nice people, and it's even within a reasonable reach of our old friends and family.<br />
<br />
<br />
In the meantime, we are getting more excited about our next adventure! We will leave Champoeg a couple days early to get a little more service done on our coach in Salem, and then will be heading off to Lowell State Park, about 20 miles SE of Eugene. I've already learned there is a beautiful covered bridge that is waiting for me to take pictures of! What a great life this is.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-64737987268034692122013-08-28T16:12:00.000-07:002013-12-07T09:36:51.200-08:00A Vacation from our "Vacation"?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnA6RUE2FlIfpW5zEflW781RKmEoxXIVNRQXAVnqNTaJNx_iCfM0eZGzmgQULUAKH1QY3Xvy9h3js5yWevLZv5AdofDP2cO35WPwRSmm6hYhyphenhyphenIYj2LXc5n-aheOrilZ9JO125DRHjX2mg/s1600/IMG_0755+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnA6RUE2FlIfpW5zEflW781RKmEoxXIVNRQXAVnqNTaJNx_iCfM0eZGzmgQULUAKH1QY3Xvy9h3js5yWevLZv5AdofDP2cO35WPwRSmm6hYhyphenhyphenIYj2LXc5n-aheOrilZ9JO125DRHjX2mg/s320/IMG_0755+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Greetings from Pendleton, Oregon! We are staying for 5-6 nights in the desert side of the state, laying over for awhile at the Wild Horse Casino RV Park, while we wait for our host site to be vacated at Wallowa Lake State Park on September 1st. There's really only one host spot that we fit in with our "whale" of a motor home, and we are happy to wait for it. It's provided us with an opportunity for an bit of "down time" to enjoy being just the two of us.<br />
<br />
We completed our job at Stub Stewart on August 18th, having collected 435 completed surveys from day-use park users who were willing to give input on their experience at Stub Stewart. We were told we far exceeded expectations, which isn't really so much our doing, but reflects the willingness of park users and the value they put on the resources at the park. We found many people coming to enjoy disc golf, mountain bike riding and horse back riding as day park users. Either way, we are thankful to have completed our task successfully! Whether we ever choose to collect surveys again will be determined somewhere down the road ... probably not. However, our goal is to do each job we get to the best of our abilities, leaving a good impression on the park management, and opening up the possibility of being welcomed back in the future, should we choose to return to the park for a more traditional park hosting job. Ranger Steve Kruger assured us he would like us to return, so we're very glad to leave in a positive light.<br />
<br />
The day after completing our job, we were joined for four days by some host friends we met at Devil's Lake State Park (Lincoln City) in August of 2012. We hadn't seen Bill & Judy Brock since then, but they were kind enough to spend part of their vacation month with us at the park. It was such a treat to have their company, in the camp site directly across from us. We shared dinner each evening and played games, getting to know them better. One of the biggest blessings of this lifestyle is our new friends, each with their own unique story.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZhHv3ku70PKTuiqyP4EXh-9oqflXXzm0NET3jB73WL2SfVOY-Q8tCufqj875PZ6VLQEtz5_oYx5cZTq1GUWnqGPteCesGbZVW6Fh5H45WKgkdK6D7mk-k1nGtMPQG1mut-ZcFlsWuyDw/s1600/Brocks+&+Lady+2+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZhHv3ku70PKTuiqyP4EXh-9oqflXXzm0NET3jB73WL2SfVOY-Q8tCufqj875PZ6VLQEtz5_oYx5cZTq1GUWnqGPteCesGbZVW6Fh5H45WKgkdK6D7mk-k1nGtMPQG1mut-ZcFlsWuyDw/s320/Brocks+&+Lady+2+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a>The Brock's have a home in Arizona, but escape to Oregon to avoid the extreme heat of the summer months down south. They spend time volunteering for Oregon State Parks, and can also visit a family member in the Eugene area while they are up in Oregon.<br />
<br />
It appears that we may just be steered toward visiting Arizona during a Winter at some point, as we continually meet new host friends and others who spend some portion of the winter months down in the area... We never expected to become "snow birds". We don't have issues with Oregon winters. However, it just seems strange how frequently the Yuma area is brought to our minds...<br />
<br />
The Saturday after the Brock's left, we had been invited to drive to Bay City (north of Tillamook) to enjoy a potluck with friends and family of our good friends and fellow hosts, Bill & Sharon Schaffer. We look forward to hosting with the Schaffer's again this year at Wallowa Lake in only a few days. While at their party, held at Sharon's sister's place, we got to meet the friends they traveled to Arizona with last winter. In speaking with Jennie, I got to hear how they also like to stay in the Yuma area, near Lake Havasu. The Schaffer's are now working for Arizona State Parks, whereas Jennie & Vern stay as guests in an RV park. It was fun to hear yet a different option for staying in the same area.<br />
<br />
I spoke to another couple of hosts from Alaska, who were working at Stub Stewart while we were there, who explained how they go down in October to work at a County Park in Arizona, again, in the same area ... Then, the other night as we shared a shuttle back to our RV from the casino buffet, we met yet another couple who stay at yet <em>another</em> RV park near Yuma. I'm just saying I'm wondering if God isn't leading us in that direction - perhaps <em>next</em> Winter? Time will tell ...<br />
<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKCWiAZobrudnUjsS_KfFLlCLgCiWyuNMhRzfZVT1Xs3t-FGxIvfhtRSOgO4SI8y3kvjfr5ukmI9EnOXmovi6UxrQw4uVUZAIH9_TAh34LFnuYxxKihjPQBNam7Bxvl7JENuw1OFg8V8W/s1600/Mia+Victoria+Elizabeth+Landiedel+born+8-28-2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKCWiAZobrudnUjsS_KfFLlCLgCiWyuNMhRzfZVT1Xs3t-FGxIvfhtRSOgO4SI8y3kvjfr5ukmI9EnOXmovi6UxrQw4uVUZAIH9_TAh34LFnuYxxKihjPQBNam7Bxvl7JENuw1OFg8V8W/s320/Mia+Victoria+Elizabeth+Landiedel+born+8-28-2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mia Victoria Elizabeth Landsiedel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We celebrated Steve's birthday while here in Pendleton. This was another milestone year, as Steve's younger daughter, Ami and her husband William, were expecting our grand-daughter, due on Steve's birthday (8/27). We spoke with Ami just as we left Stub Stewart on Monday, and heard there was still nothing happening ... Then, on Steve's birthday, she went into labor. We were excited to hear that our grand-daughter, little Mia Victoria Elizabeth Landsiedel, was born the morning of August 28th. Baby, Mommy and Daddy are doing great. One side effect of this lifestyle means we won't get to see her in person until probably November, when we are within reach of Beaverton, while we work at Champoeg State Park. We're delighted to get to see her via picture posted on Facebook, and we got to hear her having her first diaper change by Daddy over the phone when Ami called this afternoon. What a great time of life to benefit from cell phones and the Internet!<br />
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We were surprised, and delighted, to get a call from our good friends, Brian & Shelley Sundin today, as they were passing through Pendleton on their way to a family wedding in Idaho. We were able to have a quick lunch with them in town before they needed to get back on the road again. Our friends are truly a gift, and we love every opportunity to see them.<br />
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We are still waiting to see where we will be led to spend January and February. I'm learning (slowly) to just wait and see what God has for us. It is in true opposition to my inherent desire to plan everything in advance, and yet it really is the thing that makes the adventure all the more fun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVjMWsbX0aTN9sSphpkVMHE6rHpIDP3ge7ayhEimoWJK2BEGCZAapQWzb-dh_LlhXpAG-YeKiT22cegWkWF1TM_oR-2kT_JyOWcNypCBYy3Q_tJU7GuMPQr0_LRGam8KjYPL0iZvqAdWc/s1600/IMG_9538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVjMWsbX0aTN9sSphpkVMHE6rHpIDP3ge7ayhEimoWJK2BEGCZAapQWzb-dh_LlhXpAG-YeKiT22cegWkWF1TM_oR-2kT_JyOWcNypCBYy3Q_tJU7GuMPQr0_LRGam8KjYPL0iZvqAdWc/s320/IMG_9538.JPG" width="320" /></a>With our last couple of days free before we move on to our host job, we're doing a bit of housekeeping, laundry, and grocery shopping (Pendleton has a Safeway, an Albertsons, and a Wal-Mart!) I will be limited to a family grocery in Joseph and a Safeway in Enterprise for the next couple months.<br />
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Being at the RV Park means we have convenient access to larger washers and dryers than mine here in the coach, so we can wash blankets in their machines. I'm so thankful to have my own washer and dryer, even though they do smaller loads, and take longer. They are still a real luxury over relying on Laundromats! They wouldn't ever be able to keep up with the multiple loads of a family, but are perfect for our more simple needs.<br />
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My next post will be coming from Wallowa Lake State Park. We are excited to enjoy the on-coming Autumn weather at this beautiful park, and reunite with the ranger staff, and friends, while making new friends. What a wonderful life we have.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-86134062057587742182013-08-06T14:35:00.000-07:002013-08-11T06:36:31.229-07:00Life at the Hilltop Day-Use Area<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltjFlyfu35FCMbf-Dyjk6HpwUpuEVntkHLf3ZV-A0gbmAHhnDJY_BwpqHj8afH-0QbTDqKDMHfYAKKNAGqCrneKq7yXEmTiDpuKb_uPR3xVC8UCJ3FOGvOVRLUCnSeRUbE9_Sd0d8pUFX/s1600/IMG_0585+%2528480x640%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltjFlyfu35FCMbf-Dyjk6HpwUpuEVntkHLf3ZV-A0gbmAHhnDJY_BwpqHj8afH-0QbTDqKDMHfYAKKNAGqCrneKq7yXEmTiDpuKb_uPR3xVC8UCJ3FOGvOVRLUCnSeRUbE9_Sd0d8pUFX/s320/IMG_0585+%2528480x640%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a>I can't believe we only have two more weekends of work here at LL "Stub" Stewart State Park. Where does the time go? I am happy to report we are doing well at our survey collecting job for the OPRD folk in Salem. It hasn't been near as painful as I feared. In fact, I think we've actually found much of the experience pretty great overall!<br />
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We love people. We also love having time to ourselves. Volunteering for Oregon State Parks forces us out of our comfort zone. We are rewarded by meeting some of the most interesting and lovely people! It doesn't matter whether we are cleaning up a vacated camp site, selling wood for campfires or collecting completed surveys on a hilltop. We thoroughly enjoy the contact with people.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnezSY9eCzP1oPdieSnTwqL78drwm6RPGtrrglF1W-2c8_099PDWjIOwPsMxcS5NIRbUyQ-dqQWzT63TZtYP57q2s-EVZS9TgOFJhr5qSG_RostCzplW-PNpWRA8mrx1NOYzJIVloxcblK/s1600/IMG_0684+(480x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnezSY9eCzP1oPdieSnTwqL78drwm6RPGtrrglF1W-2c8_099PDWjIOwPsMxcS5NIRbUyQ-dqQWzT63TZtYP57q2s-EVZS9TgOFJhr5qSG_RostCzplW-PNpWRA8mrx1NOYzJIVloxcblK/s200/IMG_0684+(480x640).jpg" width="150" /></a>In our positions here at Stub Stewart, we are guests of the park, getting to live here for free. However, we are not actually working <em>for</em> the park, so it's a bit different. Some of the "perks" aren't quite what we have experienced in the past. For instance, the site we are given is not a typical host site, as those sites are in use by campground hosts. Instead, we were given a site that is apparently not exactly one of the sites in more demand by campers.... See, there is a septic field behind our site. The story we've heard is that some children had a lovely time dropping sticks down a hole, which eventually caused the sewer system to backup, flooding the site next to us (a couple feet lower than us). Though the park got the system up and running again, there tends to be a certain "stench" which overwhelms us from time to time, depending on the direction of the wind. It's not always there, but comes up unexpectedly to the point that we really don't spend much time out at our picnic table.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvFcgDb2q3sDtsIspbBxOsDubfBI-lffbDTZ5v3Ewhnz_wSWeYSBAIuCFxDeH62zOx0TjZZUEBdZEMBKTbFZFgFy-xH45-ceZZeIROr8cotPDWrKQ4eVuQvlUP_1XRAwd19zVqgpBOclU/s1600/IMG_0674+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvFcgDb2q3sDtsIspbBxOsDubfBI-lffbDTZ5v3Ewhnz_wSWeYSBAIuCFxDeH62zOx0TjZZUEBdZEMBKTbFZFgFy-xH45-ceZZeIROr8cotPDWrKQ4eVuQvlUP_1XRAwd19zVqgpBOclU/s200/IMG_0674+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a>When we "booked" this job, we envisioned enjoying visits from local friends and family. I imagined some major reunions, etc. Though we have enjoyed seeing many friends and family, I've had to push aside having a group come. Both the potential odor, and the fact that at this park our guests have to have $5 day passes in order to come see us. Parking is also very limited. While day-use passes in all state parks are $5/day (unless you buy a yearly or bi-yearly pass), our hosting positions at other parks have allowed us free passes for our visitors. The culture of every park is different, and this park is not into "special privileges". Live and learn.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiJOWqHGqwjlQNrykycVsXezDCq0Vs_BDdWQBsUA3ntxy0O9LfX-6WBobvb55aiTAbA5sSsHhTMQHesQI92O8HGYImr5vjD4lEIZIjcUdSuLAh8iFqP-kcPbCruNo6VpHX5RZOS30EZwD/s1600/220px-Smokey3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiJOWqHGqwjlQNrykycVsXezDCq0Vs_BDdWQBsUA3ntxy0O9LfX-6WBobvb55aiTAbA5sSsHhTMQHesQI92O8HGYImr5vjD4lEIZIjcUdSuLAh8iFqP-kcPbCruNo6VpHX5RZOS30EZwD/s200/220px-Smokey3.jpg" width="135" /></a>I should say, it's not that the park rangers aren't lovely people here! We have met some of the nicest rangers ever at Stub Stewart. There's a young man here who I secretly desire to adopt. Both Robb and his wife and children would be a welcome addition to our family. We haven't asked him yet, of course. Not sure if it might scare him just a bit. Still, I would love to be a "mother" to him and a grandmother to his children ... Weird, huh? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSIwjZNfaiQhnyU5AvV-QMdJy0VAal1NvhrhXFl9NHS0VS_BSUXtTSo-Cs0kTHDHL3-q3lRdTAQXL5uaZ3ukg1jXwEHWCOaxSCUp264KwJPuay7worcvg5wRusIFfufTU6p0sOxEHsLEg/s1600/IMG_0529+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSIwjZNfaiQhnyU5AvV-QMdJy0VAal1NvhrhXFl9NHS0VS_BSUXtTSo-Cs0kTHDHL3-q3lRdTAQXL5uaZ3ukg1jXwEHWCOaxSCUp264KwJPuay7worcvg5wRusIFfufTU6p0sOxEHsLEg/s320/IMG_0529+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a>Often when we go up to the Hilltop Day-Use area to work, we discover the covered picnic area where we like to work is reserved for part of the day. When that is the case, we set up an awning which has been loaned to us by the park. Having shade during an 8 hour day up on the hilltop is important! There really isn't shade outside of the covered picnic area. Perhaps one day the trees they planted will grow big enough?</div>
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Steve loves it when he finds out the covered picnic area has been reserved for a family reunion or church picnic. Most always the people take pity on him and offer him food and treats. This last weekend a Chinese church group from Beaverton treated us to fresh barbecued pork and Steve got to have cake too. I enjoyed the company of the cutest little girl, who would peek over the railing at me periodically to say hello and visit. I do love visiting with the children. I consider it part of my job to keep the kids occupied while parents fill out a survey. It's one of my favorite things!</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike washing/repair station at the Hilltop Day-Use Area</td></tr>
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The folks in Salem are hoping that we will have 400 completed surveys collected by OPRD Salem each Monday. With two weekends of work yet to go, we have completed 325 surveys to date. Gathering 75 in a single weekend of work would be normal for us, so we will surely exceed the goal of 400. Though I'd like to say it's our charm that has brought us this success, the truth is that we are NO PRESSURE surveyors. Our job is to inform them of what we are doing, and ask if they are willing. Beyond that, it's up to the people. Obviously, the people coming to Stub Stewart to enjoy the many day-use activities (disc golf, mountain bike riding, hiking, horse trails, etc.) value the opportunity to share their opinion. <em>That</em> is why we are doing so well! It's hard to believe we are nearing the end of our 6 weeks (7 weekends) of work. We began very slowly on July 4th, but things stepped up a bit the following weekend. We don't read the completed surveys, but we do count them, and send a package to Salem each Monday.<br />
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Though the weather here at Stub Stewart has been plenty warm for us, we have been surprised and delighted to find that it is generally cooler here than in Portland. Also, there seems to be an almost constant breeze, especially up at the Hilltop. Some weekends, day-users find us wrapped up in blankets, layered in sweatshirts as we try to keep warm up there, as they come back drenched in sweat!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvooImScluedunbRPjnHCGjvXKH6kcG-Af5fFNjs5O5E1HB7H1IUqil_soALbUKX7B2vOGaMtR8JA1WOmb8UL1Cac5E6K9vBUvteqMPjUdymFCEoPCNg8qNG6wBSsU4qtHapxqw6QMPnb/s1600/Image46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvooImScluedunbRPjnHCGjvXKH6kcG-Af5fFNjs5O5E1HB7H1IUqil_soALbUKX7B2vOGaMtR8JA1WOmb8UL1Cac5E6K9vBUvteqMPjUdymFCEoPCNg8qNG6wBSsU4qtHapxqw6QMPnb/s320/Image46.jpg" width="320" /></a>As we see the month of August quickly slipping by, we are beginning to focus on our next job - at <a href="http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=20" target="_blank">Wallowa Lake State Park</a>. I've begun "hoarding" non-perishable groceries which are so much less expensive here. I'll be packing the freezer to full capacity in order to avoid spending $13 on a whole uncut chicken ... It's just so wrong! Costco, here I come!</div>
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We're looking into updating our Winter weather clothing, and I was able to get a pair of Gore-Tex hiking boots in preparation for the wet winter weather of October in the Wallowa Mountains. Last year we had to leave the park 1 1/2 weeks early as the park needed to turn off the water early due to the very cold temperatures. We drove away</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinj5-rWYcGCb8Q5VnDS1BJxP7ZnCPLrqtB1bYQQaEJWzvxogXKAgZH8i3wgsPPT-Gj6YpN-b6t4tw2baf3AHE7KKDWe3GuM_JSluzy643-DiCfuhsfgPgNpERTlvRbVTJNsyZFZOalyBiz/s1600/11949864461694789848winter_hat_nathan_eady_01_svg_hi.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinj5-rWYcGCb8Q5VnDS1BJxP7ZnCPLrqtB1bYQQaEJWzvxogXKAgZH8i3wgsPPT-Gj6YpN-b6t4tw2baf3AHE7KKDWe3GuM_JSluzy643-DiCfuhsfgPgNpERTlvRbVTJNsyZFZOalyBiz/s200/11949864461694789848winter_hat_nathan_eady_01_svg_hi.bmp" width="200" /></a></div>
with snowflakes in the air! Both Steve and I have shrunk a bit with our new eating regimen and not everything will fit again this year. Fortunately, we mostly stick to very basic clothing items in this life style: jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, coats and hats keep us comfortable most the time. We found we could live without an electric blanket on our bed, thanks to the light-weight down comforter we have for our bed. We bought an extra portable heater to keep the chill down during the night, while reserving our propane-fueled furnaces for a short time each morning to bring the temperature up quickly and pump some heat into our storage basement. It's hart to believe those will be realities in the very near future!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSywUN2pGI2U-amk0n8aYFvjIAxNEpdtrqRBkMoHFD-imEESQGjGVyP9eecWY863PpLOAE9MAWqqnFRVfPbRXDCwS2kwajxU1fELXT-J1DlJ0R8_afqqaUmDDYQiLlxmFOQTP5TR9mehih/s1600/Schaffers+Sue+Allen+&+Us+-+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSywUN2pGI2U-amk0n8aYFvjIAxNEpdtrqRBkMoHFD-imEESQGjGVyP9eecWY863PpLOAE9MAWqqnFRVfPbRXDCwS2kwajxU1fELXT-J1DlJ0R8_afqqaUmDDYQiLlxmFOQTP5TR9mehih/s320/Schaffers+Sue+Allen+&+Us+-+sm.jpg" width="320" /></a>We are delighted to be hosting at Wallowa Lake for the second time with our good friends, Bill & Sharon Schaffer. We'd hoped we'd be seeing other Wallowa hosts there again also, but plans change for host-like people for lots of reasons. Sue (in photo, far left) recently sold her RV. That changed things! We plan to caravan over to Wallowa Lake with the Schaffer's, taking a few days to play along the way before beginning work for September and October.</div>
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We will leave Wallowa Lake in October as the weather dictates, and will be going directly to our next job at Champoeg State Park for November and December. It will be our first time hosting at that park, though we've been regulars there as campers for years. The ranger there has been kind enough to ensure us a spot for our Moby Homa, even if we end up arriving early. Seems like a nice guy!</div>
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We still have a vacancy in our schedule for January and February, but look forward to returning to Jessie Honeyman State Park for March and April, where we will reunite with newer host friends, Tom and Chris Vorgert, whom we met there last year. It's hard to believe we are thinking and planning for 2014 already. Naturally, we plan loosely, as we never know for certain what tomorrow holds.</div>
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Keep an eye on my blog link "<a href="http://findthekronschnabels.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Where Are We</a>" to see how life unfolds as we go along.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-83209638941932615772013-08-06T12:06:00.000-07:002013-08-06T21:16:37.753-07:00Summer at Stub Stewart - and More Challenges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpoknIB5ERvgCHJv-lo1Bwt2U1KFUHJDGhDv73PCH9WNTdkcUgLLY1j9d54b4I1PrMCgQMkTuPQax4sCmfWIXUXKSpX712U2wHvDya5QSRiyCrqSa1rcW4RpMaP_co_M0f2k0VWOirGrW/s1600/Stub+Stewart+sign+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpoknIB5ERvgCHJv-lo1Bwt2U1KFUHJDGhDv73PCH9WNTdkcUgLLY1j9d54b4I1PrMCgQMkTuPQax4sCmfWIXUXKSpX712U2wHvDya5QSRiyCrqSa1rcW4RpMaP_co_M0f2k0VWOirGrW/s320/Stub+Stewart+sign+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a>We’ve passed the one year point of our new life, and we can see that we are <em>still</em> in the learning curve! Perhaps it’s just an on-going part of life that we are continually learning? <br />
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I consider myself to be a “glass half full” person. Certainly, I have moments of feeling hopelessness and despair (to exaggerate a bit), but most often I am what I consider to be a “realistic optimist”. I made that term up myself, so don’t be looking in any documentation for it. What “realistic optimist” means to me is that I realize that life inevitably comes with problems, however I hope for the solutions to those problems to be better than I am prepared for. I love looking back and seeing how things could’ve been so much worse, if not for God’s grace and goodness, and the goodness of some of the people we encounter along the way. It encourages me to keep on!<br />
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A new challenge developed on June 30th, during our trip to LL “Stub” Stewart State Park from our May and June home south of Monmouth. The day went really well overall. Our replacement hosts at Sarah Helmick had showed up about an hour early, but we’d been able to vacate the host spot early for them and hooked up the tow vehicle while they were getting settled into their new digs for the month of July. They had come from their home in Gresham, volunteering for Oregon State Parks (OPRD) for the milder weather months. We handed over all the tools, paperwork and keys, having said our goodbyes to our new friend, Ranger Steve, the previous day. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2qwpItfT3QZIIzqx_MtznMMhxM723bjwnAvuYk5yJQAlNdf7QmYvliYbysV2WrrxjZuWOMcsHED6j0CXd79OJB21lGC4bDtkJ8uKFWyHOgGaM0-olJ9GJcO3yQeP_gVOkancdCG8n7M9/s1600/IMG_0546+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2qwpItfT3QZIIzqx_MtznMMhxM723bjwnAvuYk5yJQAlNdf7QmYvliYbysV2WrrxjZuWOMcsHED6j0CXd79OJB21lGC4bDtkJ8uKFWyHOgGaM0-olJ9GJcO3yQeP_gVOkancdCG8n7M9/s200/IMG_0546+(640x480).jpg" width="200" /></a>It was my turn to drive the coach. While we were prepared that Steve might need to go sit next to Parsley for a few minutes at least, we never heard a single meow escape her lips. She has truly been the most perfectly suited cat we could imagine for this life we now live. With our cat content inside her cute little cat carrier on her favorite blanket, belted onto the couch behind the driver’s seat, I was able to enjoy Steve’s company up in the cab. We really don’t travel that often (every couple of months usually), so we haven’t got to enjoy that kind of traveling much yet. It was a treat that it worked out this trip. <br />
We have long envied (in a good way) those people in motorhomes, traveling down the road side by side. We thought it was so cool that they could just pull over into a road side view point and enjoy their lunch. The first time we got to enjoy that very thing, on a stormy day heading down the coast, it was like a dream come true!<br />
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Our June 30th trip would be short – a couple hours at most. We decided to just travel up hwy 99 to McMinnville. We then preceded on hwy 47 the rest of the way to Stub Stewart. We were incredibly very close to right on schedule – not something that happens often with us. Our objective was to not arrive at the park any earlier than 1pm, when our site was to be available to us. We knew we’d be in Dairy Creek West loop, site 37. We were looking forward to 50 amp service, and full hookups, after having only 30 amps and 300 gallons of black/grey storage each week. Oh, to be able to use water without worrying about how much more until we filled our limited storage tank! With the early arrival of summer weather in Oregon, with sun hitting our coach for a good part of the day, we’d already been forced to use one of our a/c units in order to avoid baking in our deluxe oven. Unfortunately, using that one a/c unit meant we could do little else, as it used a good portion of the 30 amps available to us. So, knowing of our new, more deluxe accommodations compared to Sarah Helmick, was something we were really looking forward to. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5YR5w3TFZ-uPVyISl45PF0NuWaBShOY2UBtxg1kaU7znasyihjTljQyvix4cQA4xiILWp63IWpziqBF4GChIEW4p1Fa9bH95nSazCyPsO6OFI6ZtifPZFI7HfUFrdfcEzvKQQOetZ0Mv/s1600/IMG_0482+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5YR5w3TFZ-uPVyISl45PF0NuWaBShOY2UBtxg1kaU7znasyihjTljQyvix4cQA4xiILWp63IWpziqBF4GChIEW4p1Fa9bH95nSazCyPsO6OFI6ZtifPZFI7HfUFrdfcEzvKQQOetZ0Mv/s200/IMG_0482+(640x480).jpg" width="200" /></a>We had such a lovely drive through the country side. Even pulling the Cadillac behind us, we can barely tell a difference driving our 400 hp diesel engine. Except for making sure it clears curbs and vehicles on corners, it’s a dream to drive. I love driving in general, and I love driving our big Moby Homa. It’s fun, no matter what, but I also take great satisfaction in being able to do it. Life is good.<br />
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As we drove through the small town of Gaston, we noted some nice wide parallel parking available along the main drag. It was perfectly suited to accommodate our long coach & tow vehicle, so we decided to stop and enjoy lunch, to ensure we didn’t arrive at the park before our site was available. <br />
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One of the really cool things we enjoy in our motorhome is the great battery power available to us. We are able to even use the microwave at rest stops. We have extra batteries and an extra hefty inverter as we have a residential refrigerator, not so different than the one we had in our Hillsboro home. The power system gives priority to keeping that refrigerator working, and the microwave is on that same system, making for some great lunches of leftover soups or stews. We never had that option in our fifth wheel trailer, where we just kept the fridge closed to keep in cold until we could get to the next place with a power post for us to plug in to. <br />
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After concluding our lunch, we hit the road again, turning onto hwy 26 for a period of time before continuing on hwy 47 toward Vernonia. Stub Stewart is about 10 miles south of Vernonia, perhaps 4-5 miles off hwy 26 on the way to the coast. <br />
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I noticed immediately that there were quite a few campers obviously leaving the park coming toward us. I mentioned to Steve how narrow this portion of highway 47 was, and how little shoulder there was. We are pretty “chunky”, and while I do fine keeping our rig in the center of the road, it always feels better if there is a little “wiggle room”. That was obviously not the case on this road. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMjA1vAlFjB_BLv1u4loFPlaqegGc97D2WnpLLeF1n44kTD4dtNeOtxUsoWIoaSZQK4xkEglMk2fOP35TyoPNV6h2izRcHwdgAAxnjfnJaWREcBD3A1_9MYbZiuBhV_szQ9m12Soceoz1/s1600/hwy+47+corner+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMjA1vAlFjB_BLv1u4loFPlaqegGc97D2WnpLLeF1n44kTD4dtNeOtxUsoWIoaSZQK4xkEglMk2fOP35TyoPNV6h2izRcHwdgAAxnjfnJaWREcBD3A1_9MYbZiuBhV_szQ9m12Soceoz1/s200/hwy+47+corner+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hwy 47 curve</td></tr>
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We took a curve off to the left – no problem. Ahead I could see a posted 35mph curve to the right. I watched a couple travel trailers come out of that curve on our side of the road to some degree. That made me nervous. Just as I entered the curve, another truck, pulling a small travel trailer, came around that very curve toward me. The front wheels of his truck were on the center line, and his travel trailer was at least a couple feet into my lane. Having nowhere to go, I “snugged” the coach over just a few inches, hoping to avoid making front end contact with his travel trailer. We missed his trailer. Unfortunately, we heard a long “screeeeeeech” down the side of our motorhome. I’d obviously scraped something on the shoulder! Major bummer. <br />
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<span id="goog_991447356"></span><span id="goog_991447357"></span>Steve said there had been a bridge. I never saw anything. I was just intent on not hitting that trailer. Immediately beyond the curve there was a wide enough spot that I could pull over. Neither of us wanted to go look, but I told Steve he had to make sure our basement bins were still closed, etc. He came back in to report that they were all closed, but that we’d definitely scraped down the side of the coach. Why is it that I always seem to be driving when these bad things happen, I wondered. Very major bummer. <br />
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I should say here that both Steve and I have “issues” we struggle with from time to time, or a lot of times. I struggle with a term I’ve learned – “perfiction”. Yes, you read that right -- not perfection, but "perfiction"! That applies to me because there will never be in me on this earth anything even close to perfection. I’m as imperfect as the next one perhaps more. However, I often seem to feel that I am required to be “perfect”. I feel I let everyone, including myself, down when I am less than perfect. Do you suppose it is a coincidence that God allows so many cruddy things to happen on my watch? I think not! I am learning not to think poorly of myself for not being perfect, but I still struggle. <br />
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We managed to get to the park, and into our site without any further issues. I did have to laugh when Steve was assisting me with backing in the coach into our site though. For most of our 20 years of marriage, Steve was the “backer-inner”. I would dance back and forth behind the travel trailer, and later behind our larger fifth wheel trailer, making sure he could see me, and that he wasn’t going to hit anything. In the early years I would at times dissolve into tears as I attempted to communicate correctly where the RV needed to be. We had some really tough backing in spots to deal with. Steve had to back up a side drive-way and then make a near 45 degree turn, then threading our former trailers into the “trailer port” he’d built especially for our first trailer. It was stressful feeling it was my responsibility not to let anything happen, while learning to communicate effectively with my husband. Steve learned to be very patient with me, and we found our communication style. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yOr9MIqSc8kjEer5d_vp-vUbMSXHXPQD6SyqoEQradc5K8DK3D8_R3JDz-SdmgZtlhK3STSI8cHSDkKgjebDpWV5ACqdebXl8iovClcoSY3L_6BjkObOE7b7a4C7fTD-7Vw3kjb5vOT6/s1600/PB150060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yOr9MIqSc8kjEer5d_vp-vUbMSXHXPQD6SyqoEQradc5K8DK3D8_R3JDz-SdmgZtlhK3STSI8cHSDkKgjebDpWV5ACqdebXl8iovClcoSY3L_6BjkObOE7b7a4C7fTD-7Vw3kjb5vOT6/s320/PB150060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our former RV/truck at Champoeg - a lovely Autumn Day</td></tr>
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I drove our former RV’s also, but I never learned to back in. I always let Steve, since my issues with “perfiction” made it impossible for me to back into a site with other campers waiting for us to clear the road. All that to say we never had to learn to communicate with us being in the opposite positions! <br />
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I had to laugh as I watched Steve use his fingers to try to tell me where he wanted the coach to be. At times he had both fingers pointing in opposite directions! I remember well those moments when I wasn’t sure which way to tell him to go. Now, it’s his turn! We will, of course, eventually get a set of hand motions that I can understand and that feel comfortable to him. I’m thinking perhaps we’ll adopt the motions the rangers we work with use. They appear very straight-forward and simple. <br />
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I know you may be thinking, “Doesn’t she have a camera on the back of the coach? Why couldn’t she just use that to see where she needs to be?” Yes. I have a camera on the back of the coach. We also have cameras on either side of the coach. However, even with the backup camera on our little Cadillac SRX, it’s a very different perspective having that camera mounted right on the back. I remember my first time backing in Moby at our McMinnville RV Park. There was a deep drainage ditch behind our coach. I could see Steve wanted me to continue to back up, but that camera was looking straight down into the ravine!! I was certain my back wheels were going to drop down into that ditch! What a lesson in trust when backing in our huge whale of an RV! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmIhPdfBoqMnG-dxfNI2-fPibDEwrbm_j_04Mve2L2FxaoJ-XN3C1BYadfoMCUK_To2k3A7Ol0Jv9clfMbHdLxfO75scntgyM3UsDCMkncuc14hU9nrV2osTy8Yrau6qmlSHUgQDAIMh2/s1600/IMG_0492+%2528480x640%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmIhPdfBoqMnG-dxfNI2-fPibDEwrbm_j_04Mve2L2FxaoJ-XN3C1BYadfoMCUK_To2k3A7Ol0Jv9clfMbHdLxfO75scntgyM3UsDCMkncuc14hU9nrV2osTy8Yrau6qmlSHUgQDAIMh2/s320/IMG_0492+%2528480x640%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Okay. So now you must be wondering where my “realistic optimism” is coming into play in our current challenge of having a somewhat damaged motorhome. We began counting our blessings pretty quick actually: 1) I didn’t have a head-on collision with that travel trailer; 2) We were not injured (except mentally); 3) We didn’t hurt anyone, nor cause anyone else any stress by our actions; 4) Not a single one of our basement bins opened, meaning none of our “stuff” was damaged; 5) Though the handles are bent, each and every compartment still opens and locks securely; 6) Our front door was not even scratched. This is a HUGE blessing, as our RV repair place was unable to get the door off when they were replacing screws with sheered off heads. How would they be able to replace it?; 7) The damage was limited to those lower basement doors, and did not touch the gigantic slide on the passenger side of the coach, which would’ve been a massive repair; 8) Not a bit of our siding was ripped off – just scratched/dented a bit; 9) Our new insurance company appears to be dealing with this very nicely – we even have insurance to stay in a hotel if we were to have to; 10) Our favorite RV repair place is able to handle the repairs for us; 11) We already had an appointment at the service place for 1 ½ weeks later, at which time their body guy was able to look at and assess the damages for the estimate; 12) I was complimented on not over-reacting with my driving, as it could’ve been much worse, and they thought it was absolutely wonderful that I was capable and willing to drive this coach when their own wives did not or would not drive theirs. <br />
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We believe that God does not promise to save us from all the struggles and problems of life. What He does promise is to see us through those problems and turn them into something good. I just listed 12 good things, and we have barely gotten started dealing with this current challenge.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little bit hazy afternoon view - still beautiful!</td></tr>
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I guess it is very clear that challenges come in life, no matter where or how you live. It is our job to learn to accept and work through each one as it comes and enjoy the moments of peace in-between. I’m sure looking forward to more of those moments!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-37283506288397804412013-07-07T11:18:00.001-07:002013-07-07T11:24:45.771-07:00A Year Ago Today ….<span style="font-family: inherit;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DQqDSDm3M2bKLpa5jeNM_ZgOV6ujbTb9uFZp3LTTWIbITivb5ZcXiTeYJl2EGh6Bv1KECObEfpXDDLqZqawJaTj5MQLgspD0wyvEPSlyovL6W57CTWVzE-haGCvA-7nfpEPrIh07gMMB/s1600/IMG_8822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DQqDSDm3M2bKLpa5jeNM_ZgOV6ujbTb9uFZp3LTTWIbITivb5ZcXiTeYJl2EGh6Bv1KECObEfpXDDLqZqawJaTj5MQLgspD0wyvEPSlyovL6W57CTWVzE-haGCvA-7nfpEPrIh07gMMB/s200/IMG_8822.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvENTzQQmFDBCAZvZN3SEa6KVI82Qk22_uu38ZeGZXxJ7JbREFV9Z8U-aZFAz_rgm5nw2Mn2q_dH5TncQNVwb6VY7uB3yAsJsZ7GX0sCFzV_gd0SW9NgE4ckx4BopL6eWIObMIfhg_JHof/s1600/IMG_8813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvENTzQQmFDBCAZvZN3SEa6KVI82Qk22_uu38ZeGZXxJ7JbREFV9Z8U-aZFAz_rgm5nw2Mn2q_dH5TncQNVwb6VY7uB3yAsJsZ7GX0sCFzV_gd0SW9NgE4ckx4BopL6eWIObMIfhg_JHof/s200/IMG_8813.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">
One year ago today we took delivery of our 2012 Winnebago
Journey 42E.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We dropped off Parsley at
my folks place, and drove our 1999 Dodge 2500, pulling our 28’ Cardinal 28RKB fifth-wheel trailer,
over to Camping World in Hillsboro and finalized the paperwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s when the real fun began...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXnvyhvsTOqf7eiHjWZmpvZZC4rP0ejYpT1rtloQuwnTSLdSwiCQL_kVmvd9PclZcXqRgRWBU2Te9wEgbgIdzxy8gmdN7HwmVRQSJQa-vECjqId7vlD_sowH-OEO6JMiv9xcTQgywpnDx/s1600/0708021454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXnvyhvsTOqf7eiHjWZmpvZZC4rP0ejYpT1rtloQuwnTSLdSwiCQL_kVmvd9PclZcXqRgRWBU2Te9wEgbgIdzxy8gmdN7HwmVRQSJQa-vECjqId7vlD_sowH-OEO6JMiv9xcTQgywpnDx/s200/0708021454.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our fifth<span style="font-size: small;"> wheel was parked door-to-door with
the motorhome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun was shining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The temperature reached 88 degrees that day
in Hillsboro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve was stationed inside the fifth
wheel, unloading drawers and cupboards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was stationed in the motorhome, as the “receiver”, thinking I'd find places for everything in our new home.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkt20d7BlDXIx-sFrxNwPLxKa6KGg_QbJeqKDxIlvJW3gKllPoOjplgoO2GhKWyp4I2M4pIzFyTHA0zJSuFUPcITRMLrPrI54C5OusPVbyHS7w6OUF-gY5SDzvryYoK6H4SvaIDvoIGXXh/s1600/IMG_5867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkt20d7BlDXIx-sFrxNwPLxKa6KGg_QbJeqKDxIlvJW3gKllPoOjplgoO2GhKWyp4I2M4pIzFyTHA0zJSuFUPcITRMLrPrI54C5OusPVbyHS7w6OUF-gY5SDzvryYoK6H4SvaIDvoIGXXh/s200/IMG_5867.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The true hero-of-the-day in my eyes was my brother-in-law, Jim MacDonald,
who stood sandwiched between those two RV doors – out in the sun – taking whatever
Steve handed him and handing it to me in our new home. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jim
went up and down the stairs of both the fifth wheel and the motorhome, as
needed, to receive and deliver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I've always known Jim to be a hard working guy. I probably never thought too much about it though. Also, Jim has always been willing and available to help others. If my memory serves me right, I believe Jim just showed up that day, in case he could help us out. That's what my family is like. My brother, Paul, had wanted to help, but his work schedule just didn't allow it. Jim gave up his Saturday, his day off, to be of assistance to us.</span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZU6GSRqHbtLW6VTkM8lAAmnQ-CJz8eQGJDU2BPTsDsCZzSvDSYo7TJhPm_gujqt07niGshneMCNn2K9I7Yg44sxqZtLErszqyO5K9L3FNHFnXrlKIqVjucz1Lel_FV70JcywY7UheTHq/s1600/P8210093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZU6GSRqHbtLW6VTkM8lAAmnQ-CJz8eQGJDU2BPTsDsCZzSvDSYo7TJhPm_gujqt07niGshneMCNn2K9I7Yg44sxqZtLErszqyO5K9L3FNHFnXrlKIqVjucz1Lel_FV70JcywY7UheTHq/s200/P8210093.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I remember many feelings of that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt overwhelmed, scared to death, and also so
incredibly thankful to Jim for being there for us – in the hot summer sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As often happens, we’d underestimated
our own stamina and ability to do all that had to be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My back was in bad
shape from weeks of packing up our old life, cleaning refrigerators and
freezers, bathrooms, and hauling no longer needed belongings to the Goodwill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Steve had been doing all the heavy work of cleaning out the garage and shed of tools and other equipment. </span>We were both incredibly tired and under the
impression that we would <em>finally</em> be getting some rest once we got moved into our new
motorhome … Talk about naïve! We are thankful in hindsight that God doesn't let us see the future in advance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjJz77QLpeakBEUEYmR3sPO0TKOlvnwNLpCuO9Gz2wpqYp09weYDJ6cDOU9EX-TeBi8oN9CTQEsinibn0WOB8OgLb2MxI6ivTG1PX9lD96yF5kDbk4QFXboBqJdvtRT_eg2NyWrsplFwy/s1600/0708021453a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjJz77QLpeakBEUEYmR3sPO0TKOlvnwNLpCuO9Gz2wpqYp09weYDJ6cDOU9EX-TeBi8oN9CTQEsinibn0WOB8OgLb2MxI6ivTG1PX9lD96yF5kDbk4QFXboBqJdvtRT_eg2NyWrsplFwy/s200/0708021453a.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">By the time the move was over that hot day, my
brother-in-law was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">completely</i>
drenched in sweat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not exaggerated when I
say I cried every time I thought about what Jim had done for us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know how we would’ve managed without
him that day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkTRs7v0k0e7TIKmAhGSeYMde3JXVZhfQNGZ1StRrO2vWuSjtgv7rYs279gb0cFeIkyrshmWz1Dtt0x9ueuL75hiqDLZQpzxnNStIGNTU9nCRJRFu54rRqVm2tkUjO2WEMqQrzceB8vcA/s1600/0708021454a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkTRs7v0k0e7TIKmAhGSeYMde3JXVZhfQNGZ1StRrO2vWuSjtgv7rYs279gb0cFeIkyrshmWz1Dtt0x9ueuL75hiqDLZQpzxnNStIGNTU9nCRJRFu54rRqVm2tkUjO2WEMqQrzceB8vcA/s200/0708021454a.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even after that arduous task in the parking
lot, Jim went to my folk’s place and helped us haul boxes from their garage (our
temporary storage unit) into our new coach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t know where he got the energy to continue!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have any pictures from the actual “move”
that day, but I have distinct memories of Jim’s huge gift to us.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIMc15BOieRJbUZc8roVcWZgbNbT6uFED-N29TUeu_KG6idsA4pFfrT-UmyNBt7gtyqg4st3rAnLkkGBRDRvJIdsz1MRElh44hLrSkNpbfdf_eMZK5EmGoExwnram1y7dL5q9DmkoyfEQ/s1600/Jim+%2526+Kari%2527s+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIMc15BOieRJbUZc8roVcWZgbNbT6uFED-N29TUeu_KG6idsA4pFfrT-UmyNBt7gtyqg4st3rAnLkkGBRDRvJIdsz1MRElh44hLrSkNpbfdf_eMZK5EmGoExwnram1y7dL5q9DmkoyfEQ/s200/Jim+%2526+Kari%2527s+4.JPG" width="132" /></a></div>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today we will celebrate the anniversary of that day by
meeting Jim and my sister, KariJane, for dinner down in McMinnville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are themselves currently staying in
their travel trailer at a Dayton RV park while they wait to move into their new home – not of the mobile variety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
seems like the perfect time to feel thankful and appreciative for both what Jim
did for us, and for what God has brought us through!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-45806440288147012502013-06-22T13:56:00.003-07:002013-06-22T13:56:18.285-07:00Exploring Our World<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q_6nk7BlP8pa_y29Es8bue9l1EhHifYCOeomSWVrVjysKdoHENDAzJ2ZZVUMD2P4zgPxJO9b0RQ-qgvgJrX_R3WxHzHgVGGryZlvO2HyMee5CC9zZSoXS45_ur5Aib7xpogElyBHtkvN/s1600/Escargo+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q_6nk7BlP8pa_y29Es8bue9l1EhHifYCOeomSWVrVjysKdoHENDAzJ2ZZVUMD2P4zgPxJO9b0RQ-qgvgJrX_R3WxHzHgVGGryZlvO2HyMee5CC9zZSoXS45_ur5Aib7xpogElyBHtkvN/s1600/Escargo+cropped.jpg" height="186" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are beginning to realize our time here at Sarah Helmick State Park is
coming to an end in the very near future – less than 2 weeks now. We
leave here on Sunday, June 30th for LL Stub Stewart, near Vernonia, where the
next adventure awaits us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now is the
time we begin to evaluate how this job worked out for us, whether we might want
to come here again in the future, what time of year would be best if we did,
etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also <span style="font-family: inherit;">have a chance to</span> look at
ourselves and our “evolution” as we continue to live out our lives as full-time
“RVers”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess you could say we are
our own <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">lab rats</i>!</span><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQjjTFkQftAJoM5Xxplp9Nwno1D2AsYKr2FoT6JP4RVVRNTwWgb8kmIuKmNg8C2xD7s9clle0xyTj0-ur2LGgAkde5FhUeHwTM4yTnZmDnyTEGTflCvFxwszFgXvwVCNSxOTnFJoODW0D/s1600/Luckiamutte+Evening.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQjjTFkQftAJoM5Xxplp9Nwno1D2AsYKr2FoT6JP4RVVRNTwWgb8kmIuKmNg8C2xD7s9clle0xyTj0-ur2LGgAkde5FhUeHwTM4yTnZmDnyTEGTflCvFxwszFgXvwVCNSxOTnFJoODW0D/s1600/Luckiamutte+Evening.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As far as working at Sarah Helmick, there have been a number of things we
have truly enjoyed, and only a couple things that were a bit less than perfect
from our perspective (everyone is different in that respect!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having this park as our “front yard” was incredible!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love walking around the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We enjoy seeing the beauty of this area and visible
fruits of our labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The local people
here, from Monmouth and the surrounding area, seem to us to be just plain old <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">good people</i> – very friendly and warm – both
at the park, and in town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a
small town feel we have grown to love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
notice a difference in how strangers relate to us in the various parts of
Oregon we’ve lived in: some don’t meet our eyes – perhaps a cultural thing; others
welcome us easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really great
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Case in point – as I was writing
this very sentence, Steve returned from work with a pint of fresh Oregon
strawberries in his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A local man visiting
the park gave him a box to thank us for the work we’ve done here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can we not love these people when we are
often the recipients of their kindness?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
enjoy these people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As park hosts, we
think the amount of litter we pick up says something about the people also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We rarely pick up anything of any consequence
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just saying...</span><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmnX6pnhRyLFCvNERwfWHwhDHTSl8bM7kQgxc7TMR61HUt2IYpQPNc2Dme7UbJc4B7kScT87Chbmi_DXy5rbhiNvf6xZf8nM0W9GgnqvOS8SjSI01qUgEoLqyw5UYTTkHzxJL6O7zTMs1/s1600/0622030937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmnX6pnhRyLFCvNERwfWHwhDHTSl8bM7kQgxc7TMR61HUt2IYpQPNc2Dme7UbJc4B7kScT87Chbmi_DXy5rbhiNvf6xZf8nM0W9GgnqvOS8SjSI01qUgEoLqyw5UYTTkHzxJL6O7zTMs1/s1600/0622030937.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">We have learned we can survive on 30 amp electrical service, but that we’d
really rather have 50 amps to live fully in this coach of ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remembering to turn one thing off before
turning on another was a bit annoying at first, but got better as we grew
accustomed to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, in warmer
weather we would require 50 amps to run the a/c when the sun hits the coach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We heat up quickly in here when the sun is on
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been able to run one unit on
the warmer days, but wouldn’t be happy here in the summer months. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We refer to our power here as a “flakey 30
amps”.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wGC0CPhHPA8LKB1EIRXeNZQyu2z680VLzxZcIunrkkoI04ZYE0UrQGKmXTzHMSsqhvZFz9gxO5U3DoSLVVqGh1k3ALJlKLyuV7HZ9wi8Cc1lJappL_z4YUu4u4j63fagX3egoRN4f2dS/s1600/IMG_0164+%2528480x640%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wGC0CPhHPA8LKB1EIRXeNZQyu2z680VLzxZcIunrkkoI04ZYE0UrQGKmXTzHMSsqhvZFz9gxO5U3DoSLVVqGh1k3ALJlKLyuV7HZ9wi8Cc1lJappL_z4YUu4u4j63fagX3egoRN4f2dS/s1600/IMG_0164+%2528480x640%2529.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The work here was a lot more physical than we generally have experienced when
park hosting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been fun to take on
some new challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve enjoyed
seeing the results of some pretty hard labor, and have appreciated our increase
in muscle mass as well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we
realize that doing this much work for the long term would be tough on our aging
bodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bless you, park maintenance
people!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">never</i> take you for granted again!</span><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-AmoRVhmgEW3LBTivMYALMSxY3tk1sYL5ED6rGJCm-wHXu3KLJQm7YHRC9EoFePvRObh-FH0YFegwOqcTqx61caw532B-bdgDhNUYOzcLcheI-C4sgoVeBLeIry7Z-Ovta7JfKk_pdK9/s1600/Morning+at+the+Gate+-+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-AmoRVhmgEW3LBTivMYALMSxY3tk1sYL5ED6rGJCm-wHXu3KLJQm7YHRC9EoFePvRObh-FH0YFegwOqcTqx61caw532B-bdgDhNUYOzcLcheI-C4sgoVeBLeIry7Z-Ovta7JfKk_pdK9/s1600/Morning+at+the+Gate+-+sm.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve enjoyed our independence, being the sole residents at this park, and have
enjoyed being trusted with more responsibility here, including being allowed to
use large tractor-mowers, gas powered tools, and even park vehicles when
necessary to ease the responsibilities of our ranger. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We haven’t always appreciated needing to be up
and dressed to unlock the gate at 7:00 each morning, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We aren’t so much morning people these
days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, after needing to be up at
Honeyman State Park, it wasn’t as tough as it might have been otherwise.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYD4CuNaQ0e3gl5Vx91IElJ0SMXPP255ooktp8LRk3joUhfIzoVxBuaimMd2ETYsxDemval-OokVVY-PJ_SNM8j7KP9zZam1tW4UrXxiL7nUeTZZo8GXWpORFUyyz2mUfm1_1okGxpRoK/s1600/Luckiamute+Landing+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYD4CuNaQ0e3gl5Vx91IElJ0SMXPP255ooktp8LRk3joUhfIzoVxBuaimMd2ETYsxDemval-OokVVY-PJ_SNM8j7KP9zZam1tW4UrXxiL7nUeTZZo8GXWpORFUyyz2mUfm1_1okGxpRoK/s1600/Luckiamute+Landing+02.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ranger Steve DeGoey & Merilou<br />
at Luckiamute Landing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve enjoyed ranger, Steve DeGoey, and we truly have enjoyed working at
this park .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would definitely
consider returning to this or one of the other host positions in this
management unit at some point if it makes sense for us in the future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We, as people, are changing as we continue in this new lifestyle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the many changes we have seen slowly, over
time, is a desire to see more of the area around where we are living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We've never considered ourselves as
"tourists". Other friends and family seem to always be going
somewhere, exploring new places, always looking for where to go next. We,
on the other hand, are self-proclaimed "home bodies".
We've sometimes felt bad about ourselves for being this way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We definitely see the contrast between us and
others around us. We've occasionally gone so far as to <em>try</em> to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">forcibly</i> plan some outings, thinking
we'd look better to those other people. Most of those attempts failed
miserably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We never got away from the coach.
Either we'd decide it was too much trouble, the risk was too great, or perhaps
we were just too tired that day... We are <strong>B-O-R-I-N-G</strong>!
Any increase in exploring activity would be an improvement, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">During our hosting time at Wallowa Lake last Fall, as we saw our dear new
friends, the Schaffer's, head out of camp on BOTH their days off, exploring
roads to nowhere, eating burgers at restaurants in cities we'd never heard of,
we had an epiphany of sorts. I'd expressed our dismay to Sharon about how
boring we were, and how we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">truly</i> felt
we should strive to be more like the Schaffer’s<span style="display: none; mso-hide: all;">e Schaffer's, are changing as we continue in this new
lifestyle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>turning to this, or
one of the other positions in this</span>. Sharon, a true friend, told me
it was absolutely okay if we didn't become just like them. We are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> the Schaffer’s – we are the
“Kronschmeiers” (Sharon’s first attempt at remembering our last name has
continued to be a teasing point as we continually try to make up new names for
ourselves, experimenting with the spelling, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sharon has spoiled things now by remembering
our name <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">correctly</i>, and even being
able to spell it, but we continue to enjoy using different names for our own,
and her enjoyment.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our good friends
like us <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">just the way we are</i>. It
is true we are not all the same. Whew! We are relaxing our
expectations a bit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Advance ahead in time 6 months or so. It seems we are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">naturally</i> evolving into being just a bit
more curious about the world around us! We’ve begun leaving the coach
more often, sometimes even taking the cat with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps we're changing because we’re focusing
more outside the coach, with the frequent change of scenery. Perhaps it's
because we can make each other crazy if we just sit in the coach all the
time. Perhaps it's because we're discovering this whole other world,
right here at home in Oregon, which we never even knew existed? I mean,
who ever heard of Sarah Helmick State Park, let alone the Luckiamute River, or Luckiamute
State Park?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are certainly glad our
friend Brian Ingoldsby shared his knowledge of this park with us.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQC-xEDTdSSmIQyvHdrxatV9envhHuKQl1zHhyphenhyphenh_lRfNIfguqkygI7kIM7zlRLDMY662s1LTtaqQTBgQiqiKvyMR76ylWvOkQDlTZhRHBbgQLH1h7NuGE61aXYExUJU9GzA8uUoMX5-2w/s1600/Sarah+Helmick+Story+-+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQC-xEDTdSSmIQyvHdrxatV9envhHuKQl1zHhyphenhyphenh_lRfNIfguqkygI7kIM7zlRLDMY662s1LTtaqQTBgQiqiKvyMR76ylWvOkQDlTZhRHBbgQLH1h7NuGE61aXYExUJU9GzA8uUoMX5-2w/s1600/Sarah+Helmick+Story+-+sm.jpg" height="159" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We have since learned that Sarah Helmick is in fact Oregon’s <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">first</i></b>
State Park!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had previously never
stayed or visited anywhere in this area to our knowledge, though Steve had a
daughter attend college in Corvallis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trips down this direction were just to see the daughter and perhaps grab
a quick lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visits to state parks
were not a part of those trips. Yet, we are only about an hour and a half
drive from where we used to live in our “stick homes” in both Hillsboro and
Beaverton for the first 19 years of our marriage, and many years previous.
You might say we are looking at things now through <em>different eyes</em>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yhv5BI7q7sXV-Yej9V18JmL-z6seqpvW8o4czBX9DVHFxnCKeUXcU93tRPGH0d8NFy5DKgFbo6iOtT7DHozlyNDpinnZBSMN5fowRv8-C9ReXmRDIUpCQdldr3_EWiLhLZ0okmdkilAh/s1600/IMG_0292+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yhv5BI7q7sXV-Yej9V18JmL-z6seqpvW8o4czBX9DVHFxnCKeUXcU93tRPGH0d8NFy5DKgFbo6iOtT7DHozlyNDpinnZBSMN5fowRv8-C9ReXmRDIUpCQdldr3_EWiLhLZ0okmdkilAh/s1600/IMG_0292+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Partly due to realizing that hosting at day-use parks is now attractive to
us, we’ve made a point of seeing some of the other parks in within a reasonable
distance for a nice drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because our
ranger, Steve DeGoey, is also responsible for Luckiamute State Park with its
multiple sites, and we have helped him by working at Luckiamute, we learned of
two more hosting possibilities within 10 miles of Sarah Helmick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided we also wanted to check out Fort
Yamhill State Park, near Willamina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
a gorgeous day-use park focusing on the history of an actual military fort that
was on that land from 1856 – 1866 as a buffer between the settlers and the Indians,
who had been pushed out of the land as it was settled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a lovely half mile walk with
informational signs along the way, giving insight into the lives of the military,
the settlers, and the Indians.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1_-pIs4PVrXPh78vAT4HvqyCZpeeK7YHtXrY6WI_RIvzhsMY65FBk7SdU121fjZqXGPvTB4_y-sdgnnwKXp9BwunUztI4JNrDuuSFl7_eXNOe5YKvXDDmWB-EbpCBipC8o5q66-69Ta8/s1600/Luckiamute+Landing+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1_-pIs4PVrXPh78vAT4HvqyCZpeeK7YHtXrY6WI_RIvzhsMY65FBk7SdU121fjZqXGPvTB4_y-sdgnnwKXp9BwunUztI4JNrDuuSFl7_eXNOe5YKvXDDmWB-EbpCBipC8o5q66-69Ta8/s1600/Luckiamute+Landing+04.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We visited Willamette Mission State Park during May.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That park is head of the management unit which
includes both Luckiamute and Sarah Helmick State Parks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a huge park – something like 1500 acres
– with equestrian accommodations and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">lots</i>
of room for picnicking, bicycling and hiking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is part of the restoration work being done to return some of the land
in Oregon to its native vegetation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
our visit there, I have to admit I wasn’t sure what it was about…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s such a vast area of land and is still
being developed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On our way back from Willamette Mission, we got to see Maude Williams State
Park as well – another day use park we’d never heard of previously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another set of hosts who were leaving
Luckiamute moved to Maude Williams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve heard they ended up being rather bored with the contrast in work
opportunities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyOIXXdbeUGM-ihA6ie5sxJRaK90FTABfDw2JFflkSkAGR7MSRwUemhfScCXL8GRILvT0gYmpuze3P6adIP6Wx2osHEYeEShGbjAsu_OXF1QJV9Kd6HT9qh4DoISa9fU4LXduRBXFlcJM/s1600/IMG_0429+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyOIXXdbeUGM-ihA6ie5sxJRaK90FTABfDw2JFflkSkAGR7MSRwUemhfScCXL8GRILvT0gYmpuze3P6adIP6Wx2osHEYeEShGbjAsu_OXF1QJV9Kd6HT9qh4DoISa9fU4LXduRBXFlcJM/s1600/IMG_0429+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thompson Mills State Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We drove to Thompson Mills State Park, near Junction City and Shedd (who’s
heard of Shedd?!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are so glad we
made the effort to visit this park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
an actual flour mill that was operated for something like 125 years on that
site, during the world wars and beyond, though for a time it processed animal
feed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The actual silos and mill, with its
wooden gears and leather pulley system, along with the owners’ home, still
stands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guided tours are available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a private tour by host volunteer
Pamela Dean, who we learned we will see again when we work at Champoeg State
Park this winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pamela took us all
over the mill, turned on some of the equipment which had been converted to
electric, and even opened the waterway so we could see the turbines
operate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a true historical picture
of what life was like back in the 1800’s and early 1900’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mill wasn’t actually closed until 2002,
we learned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The park system purchased the
land, and sold back the water rights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
just had to buy a souvenir apron with one of the flour mill bag’s picture/logo
on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flour bags were often turned into
clothing back then, and are works of art in their own right. </span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While down near Junction City, we looked up a couple Oregon State Park
waysides as well – Alderwood and Washburne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While nice, they are simple waysides for a picnic or a quick rest stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, we made the effort!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are changing!</span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEXMVOTJ7f1-A2riFRKfXrmDS0YimmSqglfPtJ34hJl50E8oYrfCIYEPY5E0ovJg1EgOj2fnzX6VNE3GYsB4pHRIOyWgMSGuoTQTb2D5PRNNvOD3dWzyx8SHb8NkcvfaBk2c0ErwI5MnY/s1600/0510031637+%2528480x640%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEXMVOTJ7f1-A2riFRKfXrmDS0YimmSqglfPtJ34hJl50E8oYrfCIYEPY5E0ovJg1EgOj2fnzX6VNE3GYsB4pHRIOyWgMSGuoTQTb2D5PRNNvOD3dWzyx8SHb8NkcvfaBk2c0ErwI5MnY/s1600/0510031637+%2528480x640%2529.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheatland Ferry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMMj8WwJr8F49SMYfdGs1wsFYZz4aDiPQn43oGFoNrTTUogdFOQNyGo23i_EaOF6Bkl0B6C5Evf8fWK4lt1gj2vulmB7fdwrvre9TRvIN96LVn1flFFDcQtdGXEqhwQAitqUj3GYrse82/s1600/0601031200a+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMMj8WwJr8F49SMYfdGs1wsFYZz4aDiPQn43oGFoNrTTUogdFOQNyGo23i_EaOF6Bkl0B6C5Evf8fWK4lt1gj2vulmB7fdwrvre9TRvIN96LVn1flFFDcQtdGXEqhwQAitqUj3GYrse82/s1600/0601031200a+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buena Vista Ferry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another one of the fun things we did while residing at Sarah Helmick was
check out a couple of local ferries which barge vehicles across the Willamette
River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we returned from visiting
Willamette Mission State Park, we crossed the Willamette on the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wheatland
Ferry</i></b> – a $2 toll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
surprised to see the amount of cars waiting to cross the river by ferry!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t remember the last time we took a
ferry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also learned of, and went to
see, the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Buena Vista Ferry</i></b>, not far from Luckiamute State Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Canby Ferry</i></b>, as my sister
and her family lived in Canby for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Prior even to that, my Grandfather took me for a ride in his VW Karmann
Ghia across the Canby Ferry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no
idea there were still other ferries on the Willamette!</span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCXTW2hegrscLRXn6TomFjIgfL16GdDWY_M-Bjq_AHIYBJ05ItN1XVHNnr1jLB3q6W-pdgr-2oVZIe0kfxguMUlOop7O5NroAArw_x-v7BhN8XOtOjQ-yHLjb4_5YtlM2t7IguhWHO_44/s1600/0506031012a+(480x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCXTW2hegrscLRXn6TomFjIgfL16GdDWY_M-Bjq_AHIYBJ05ItN1XVHNnr1jLB3q6W-pdgr-2oVZIe0kfxguMUlOop7O5NroAArw_x-v7BhN8XOtOjQ-yHLjb4_5YtlM2t7IguhWHO_44/s1600/0506031012a+(480x640).jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We have become very proficient at spotting the dreaded, yet beautiful, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cow Parsnip</i>, which we cleared from
pathways here at Sarah Helmick as one of our first tasks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can cause blistering on human skin, after
it is exposed to ultra violet light from the sun, and other problems, so we
remove it where people might come into contact with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see it along the roads all the time now in
more natural areas and ditches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll
never look at that foliage the same.</span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve gained a curiosity about what farmers are growing out here in the vast
farmland in the Willamette Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
is field mustard grown for?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a
beautiful crop of yellow flowers on leased-out park land next to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked it up and have learned it’s a cover
crop used in-between other plantings to nourish and keep the soil in
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are several bee hives
located in the corner of the field mustard field, so obviously the bees like it
also!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve seen fields of clover,
always with bee hives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see fields of field
mustard, corn, mint, winter wheat, Christmas trees, and vast fields of unknown
white flowering plants, probably another cover crop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve decided they should <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i> have signs so we can learn as we
drive.</span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are definitely still broadening our horizons with each adventure, which
makes each assignment a new opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We truly wish we could bring all our friends and family along on this
adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d enjoy “having it all”
that way!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a great opportunity this
is, for those who are led to it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-83294694100515071882013-06-11T10:55:00.003-07:002013-06-11T11:26:41.934-07:00Living the Life We LoveIt feels like life has fallen once again into step with what we’d hoped for as full time RVers. Working at Jessie M Honeyman for March and April was just the right thing for us, at just the right time. How time flies when you’re having fun! Even more importantly, we feel we've found a great area of life where we can make a good contribution.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14NhyphenhyphenEynwqhI8M29vBOMBj3b-Bye5kPzaKTWJ3PeVOX8iOBYhhH5LDsi-VBqMMH7DZCje6hHjNmIf_Jv-9zyHAs8Kc5hwaDtDZKio1xiKkEaRRvAMA8YzayrNGZqVDjAGayzV0DhbvoWy/s1600/IMG_9955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14NhyphenhyphenEynwqhI8M29vBOMBj3b-Bye5kPzaKTWJ3PeVOX8iOBYhhH5LDsi-VBqMMH7DZCje6hHjNmIf_Jv-9zyHAs8Kc5hwaDtDZKio1xiKkEaRRvAMA8YzayrNGZqVDjAGayzV0DhbvoWy/s320/IMG_9955.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleawox Lake at Jessie Honeyman State Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Each new job has a learning curve we have needed to work our way through. Though we always work for the Oregon State Park & Recreation Department (OPRD), each state park has its own management and its own unique ways of dealing with things, based on the management, location, composition and culture of the park. We’ve worked at five different parks now in our “hosting career”, and each one has defined our job differently, while all having certain common aspects. At Fort Stevens we had three main responsibilities – relief visitors center, relief sales and delivery of firewood (wood on wheels), and once a week litter patrol, with campsite grooming on the side. At Devil’s Lake, Steve mowed grass as a Maintenance Host, and we groomed campsites and did litter patrol. At Wallowa Lake our main job was selling firewood, and grooming campsites was shared by all the hosts. At Jessie Honeyman, our primary job was helping campers, including helping with registration, selling passes, renting out yurts, wood sales and light cleaning of restrooms, litter, recycling & garbage. Though we’d never experienced it before, we felt our job there even more so fulfilled what we believed park hosting would be like.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9w8cUmrEJfUgKAGvIbIVMcYkMOxiFLosQ-JaJ1tTBMMxbp3I0cANZBbO7KiJcMVHxpZ4Zi-qwU7wDmS_cM9J3MgyC9VVtByZEbVh1LV7BO-h7xZFo9kofLzSGrrluzbBijnk9vCZ_NLd/s1600/Picnic+Area+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9w8cUmrEJfUgKAGvIbIVMcYkMOxiFLosQ-JaJ1tTBMMxbp3I0cANZBbO7KiJcMVHxpZ4Zi-qwU7wDmS_cM9J3MgyC9VVtByZEbVh1LV7BO-h7xZFo9kofLzSGrrluzbBijnk9vCZ_NLd/s320/Picnic+Area+A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic Area A at Sarah Helmick State Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are now in yet another new experience! We are Day-Use Hosts at <a href="http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=98" target="_blank">Sarah Helmick State Park</a>, just south of Monmouth for the months of May and June. Again we are experiencing a whole new aspect of park-hosting - the day use host.<br />
<br />
During our working days at Jessie Honeyman, near Florence, we were true <em>campground hosts</em>, available to campers, 24 hours a day for 5 days a week. As soon as we woke each morning, we pulled on clothes and went out to raise the American flag. We took it down again each evening at dusk. Once we were out of bed each morning, our window shades went up, indicating that we were available to campers. If a camper came in the middle of the night and couldn't get into their yurt, or had some other need, we were available for them to find help, (although we'd talk to them through the window, for our safety!). We were the first visible hosts as campers entered the park, which is why we were considered the "meet-greet hosts". Fortunately, we were not waked in the night often! Our “On Duty” sign would not go down for the 5 days we were on duty. <br />
<br />
While every day was different, and though our actual working hours probably never exceed four hours a day, we were to be available to help campers at any time. We tried to always have one of us at the coach, with only a couple exceptions. I would stay behind while Steve did light cleaning of the men’s restroom, and he covered while I cleaned the women’s restroom.<br />
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Other than refilling paper towel and toilet paper dispensers, we’ve never been asked to do any cleaning of restrooms previous to Honeyman. Even at Honeyman, we didn't do what is considered “deep cleaning”. We would disinfect and wipe down the sinks and mirrors, sweep the floors and pick up debris. The Rangers clean and disinfect the toilets and showers and mop floors. Doing the amount of work we were asked to do in the restrooms did not seemed unreasonable to us at all. It’s actually nice to know we were helping the rangers with their workload, while not doing anything we were uncomfortable with.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-AmoRVhmgEW3LBTivMYALMSxY3tk1sYL5ED6rGJCm-wHXu3KLJQm7YHRC9EoFePvRObh-FH0YFegwOqcTqx61caw532B-bdgDhNUYOzcLcheI-C4sgoVeBLeIry7Z-Ovta7JfKk_pdK9/s1600/Morning+at+the+Gate+-+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-AmoRVhmgEW3LBTivMYALMSxY3tk1sYL5ED6rGJCm-wHXu3KLJQm7YHRC9EoFePvRObh-FH0YFegwOqcTqx61caw532B-bdgDhNUYOzcLcheI-C4sgoVeBLeIry7Z-Ovta7JfKk_pdK9/s320/Morning+at+the+Gate+-+sm.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise at the Sarah Helmick gate</td></tr>
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We arrived at <a href="http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=98" target="_blank">Sarah Helmick State Park</a> on Monday, April 29th. This is our first experience hosting at a day-use park. We weren't sure we'd like it, but wanted to give it a try. Our concerns about taking a day-use job were related to feeling secure, and to being lonely. We are the only residents at the park. We have been delighted to find that we have enjoyed our time here. We feel safe, and are not lonesome. Since we lock the front gate each night, the park becomes our own private front yard after 9pm, until we unlock it again at 7am the next morning. Locking the gate means we are less likely to be awakened by unwanted intruders in the night. We are located about 4 miles from the nearest small city, so it's not like we see anybody arrive here on foot! In addition to unlocking and locking the front gate each day, we also clean and stock the two restrooms, pick up litter, mow our 15 acre park lawn, prune, and generally are a presence at the park. When we first arrived, locals told us of some less-than-desirable activity in the park, which made us a bit nervous. However, the reality is that when we began to reside here, those people must have gone elsewhere!<br />
<br />
The park has two large group picnic areas which can be reserved for various events. We’ve been told there have been weddings held here, though we haven't been able to enjoy that experience. We've had one area used for a memorial service, but that's been our only reservation to date.<br />
<br />
One of our favorite aspects of being at Sarah Helmick has turned out to be getting to know the local regulars who come to the park. Fred, who has a permit to saw up a couple downed trees in the park, comes almost daily to "have a beer and visit with friends". We've seen very little progress on the tree during the 5-6 weeks we've been here ...<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5hedKlZz4plA30A8rQfrFN6O7drOw1vMFZ-Ws3HK77vDrQiUbTsIuQJS265zQsRJk6Z6fIQsKWS2BsKw_f3r4IrTflVsUB4oLsm2nDSMLCoV21FGbD2WG2i7KCMEPQaWygYPpLZZUHgn/s1600/Steve,+Shirley+&+Lucky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5hedKlZz4plA30A8rQfrFN6O7drOw1vMFZ-Ws3HK77vDrQiUbTsIuQJS265zQsRJk6Z6fIQsKWS2BsKw_f3r4IrTflVsUB4oLsm2nDSMLCoV21FGbD2WG2i7KCMEPQaWygYPpLZZUHgn/s320/Steve,+Shirley+&+Lucky.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve with new local friend,<br />
Shirley with Lucky</td></tr>
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Ody and Shirley come regularly to walk their wolf-mix dog, Lucky. Shirley has brought us produce from her garden - Swiss Chard and a cherry tomato plant have been real treats!<br />
<br />
Chuck and his wife are our "walkers". They do 8 laps around the park on week days, equaling 4 miles. We have another regular we refer to as "shirtless man" who comes on sunny days, removes his shirt, and just enjoys standing around in the sunshine. We have people who eat their dinner here on all the sunny evenings. They each appear to have their favorite picnic areas. Some occasionally use the BBQ stands around the park to cook on. Families, and some young people, come regularly on the nicer days to play down at the river's edge. It wouldn't be our idea of a good time, as the river looks pretty murky to us, but they love it. Apparently it isn't too deep. We have fishermen visit. One grandfather brought his young grandson to fish. We've been told catch-and-release is best. The Luckiamute River, which runs on 2 sides of our park, meanders through a lot of farm land, and we've been told that means it gets run-off from chemicals used in farming, and animal waste ... Need I say more?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxK_5EHKsSvc3NE1uihBWEW5UoPIYtbTtKmbg_7se2m0sWJMECDMGw6gK3qkV1X9CFEP8bWQFCwbi34mIgwfnPNF8UEGWbmdO2dLM8xm3K_4GSRpor9oR_yJrqVGMNraqqXfs2kNAu8M71/s1600/ML+in+Ranger+Truck3+-+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxK_5EHKsSvc3NE1uihBWEW5UoPIYtbTtKmbg_7se2m0sWJMECDMGw6gK3qkV1X9CFEP8bWQFCwbi34mIgwfnPNF8UEGWbmdO2dLM8xm3K_4GSRpor9oR_yJrqVGMNraqqXfs2kNAu8M71/s200/ML+in+Ranger+Truck3+-+sm.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being trusted with the park truck<br />
is no small thing!</td></tr>
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Another couple who regularly visit the park are from further south, past Corvallis. They drive up highway 99 to the city of Dallas to pick up their inventory of pellet BBQ's, which they sell. They always stop here at the park on their return trip. The first time we met them, they stopped us to express fear that they <em>may</em> have seen a young man with a revolver in the park, over by the bridge. They identified his vehicle for us, and circled the park 2 more times just to keep an eye on him. We decided to take a drive around the park in our golf cart just to see what we could see. A young man approached me along the way, asking about a woodpecker he was hearing in a grove of trees. It didn't take long while visiting with this young man to realize I was speaking to the young man the <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM6zfXw9HbjYPqDSObH8Z3-lLIRThlaY9U1FSHlI3mIA5sg3ppn-424p9LTmEc_utH9TAu7JOUaeFsTp4kWaOCd1ejetHC19JVSdsiVXlgZ4b-kKn0qgeuX2QCnwpYqoa6WoTJR9w2kOS/s1600/Luckiamute+Landing+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM6zfXw9HbjYPqDSObH8Z3-lLIRThlaY9U1FSHlI3mIA5sg3ppn-424p9LTmEc_utH9TAu7JOUaeFsTp4kWaOCd1ejetHC19JVSdsiVXlgZ4b-kKn0qgeuX2QCnwpYqoa6WoTJR9w2kOS/s200/Luckiamute+Landing+05.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadow area near the Willamette<br />
at Luckiamute Landing</td></tr>
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couple had been concerned about! The good news is that he was clearly no threat. He was just a nice young man, from the other side of Salem, with a geology degree who had a nature blog. He enjoyed visiting various parks and natural areas and writing about whatever he might see. I probably visited with him for a good 45 minutes that day. I believe the "revolver" was actually just a small black camera he used to capture photos for his blog.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7vPPJWG8BfWNpUV-BWmQAAmmyn9zBLlGJmlvFJo55uJ2xn4-P0NtBfywaUJ85bzp47niyE-UKySuIi7Bnef589I68DcQ1wh8oh6c1gM8VtAqO6v45eY9OJuFm9VO-uOIjJGEg2CvNZEc/s1600/Luckiamute+Landing+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7vPPJWG8BfWNpUV-BWmQAAmmyn9zBLlGJmlvFJo55uJ2xn4-P0NtBfywaUJ85bzp47niyE-UKySuIi7Bnef589I68DcQ1wh8oh6c1gM8VtAqO6v45eY9OJuFm9VO-uOIjJGEg2CvNZEc/s320/Luckiamute+Landing+01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ranger Steve DeGoey and myself by the confluence<br />
of the Willamette, Santiam and Luckiamute Rivers</td></tr>
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Yet another person we've had the pleasure of getting to know here is the ranger who oversees this park. He is actually working at <a href="http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=192" target="_blank">Luckiamute State Park</a>, a much larger park about 5-10 miles from us, with various sites along another part the Luckiamute River. He oversees Sarah Helmick park as well. Ranger Steve DeGoey had to be convinced to let us take on more responsibilities during our first weeks working with him. Another host we'd met when we arrived, who knew him well, suggested we do some gentle pushing to get him to let us help him out a bit more. It worked, and we have had the chance to try yet more new tasks. During May, Ranger Steve was without hosts at Luckiamute. We offered to work there too, once we'd caught up on the work at Sarah Helmick. Our 2nd Sunday on the job, he asked us to come over and help. I mowed the main site, and Steve accompanied him to do some tree trimming off the main road at North Luckiamute. I had a blast on that mower, trying to finish the task before they returned from the northern site.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5t12TM23HrY3C88L5O0J4aOeOnvZzzCPSXfXJ6lfH8hzyX0raaw8kW1ar_81qNizciu3Z_vMiNXRL2b9WlFVW7yTBSr_DW0UJ8aPFkrb5yFAJS_IBtp9x96O-vA66cdPdkcZqTV38i4JL/s1600/0526031225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5t12TM23HrY3C88L5O0J4aOeOnvZzzCPSXfXJ6lfH8hzyX0raaw8kW1ar_81qNizciu3Z_vMiNXRL2b9WlFVW7yTBSr_DW0UJ8aPFkrb5yFAJS_IBtp9x96O-vA66cdPdkcZqTV38i4JL/s320/0526031225.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following the tractor out of the "jungle" </td></tr>
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The following Sunday he asked us to accompany him a few miles in on a service road where a tree had fallen. He needed to remove the tree, and was required to have a spotter while using the chain saw. He thought we could help widen the service road by clearing brush back while we waited for him to work. I drove in the park truck, following Ranger Steve on a tractor. We have never been in such a dense forested area. At the point of the fallen tree, we felt we were deep in a jungle! Naturally, I only remembered to begin taking photos as we were following the tractor back out of the area ... Ranger Steve told us this area is the largest, mostly unaffected natural forested area in Oregon, if I understood correctly. It was truly incredible. Just outside the forest area are natural meadows, looking much the way it did when the first pioneers began settling in this area. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1_-pIs4PVrXPh78vAT4HvqyCZpeeK7YHtXrY6WI_RIvzhsMY65FBk7SdU121fjZqXGPvTB4_y-sdgnnwKXp9BwunUztI4JNrDuuSFl7_eXNOe5YKvXDDmWB-EbpCBipC8o5q66-69Ta8/s1600/Luckiamute+Landing+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1_-pIs4PVrXPh78vAT4HvqyCZpeeK7YHtXrY6WI_RIvzhsMY65FBk7SdU121fjZqXGPvTB4_y-sdgnnwKXp9BwunUztI4JNrDuuSFl7_eXNOe5YKvXDDmWB-EbpCBipC8o5q66-69Ta8/s320/Luckiamute+Landing+04.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://willamettewatertrail.org/" target="_blank">Willamette Water Trail</a> signs at<br />
Luckiamute Landing</td></tr>
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It is such a treat to learn of these areas that I have never even heard of! We stopped at one point and walked over to the Willamette River, where the Santiam River flows in, and very near where the Luckiamute also connects. He showed us a <a href="http://willamettewatertrail.org/" target="_blank">river milepost</a> that boaters have available all along the river way. There are areas where boaters can camp that are only accessible from the river. There's a whole world out there we never knew existed! I'm constantly amazed how much I don't know about the Willamette Valley where I've spent my entire life. There's a great river guide for the Willamette to check out online - just click <a href="http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/library/docs/willametteriverguidepdf.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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We've been invited to return to Sarah Helmick or either of the two host sites at Luckiamute again, which lets us know just how much our help has been appreciated. I don't think we ever see Ranger Steve when he doesn't thank us for our work. It feels really good - like we're truly making a difference!<br />
<br />
The next chapter of our adventure begins in about 2 1/2 weeks, when we will once again be again trying something new. We'll be working for the state, helping to collect surveys on day-use parks. We've been placed at LL Stub Stewart State Park, near Vernonia for July and August. We're supposed to have completed that job in about 6 weeks, and we have host friends we met last August, the Brock's, hoping to get together with us during that last portion of August. We also hope we'll be getting lots of visits in with local friends and family. In addition, we have some routine maintenance due on the coach to take care of.<br />
<br />
We are to be back at Wallowa Lake State Park for September and October, and hope to have some fun traveling with our good friends, the Schaffer's, who'll be heading back there from a brief vacation month in Newberg. I am waiting to hear back on possibilities for November/December of this year, and we are in the early stages of looking into possibilities for 2014. We have to work to keep from falling back into our comfort zone. We feel the need to be uncomfortable, at least as far as trying more new things. The possibilities available to us seem almost unending. Fish hatcheries need hosts. We could leave Oregon to try working elsewhere. We might want to work in a National park or two. The future is yet to be determined and we are excited to see what plans God has for our future!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>Diabetes Update</strong></em>: As a side note, I am happy to report I'm doing very well currently with my <a href="http://www.diabetes.org/" target="_blank">type 2 diabetes</a>. I just saw the doctor on June 7th and got an excellent report of the progress I've made controlling the disease through diet and exercise. It won't last, as diabetes is incurable, but she said I should enjoy the next 6 months to 5 years, or as long as I am able to control things without medication. I'm feeling good again, and we have only found the modifications to our lifestyle to be positive. Thanks for the treasured prayers of my friends and family!</span></blockquote>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-3816941246059042462013-03-03T06:54:00.000-08:002013-03-03T07:53:08.123-08:00Getting Back to the Dream!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhzQRBC97UaQNZd67pK00r_dQpHHNE7b3y8uy-Dh28SbkTQ0Z-bt1QvYRvPs1ThYJAMIOM-rK3ythz2vdXvpub0EZkKyRxekw6Vq_1_dPVHxZe7h8DBMfQ6H0dsrAmM8Um8eVIoMp4Csk/s1600/Honeyman+Site.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhzQRBC97UaQNZd67pK00r_dQpHHNE7b3y8uy-Dh28SbkTQ0Z-bt1QvYRvPs1ThYJAMIOM-rK3ythz2vdXvpub0EZkKyRxekw6Vq_1_dPVHxZe7h8DBMfQ6H0dsrAmM8Um8eVIoMp4Csk/s320/Honeyman+Site.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ukGWxUVwdSmfLswcglu-3uo2igN6nw9PrSS-EVukEwu1yoBQiU82PhBZ10GSeRupOLVTwIJbIvnn8-S-AuJeUWmoTxY3gJptzADKjqYCwJwd0XiVDKi9FobZ10uW_M_CoV2e_Jod3El4/s1600/Honeyman+Pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ukGWxUVwdSmfLswcglu-3uo2igN6nw9PrSS-EVukEwu1yoBQiU82PhBZ10GSeRupOLVTwIJbIvnn8-S-AuJeUWmoTxY3gJptzADKjqYCwJwd0XiVDKi9FobZ10uW_M_CoV2e_Jod3El4/s1600/Honeyman+Pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ukGWxUVwdSmfLswcglu-3uo2igN6nw9PrSS-EVukEwu1yoBQiU82PhBZ10GSeRupOLVTwIJbIvnn8-S-AuJeUWmoTxY3gJptzADKjqYCwJwd0XiVDKi9FobZ10uW_M_CoV2e_Jod3El4/s1600/Honeyman+Pic+1.jpg"></a>We are campground hosts again!! This is the most <em>exciting</em> news to us after a few months of being "grounded"! We are at <span id="goog_924343880"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Jessie Honeyman State Park<span id="goog_924343881"></span></a>, near Florence, for the months of March and April. We are the “meeter-greeter” hosts, right at the entrance of the park (site A-26). The front of our Moby looks right at the registration booth. A firewood barn is next to us, and the recyling area is just beyond that. Our responsibilities include helping campers with registration, renting yurts, providing information on activities for the area, selling firewood, recycling, cleaning A loop of litter, checking and light cleaning of A loop restrooms, and anything else needing to be done. We are so excited to have this 2-month job on the south end of the central Oregon coast! We had received calls from a couple of other parks in February, looking for help for March, but neither had openings in April also. Working for two months in one park gives us a better chance to get to know the park and the surrounding area. By the second month, we pretty much know the unique aspects of a park, and can better assist campers, as well as the rangers.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ukGWxUVwdSmfLswcglu-3uo2igN6nw9PrSS-EVukEwu1yoBQiU82PhBZ10GSeRupOLVTwIJbIvnn8-S-AuJeUWmoTxY3gJptzADKjqYCwJwd0XiVDKi9FobZ10uW_M_CoV2e_Jod3El4/s320/Honeyman+Pic+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honeyman State Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Available hosting opportunities are more numerous in Oregon
State Parks during the winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a matter of
the kind of hosting job you are looking for, the amenities you need or desire,
the location you are willing to go to, and the weather you are willing to deal with!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
It appears to us that n</span>ot all parks post their openings on-line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some park rangers may have a regular pool
of hosts they are familiar with and are able to find workers from their own
lists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems that some of the
more difficult positions to fill appear on the on-line postings list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is an assumption on our part, however, often we see openings for cabin or
yurt hosts, or interpretive hosts, or even security and maintenance positions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For us, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">campground host</i> is the desirable position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being around people is what makes the job fun
for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve noticed that when
cleaning yurts or cabins, the job requires the work be done <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">before</i> the campers arrive, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">after</i> the campers leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to be there <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in the midst</i> of the campers, not only working behind the
scenes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even cleaning campsites and
doing litter patrol means we are wandering among campers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children will sometimes join us and help us look
for tiny pieces of litter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It's a treasure hunt to them! </span>Our uniforms
(vest and hats usually) identify us as someone who might know something if a
camper needs some information or assistance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also think our uniforms say, “We are approachable – come talk to us!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a lot of people who are curious
about what it’s like to be an Oregon State park host.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many are thinking about the future when <em>they</em> will be retired and perhaps
have the chance to try new things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
exactly where we were only a year or so ago, and we love to share our story!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We had a restful, yet challenging few months since returning
from Wallowa Lake State Park near the end of October.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I truly believe that God charts our path, and we can now see how He has purposed
these past few months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It was a necessary time of being stationary. </span>Now that I know I
have </span><a href="http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-2/facts-about-type-2.html"><span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;"><strong>Type
2 Diabetes</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>,</strong> I can say with 20/20 hindsight that I am so thankful we had this down
time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took me a month to begin telling others about my diagnosis, but I’m good with it now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lifestyle changes have been relatively
simple for us, and I am feeling <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so much
better</i>, both mentally and physically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Getting back to park hosting only makes things better as our
activity levels have gone back up considerably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those
walks we need to take each day happen without a second thought as we busy
ourselves working around the park!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vO139ybwSWQbpjN2eZ7ouczyGXL8laHRy_BnJQD2rDt7f6ULqCPLEnxFlgQpc5Nux2Ppyp_TtloJx5EUYJR0xTcSKgoBfRednkdX-XwDqTC8e1LV9WVYaxvR5WaLgSwzjV14LPqlv9gf/s1600/Image11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vO139ybwSWQbpjN2eZ7ouczyGXL8laHRy_BnJQD2rDt7f6ULqCPLEnxFlgQpc5Nux2Ppyp_TtloJx5EUYJR0xTcSKgoBfRednkdX-XwDqTC8e1LV9WVYaxvR5WaLgSwzjV14LPqlv9gf/s320/Image11.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">When we saw this opening for work at Jessie Honeyman State Park, we knew it would provide us with the
perfect opportunity for the next couple of months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We have fond memories of camping here perhaps 15 years ago. At the time, we camped in a 24' travel trailer, pulled by our Chevy truck. We've moved up in our RVs twice since those days. We were so much younger .... we rented Odysses to play with on the dunes. I fondly remember how Steve drove in circle after circle until he made himself sick! Ah, the good ol' days!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our up-front host site at Honeyman is a great site. We have 50 amps at our host spot, with good
access to people as they enter the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The park is plenty
large (the 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> largest in Oregon, behind Fort Stevens State Park),
giving us lots of opportunities for exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
We haven't</span> worked within this management group (a grouping of parks
overseen by the same management), which means an opportunity to meet new
rangers, which can also open up other opportunities down the road.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDH_RRkZ21SE3BI70VZeaOFyYu9Jrcxdp2Lo-ZLXnddg8a17t6qJj9RXv0QSxNXpTu-kq-fS-mEFvpYRs9NuRJc5XpMO6Jp2rWjR6U9yFxE72CUh3AMMhUCuGmaoaGXh9aYWwaAtFN_G49/s1600/Park+Host+Sign+-+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDH_RRkZ21SE3BI70VZeaOFyYu9Jrcxdp2Lo-ZLXnddg8a17t6qJj9RXv0QSxNXpTu-kq-fS-mEFvpYRs9NuRJc5XpMO6Jp2rWjR6U9yFxE72CUh3AMMhUCuGmaoaGXh9aYWwaAtFN_G49/s320/Park+Host+Sign+-+sm.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">As we see over and over at each new park we work in, the host coordinator ranger here is very nice, and works well with volunteers. We spent 3 hours in orientation on our first full day here. There were 4 sets of hosts starting this month, with a couple others who started a couple weeks earlier. One couple was in the hospital on orientation day, having a baby! They will join us soon.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Steve and I have more responsibilities with registration, so our orientation took longer. By the time we returned to our coach at 4:30pm, we really had to hit the ground running. Campers were needing firewood, help getting into yurts, etc. While it was overwhelming to remember so much new information (each park is unique in many aspects of what they ask hosts to do), we seem to be getting through each situation as it arrives. We had many people hoping to find yurts available for the weekend, but we're full until Sunday.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">This is a popular park for ATVers! It is H-loop, which has been set up especially for the ATV (all terrain vehicle) crowd, with access to the sand dunes, where these folk like to be. This loop in the rear of the park has extra wide paved areas on each site for parking trailers and accompanying vehicles. There are also extra parking areas for storing their ATV trailers. ATV's are not allowed to be driven around the park itself, but are allowed dune access directly from the back H-loop. Anybody camping elsewhere in the park with ATV's must "trailer out" their ATV's and access the dunes from the jetty area. Getting a space in H-loop is a special deal for these dare devil's (our perspective!). We are happy up in the more "gentle" front area of the park.</span></span><br />
<br />
Well, the sun is up and it's time to put the flag up the flag pole. I'll try to share some good dune pictures and stories with the next post! For now, I am one happy camper!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-16953889735185856062013-01-26T16:03:00.001-08:002013-01-29T11:46:41.868-08:00Some Encouraging Progress!It's been a long time since I've managed to post to my blog. Many reasons. Not feeling well. Too busy. Not much of my brain to spare? Today, I might just succeed!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3J3TU_pxRQUhBv3OPztBGiO8TgjMfjvGOFRZMN2mTP2bUD14lp66T6ATDjT0Th62HMQVWJRd1z3nri4At1v4MCVVENTuVxr8k4ItX6AjDJAvf4AwistvYvjMwD8Qnh0dAO8zt5dv6YIUG/s1600/Phoenix+RV+-+Steve+at+front+of+coach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3J3TU_pxRQUhBv3OPztBGiO8TgjMfjvGOFRZMN2mTP2bUD14lp66T6ATDjT0Th62HMQVWJRd1z3nri4At1v4MCVVENTuVxr8k4ItX6AjDJAvf4AwistvYvjMwD8Qnh0dAO8zt5dv6YIUG/s320/Phoenix+RV+-+Steve+at+front+of+coach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We are now living for a time in NE Salem. In our usual fashion, there was a series of things that led us to this place. I like to talk about wanting God to be the one to lead us here or there. Often I can't see His leading until I look back in hindsight. This last few months has been like that.<br />
<br />
We were supposed to leave at the end of November for Brookings, Oregon, where we were booked as hosts for December and January at Alfred A Loeb State Park. And then Steve helped me by making a management decision that we should cancel those plans at the last moment and stay in McMinnville in order to find a doctor and get me some help with some on-going "discomfort" I had been experiencing for some time. Calling the ranger to cancel on him at the last moment felt <em>awful</em>, and yet he was so gracious and kind about it. I suppose this kind of thing happens from time to time when you are dealing with a lot of retired people of various ages. However, I did consider it a great blessing that he not only answered the phone that day, but that he was gracious and understanding as well. I saw God's hand in that moment.<br />
<br />
That very day I went about searching for a doctor. I actually just went online and searched. Talk about scary! I knew I wanted a female. I probably don't need to explain that one. I also wanted someone who would teach me, or give me resources, and wouldn't just tell me what to do, like I didn't need to know. Based on these short little "blurbs" with a picture of the doctor, I made a decision, mostly blindly. I called my 1st choice, in Newberg, and learned I couldn't get an appointment until December 31st. Ugh. I really didn't want to wait that long! They had another doctor in the same group, which would get me in a couple weeks earlier. I decided if I was going to have to wait anyway, I would go ahead and go for my first choice. We learned there was a Providence Urgent Care in Sherwood if I felt I couldn't wait any longer. So I waited.<br />
<br />
I never did go to Urgent Care, though I was tempted a couple times. Each time my discomfort would get better, and I'd decide I would continue to wait. Looking back I don't know how much of my discomfort was caused by the added stress and fear of not knowing why I was feeling bad. I'll perhaps never know. I do have anxiety issues that creep up on me from time to time.<br />
<br />
Since this blog isn't about my health, let me just say that I made it to December 31st, and found I made a very good choice in picking my new doctor. I love the whole Providence Newberg Medical Group experience in general - it has a small community feel to it. I could go on and on. Suffice it to say that I am now getting help and feeling very encouraged. After a January 9th appointment, we realized we could actually get back to living the life we'd hoped for! What a huge relief for both of us! We were SO ready to move on. We love our park in McMinnville, but we were really feeling the need for change. We were getting on each other's nerves a wee bit (at times a large bit!) ...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIS8gepAxA4QcWhSAOPfPKpKicWgQkynyIJ9Sxj1PBDGfCiW7gHl5TbG7KkMDQQpoxiwYR6cB_-o97p3tYEHGMGMeApJji9FVxz0ESdYKnJsvq5vUxD-soppzocIc02VIOk72qSMeWh_-7/s1600/Phoenix+RV+-+our+row.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIS8gepAxA4QcWhSAOPfPKpKicWgQkynyIJ9Sxj1PBDGfCiW7gHl5TbG7KkMDQQpoxiwYR6cB_-o97p3tYEHGMGMeApJji9FVxz0ESdYKnJsvq5vUxD-soppzocIc02VIOk72qSMeWh_-7/s320/Phoenix+RV+-+our+row.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phoenix RV Park - that's us at the very back (right edge).</td></tr>
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The first thing we did was call down to Roberson RV in Salem to make an appointment for our coach. Once we decided to change to a different RV service company, Winnebago told us about this award winning one. Steve and I drove down for a visit in December and were so impressed to meet the head of the service department. He spent time talking with us - and listened! It was so encouraging that we felt very hopeful they could help us get through more of our warranty items on the coach. We also scouted out a couple RV parks while we were in the area, and knew one of the two would be our home while in Salem. As it turned out, we picked my second choice, as it was simply easier to get to Roberson. I just wasn't sure about the area of town, even though it was a nice, clean RV park - very well kept. Steve made the final decision, and I figured I could live with it. It's turned out to be a great place for us. From my perspective, within 4 miles I have a Winco, a Fred Meyer, and 2 Walgreen's. If I go another couple miles I even have a Trader Jo's. We even have workout equipment to use when it's too cold to go walking. Life is good. We've helped put together puzzles in the gathering area. I love puzzles, but it's difficult to use our limited space for one here in the coach. There is free coffee at the office each morning, and even doughnuts on Fridays. Steve's tickled about that. I'm trying not to look.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtBzj3eVoXq_crj0HDEN6hAS-EtWgA1TVRAPvyoPiob1EyA8TdMOcQTFnpjrYBYSeNPppb2BVRKSD4sXJkOUrlMH_s1ZLumT0Ld2WNM9NEm-x_wSVWSgDXC7zvlyYgZ3f5IH6VglHNati/s1600/Moby+at+Roberson+RV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtBzj3eVoXq_crj0HDEN6hAS-EtWgA1TVRAPvyoPiob1EyA8TdMOcQTFnpjrYBYSeNPppb2BVRKSD4sXJkOUrlMH_s1ZLumT0Ld2WNM9NEm-x_wSVWSgDXC7zvlyYgZ3f5IH6VglHNati/s320/Moby+at+Roberson+RV.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moby - slides in - waiting for his 2nd appointment at Roberson.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have also not been disappointed with the service we have received at Roberson. We spent two nights camped out in front of their business, complete with 50amp hookups and water available if we needed it. Each day we would leave Moby with them and Steve, Parsley and I would drive up to Beaverton to spend the rest of the day with my parents. We can't say enough how thankful we are to be able to hang out at their place when we truly have nowhere else to be! Sitting in the car with the cat isn't bad for perhaps up to 3 hours or so. A whole day .... I'm not sure which of us would go crazy first!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPJ6WLqxMAyXNy2ZoSUFuzVwD3NISEIAayLW6bAYCGgO_fwwohxQ5GSL7zB9-mFX4eQwwQ9awVfp0dTKltEd-zrQor2mWq9SC9NDsFQqfD_5-4H63QD4GCZtyGQYlUsrPiuHk1Hf4Q77K/s1600/Phoenix+RV+-+parsley+in+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPJ6WLqxMAyXNy2ZoSUFuzVwD3NISEIAayLW6bAYCGgO_fwwohxQ5GSL7zB9-mFX4eQwwQ9awVfp0dTKltEd-zrQor2mWq9SC9NDsFQqfD_5-4H63QD4GCZtyGQYlUsrPiuHk1Hf4Q77K/s320/Phoenix+RV+-+parsley+in+window.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parsley in the coach window, getting some rays.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm not certain that our frustration with our former RV service place wasn't much caused by a lack of communication we got from them. However, we now are getting some things fixed that we were told were "normal", and we had to live with them.<br />
<br />
A perfect example is the problem we've had with our sliding bed: Our king-size bed has to slide up - that is the head of the bed folds up as an adjustable bed, and moves the whole bed up perhaps 1-2 feet. Unless the bed is able to raise all the way up, moving the end of the bed in, the bedroom slide will not come in. If the bed slide can't come in, we can't move, for obvious reasons. At times the switches were dead. Then, 30 seconds later, they would work. There was a clicking sound, metal on metal as the bed eventually moved up. I can't tell you how much stress this problem caused us. Our worse fear with commitments to be at such and such a place on such and such a day was that the bed wouldn't come up and we'd be unable to leave - even to go get it fixed! After several visits, usually 1 or 2 months apart, between hosting jobs, there was no change in how it operated. We'd baby that thing and somehow we'd get it to come up enough that the slide would go in. Our former service place said they couldn't fix the clicking until something broke. Obviously, we wouldn't be able to get in to have it fixed if that happened! What were they thinking?!?!<br />
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During our first visit at Roberson RV, their technician called Winnebago and learned that a red and green light on the bed controller (that had been on ever since we bought the coach) weren't supposed to be on. They indicated that the mechanism was out of adjustment. The technician followed their instructions, made the adjustment, and suddenly our bed lifted without problem. They also noticed some metal pieces that were hitting each other. They bent them back into shape, and the clicking stopped as well. No matter what else happened after that, Roberson RV are rock stars to us! They are our new regular service place. I can't tell you what a joy it was to fold up the motorhome just yesterday and have it operate perfectly! A true miracle in my book!<br />
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Yesterday, Thursday, we prepared Moby for travel, and took him over to visit Freightliner. They just happen to be on the north end of Salem, just off I-5, about 6 miles from our RV Park. We'd received a recall notice which they would check out for us. We sat in our car, along with Parsley the cat, for perhaps 1 1/2 hours, until they were able to get a chance to check it out, make whatever adjustments they needed, and we able to return to our new RV Park in Salem. Slowly, things are falling into place.<br />
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I did fail to mention one other big deal repair Roberson helped us with. Some of the heads were falling off screws which hold our door to the frame on the coach. It was a major concern, but there were several hinges with seven screws on each side of the hinge. We treated it gingerly and hoped to get it fixed before the door fell off. It appears the torque on a drill may have been too strong, damaging the screws. Roberson, with Winnebago's help, tried to figure out a solution. They were unable to drill out the old screws as they were stainless steel - too hard. They couldn't access the back side of the screws without taking the door apart, something they really didn't want to have to do. In the end, the problem was solved by simply adding screws to the existing plates. That door isn't going anywhere!<br />
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We still have just a few more things to take care of while we are in Salem. We'll make one more visit to Roberson to care for a few things they wanted time to research and order parts for, including a leaky gasket at the bottom of our front door. Also, we need a new windshield in our Moby Homa!<br />
<br />
On our trip from McMinnville to Salem, via Hwy 219 from Newberg, a big semi passed us in the opposite direction, tossing a rock at us, which landed near the center of our huge windshield! I had a glass guy give the right description of what I heard: It sounded like a bullet hit the front window while I drove. Yes, I was driving. It doesn't make it my fault! There was nowhere to pull off the road, and nothing really we could do if I'd been able to, so we just finished our trip to Salem. I knew it would spread as we drove on those bumpy back roads ... which it did. As soon as we arrived at our first Salem destination (Roberson RV), I called in on the damaged windshield, learning we were completely covered because we called in during the first 24 hours. We'd made what turns out to be a very good decision to go the extra mile and have the windshield treated with a product that was suppose to keep this damage from happening. Though we wish it would've worked, we're incredibly blessed that it will now save us from this major expense. We will be having the new window treated as well.<br />
<br />
God doesn't promise us a trouble-free life. Bad stuff happens to believers and non-believers alike. He simply makes Himself a part of things when we invite Him. We want Him with us, and see that He is. Sometimes it's just takes a certain something, or lots of certain somethings, to open our eyes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-85265774734026175842012-11-23T12:13:00.000-08:002012-11-23T14:44:34.632-08:00November - a very short month!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDa29lwT1as8u8cm_AnhrXlW14t7cSc2qckKeJOoMiXA0Pr3cs1BnTrBktM2sOiY_xjZvZc66Nd1QCwF6oYkUngHmkLHfUWuORB9zsoE174phqKxO9_ojfSiadi-4NIy7km6duNlZQbgRh/s1600/Old+Stone+Village+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDa29lwT1as8u8cm_AnhrXlW14t7cSc2qckKeJOoMiXA0Pr3cs1BnTrBktM2sOiY_xjZvZc66Nd1QCwF6oYkUngHmkLHfUWuORB9zsoE174phqKxO9_ojfSiadi-4NIy7km6duNlZQbgRh/s200/Old+Stone+Village+sign.jpg" width="200" /></a>I admit I knew when we were sitting in Wallowa Lake State Park that we were going to have to hit the ground running when we got to McMinnville. We had <em>so many</em> things that needed to fall together during the month of November. It was a true gift to arrive a week early. We needed that extra week!<br />
<br />
Among many other things, our list of "action items" included:<br />
<ul>
<li>Participate in and celebrate my Dad's 80th Birthday!</li>
<li>Visit Camping World for more warranty work (don't get me started...)</li>
<li>Find/Purchase a new tow-able car</li>
<li>Get the new car and motorhome equipped for towing</li>
<li>Find/Purchase a new mattress</li>
<li>Dental Appointments</li>
<li>Eye Exam Appointments</li>
<li>Find Church to attend in McMinnville</li>
<li>Participate in and celebrate Thanksgiving with Skeels family</li>
<li>Visit as many friends as possible</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XSIZVXdwvbp83P49b3Nb_C5U1To76ww8_0w44HH90F92DERAG-bDHQlcnvHBl8QSWuwGAUxa-l10xZaATu5wRsnqyHsOitxlcDq-MkFQU3RgEQcoru-E5TAKgYTATDRAZCEcnXpFMEjL/s1600/Old+Stone+Village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XSIZVXdwvbp83P49b3Nb_C5U1To76ww8_0w44HH90F92DERAG-bDHQlcnvHBl8QSWuwGAUxa-l10xZaATu5wRsnqyHsOitxlcDq-MkFQU3RgEQcoru-E5TAKgYTATDRAZCEcnXpFMEjL/s320/Old+Stone+Village.jpg" width="320" /></a>It's November 23rd as I write, and I can report that we've made some good progress, but have a little ways to go.<br />
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We had a great time celebrating my Dad's 80th Birthday. We went out to dinner as a smaller family unit on his actual birthday, and then had a much larger party for extended family and friends for following Sunday. What a great time that turned out to be! I got to spend some quality time with my sister as we baked pies and a cobbler for the party, and it was great see friends and family we haven't seen in a long while!<br />
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We've been able to see a few close friends so far, but haven't nearly got to do the visiting we'd hoped. We're hoping to do more before the month is over, but it's getting frustrating ... It feels that McMinnville is a lot further away than it was last July ... Must be because daylight hours are shorter, and the rain and wind storms much harder! By the way, we thought our coach was going to fly through the area during the wind/rain storm just before Thanksgiving. I haven't been that scared in a long time. In the dark, it sounded much worse than it was!<br />
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We spent another day at Camping World having more warranty work dealt with on the 31st of October. The repair list had got shorter, but sometimes seems it will never end. The first year warranty period is almost half way gone. We can only dream of the day we won't need to go back there again... After this October appointment, we had to continue waiting for new fireplace pieces. The fan rattles and the remote died. If you are going to have an extra source of heat, you really don't want it to rattle the whole time you use it!<br />
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We received a call mid-month saying the parts were already in. Consequently, we went back for a second visit Tuesday before Thanksgiving...<br />
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All this continual packing and moving has felt bothersome for me. I guess I hadn't realized how much packing and moving for short term periods there would be in this lifestyle. I expect I'll just get used to it over time. I need to just "buck up" and look at packing and moving as a necessary inconvenience which, prayerfully, won't be as frequent once we get past all this warranty work and have established a new "normal" in our life.<br />
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Let me insert something here about dealing with all this warranty work: Let's just say, if you can find service people with <em>good communication</em>, good skills, <em>good communication</em>, who don't tell you want to hear and then send you away to get you out of their hair, and with<em> good communication</em> skills, hire them!! We're still looking for more of those people in the RV service business ... <br />
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In case you feel that's too vague, here's one of our many, many experiences: We had a closet door latch which wouldn't latch on the 4-door wardrobe in our bedroom. It came unlatched during travel and wouldn't latch again. It's important to latch doors, as doors can slide back and forth in travel, potentially causing damage. Doors always need to be latched. Feeling I could perhaps figure out the problem, I took the latch off while we were at Wallowa Lake (just two little screws). I failed trying to fix the latch, so I went to the hardware store and looked for a replacement latch, with no success. Steve helped me, and we got the latch to work again. I put it back on the door, and after 3-4 latches, it quit again. Though it could be fixed with a screwdriver each time, it didn't seem realistic to expect we should be satisfied with this situation. I mean, it's only a latch needing to be replaced! The results - more warranty work. They won't just mail you a new latch. You have to go to them and let them fix it when it's on warranty.<br />
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Our service people said they could not reproduce the error. Therefore, to them, it was <em>not</em> defective. (This alone is SO frustrating to me!) However, because I had said it was defective, and I believe they are tired of seeing and listening to us, they replaced it. The cost was $10.99 for the latch, but we'd have to pay for it. I said OK. When we picked up our coach, the bill was $70. Seems there was a bit of labor costs involved as well. They later waived this charge when we complained, though they claimed they'd told me of the labor cost on the phone. Like I would've missed that? I'm just saying that. once again, <em><strong>good communication</strong></em> could've saved a lot of frustration. We've experienced this over and over with mostly much larger tasks. I'll move on now ....<br />
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Steve and I joined the "Family Motor Coach Association", which gives us access to the lists of vehicles which can be towed "4 down", meaning 4 wheels on the ground - the most common way of towing an extra vehicle. We'd both been studying the lists, and talking about what kind of vehicle would meet our needs and "float our boat" for the next 10+ years. It took a lot of evaluation of needs/wants, but we finally came to a decision that we really wanted to find a vehicle about the same size as our 2002 Buick Rendezvous - a cross-over utility vehicle (CUV) is what they are calling them now. We wanted to be able to drive distances in it comfortably, have room for Parsley's cat carrier and litter box, and feel good about it's "driveability". Also, we wanted to feel like it was a car we could be happy with for a long time. We've always kept our vehicles for 10-13 years. Also, we really like buying new - because of the warranties, because of the comfort of knowing the true history of the car. Just a personal thing - if we can swing the $$.<span id="goog_1373224778"></span><span id="goog_1373224779"></span><br />
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From the list of tow-ables, we narrowed down our search to perhaps 6-8 vehicles. We needed to go look at them to narrow down our list. We pretty much assumed that we could eliminate some just by sitting in them. They might be too big, too small, not comfortable enough, or whatever. Then we'd get serious on whatever vehicles were still on the list. We didn't waste any time getting busy with our vehicle shopping.<br />
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We started in Beaverton - Buick/GMC, Chevy. We have always thought ourselves to be "Buick people", and it was difficult to come to the decision that the Enclave was just too big for how we now believe we will use a vehicle. The GMC Terrain felt just a little too small. The Chevy Equinox seemed very possible, but didn't have the same <em>feeling</em> we'd felt when we bought our Buick Rendezvous. It's that thing you just can't put your finger on. We decided against the Subaru, and the Honda CRV because of their smaller engines. We really like our V-6's and were hoping for a bit more" pep" than we'd had in the 2002 Buick Rendezvous. Our list was getting shorter. We had a Cadillac SRX on the list, but didn't really think we were "Cadillac people". Funny how we get certain <em>impressions</em>, while never even looking ... Still, there was a GM dealer right in McMinnville, so we'd go check it out.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOfPcLccxYc/UK-6ge6rGII/AAAAAAAAAUM/eTuQjuBj4wY/s1600/Caddie-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOfPcLccxYc/UK-6ge6rGII/AAAAAAAAAUM/eTuQjuBj4wY/s200/Caddie-sm.jpg" width="200" /></a>We left the dealer that evening with a 2012 Cadillac SRX. God's timing was perfect and there were 3 end-of-the-year SRX's on the lot - two black, one white. White was the only thing that made sense. It's hard to find a car wash on the park host circuit ... and State Parks don't allow car washing.<br />
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We had a great salesman at Larsen Motors in McMinnville, and even making the deal was a great experience for us. They gave us what we wanted on our trade-in, and we were satisfied with the price we agreed to pay overall. We would trade being able to pick color and conveniences for a great deal any day! We have continued to feel good about our new car since driving it off the showroom floor that night. It's just the right car for us. It just <em>feels</em> right for us.<br />
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We had Wilsonville Camping World install the towing equipment on the car and motorhome. We reasoned they'd done lots of these installations. Experience made us feel better about making these modifications to our new vehicle. They finished it in one day, however the walk-thru was by flashlight in the dark. We decided to spend the night and try it again in daylight. Steve was the first to drive the motorhome with the tow vehicle behind for the 30 mile trip back to our McMinnville RV Park. No problems! The hooking up is going to take us a while until we get comfortable with it. It's scary, wondering if you've done it all correctly! We are amazed when we watch others quickly hook up or unhook here at the RV park. They make it look simple.<br />
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We had a funny moment on our first towing trip. We made a planned stop in Aurora at the truck stop to fuel up the coach. As Steve prepared to take the exit, he turned on the right turn signal. As he drove onto the off-ramp, he glanced down at the monitor, expecting to see, via the rear camera, the car still safely behind us. Instead, he saw open road!! It only took a moment of sheer terror before he remembered we have cameras on the side of the motorhome that automatically switch our view to the side when we turn on the turn signal! The car didn't show up in that view! So many things will become less scary with experience.<br />
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Our dental appointments are complete. The only pain was the bill ... we don't have dental insurance since we retired about 4 1/2 years ago. We are blessed that it hasn't posed any major difficulty for us financially at this point. We plan for those visits in our budget. We also carry our own individual health insurance policies, with higher deductibles in order to keep our costs down. We are committed to keeping the deductible amounts in our savings account, just in case we need it. The rest is up to God.<br />
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Finding a new mattress has been a high priority on our list this month, however even that task had to be put off as we dealt with the new vehicle, family matters, etc. Our new friends from Wallowa Lake, the Schaffers, told us about a Newberg mattress manufacturer who they'd been very happy with. We decided to check them out. Mattress purchases are <em>costly</em> these days! It's also a very important choice for me particularly. I have a bad lower back that has given me lots of grief during and after moving from our Hillsboro house. The mattress in our new motorhome is a knock-off "sleep number" type bed, and we really hoped it would work. I was in tears within a couple weeks of trying to make it work - from pain and a lack of decent sleep. After a particularly bad night, while in Washington, Steve's cousin Steve had helped us find a 3" memory foam topper in Olympia. It made enough of a difference that I could at least get some sleep again. While I am still unable to lay on my side, it was a great improvement. Over time, it seems less and less effective. For the past couple weeks, I've been sleeping on the couch in the living room, which thankfully lays down into a bed. While not perfect, it is working better for me. I miss having Steve next to me though ... the couch didn't work as well for him.<br />
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We picked out a mattress at the manufacturer's show room earlier in the month, but had asked that they come see our unique situation before we made a purchase. Our RV-king bed has to mechanically slide up the wall (like an adjustable bed) quite a ways in order for the bedroom slide to come in. When both sides of the room slide in, the wardrobe meets the foot end of the mattress. There's a micro-switch which will not allow the bed slide to move, if the bed isn't raised all the way up. Our new mattress has to be able to bend well and must be able to be raised as our current mattress does. Also ... our RV King mattress in the motorhome isn't a 76x80 king. We are 4" narrower than a standard king, and perhaps an inch shorter. RV manufacturer's often make these adjustments to improve their layouts. RV supply companies, like Camping World, sell RV mattresses, but we found them to be quite inadequate for my back comfort. (When a mattress is delivered flat and rolled up, you have to be suspect about the amount of support it would provide!) Our mattress manufacturer makes each mattress to order, and for an extra amount makes "custom cuts", so our 72x79" size would require custom cut(s). The catch is that we can't return it, since it is a custom mattress. That's why we asked them to come view our unique situation before we committed to the order!<br />
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Unfortunately, the guy who was to come see us got sick. We began to panic as we saw the days of November ticking away. We have to leave here November 30, and Thanksgiving would mean the mattress factory would be closed for 4 days over the holiday weekend. We were told they'd need 7 working days to make our mattress. I called and pleaded with the fill-in salesman for help.<br />
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I remember pointing out to Steve how God repeatedly seems to have us in these "we-can't-control-this-ourselves" situations. How would we get this mattress, and could I manage another week sleeping on the couch? This past Monday the original salesman came to visit us. He measured the bed, the doorway, the bed lift, etc. He called later to say the mattress wouldn't fit through the doorway .... but they had options: 1) buy a "split king". He didn't think we'd be happy if we couldn't sleep right next to each other though; 2) buy a queen mattress to fit in the king space. He said he'd knew we would want the additional space of a king; 3) the factory guys had the idea of splitting our bed in a different way - about 18" up from the foot of the bed, where the seam wouldn't matter. We'd never heard of such a thing, yet it makes sense. The short section of bed can be at either the foot, or the head. It actually gives us more opportunity to vary where we sleep in the main section of bed - making the mattress wear better. Thank God! The mattress is to be delivered 2 days before we leave town.<br />
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We found a church we feel very comfortable attending here in McMinnville - Calvary Chapel. We have attended there except for last Sunday when we had a great time back at our home church - Cedar Mill Bible. Steve decided he wanted to usher along side his friend, Tom, who'd recently lost his wife to cancer. He had a great time. I got to sit with my long time friend, Debbie, and be surrounded by a few of the friends we'd hoped to be able to have personal visits with this month ... which is becoming less likely. It felt like we were home! Even our lead pastor-teacher preached the message that morning. It was a good day.<br />
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<a href="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_full_width_scaled/hash/46/3a/463a80625d4a582b81ca5286111b380d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-Inch is going to be a huge holiday hit. " border="0" height="283" src="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_full_width_scaled/hash/46/3a/463a80625d4a582b81ca5286111b380d.jpg" style="opacity: 1;" title="The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-Inch is going to be a huge holiday hit. " typeof="foaf:Image" width="320" /></a>To make for an even better day, my birthday present - a new Kindle Fire HD 8.9" was delivered to our "home address". I'm so thankful we pre-ordered it back in October, as I probably wouldn't have spent the money this month as we watched so much of it fly out of our savings account. However, I am so pleased with how it's going to make life easier here in our motorhome. I have worked hard to get recipes out of cookbooks and into my computer. However, my laptop (a larger one) takes up too much kitchen counter space to be able to view the recipe while I'm cooking. My new Kindle is just the right size to read from, and in it's space useage! Also, Steve and I have an Amazon Prime membership, which has saved us lots of $$ in shipping charges, as we get free 2-day shipping via Amazon.com. (I find internet shopping a real life-saver in our RV lifestyle.) In addition, I can enjoy reading books for free as a part of the amazon lending library. We could stream videos for free also, except we don't exactly have a high speed Internet feed. We are very thankful for our Verizon Mifi, which gives us our hotspot via our cell phones, but the speed isn't what most enjoy in their "stick houses". Still, we can do most all the things we enjoy. With my new Kindle, I can even do a few computer things with the cat laying in my lap. It was difficult balancing my laptop on the arm of the chair previously. Isn't it the little things that make life fun?<br />
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We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at my parents place. It was a smaller group, with mostly just our immediate family gathered, missing only my sister-in-law, who'd had to work. We have so much to give thanks to God for! The list keeps getting longer. God is good ... all the time.<br />
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<a href="http://or-brookings.civicplus.com/images/PostcardCache/Harris%20Beach.KarenRogers.sized%20for%20web_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of Harris Beach" border="0" src="http://or-brookings.civicplus.com/images/PostcardCache/Harris%20Beach.KarenRogers.sized%20for%20web_thumb.jpg" style="height: 200px; width: 300px;" /></a>With only a week left in the area, I am happy to report that our list of things to accomplish, one by one, have fallen into place. As much as we've enjoyed being in the area, visiting family and friends, getting some necessary things done in an area where we know where to shop, etc., we are also looking forward to our next assignment just outside of Brookings, Oregon (SW corner of the state). We will be at Alfred A Loeb State Park, on the Chetco River, for December and January. We're looking forward to exploring the town and the local area. We stopped in Brookings years ago, and recall thinking it would be a great town to retire in. I remember the beach being very different from the Northern coast, but just as beautiful in a whole different way. We're expecting it will be a mild winter down there. We expect to be meeting fishermen in the park, as it's said there is wonderful salmon/steelhead fishing on the Chetco River. We've also heard the park hosts like to do breakfast together once a week - a nice opportunity to get to know hosts in the 3 state parks near Brookings (Harris Beach, Crissy Fields & Alfred A Loeb). We're praying for safe traveling weather at the end of the month. Our next adventure awaits!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-54040533071634430732012-11-16T20:45:00.000-08:002012-11-17T14:56:12.551-08:00Getting through the Columbia Gorge ... to McMinnvilleAs I mentioned in the last post, we decided I would drive the motorhome from Pendleton to McMinnville, as Steve was feeling extra groggy that morning. I was short on sleep, but feeling I could handle another day of driving. Our new friends, the Schaffers, decided to stay an additional night at the casino RV park in order to take advantage of the laundry facilities, so Steve and I were on our own again. We stopped in to say goodbye before heading out. I believe we were on the road about 10:00 that morning.<br />
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I really have got quite a bit more comfortable driving our motorhome. It's crazy, but I love turning corners. I also love those exhaust brakes. It just all makes sense now. My main area of concern now is having to turn tight corners in traffic in downtown situations. As I've mentioned, I'm a <em>planner</em>. My comfort zone is knowing (being able to picture the roads/intersections in my head) where I'm going and what I'll deal with before I get there. Obviously, this isn't realistic. I guess that's why we've always had the Buick be our "lead vehicle". If there's something difficult ahead that might be avoided, the lead car can notify the motorhome driver.<br />
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On this travel day, I was nervous about unknown wind conditions in the gorge first. We began driving, mile after mile, and the weather was just great! We saw a large flag hanging <em>straight down</em> somewhere near Umatilla. No wind! What were the chances? Even as we approached The Dalles, the wind continued to be pretty much non-existent. This was such a huge relief, and made for an easy day of travel. It was clear we would go all the way to McMinnville.<br />
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As we drove through the last section of the gorge, approaching Troutdale, we were speaking via cell phone, deciding how we'd travel through Portland to McMinneville. We agreed on the Marquam bridge across the Willamette, to I-5 South. While going over the bridge in the motorhome was scary, it seemed do-able. The next decision was which exit to take off I-5. Would we take Hwy 99 through Tigard, or drop down to Aurora, get fuel at the truck stop and then take Hwy 219 to Newberg to connect with Hwy 99. I wasn't sure I wanted to go further south, and we didn't <em>have</em> to get fuel yet. We'd filled up at Pendleton as we headed toward Wallowa Lake, and 100 gallons was lasting us just fine. I figured we would just fuel up at the end of November before heading to Brookings.<br />
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The other option, taking the Hwy 99 exit off I-5 was scary, since I just couldn't picture it. How many times had I ever driven south on I-5 that far, coming from Portland? I was afraid there would be an intersection, where I'd have to make a tight left turn to head east on Hwy 99.<br />
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...That's when Steve's cell phone died. His battery likes to surprise us.<br />
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No more opportunity to talk through the decision. I resolved myself to just follow Steve in the Buick, wherever he might go. What other choice did I have? I kept my eyes on Steve in the Rendezvous and just kept going.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3PvELtis_E2e30HprG_iJzZrFG4GE2LxEQM_zKrjQVkl2bln2MohF1c74RAhUak9rFkFONXvh4kHK6ZWei22AloS9E58fAq-jWMwi10708lcd5_kunHN42LAgkBWV_1CoXFRVm0EFXYC/s1600/Old+Stone+Village+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3PvELtis_E2e30HprG_iJzZrFG4GE2LxEQM_zKrjQVkl2bln2MohF1c74RAhUak9rFkFONXvh4kHK6ZWei22AloS9E58fAq-jWMwi10708lcd5_kunHN42LAgkBWV_1CoXFRVm0EFXYC/s320/Old+Stone+Village+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a>About the time we prepared to take the approach to the Marquam, traffic really slowed down. Going slow always makes things more simple! I managed to stay in my lane over the bridge and maneuvered the on ramp to I-5 without any difficulties. Hurrah! Next, I wondered which exit Steve would decide to take to get us to McMinnville. It appeared we'd be doing the Barbur Blvd/Tigard exit. I just kept following Steve. Seems there was no intersection to deal with! No left turn! Also traffic was nice and slow through Tigard, giving me lots of time to make sure I stayed in my lane and made no quick stops at traffic signals. God was so good to us yet again!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XSIZVXdwvbp83P49b3Nb_C5U1To76ww8_0w44HH90F92DERAG-bDHQlcnvHBl8QSWuwGAUxa-l10xZaATu5wRsnqyHsOitxlcDq-MkFQU3RgEQcoru-E5TAKgYTATDRAZCEcnXpFMEjL/s1600/Old+Stone+Village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XSIZVXdwvbp83P49b3Nb_C5U1To76ww8_0w44HH90F92DERAG-bDHQlcnvHBl8QSWuwGAUxa-l10xZaATu5wRsnqyHsOitxlcDq-MkFQU3RgEQcoru-E5TAKgYTATDRAZCEcnXpFMEjL/s320/Old+Stone+Village.jpg" width="320" /></a>I know you "man-type creatures" out there are probably thinking I'm some kind of wimp. How hard can driving a motorhome - or a semi be? Well ... I kind of am a wimp. I'm just a <em>determined</em> wimp. I love accomplishing things I thought were perhaps impossible for me. And, along with that, I am learning more each day how to trust the God I have chosen to put my trust in. It's not magic. You don't just decide to follow God and suddenly have no questions about where you are willing to go. Each day, each hour, each minute is often a new decision. Yet each time we get through the next rough patch, I find He is trustworthy. Not a bad lesson to learn over and over again!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-46387572049963523882012-11-16T19:34:00.002-08:002012-11-16T19:34:20.606-08:00Planning - perhaps. Flexibility - a necessity!If you know me at all, you know I like to plan. I like to be <em>prepared</em>. It makes me feel more<em> relaxed</em> when I know what today and tomorrow hold. I have some anxiety issues ... I love lists. I love my calendar. I plan out our dinners a month in advance (if I'm on top of things). Can you relate to that at all?<br />
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Part of this new life style for me is learning to be more <em>flexible</em>. I am having to learn to be more open to whatever happens to come up. This is not always easy for me, but I'm trying! <br />
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Being a park host is excellent training in being flexible with my own plans. I'm learning to accept each position with the attitude of "whatever you need us to do, we will try our best". I've done that in other volunteer opportunities quite successfully. However, this park hosting business has raised the bar! If I could, I lean toward avoiding any real or imagined difficulties. I'd like to appear confident in my job, which means I might only want to do what I've <em>already tried.</em> Fewer risks. Rarely now are any two jobs the same! Yes, I'm being stretched - in a really good way.<br />
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We accepted the park hosting position at Wallowa Lake State Park for September and October. We were assigned our camp site (we loved it). I did not pick it as I've always done when we were just "regular campers". We were assigned responsibility for selling wood and for cleaning vacated camp sites - both tasks we enjoy - because that's what <em>they</em> needed us to do. How the job is done varies from park to park. We began work the morning after we arrived, and worked with 5 other hosts. Our schedules overlapped and and we covered for each other as work loads changed with the changing of the seasons. All of that required being available and flexible, getting to know new people and learning to deal and accept individual differences. At Wallowa, we worked with such a good group of hosts - we all became quick friends, even with different strengths and personalities. Park hosting is a great way to make new friends!<br />
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October brought some changes to our happy little Wallowa Lake family. Some hosts left at the end of September. The seasonal rangers were beginning to leave as well. We had an additional host come join us for a week on a special project (photographing campsites which will eventually be viewable when making online camping reservations). Steve and Al hit it off pretty quick (the "engineer thing") and we hope to see he and his wife again at another park one day. We lost a couple other hosts who were ready to move to their next job, or planning to "Winter" elsewhere, leaving only two remaining hosts - the Schaffers and ourselves.<br />
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The weather changed rapidly in October. We began getting freezing temperatures, in the mid 20's, at night. We were unable to get propane delivered directly to our coach at the park, but had figured out a location we could take the coach to in town, if necessary. We nursed our 28-gallon propane, using one of our heat pumps (air conditioner) for heat once the temperature got above 35 degrees, when the heat pump began to be effective. Running a furnace can use a lot of propane up quickly, though at the time we had just one of our two furnaces working. We went into town and purchased a small ceramic heater for extra help holding the temperature above freezing in the night. It began to look like we were going to make through two months without buying more propane!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5hyphenhyphenRFBQTetimqUdDspEa4_2g0pMM8P0yGk7sj9e3FLSDX9Rr4djDl10SVNAS9eI4QNlyDKgx1AbSUGbT7iyNiQDGnMWq5MwpvqQjthgNbo0XOqrWU5Orv7ymwjd_4yiOcWc2PsmCkVBY/s1600/IMGP1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5hyphenhyphenRFBQTetimqUdDspEa4_2g0pMM8P0yGk7sj9e3FLSDX9Rr4djDl10SVNAS9eI4QNlyDKgx1AbSUGbT7iyNiQDGnMWq5MwpvqQjthgNbo0XOqrWU5Orv7ymwjd_4yiOcWc2PsmCkVBY/s320/IMGP1007.JPG" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A prior winter photo by Heather Honeywell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Around that same time, our supervising Ranger, Shawn, told us that there would be a point coming soon when Maintenance-Ranger Wes would begin shutting off the water in various loops to avoid freezing pipes at the park. Our host site happened to be C-1, a part of the first loop they were planning to close down. To us less rough-and-tough people, it's no fun trying to "dry camp" for any extended length of time. Keep in mind, this is our house! We do laundry in it, take showers in it, wash dishes, etc. We certainly need more than 100 gallons of water for a couple weeks of living!<br />
Steve and I began trying to figure out what we could/should do. Could we move into another site in B loop, which they'd planned to keep open longer? While Ranger Shawn assured us that we could leave whenever we felt we needed to, it felt strange to consider leaving the park early. We'd taken the position for September and October. We've always met our commitments. We spoke with our fellow hosts. They planned to stay to the end. We were really struggling. Suddenly, the weather warmed and began to look hopeful! They wouldn't need to turn off the water unless things got worse again. We stayed on at the park, though we decided to leave on the 29th, to give us a better shot at being home for my Dad's birthday. Our best plan was in order.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTc0J3dXVd94rSwkNW0pJIw6omyaM9AQEDlUyiCQJ45pohDueubXBfCmS67TGVFEnGJIyvt7EJCOr_VSdNIqJfkNtaxbz4pSdmLkT3GXbpH5aqmqIWRdCgUPow9GL0fuOwBSeUcpzul6yu/s1600/IMG_9509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTc0J3dXVd94rSwkNW0pJIw6omyaM9AQEDlUyiCQJ45pohDueubXBfCmS67TGVFEnGJIyvt7EJCOr_VSdNIqJfkNtaxbz4pSdmLkT3GXbpH5aqmqIWRdCgUPow9GL0fuOwBSeUcpzul6yu/s320/IMG_9509.JPG" width="240" /></a>Then we had our first real rain of the reason. It poured and poured for a couple days. A small lake formed behind our MobyHoma. We breathed in the moisture! My cuticles began to mend at last! But, then we saw our first snow. It was so great to be able to see it come down in the park. I love snow! I don't want to have to drive in snow, mind you, but I love it! We were keeping a close eye on the weather forecasts... On Sunday, October 21, the temperatures dropped down in the mid 20's again. We'd seen frost for the first time the morning before, thanks for the moisture left from the rain. Keep in mind moisture was rare during our time at the park. We decided not to risk driving into town on icy roads for church in Enterprise that morning. One Ranger had experienced black ice on her way in to work.<br />
<br />
Instead of church, Steve and I did a <strong>lot</strong> of talking. We checked the latest weather forecasts and discovered a steady downward trend in the temperatures, both during the day and at night. Snow was predicted for Tuesday morning, the 23rd. We talked about our desire to be home for my Dad's 80th birthday, about the amount of tasks we were going to have to accomplish during the month of November, including finding/buying/ rigging a tow vehicle. We were already aware that it was going to be an extremely busy month. We were going to have to hit the ground running in McMinnville in order to accomplish everything we needed to . Then we considered the weather creeping in on us. When would it be too late to drive out safely? We decided it was time -- <strong>now</strong>. We decided to leave on Monday, October 22nd, prior to the predicted snow event, just in case it didn't end after the predicted day. This would be one week before our planned date of departure.<br />
<br />
We went over to visit our co-hosts to tell them of our decision. I said, "We have some news to share." Sharon said, "I think I know what it is." I asked, "What?" She said, "You are leaving the park tomorrow." I couldn't believe it! How could she have known? We didn't talk to anyone else about it! Seems they'd run into Ranger Wes, who'd shared that he was going to have to turn off the water on their loop, and had already closed the restroom/showers and laundry facility in that loop early that week. They didn't have a washer/dryer in their Class C motorhome. Independent from us, the Schaffer's had come to the same conclusion on when they should leave! It was clear God had confirmed that our plans were His also. How cool was that?!?!<br />
<br />
I went on to explain to Bill & Sharon that we thought we'd only go as far as Pendleton, staying at the RV Park at the Wild Horse Casino. Bill said they'd had the same idea! Sharon had told me on a previous day that she like the idea of traveling together with us for safety reasons. After all, we were both headed the same direction. Bill & Sharon were heading back to Newberg, and we were heading for McMinnville. However, our leaving dates weren't making that possible. Until now! I should mention that Bill and Sharon are very early risers compared to us. Steve and I are much slower and prefer to stay up in the evening a while longer. Knowing that, Bill and Sharon were still willing to wait and leave with us between 11:00 and noon once temperatures were above freezing. The plan was made.<br />
<br />
We left Wallowa Lake State Park just after 11:00 on Monday morning. It was snowing (not sticking) as we drove around the lake on the way out. Steve (with Parsley) led in the Buick, I followed in Moby, and the Schaffers followed in their motorhome, towing their Volkswagen bug. We had us a "convoy" of sorts!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1tWR23FtbqvupvFlKD2I6sOXnqXEf65V3kG0ZbNeosw10JDtG4DD9YGtFKi04ser77gyM6fLFz772_hRJDFL7pgJna0n52wf-XsIoHCUTf0qBp8MfJHRM91fqqe_TMJcymRwudHgt_Pg/s1600/IMG_9545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1tWR23FtbqvupvFlKD2I6sOXnqXEf65V3kG0ZbNeosw10JDtG4DD9YGtFKi04ser77gyM6fLFz772_hRJDFL7pgJna0n52wf-XsIoHCUTf0qBp8MfJHRM91fqqe_TMJcymRwudHgt_Pg/s320/IMG_9545.JPG" width="320" /></a>I prayed a lot during that 2 1/2 hour drive to Pendleton. First, I was concerned there might be slick roads along the way. (Our motorhome doesn't appear to have a temperature monitor for the road. If it does, we haven't found it yet.) However, things went very well and were pretty easy, at least until we started climbing to get through the pass prior to Pendleton. We ran into a pretty good amount of rain, which was increasingly mixed with snow. This was my first experience using the windshield wipers, and I was so happy to see how well they worked. I knew I could just pull over if it got just too dicey. However, then I imagined the snow might begin sticking and we could get stuck. I knew we had to keep going. I began to pray aloud to God asking that He would get us through these last 30 miles safely. Hadn't He led us to this day of travel? He did. Surely, He would see us through.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVjMWsbX0aTN9sSphpkVMHE6rHpIDP3ge7ayhEimoWJK2BEGCZAapQWzb-dh_LlhXpAG-YeKiT22cegWkWF1TM_oR-2kT_JyOWcNypCBYy3Q_tJU7GuMPQr0_LRGam8KjYPL0iZvqAdWc/s1600/IMG_9538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVjMWsbX0aTN9sSphpkVMHE6rHpIDP3ge7ayhEimoWJK2BEGCZAapQWzb-dh_LlhXpAG-YeKiT22cegWkWF1TM_oR-2kT_JyOWcNypCBYy3Q_tJU7GuMPQr0_LRGam8KjYPL0iZvqAdWc/s320/IMG_9538.JPG" width="320" /></a>There was sunshine on the other side of that pass! We pulled into the Wild Horse Casino RV Park around 2:00 that afternoon. We set up and then joined the Schaffers on a shuttle bus to go enjoy the Casino's lunch buffet. It was so nice to enjoy our new friends, a good meal, and relax.<br />
<br />
Steve and I didn't get much sleep that night, but decided the next morning to go ahead and head for McMinnville that day. If there was excessive wind or other nasty weather in the gorge, we could always decide to stop for another night. Since Steve was feeling particularly groggy this morning, we decided I would go ahead and drive Moby the rest of the way to McMinnville....<br />
<br />
<h3>
To be continued .....</h3>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-80336075777754357432012-09-22T16:25:00.001-07:002012-09-23T06:31:42.481-07:00Relaxing at Last - Wallowa Lake State Park<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasg89E-HQZquJUA-gKMn_a3J1QW1oW12Mk5ZxhWAqeyi3RgCd6uKymmXfDpbP7dEhyDVXLWOq-sF7j8hfPRPPh91JhF-XUdCJxBWxWbQGQSWmN5zIy-2H9zYVjzv6YEtZ1WivEWnhSv7J/s1600/IMG_9164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasg89E-HQZquJUA-gKMn_a3J1QW1oW12Mk5ZxhWAqeyi3RgCd6uKymmXfDpbP7dEhyDVXLWOq-sF7j8hfPRPPh91JhF-XUdCJxBWxWbQGQSWmN5zIy-2H9zYVjzv6YEtZ1WivEWnhSv7J/s320/IMG_9164.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We are loving our
new “neighborhood” here at Wallowa Lake!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Where is that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are in the
Northeast corner of Oregon, about 60 miles from the Oregon-Idaho border.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are about 6 miles from Joseph, Oregon, a
somewhat well-known art community, and about 11 miles from Enterprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s something like 75 miles from
LaGrande.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
campground brochure for <a href="http://www.oregonstateparks.org/images/pdf/wallowa_full.pdf" target="_blank">Wallowa Lake State Park</a> says, “Nestled between the
south end of a scenic glacial lake and the towering peaks of the Wallowa
Mountains, Wallowa Lake State Recreation Area is ideally positioned as a base
camp for both wilderness treks and water sports fun.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That sounds pretty good! There are fishermen, hikers, bikers, and plain old families who are coming here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The campground is pretty good
sized – 200+ campsites, 121 full hookup, and 89 tent sites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have 2 yurts - with wood sides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been hired as <em>Campground Wood Hosts</em>,
which is to say we are selling wood to campers (2 days/week), and cleaning vacated
campsites (3 days/week).</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3UPCB3VDXOH3GeYyXXJ-Vly3KqczgDkaBCRm5IqzF6slNgekNOW6-x07p7-hWYGm402NndYh6RSwdJcB_uBUi7jftbvTghnx7UlWoWvwzzqqpYyPGsmZzYRraTaqZHX-aItKxBBSc8k2/s1600/Wood+Cart+-+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3UPCB3VDXOH3GeYyXXJ-Vly3KqczgDkaBCRm5IqzF6slNgekNOW6-x07p7-hWYGm402NndYh6RSwdJcB_uBUi7jftbvTghnx7UlWoWvwzzqqpYyPGsmZzYRraTaqZHX-aItKxBBSc8k2/s200/Wood+Cart+-+sm.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Even though the State
of Oregon Park and Recreation Department officially approves our application to
be hosts each year, even doing background checks, each park is run somewhat uniquely under the big umbrella. However, the parks hire their
volunteer hosts from the State “bucket” of volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Each park varies according to their setting, and their management to some degree. </span>Even how wood is sold, how much it costs and where the proceeds go,
vary from park to park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this park,
we load individual cut pieces of wood into wood bins that have wheels and a handle for pushing
like a lawnmower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We collect vouchers
(paid for at the registration booth) instead of cash, to pay for the wood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The customer takes a preloaded wood cart and
delivers to their own camp site, then returns the cart for the next
customer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have 7 carts to keep full for the next camper. The carts are probably 2-3 times more wood for $5 than other parks we're familiar with to date. Perhaps they can just get it cheaper here?</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlkSe4THcCidTAxwMtBUlRHdCRgjG02l86JeTso1dJWLrR2JBTrUgdp4DXhMenyQ2keSdbb-4_z1YAAQATYSrs83IzhhuPsxWDxfJt0KQ2Efl9LAWHh80bz6OxEllXuGA5okdbwwvjHHS/s1600/IMG_9250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlkSe4THcCidTAxwMtBUlRHdCRgjG02l86JeTso1dJWLrR2JBTrUgdp4DXhMenyQ2keSdbb-4_z1YAAQATYSrs83IzhhuPsxWDxfJt0KQ2Efl9LAWHh80bz6OxEllXuGA5okdbwwvjHHS/s320/IMG_9250.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have to say selling wood is probably the most fun job for us, as we get the most opportunity to visit with campers. It's amazing how many people just stop by to chat, whether they need wood or not. We think there is just something special about people who camp. It seems most are just a bit more outgoing and friendly. Perhaps part of that reason is that we all instantly have something in common - camping and enjoying the out-of-doors to varying degrees. We live in somewhat close proximity to our neighbors by <em>choice</em>. In the real world, we're always trying to put distance beween us and others. Not so much when we are camping. Whatever the thing is, we find it easy to talk with total strangers, something we're less likely to do if we're back in our usual lives. When Steve and I put on our uniforms for work, we are in essence putting out a sign that says, "Talk to me - we like people." That's a fun thing!</span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">When we left Camping World after two nights there at the end of August, we headed first to Memaloose State Park, about halfway between Hood River and The Dalles in the Columbia River Gorge. It was our first opportunity to take advantage of one perk for Oregon State Park Hosts: - a free night of lodging! Our Devil's Lake Ranger arranged that we could spend the night there for free as we were in route from one job to another! We can have up to two free nights along the way if necessary. This is a more recent added benefit for hosts, one we really appreciated having access to, in order to have a shorter day of traveling. Where would we find to spend a Friday night at the last moment during Labor Day weekend?!</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnnsq_A2nYiS7SXgZ7-uVZfDdiGxN1ShD9QoSTVsD9hDcG0A7MqUO6HuhApYbBzgfGgycd7nU8asTJxjdrDyZilRMbXylfgjSEsd3TNbAAkLAfBaUZ0OQi0nhwRAP_Y7a5cI-YEAp9SFF/s1600/P6050024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnnsq_A2nYiS7SXgZ7-uVZfDdiGxN1ShD9QoSTVsD9hDcG0A7MqUO6HuhApYbBzgfGgycd7nU8asTJxjdrDyZilRMbXylfgjSEsd3TNbAAkLAfBaUZ0OQi0nhwRAP_Y7a5cI-YEAp9SFF/s200/P6050024.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Steve and I have always enjoyed Memaloose State Park. Some people might be bothered by trains going through on both sides of the Columbia, or by noise from I-5 up at the top of the hill, but those things have never really bothered us. The trains are part of the charm of the gorgeous park with all it's trees and beautiful view of the Columbia River. We assumed our free night would most likely have us camping at the top of the park, up under I-5 - beggars can't be choosers. However, when we received our site assignment, we were put in a site within a couple sites of where we have reserved space during vacations! Too bad we didn't have time to enjoy it. We spent the night and then hit the road about 10:00 the next morning.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Something really great happened during our trip from Memaloose to Wallowa Lake . I realized I felt comfortable driving Moby! It was a good day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Steve helped direct me coming out of our campsite because we had a good sized tree with big limbs close to us on the downhill side I'd be turning toward. I didn't want to risk hitting that tree if I cut too sharp! Naturally, there was a group of onlookers from the campsite across from us. I was so focused on watching for Steve's direction, it didn't bother me this time. Once sucessfully out of our site, Steve jumped back in the car with Parsley and led the way. I remember watching where the back wheels of the coach were as I drove around the park on the way out. Those paved roads aren't very wide, yet I didn't have any trouble staying on the paved surface. We had to drive West on I-5 to Mosier, where we took the exit and then headed back East, as Memaloose State Park is only accessible heading West, with no overpass to get us from the park to the eastbound lanes. I noticed as I turned around on the Mosier overpass that cornering seemed less of a challenge. Even braking felt more natural.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-siJzPPeIo8QDFuapt4kOga9OBQp8iabVUPQ5R7LUds0JhhaqqB5QNVUtmaZ_j6LmzVTWd8xEtAbk1wkMewo4K4RuJ5F_OghWxa9mqZPIVxOm4ctRh5kDobiMWPM1ULdQYTTUz1ZGAcuv/s1600/Columbia+Gorge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-siJzPPeIo8QDFuapt4kOga9OBQp8iabVUPQ5R7LUds0JhhaqqB5QNVUtmaZ_j6LmzVTWd8xEtAbk1wkMewo4K4RuJ5F_OghWxa9mqZPIVxOm4ctRh5kDobiMWPM1ULdQYTTUz1ZGAcuv/s200/Columbia+Gorge.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Back onto I-5 heading East, on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, I felt relaxed behind the wheel. Yes, the circumstances were great: low traffic, no nasty winds, gorgeous blue skies, etc. Something clicked though. I think I just got comfortable. It made for a great trip! With a rest stop near Boardman for lunch, during which I was able to whip up a quick taco salad from leftover taco meat, I drove as far as Pendleton, where we stopped at a truck stop at the Indian Reservation. I quickly handed over the driver's seat when I saw it was self-serve! I assumed my position as driver of the Buick, with Parsley as my co-pilot.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We pulled into Wallowa Lake State Park around 5:30pm. It was a good day, but we were tired. Naturally, at our new camp site, we had a bit of a challenge with the motorhome. The auto-leveling didn't seem to want to work for us. We were warned to be careful about manual leveling, as the frame can get twisted if we did something wrong. That warning was enough to scare both of us. We don't want to be responsible for twisting our frame, let alone having to deal with the consequences of having done that ...</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Our assigned site sloped downhill slightly to the back of the coach. I should mention here that <strong>that</strong> is the difference between camping and living in a RV park. Sites in an RV park are generally cement, and leveled quite nicely. There are generally never any trees to get in the way either at RV parks. Our camp site here is a<em> camp</em> site! This park was laid out long before people began driving large motorhomes and 5th wheel trailers, let alone RV's with slide-outs on one or both sides!</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZ5wxRuKqN94thh6Fh1mbqoVIhSEmaQEUUAp25exC4-qNonke0oPNnG79cSXDhos_pDs0tYrzXoqjFbDVyYJOE2xDwCZv_JYIqDcohFmAnqFgMtoHmRKSPtOSbMthXQobBzpHmvN2kgVt/s1600/IMG_9269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZ5wxRuKqN94thh6Fh1mbqoVIhSEmaQEUUAp25exC4-qNonke0oPNnG79cSXDhos_pDs0tYrzXoqjFbDVyYJOE2xDwCZv_JYIqDcohFmAnqFgMtoHmRKSPtOSbMthXQobBzpHmvN2kgVt/s200/IMG_9269.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We are beginning to deal with challenges better, and immediately assessed that life would not be totally miserable if we just lived with the downhill business for awhile. I joked that at least the tilt made us move more quickly toward the bathroom and bedroom!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The wood barn, directly in front of us, was swarming with campers buying wood. With our big front window facing it, it felt like they were right in our livingroom. We opted to close the front shades, and turn in early for the night. Imagine our surprise when a knock at the door had one of our new fellow hosts asking if we were going to clean camp sites at 8 a.m the next morning? We explained we had been instructed to be at the office for orientation at 10:00, with no mention of working prior to that. Our fellow host left mumbling. Not the start we had hoped for!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The next morning, we managed to get up and made it to orientation on time. Our host coordinator, Ranger Shawn Dutcher is really great. Long before we met her in person, we were impressed by her organizational skills. We'd signed our paperwork while we were still in McMinnville! We completed our online safety modules while we were working at Devil's Lake. It made for a more laid back beginning at this new park.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3lMVGg1eEKawnMvnB9530G_7-QSvlE5FJ0N0jPZFff7EShZ0DEyOVLuET3uIGkoOUF3-2sSVg7Nr2earCmXdLW9BuFXD1CMn6CGeoh5wfPpYtCdPSqGleU1jIzH9N8vBA6OBXl7RJKPA/s1600/IMG_9353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3lMVGg1eEKawnMvnB9530G_7-QSvlE5FJ0N0jPZFff7EShZ0DEyOVLuET3uIGkoOUF3-2sSVg7Nr2earCmXdLW9BuFXD1CMn6CGeoh5wfPpYtCdPSqGleU1jIzH9N8vBA6OBXl7RJKPA/s200/IMG_9353.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;">During the beginning of orientation, a funny thing happened. The host who'd been less than thrilled at our not wanting to join him cleaning camp sites early that morning came in to hand in his August time sheet to Ranger Shawn. She greeted him with "Good morning, Ed, my little trouble-maker. What trouble do you have for me today?" Ah! It wasn't just us! We've since had the chance to get to know Ed a bit and find he is a very nice and personable man. I'm pretty sure he just has a bit of ADHD. Also, it's possible he didn't realize that it was Labor Day weekend when we arrived and campers wouldn't be leaving on Sunday morning. The mass exodus would likely be Monday. Ed is also a very thorough camp site cleaner and perhaps was concerned he might have to clean many, many sites with only one fellow host to help him. It was just an unfortunate beginning that has long been replaced with good impressions.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_1XfMmBTV5k4JZ_A5ye0KrBtv_yGXtKdqOsAu7oq3wZ7DffHgZDJ6p57xRbaRPHx4-2Dct6APYYO2tTlmFK70UjnDinC80SV3iYcz1Pu97W8_TZPUrcjMWfzL8SiuUzsffgfRaMq6NFi/s1600/IMG_9276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_1XfMmBTV5k4JZ_A5ye0KrBtv_yGXtKdqOsAu7oq3wZ7DffHgZDJ6p57xRbaRPHx4-2Dct6APYYO2tTlmFK70UjnDinC80SV3iYcz1Pu97W8_TZPUrcjMWfzL8SiuUzsffgfRaMq6NFi/s200/IMG_9276.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Our first day here, while meeting the other park hosts, we discovered God had given us another special gift. Larry and Karleen are fellow believers, which is nice enough news, however Larry also had been a RV technician for 7 years, having worked at Olinger Motorhomes, who has since become Camping World's RV Sales - Hillsboro, where we bought our coach. Larry was able to give Steve a new understanding of how leveling systems work. We learned that just perhaps the post that wasn't coming down on the back passenger side, wasn't actually supposed to! Apparently they come down one at a time, and the auto leveling system was stopping before it was supposed to come down. Just possibly, the post wasn't jammed? Steve got through to our service guy at Camping World first thing Tuesday morning. Having read all the material we have, and received the great information from Larry, Steve felt confident to go ahead and manually level the trailer, as our service guy said. A few seconds later and we were level!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">There's an on-going lesson we're learning. Every time we struggle with something, and eventually learn the solution, we learn it so completely that we're pretty sure we won't experience the same stress should it happen again. We're simply in a steep learning curve these days. So many things are still new to us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We are still counting our blessings. With the exception of driving out to refill our 28-gallon propane tank (we can't find anyone who will deliver), we get to live in one spot for two whole months in this beautiful park. We are so pleased with our fellow hosts here that a few of us have already reserved this same time next year to work together again! One of our most treasured blessings are the new friends we are able to add as we spend time working together.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-15385065446025382312012-09-02T19:01:00.001-07:002012-09-24T14:07:44.033-07:00Camping at Camping World?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4e7i5RuWcP3teDGnWaViqMAQnocvgM6t5gGWypyySA2RgncFnkWwfs0LcG63WHyEfMagUrYk5rtDsPnDT691oROOXapTgbDs8Jz7HXHtuNGyQuryfWYV6KAMbMci_AhvEvzW9nc8UKjY/s1600/0830020812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4e7i5RuWcP3teDGnWaViqMAQnocvgM6t5gGWypyySA2RgncFnkWwfs0LcG63WHyEfMagUrYk5rtDsPnDT691oROOXapTgbDs8Jz7HXHtuNGyQuryfWYV6KAMbMci_AhvEvzW9nc8UKjY/s320/0830020812.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, we “camped” at Camping World’s RV Sales in Hillsboro
(used to be Olinger).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not exactly
glamorous, but we were thankful to be able to sleep in our own bed at night
while they again worked on various issues with our motorhome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seems this is a normal courtesy for full-time
RVers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We left Devil’s Lake State Park in Lincoln City on Wednesday
afternoon, after we’d pretty much completed our work for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our kind fellow park host, Joe, finished up
our last couple of camp sites that weren’t vacating by 1pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d offered earlier in the day to simply do
our job for us that day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We turned him
down, as we told him we didn’t really want to spend any more hours at Camping
World than necessary!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNhVD1yxAPtfOBSCF4QXa5b_eHLS5YVV_TtAq_5odSIxR06Qdp3cfUb4YurHiA3-Q4XjnpOUT_WoPcBmT5dmOPZJOe5UAXbGVR5sDYBdLXMGxkmvf5Z9uvBetkURkNJg_oZbjBsAOkzT2/s1600/0830020812a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNhVD1yxAPtfOBSCF4QXa5b_eHLS5YVV_TtAq_5odSIxR06Qdp3cfUb4YurHiA3-Q4XjnpOUT_WoPcBmT5dmOPZJOe5UAXbGVR5sDYBdLXMGxkmvf5Z9uvBetkURkNJg_oZbjBsAOkzT2/s200/0830020812a.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The appointment for our motorhome repair was for 8:00
Thursday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to arrive
before the business closed for the evening so we could get an extension cord to
at least support our basic electrical system’s needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They locked the gates at 7pm, and we were
parked just outside the gates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
able to open slides on both sides of the trailer once the gate was locked, as
we blocked a portion of the driveway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
decided to make sure we were up at about 6:00 the next morning so we’d be able
to be clean and dressed for the day before the place opened (assuming 8:00 was
the time, since that was their earliest appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine how surprised we were to hear cars
going by us before we even got out of bed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seems several workers show up that early to prepare for the day, moving
motorhomes around, doing paperwork or whatever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Live and learn!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We quickly closed things up and Parsley and I headed to the
Buick to wait for Steve to check in Moby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>More than an hour later he showed up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It had taken that long to go over everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, I was so thankful to have such an
easy-going cat with me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s happy just
being with me and looking out the windows.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once Steve was ready, we went over to my parents’ place
where Parsley and Steve spent the morning while I ran errands – Costco, Winco,
Trader Jo’s, Penzey’s Spices … It was also nice to be able to see my parents again before leaving for a further distance for a couple months. They have graciously allowed us to use not only their address as our own, but they let us hang out when we have no where to hang out.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There were a couple other errands I had wanted to run that day, but decided we
could live without a couple things on my list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> There's just something very attractive about being able to shop for specific things you know are at certain stores on our old turf. After the errands, </span>I came back and
stayed with Parsley while Steve ran a couple errands of his own. By this time my parents had left for the coast, where they were to enjoy Labor Day weekend with my sister and her daughter and family up from Andersen, California. Coincidentally, they would be staying perhaps 15 miles from where Steve and I had been for the month of August. We missed their visit by perhaps 2 days ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We returned to the motorhome about 5:30 and set up for night
#2 behind their lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> This time we got to enjoy a visit from our former neighbors, Don and Nancy, who treated us with fresh vegetables from their garden and a yummy pineapple pie! The food was almost as appreciated as their visit. We'd wanted to visit at their home, but then couldn't figure out how we could "do it all" in our limited hours being in the area. We were thankful they were willing to come see us at Camping World!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4SIbAZm4J2hYTsxyCoJYMBNR2dCEzNPPdpop70Z7bGUibm4fLnm4DmEgrLUeEIanwnY7FrDsRHBTOzxprgCa6F6Wf58PwjFG9yy31f4UBwChcOPWSi-Bfr5MnwP1224Jjnz-xp37wIG7/s1600/0830020813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4SIbAZm4J2hYTsxyCoJYMBNR2dCEzNPPdpop70Z7bGUibm4fLnm4DmEgrLUeEIanwnY7FrDsRHBTOzxprgCa6F6Wf58PwjFG9yy31f4UBwChcOPWSi-Bfr5MnwP1224Jjnz-xp37wIG7/s200/0830020813.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once again, we were
up early – this time we were up soon after 5:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve decided to hang out at Camping World in
case they had questions this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Parsley and I went to have the oil changed on the Buick.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s fun to notice people’s responses to seeing a cat riding
in the passenger seat (usually in her carrier, with the front door
removed).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve and I used the
drive-thru at Burger King for dinner one night, and the young lady at the
window noticed our cat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It surprised me
as it’s just become normal for us to have her there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of us rides in the back seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guys at Jiffy Lube either didn’t notice,
or didn’t mention it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parsley wasn’t
sure she liked it there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too many
strange noises, and she didn’t like the black desk that was looming above her
eye level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just scratched her chin,
which always distracts her from her fears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She just didn’t come out of her carrier during that visit.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The motorhome was ready for us about noon, and we picked it
up closer to 2pm that second day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time
to head out to Memaloose State Park, in the gorge, between Hood River and the
Dalles, where we were treated to a free night, courtesy of Oregon State Parks!</span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Steve was driving from Hillsboro. We were both very tired after three very busy days with much less sleep than we actually need. I checked in at the booth at Memaloose and was happy to find they did indeed expect us! Yet another blessing was that our spot was not up at the top of the hill under I-5 as we expected. Instead, we were in the middle of the center of the hill going down toward the Columbia River, probably 4-5 sites above our most desirable camping spots! While we only got to stay for one quick evening, we were very pleased with our location. We were up, fed, and on our way by 10:15 the next morning. A relaxing day would be somewhere yet down the road...</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-43914691587532632122012-08-27T22:32:00.002-07:002012-08-28T17:33:03.053-07:00Driving the Beast …Birthday fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqF0DZpauX5IYvkzV7caV4sacayRwBaNGJ_u_n37iCA3Qenf56xlB0lPXs_lBJU3HgZG0Z11JneUUB-zr3GhJz5Q0kJXeLvRXC7sQve1WWWM3g7hKzxC62VE-fzoyjpkpy3WDV3ulfkag8/s1600/IMG_8822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqF0DZpauX5IYvkzV7caV4sacayRwBaNGJ_u_n37iCA3Qenf56xlB0lPXs_lBJU3HgZG0Z11JneUUB-zr3GhJz5Q0kJXeLvRXC7sQve1WWWM3g7hKzxC62VE-fzoyjpkpy3WDV3ulfkag8/s320/IMG_8822.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We're reaching the end of August, which means we will once again be heading back into Hillsboro to have more of the “bugs” worked out with our motorhome. That means we once again have to drive this thing!<br />
<br />
So far, Steve and I have always split the responsibility of driving. We take turns: one drives the Buick with Parsley, the other gets the motorhome – all by themselves. Steve and I have shared a certain experience. Each time we take the wheel of our Winnebago Journey 42E, we “white knuckle it” for the first 5-10 miles before we once again relax, realizing we<strong> CAN</strong> do this!<br />
<br />
It’s really a strange thing, if you think about it. No one really teaches you, aside from verbal instructions and a huge manual of information - most of which I didn't understand - how to drive it! In my mind, it was as if someone handed me the keys to a semi truck and said, “Have fun!”..... <em>What?!?! I have to drive this thing?!?</em><br />
<br />
I think, initially, the biggest fear for me was the <strong>size</strong> of our new portable home. How could I get that thing around a corner without taking out the curb, and everything on the curb? How could I keep it in the lane and not cause accidents?<br />
<br />
Then there’s the matter of knowing NOTHING about a diesel engine. And exhaust breaks. And the side and backup cameras. What’s with a “tag axel” and why does it have to "dump" before I can back up? What is a battery boost switch for? There are many, many other switches and buttons. My brain screams, “I am not trained to drive this!” Yet we do. Fortunately most things are in "auto mode".<br />
<br />
I remember the first time I drove alone -- no one else in the vehicle or outside directing me away from fixed objects. We were on our way to Shelton, Washington and I’d taken over driving when we'd stopped at a rest stop, determined that if Steve could do it, I could do it. I believe about a half hour up the road, I began to realize clouds were forming in the sky. That’s when it occurred to me I had <em>no idea</em> where the control for the windshield wipers were should it suddenly begin raining! I managed to pry one hand off the steering wheel and call Steve on the cell phone to ask him if he knew? He told me he thought it might be on the left side of the dash! I spotted it, though I didn’t try it, but at least I had hope should the rain begin to fall.<br />
<br />
In a “normal car”, you just know where things will be. They are most always in a particular area of the drivers seat. We take it for granted! The windshield wipers would naturally be found on the turn signal arm, or at least in that vicinity. Not on Moby. Though I haven’t tried it, there’s a toggle switch on the dash on the left side that has a picture that might just indicate a windshield wiper. Where the high/low settings might be, I still have no idea at this writing….<br />
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When it comes to buttons and switches, it’s just overwhelming. Also, they are so tiny in comparison to the surrounding dash! There are different groupings of switches in various areas of the driving area in the coach. There are buttons on the side wall, to the left of the drivers seat. One turns on a map light. Two others bring down shades on the front window. There are others on the left side of the dash, in addition to the wiper switch. In the center of the dash, to the right of the speedometer, tachometer, etc. there is an information center where two small monitors sit. I know the bottom one is "slave" to the top, but have never used it. The top monitor is where our side and rear backup cameras show us what's happening outside the coach. It also has our GPS in it. Also a radio. Steve was reading directions this week and learned we also have a DVD/CD player in there! Who knew? Don't know who'd be watching a movie while driving ... but at least I could play a music CD, since as of this writing, I still don't know how to turn on the radio.<br />
<br />
A major issue of using some of these toys when I'm alone driving the coach, is that I have to remove a hand from the steering wheel to push a button, while diverting my eyes from the road. Both those things are still uncomfortable for me. Perhaps in time ...<br />
<br />
* * * *<br />
<br />
We have found that one of the biggest blessings of this adventure has been the contact we've had with family, friends, making new friends, and chatting with various campers ... especially the little ones. Children sometimes come to us asking to "help" as we clean camp sites. Isn't that just the cutest thing? I had a young lady of perhaps six ask to help me yesterday. I asked if she could help me find litter? She nodded, and then quietly looked around. When she found something in the fire pit, she just pointed. She was shy, yet bold enough to ask if she could help. I loved that brief encounter!<br />
<br />
We figured out today that during this month of August in Lincoln City we've had <em>nine different visits</em> from family and friends! Most all were totally unexpected, and so appreciated! It's meant an awful lot to us that people have gone out of their ways to visit us, whether for a couple days, or a few minutes. It made us feel so special!<br />
<br />
Today is Steve's birthday. It's the first occasion where we celebrate a birthday outside of the family traditions we've pretty much done for 19 1/2 years now. While we miss being able to share Steve's birthday with family, we decided it was an opportunity to do something different. We originally planned to go out to dinner - just the two of us. However our favorite host couple here at the park, Bill and Judy Brock, were asking us about this place we'd gone to eat at with our friends Brian and Shelley. We asked if they'd like to join us there for Steve's birthday? They accepted, and tonight we all enjoyed a wonderful meal at <em>Tidal Raves</em>, and got to know each other better. Last night they'd come to see us at our motorhome, and after dinner tonight, we spent some time at theirs. We visited at various times this month, and quickly figured out we had some fun similarities, including both Steve and Bill having engineering backgrounds and careers. It's always fun to have friends who understand some of the unique qualities of the "engineering brain". I love my engineer husband, and enjoy his many unique qualities. Judy understands that and feels the same about her husband, Bill. Before leaving them this evening, we made sure we have each other's cell phone numbers and email addresses. We also made tentative plans to try to meet up on the Oregon coast next summer.<br />
<br />
We had another fun surprise this week! Steve went up to the wood barn to put away our tools after work yesterday and heard someone say, "Hello Steve". It was "Oh-No Phil", a friend of Vern and Londa Sundin's who'd golfed with Steve when Brian had taken Steve along to golf with Vern's gang. Steve has always talked about this "really nice guy", they call "Oh-No Phil". His name came from the words he speaks often when he swings his golf club - "Oh no!" Phil, and his wife, Shirley, are frequent RVers, and had been camping at another park here on the coast with the Sundin bunch earlier this week. When they heard we were hosting just down the coast from them, they decided to spontaneously drive down and see if they could get into the park - which they did. The Sundin's hadn't told us, so it would be a fun surprise. It worked! Phil and Shirley came to visit this afternoon after Steve and I had finished cleaning camp sites. We had such a nice visit, and will likely get to see them again one day as they plan to hunt us down again. What a special thing to make new friends!<br />
<br />
God has blessed us with life-long friends, and it is a special blessing to be adding new ones as a result of our new lifestyle!<br />
<br />
With only two more days left of "work" here at Devil's Lake State Park, we are getting things put away again, in preparation for our appointment at Camping World. We're really hoping the pesky things that are not yet working correctly on the coach will be fixed. We know the part is in for the a/c repair, and also my new closet door is waiting. We are hoping we'll be able to use the electric controls to move the passenger seat out of the way of the entry area better. We have had to add to the list that one of our two furnaces isn't working. Like with the air conditioner, it fires up, then quits. We'll most likely be needing that furnace at Wallowa Lake!<br />
<br />
It will be an adventure spending a couple nights on the Camping World back lot also. We're glad they are allowing us to do that, as we don't know where we'd stay without our home! We plan to leave Hillsboro on Friday, spending a night at Memaloose State Park in the gorge (between Hood River and the Dalles), courtesy of Oregon State Parks! Oregon State Parks lets hosts in transit between jobs stay overnight for free in the parks, assuming there's an opening. This will be our first experience of that benefit. Then we plan to arrive at Wallowa Lake State Park on September 1st. Our orientation meeting is set for 10:00 a.m. on September 2nd. We're really looking forward to spending two months in such a beautiful area.<br />
<br />
I guess that brings my blog more up to date. I'm hoping to have more time to write next month. I haven't done so well this month. I need to be "in my head" to write, and well ... I don't have much alone time anymore. That's not a bad thing, simply a fact. Steve and I are having to learn new ways of being together. It's not natural for us to be together in the same room and not share spontaneously whatever pops into our minds. Yet, we each need some time to be "in our heads". We'll figure this out eventually. It's just yet another adjustment we need to make.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-44486662136183316652012-08-11T13:31:00.000-07:002012-08-16T06:33:10.372-07:00Planning and Learning to Get Real ...It's been a good week here at Devil's Lake State Park. We worked one day, had two days off, then just completed five more days of work. It's time for our "weekend" (Thursdays and Fridays).<br />
<br />
We are feeling some muscles that haven't had much of a workout in a while. Poor Steve has been doing an awful lot of lawn mowing! He said it took him a couple hours to remember he didn't really like yard work that much... However, he's been a real trooper. The park is looking cared for again! As I'm cleaning camp sites, I regularly notice neatly trimmed grass and know my Steve has been there. He's making a difference!<br />
<br />
Steve took me up to the hiker-biker camp this evening when we went up to return our cart, to show me how much mowing he'd done up there. It is a very steep area, with camping areas at the top and the bottom. While many of the park lawns are turning brown from lack of rain fall, that area seems to still be growing happily. Steve mowed the upper area, and down the hill as far as he could safely get his push mower.<br />
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Have I mentioned we haven't felt a drop of rain while we've been here? It's really been quite the perfect weather to suit our unusual tastes! Ranger Richard told us today that there have been times when the rain levels here have forced them to close down the park - even though it is open year round! <br />
<br />
I think when we accepted the job at this park, we imagined Steve would be on a <em>riding</em> mower. Doesn't that sound like fun? I'm sure it must be! However, Steve has a <em>push</em> mower. No self-propelled wheels either (we were so spoiled at our Hillsboro home). Nope. Just Steve, pushing a little gas mower. Steve is a man who prides himself in rarely breaking a sweat. Today I made him change his shirt (after a shower) as it was drenched! I've rarely seen such a thing, especially in such mild temperatures. We're both getting some exercise, which is good for us.<br />
<br />
* * * *<br />
<br />
It's Saturday now, and I'm determined to publish another posting to my blog! It's getting harder to make time to sit and ponder life and write out my thoughts recently. I expect that will be less of a problem when we are further away from friends and family at Wallowa Lake during September and October. I'll be more glad to have something to do! For now, it's been a treat having company drop in! My parents came yesterday, bringing frozen food we've been storing in their freezer. Howard and Linda Hudson stopped in the day before for a visit in route to the church family camping weekend. Earlier in the week we had a surprise visit from Dave and Nancy Heaton, long time friends, out on a day-trip on their motorcycle. This coming week, Carl & JoAnn Isom are going to be camping here in the park for a couple nights. We look forward to hosting them for dinner. The following Sunday, we're expecting Brian and Shelley Sundin for another short visit. It's been a special thing to have company, even now that we are further away. We don't take our friends and family's special efforts for granted these days.<br />
<br />
We've had one recent change to our schedules: our days off are now Friday and Saturday, which works better as far as covering for off-duty hosts. It really doesn't matter to us. Even though we work Sundays, we are able to get away to church on Sunday morning before working. We appreciate the loosely scheduled work week in that way. We blindly picked a church to attend last Sunday. It is Faith Baptist Church, just north of Lincoln City. They have just completed a new church building. That could be a good sign. We found we really enjoyed the service, the pastor, the worship music, and felt comfortable there in general. We decided we'd definitely be attending again next week. On our way out, we passed members coming in for the second service, and I spotted a couple of familiar faces! I told Steve we had to go back in and see them. It was Doug and Betty Kettle who were long time members of Cedar Mill Bible Church, our home church, and my life-long church family. The Kettles lived on the same street as the Skeels (my Dad's family) as they grew up. I'd seen Doug not long ago at my Dad's brother's memorial service. Now, here they were in Lincoln City and a church we'd picked from a list of churches! It seems they have a vacation home in Lincoln City, and attend this church whenever they are in town. Doug assured us it a strong, growing church. How nice to have one more confirmation that we'd found a good church for the month of August! It appears that God continually goes before us, paving the way to whatever he has for us.<br />
<br />
As we continue to try to figure out our future as full time RVers, we're needing to get our doctor and dental appointments scheduled together and corralled into a couple of months, six months apart, if possible. As a result, we need to plan to be in the Hillsboro/Beaverton area, or at least reachable to that area, a couple times a year. I wondered how we'd work this out. It seems it's just kind of falling into place naturally. I can't make my August teeth cleaning appointment, so I schedule one at the same date and time as Steve, in November. Steve won't be able to make an eye exam at the end of this month, so I scheduled us both to have one in November. So, it appears November is the month we'll be around the Beaverton/Hillsboro family. We might end up back in McMinnville, or we could choose to work at a more local state park ... Champoeg and Stub Stewart could work.<br />
<br />
A friend we made while park hosting at Fort Stevens last year emailed us this week. He is currently hosting down on the lower central coast, at Beachside, a day use area. He recommended to us that we consider volunteering at a park in the Willamette Valley called Sara Helmick. It's fairly close to Monmouth. Apparently it is another day use area, with a beautiful natural area. The park isn't particularly busy, and the amount of host work is light. He thought we might enjoy it for a couple months next Spring. The park apparently is closed off-season, or at least doesn't require a host except from May through September. Our "wood-buddy" Brian, as we like to refer to him, has signed up for August and September of next year. That leaves 3 months open as options for us, since they've had problems getting hosts for some unknown reason. Perhaps, like us, it's because no one really knows about the place? We're considering doing a couple months. If we pick May, we'd be close enough to drive up for dental appointments, etc., again, while having no RV park fees.<br />
<br />
Steve and I enjoy each other's company. If we didn't, this RV life would not make much sense! So far, we find our most enjoyable days of hosting are when we get to share the job. This morning, even though it's official our day off, we decided to walk the board walk over to the primitive boat launch so we could do some clean up of litter and pruning debris. It looked messy when we were there the day before. It's hard to have a day off as a host, as we see things we want to "fix", yet aren't equipped with the right gear to handle the task. We end up having to mention whatever we see to another host. It's hard to pass by a need and not take care of it!<br />
<br />
If we sign on at Sara Helmick State Park, Steve and I would be by ourselves quite a bit, which is different than we've experienced as hosts to date. Our company would be day-users, instead of campers. We haven't been sure we'd want to do a day-use park, because of being "on our own" as far as safety issues. We felt we'd be somewhat vulnerable. However, having a friend who's already hosted there without any concerns makes us feel the risk is minimal, at least at that particular park. The real issue is would we get too lonesome! We're thinking we'd like to try it out. It probably wouldn't be too busy at the park during a nice rainy Spring and early Summer. We might even enjoy having more time to ourselves. More time to work on hobbies we might pick back up again! Who knows. If we don't like it, we don't have to do it again. What a cool thing to be able to try out new things! Something tells me we'll be looking forward to a month without so much of a schedule by then.<br />
<br />
We have yet another visit scheduled at Camping World in Hillsboro at the end of this month, as we continue to get the "bugs" fixed on our motorhome. We will leave Devil's Lake after our last day of work, and spend the night behind Camping World. We'll be able to plug into 15 amp service (much better than nothing!) and we won't be late for our 8 a.m. appointment the next day. We'll have my parents house to crash at. Unfortunately, they won't be there, as they will be off for the Labor Day weekend with my sister and niece and families. We'd thankful, however, to have a place to be!<br />
<br />
We're very excited to be getting our new closet door - I'm so tired of wrestling the old one that pulled apart due to extreme humidity changes before we took ownership. The part is in to fix our #2 air conditioning unit also. The adjustable bed still has it's issues with the switch working only on occasion. We need to be able to depend on it. We've added some new things to the "fix list". My bathroom sink has a slow leak, that we can't seem to fix ourselves. The microwave fan vibrates - which is making me crazy. I can hit it at times to make it behave, for a while anyway. Our bathroom light fixtures each have a light socket that won't let the bulb screw in ... Just those kinds of things that we're learning as we live in our new home. We've got to work through all the bugs.<br />
<br />
I have to admit I have had a few times when I feel very frustrated about certain things about living this way. I think it's an accumulation of<em> still</em> not having things all figured out. I need to work out how to store those things I use on a somewhat regular basis in a more reasonable way. I get tired of having to move one thing to get to another, or unloading a whole cabinet to get to one baking dish. I'm aware I need to downsize even further. That leads me to deal with the frustration of continually giving things up. I'm to the point of having to let go of some things I have used on a more regular basis. That's hard sometimes. Other times, it's no big deal. But there are harder days on occasion. What major life change doesn't have challenges? When in real life are there <em>not</em> challenges? It seems it doesn't matter the choices, life is just challenging from time to time. I guess that's the occasion for learning and growing. I am sure going to be smart one of these days!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-38201930238002970622012-08-08T17:55:00.000-07:002012-08-08T17:55:39.179-07:00A Wonderful Volunteer Life!<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Though we’ve been at the park for 5 days now, we just
completed our second day of “work”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
use the term “work” loosely, as it is so enjoyable; it hardly seems like actual
work!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are signed on here at Devil’s
Lake State Park as “maintenance hosts” which basically means we’re volunteering
for a little more than campground hosts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We (by “we” I mean Steve) could be doing lawn mowing, weed whacking, use
various pieces of power equipment, fix broken things, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve is actually the only one who is working
as a maintenance host.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am helping out
with things that campground hosts would be most like to do, though I’m
helping Steve out some also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the best of
both worlds!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, the pathways to the 3 different restroom facilities
needed some pruning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know how things
are in Oregon in the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing
grows faster than berry vines!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pruned
back, or up, any vegetation that might be in the way of a camper on his/her way
to the restroom facilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nobody wants
those sticky berry vines around their ankles, or scratching their arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, the campers are safe tonight!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a lovely day to be working outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I might say we never had this kind of sunny,
but cool weather last winter at Fort Stevens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Having not been “summer campers” for the most part, this whole
experience is new for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand
it is to be way too warm back in Hillsboro today, where I know the Oregon Air
Show is going on this weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We knew
it would be warmer here today too, but as I told my Mom, our warm 65 degree day
must feel warmer…. as it’s a “moist heat”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You know how people in the desert heat will say it’s not that hot as “
it’s a dry heat”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, here it might be
65, but it feels like 73 or 74.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all
relative!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve and I actually came in
this afternoon because we were feeling a little cool!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 3:00 in the afternoon!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too lovely!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While tooling around in our gas powered golf cart today, a
young woman flagged us down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It seemed she had set out an ice cream bucket
with some supplements (vitamins), which had disappeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wondered if raccoons would perhaps take them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her I doubted a raccoon would take
anything he couldn’t eat, and if he did, he wouldn’t have been so neat and tidy
about it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided to go ask the other
2 pairs of hosts in case they’d picked it up thinking it was litter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also thought we could let the ranger at
the registration booth be on the lookout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By the time we accomplished all that and came back around to find the
lady, she cheerfully thanked us, saying it had been found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, “Thank God!”, and I agreed.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s those little encounters we have where someone actually
needs our help and we willingly step forward to try to help that makes this job
particularly fun to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I truly enjoy
helping people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People in those
positions are so grateful and thankful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I suppose we are receiving our reward in full here, but it isn’t
bad!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heaven will be where we are thanked
for all the things no one knows we’ve done!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s how most jobs are:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a
camper found litter around their camp, they would think poorly of the
park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there was no litter, they
wouldn’t notice and would simply enjoy their camping trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both love sweeping up a broken bottle,
knowing that our park comes across as a beautiful, clean park.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every Wednesday, between 10:30 and noon, we have a tsunami
warning system test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a handheld
radio we were told to keep inside the motorhome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It went off for the first time Wednesday, but
we were outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We heard the sirens go
off in the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of our neighbor
campers asked what that was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine how
smart we felt when we actually knew the answer! It's nice to learn some of the "behind the scenes" kinds of things. Looking forward to more of that!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-16032353152281499752012-08-03T09:53:00.001-07:002012-08-04T21:13:54.625-07:00Devil's Lake State Park - Lincoln CityAfter a full day of traveling (well ... a six hour day to us is full!), we arrived in Lincoln City at <a href="http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_216.php?md=pic" target="_blank">Devil's Lake State Park</a>. When I checked in at the booth I was greeted to cheers from the rangers on duty. Seems they haven't had a maintenance host in <em>months</em>, and were working with only 1 of 2 campground hosts as well. It's nice to be needed and appreciated. We met the ranger, Janie, in charge of hosts, as we walked through the park a few minutes later. I knew it was her by her friendly voice, which I'd experienced on the phone. We arranged to meet with her for orientation the next day.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JID2v4EWjFKAU3wH7_y7lyqf1izOgsAPOqVWEgHmICxXfWFmkId8h-g-JTADtNkpvXn-460LW2LVdxVJA1FkT6IWuITixnYgfIjYV7HYHM7lFddxgfR8CSHF5II3B_g4v1zqZdpt5Y_y/s1600/IMG_8971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JID2v4EWjFKAU3wH7_y7lyqf1izOgsAPOqVWEgHmICxXfWFmkId8h-g-JTADtNkpvXn-460LW2LVdxVJA1FkT6IWuITixnYgfIjYV7HYHM7lFddxgfR8CSHF5II3B_g4v1zqZdpt5Y_y/s320/IMG_8971.JPG" title="Our August home - Site B-10" width="320" /></a>On that same walk, we met and visited with the hosts who have been on duty <em>alone</em> for the last month. They were a couple in their early 70's from California, trying park hosting for the first time. While physically they looked like they were in better condition than us, they were <em>exhausted</em>. Seems they've been working very long days, doing most everything all month. They were trying to finish cleaning yurts when we spotted them. They weren't complaining at all, but just wanted us to be warned. As I listened to their story, and asked questions, it was clear they just didn't feel they could speak up and say that the long hours were just too much. They were aware of the huge need and just kept working. I felt bad for them! That's not the way a first experience at park hosting ought to be. I'm certain the host coordinator had no idea they were feeling so overburdened. She is too busy with her own load to even notice their long hours. They hadn't yet turned in the time sheets either. I decided to make certain I asked some good questions of our host coordinator before we began work to make expectations clear. We are <em>volunteers</em>, after all!<br />
<br />
This is a small park, in the middle of town, just a block off Hwy 101. I was sure we had checked this park out, but now realize I was completely mistaken. It's a beautiful little park, on a huge lake with boat launching areas (the park has boat slips for campers with boats). I guess they are fishing for several kinds of fish including trout, catfish and perch. We could see small catfish in the shallow water around the boat slips.<br />
<br />
We worked our first day on Wednesday, August 1st. Since we only have one day on before our official two days off this week, we groomed camp sites throughout the park as campers left. We picked up litter around the boat slips and on the board walk - a path made of composite decking which leads to a "primitive boat launch" just south of the park. There are several signs along the boardwalk explaining the bog habitat that it's built over. Really quite interesting!<br />
<br />
I think we're going to be happy here. The expectations were clear - 5 days, 4 hours a day, unless we just wanted to work more. Steve will be doing some lawn mowing and weed whacking and miscellaneous repairs as needed. We've both had a list of safety modules to complete online in preparation for our work here. Safety is a big thing in the Oregon Park systems, but sometimes the training comes after you've already been doing the work. Naturally, much of it is common sense. However, there are many issues it's good to be reminded of - how to lift appropriately, how to avoid "sticks" when dealing with litter, what to do if encountering a wild animal, or a pet dog! The online modules are somewhat well done, and each is followed by a test on the information covered. We're both close to "A" students. It's a good test of our brain cells.<br />
<br />
We met another fresh-in pair of hosts yesterday. They are from Phoenix, and have a beautiful 40' Monaco motor coach, which they let us come in and see. Very nice. They are looking forward to coming to see our new beast as well. It's always fun to see the choices others make. It's like an RV show - always fun to look!<br />
<br />
* * * *<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOjBqxwWO_VPZFgl625ATB0YCUYj0HyPCcZPzxHpRNp_6VNrYk6IlqcGth-GkueXkMWbmonug3lK7tk6NQeKqHLwU-vtGVdtpTSjY9qCvy0nHwLkfO9uNLiKi0nzkV2MN1PIWZt3gQq24/s1600/IMG_8911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOjBqxwWO_VPZFgl625ATB0YCUYj0HyPCcZPzxHpRNp_6VNrYk6IlqcGth-GkueXkMWbmonug3lK7tk6NQeKqHLwU-vtGVdtpTSjY9qCvy0nHwLkfO9uNLiKi0nzkV2MN1PIWZt3gQq24/s200/IMG_8911.JPG" title="Cousin Steve & Desolee" width="200" /></a>We left Shelton, Washington only <em>four days ago</em>. I can't believe how fast the time has passed. The week of fun with cousin Steve & Desolee (love that name!) came to a peak last Saturday, when most the Kronschnabel and Bang family got together with a "mini reunion" at the Bang family lake house on Spencer Lake.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIicOey5g-t1LTk7hMibh71UZYVLje7d_9Q-1KovfNRZ9-RqTbh-Bn-odZ3L_321oC8IVgjmOjFwT3xaAWiB3cv7BLVyuWhBOQUdSl9GoOuC6x8D6QrdCIAtuqKrfTfJGCQC9s2reCslTb/s1600/DSC_7666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIicOey5g-t1LTk7hMibh71UZYVLje7d_9Q-1KovfNRZ9-RqTbh-Bn-odZ3L_321oC8IVgjmOjFwT3xaAWiB3cv7BLVyuWhBOQUdSl9GoOuC6x8D6QrdCIAtuqKrfTfJGCQC9s2reCslTb/s320/DSC_7666.JPG" title="Evie & Ron Bang, Dad Kronschnabel" width="212" /></a>My Steve's Dad, Don, is 92 years old now. Steve's Mom, Barb, passed away from Alzheimer's disease in February of 2005. Cousin Steve's Dad and Mom, Ron and Evie, are something like 89 or 90. I can't believe how good they all look and appear to be doing! The parents hadn't seen each other since Barb left this world. This would be, perhaps, the last chance for the parents to see each other in this world.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifR_qKLU21HHCTHeBDfb39j4IBHp_EqmNbqLTJy1dXxZ97aHWY1pwxcWQ0N_f4gyNAghzrG3IUxBSHUPpKK3wDNKI1_nDfVqDiwDjSMxqZRZqgjF0oiSWSRjMxcj-ryiesZO6QprOFG8F5/s1600/DSC_7714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifR_qKLU21HHCTHeBDfb39j4IBHp_EqmNbqLTJy1dXxZ97aHWY1pwxcWQ0N_f4gyNAghzrG3IUxBSHUPpKK3wDNKI1_nDfVqDiwDjSMxqZRZqgjF0oiSWSRjMxcj-ryiesZO6QprOFG8F5/s1600/DSC_7714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifR_qKLU21HHCTHeBDfb39j4IBHp_EqmNbqLTJy1dXxZ97aHWY1pwxcWQ0N_f4gyNAghzrG3IUxBSHUPpKK3wDNKI1_nDfVqDiwDjSMxqZRZqgjF0oiSWSRjMxcj-ryiesZO6QprOFG8F5/s320/DSC_7714.JPG" title="Mike Bang, Carol Coffee, Charlie K., Judy Oliver, Steve K, Steve B, Greg Bang" width="320" /></a>A few old photo albums of Steve's Dad where there to be enjoyed, as we were returning them after having had them for a few months. Do I think it was a coincidence that we had them, and needed to return them this very week? After all the other events that have fallen into place? I don't think so!<br />
I tried to get some good pictures, and Desolee was getting lots more. It's good to have these professional photographers at family gatherings!<br />
<br />
My favorite photos are seeing my father-in-law back with his departed wife's Aunt & Uncle after all these years. Also, the group photos of the grown kids, most of themselves grandparents now.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFocivhfkJVpWpeEV1kRGlyfnX7ncpzaOB8ZtMR4ENov_phwBgwgFScRf5heHdoZ2Q58p5j63Op-qP4JLV3L1PEZeKZREbmhQnj25krW6g6R4Kr5kyQCUwBSEShLk0y228u2hItuHrocH/s1600/DSC_7702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFocivhfkJVpWpeEV1kRGlyfnX7ncpzaOB8ZtMR4ENov_phwBgwgFScRf5heHdoZ2Q58p5j63Op-qP4JLV3L1PEZeKZREbmhQnj25krW6g6R4Kr5kyQCUwBSEShLk0y228u2hItuHrocH/s320/DSC_7702.JPG" title="Family on the dock" width="320" /></a>It was a great week we will always remember. We are hoping to meet up again with Cousin Steve and Desolee in the not-so-distant future. Perhaps even "on golden pond" again one day!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-60222707949865222412012-07-26T15:22:00.001-07:002012-07-28T08:55:53.279-07:00On Golden Pond ...We've been in Shelton, Washington, at the Spencer Lake RV Resort since Monday afternoon. To say it's been a wonderful time is an absolute understatement! Cousin Steve and his wife Desolee have been absolutely the perfect hosts. What a blessing to be welcomed and accepted so warmly. Even though the cousins have not seen each other in 30 years, I'm told, we have felt accepted from the very first moments. We didn't know what to expect, except we really looked forward to meeting them (in my case) and getting reacquainted (in Steve's case).<br />
<br />
This whole full-time RV thing came out of the enjoyment of being open to new things. We want to continue on in that spirit. We don't want to miss out on any of the new and exciting things God may have for us. Staying in this RV Resort with Steve's cousin is so much a part of that plan, and we are truly enjoying it.<br />
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Tuesday evening, after a wonderful first afternoon of visiting, Steve & Desi hosted us at dinner over at the Spencer Lake Bar & Grill where I had a delicious Patty Melt - just the way they are supposed to be made, with Swiss cheese, grilled onions and on marbled rye bread. It doesn't get much better! We stayed afterward for a community game of Bingo, a free game night offered by the bar to bring in business and make life fun. We're not sure when we last played Bingo, but it was really a fun evening. It was a good chance to see the locals in action. Everybody was extremely friendly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOW84ZUph-oLlpdwfCITnYv42i_MTF7iGF2fc-DUSkqBPq9hhUc-kxGYPttJ25RF68IF60SJ_dt3ILkbxjYQQ3AYW6QuejWuej7a2d35n8A0Ja5VOG2C7AHIamBkkKfr-wrEXDo8ZkYuvE/s1600/IMG_8839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOW84ZUph-oLlpdwfCITnYv42i_MTF7iGF2fc-DUSkqBPq9hhUc-kxGYPttJ25RF68IF60SJ_dt3ILkbxjYQQ3AYW6QuejWuej7a2d35n8A0Ja5VOG2C7AHIamBkkKfr-wrEXDo8ZkYuvE/s320/IMG_8839.JPG" width="320" /></a>The bar and grill is on the edge of Spencer Lake - a beautiful lake. Many of the locals live in houses around the lake. Cousin Steve's family has a "cabin" on the lake. In our eyes it's a beautiful 6 bedroom home, beautifully landscaped to the edge of the dock.<br />
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Wednesday morning I woke up in pain from my lower back. It's been a problem through the sale of our home, and move to the motorhome. I thought I'd have some time to rest up and give it time to settle down again, but it hasn't worked that way so much. It is doing better, so I'm not completely laid up, for which I'm thankful. However, this morning I was just so tired, and I couldn't sleep any longer because my back hurt so much.<br />
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Our new motorhome came with an upgrade to a sleep number kind of bed. I was really hoping it would be a great mattress for my back. It hasn't worked out that well. I've been trying to get by for over two weeks now, and it just isn't helping me at all. So, Cousin Steve decided to lead us into Olympia, where we went in search of a mattress pad that perhaps would help. We eventually found a 3" thick memory foam topper at Bed, Bath & Beyond. I used a 20% off coupon from my purse and they waived the Washington State Sales tax with my Oregon driver's license. I slept nine hours last night and though my back was pretty stiff, I feel very hopeful. Life is good.<br />
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While in Olympia, we also visited a car dealership. Cousin Steve is looking for a new tow vehicle, and has definite ideas on what might work for us. We want something a little cheaper and a little smaller than he's thinking, but it got us look for real and was really quite fun and informative. Steve and I ended up taking a test drive in a GMC Terrain. Nice car, good and zippy, and felt comfortable. It was only our first time looking into possibilities, so we're not ready to take the plunge yet, but it was a very good thing being encouraged to look. We've just been overwhelmed by all the things we don't know yet, and getting a tow vehicle and getting it ready to be towed is just another task on our list. Seems like we ought to feel a bit more comfortable with the motorhome before added a "toad" behind us!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinS-v5Fu6qEfeFv5pdk3TiY70giSOsbtdxIuFgIreKVzEBvNzVSFTzrPQRly0QWqeTmwfV2mHKW73Z3uxZ6lu5iy0sqT8fobKfId8BkX2ckXhev8wDbv2EDkA-d23PUDZQQgKICuH00pqs/s1600/IMG_8845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinS-v5Fu6qEfeFv5pdk3TiY70giSOsbtdxIuFgIreKVzEBvNzVSFTzrPQRly0QWqeTmwfV2mHKW73Z3uxZ6lu5iy0sqT8fobKfId8BkX2ckXhev8wDbv2EDkA-d23PUDZQQgKICuH00pqs/s320/IMG_8845.JPG" width="240" /></a>On the way back to the lake, we stopped and Desi bought a bag of fresh steamer clams. What a treat! They were a wonderful appetizer before our dinner. Lake friends of Steve & Desi's invited us to join them for dinner that evening. I swear I felt like I was living the "On Golden Pond" lifestyle. We sat out on this wonderful deck, overlooking the lake. We ate steamer clams, followed by a meal of tri-tip, mushroom rice, shrimp salad, corn and fresh rolls. We were out on the deck as the sun was setting, and soaked in the fun and wonderful visit with Jackie, Tom, Bud and Steve & Desi, right up until the mosquitoes began to bite. It was hard to believe I was thinking I'd want to get back to the RV early. I think it was about 10pm before we left the cabin. Steve & Desi stayed the night at the family cabin. We've been so thankful to have GPS available to us in both the car (thanks, mom!) and the motorhome. It's helped a lot since we've been up here on unfamiliar turf.<br />
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Today, Thursday, we're having a down-day. I'm finally getting some laundry done again. Also, I had thawed ground turkey than needed to be turned into meatloaf. I also put on a crock-pot of pork country ribs. We've invited Steve and Desi to join us for ribs tonight. The meatloaf will keep for another simple meal, or some nice lunches.<br />
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The weather is beautiful, the breeze feels heavenly, and we are so enjoying this week with extended family. It's so good to be where God wants us!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-71139100255605894562012-07-24T16:01:00.002-07:002012-07-26T14:01:49.238-07:00The way God leads us ...It's Thursday, July 19th. We enjoyed a lovely visit from Steve's brother, Charlie, who drove down from Hillsboro to come and see us and our new home before we leave the area. It's so appreciated when company comes! It gives us a "mental break" from trying to get settled into our home. It really does help us almost "reset" our brains.<br />
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Prior to Chuck's visit, Steve and I were once again trying to get some plans in place as to where we go from here. We <strong><em>HAVE</em></strong> to leave this RV Park on Monday, the 23rd. We've checked - we simply cannot stay after that date. That's 4 more nights and then we have no place to go! Sure, we have things in the works, but no firm plans as of yet. I've been asking God to <em>please</em> show us where we are to go, and yet it just hasn't been made clear yet.<br />
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During Chuck's visit, I checked my email. I do that on auto-pilot. There was the usual spam, and ... an email from Wallowa Lake State Park's host coordinator! She confirmed our positions there for September and October, and said if we acted quickly, she could get us in for August. We were so excited to get a confirmation! I'm really looking forward to spending some time in that beautiful area, with all the wildlife. However, even if we took the August opening, we still have nowhere to go to in 4 days.... <br />
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Chuck left around 5pm, and Steve said it<em> </em>was<em> really</em> sinking in that we need to leave here in just a few days. He decided to call Devil's Lake State Park again, as they had a July and August opening for a host. The ranger won't be back until tomorrow afternoon! Now what? Do we keep waiting? I said I would call again and check in at Champoeg. That ranger was already gone for the day. I decided I'd call him first thing in the morning. Still, that position would be a possibility for August, not for the end of July...<br />
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We began to heat up our leftover clam chowder from last night's dinner, and grabbed the rest of the salad from the refrigerator. That's when I remembered we had considered going up to visit family in Tacoma a couple days ago. We'd hunted for some reasonable RV Parks in the area and were disappointed. We eventually thought perhaps we could stay in Centralia at an RV Park we'd been to before. At least we'd be within an hour of a few visits with Steve's family. We haven't been able to visit them for some time now, and it seemed like this might be the time. Somehow, we'd dropped the ball on that idea. Time to pick it back up!<br />
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I suggested Steve call that park and find out if they had any openings. If they didn't, we'd know we need to keep looking. We were surprised when they answered the phone! So many RV Park offices close early, it seems. I was praying that if God wanted us to go up to visit the rest of our family, there would be an opening. Yes!! They had an opening for us on Monday through he rest of the month! Relief!<br />
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For me that was confirmation that we already knew what we ought to do -- go visit famly. We just got hung up on the details. It felt so good to finally know where we would go on Monday!<br />
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Then came God's <em>little extra special something</em>! Steve decided to call his sister and let her know of our plans to be up that direction. He said, just perhaps, his cousin, Steve Bang, might be in the area. They are full time RVers also, in a 45 foot deluxe motorhome. Steve's been in contact with them for a while now, and knew they were back in the Pacific NW somewhere after Wintering down south. I suggested he ask his sister about a possible visit with them before contacting his cousin, since our priority was to visit with his sister and father. I didn't want our limited time used up without having adequate time with his Sister and Father. Judy said she'd love to be able to see their cousin.<br />
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Steve called his cousin Steve. (I know. Why so many Steve's in a single family? I guess it's just a great name.) To Steve's surprise, his cousin answered the phone. When cousin Steve learned we were planning to stay in Centralia, he said we ought to join them at the RV Park they are staying at in Shelton, Washington? He said there was going to be an opening in a few days right next to them! He said if we had any problem getting the space to call him, as the park really likes them. My Steve said, "You mean I can say I <em>know somebody</em>?" Steve said he'd be renaming his cousin to "his <em>favorite</em> cousin, Steve!" <br />
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We'll be even closer to Tacoma, and our other Tacoma family will get to see their cousin also! I'm really looking forward to this time. I'm looking forward to focusing a bit more on something other than getting settled. I'm looking forward to just living in our Moby Homa.<br />
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Today, Sunday, we went through the slide out storage tray in the basement again. This time I showed no mercy. I was tossing things for the Goodwill right and left. It was definitely a day clothed in reality, which made picking what to keep and what to lose somewhat easy. By the time we finished, we had found a place for every bit of the car load we'd brought back from my parents, accept for a few small bins inside. Progress! We're ready to move on to something a bit more "settled".<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-52347010800056502842012-07-22T18:57:00.000-07:002012-07-22T18:57:27.115-07:00Moby sees the "doctor" -- Now where?We spent the day in the Hillsboro/Beaverton area last Tuesday. We had an 8:30 a.m. appointment for "Moby" at the Camping World service department. We hoped we'd get our motorhome back with at least the biggest, most important items completed, time permitting. The biggest thing was to correct the leak under the bed room the master bath. Fixing that would mean we could shower in our own shower, do laundry in our own "house" and brush our teeth in the main bathroom sink. It really is the most simply things we take for granted that make life enjoyable.<br />
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Another big problem for us was the switch that raises the head of the bed. It wasn't big for our own comfort, but it's a requirement for getting the motorhome ready to travel. The bedroom slide cannot come in without the bed being pulled up! This switch has worked only intermittently, and gave us great grief as we attempted to leave McMinnville for our appointment!<br />
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We got up early Tuesday, planning to leave McMinnville soon after 7 a.m. It takes a good hour and more to get into Hillsboro from here. I got up about 5:00, wanting to be awake by the time we leave. I'm a bit slow at waking up... I should add that this was our first time closing up the motorhome <em>all by ourselves</em>, and we were just a bit nervous.<br />
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Imagine our stress levels when we had 2 of the 3 slides pulled in, and found the bedroom slide didn't want to! Eventually, Steve reach down over the top of the bed and was able to find the micro-switch. He held something down - I don't have a clue what - and I pushed the button to pull in the final slide. I've made it sound simple here, but it was <em>not</em> simple! We were completely stressed! When I finally got in the Buick with Parsley, I told myself to relax and not to have a heart attack. I looked in the mirror and saw I was one big stress blotch. We pulled away from our site at about 7:30, 30 minutes tardy ...<br />
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Steve drove the motorhome for the first time since we purchased it, and said it went very well. I was a bit concerned for him, but he said he felt confident about driving it. Naturally, he has much more experience driving RV's, even though he shares the responsibility with me. However, being stressed out before he hit the road didn't sound like a good idea. We didn't have any choice!<br />
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Camping World was able to get through more of our list than we expected, and we were able to pick up the motorhome again after 5pm. Naturally, we wouldn't know whether the fixes were good until we were back living in it.<br />
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We got backed into our RV Park at about 6:30pm and quickly tried to get set up. I don't know how, but my back was out again and Steve had to do most everything... It's so discouraging to me to be laid up. However, today I woke being spasm-free, and only a bit stiff. Thanks, God!<br />
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The next big issue for us is, "Where do we go from here?" We've been checking out our options, with not a whole lot of success to date. We'd really hoped for a miracle. Champoeg State Park had a July/August campground host opening. We would've loved to move in and fill that opening. However, we didn't really want to leave McMinnville until closer to the 23rd, since we had service issues with Moby. The host there says he might have something for us in August. We haven't heard yet.<br />
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Wallowa Lake State Park needs campground hosts in September/October. I spoke with them, and haven't yet received the information they promised. I'm thinking none of the hosts coordinators understands (how could they?) that we feel a need to know where we are going.<br />
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This morning we had yet another discussion regarding what we do when we are scheduled to leave here July 23rd... We decided we need to quit just hoping things will fall together and get a bit more aggressive. Steve called Devil's Lake State Park in Lincoln City, where they need a maintenance host for July and August. The position is still unfilled! But, the host coordinator is off today ... More waiting. They are looking for a "maintenance host". That's something Steve volunteered for. Maintenance hosts can do special projects, fix things, mow lawns, etc. With my back needing some TLC, I could let Steve work, and I would have a chance to do more home-making kinds of tasks as we continue to work at getting settled in our new home.<br />
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I admit we have been people who play things safe for the most part. Imagine what a big stretch it is for us to not know where we can park our rig to live! This experience is teaching us (kicking and screaming at times) patience, and to trust God for the future in a real way. We know he's led us thus far, so we have to believe he will continue to do so. However, it's a big stretch for both of us to just wait for his leading. We're used to planning and figuring things out for ourselves.<br />
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So, here we are, six days from being out of a place to park our new home. However, I can enjoy the fact that we are making some progress! Steve just showered and says there were no leaks! Even though I just did laundry at my parents' place while we used their home as our base yesterday, I can now use my stackable washer and dryer again! I plan to get some bread baked in my micro-convection oven today. Sure hope it works ... We're looking forward to seeing how the rest of July turns out!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-61192461527474712112012-07-14T13:05:00.000-07:002012-07-14T13:05:04.623-07:00We're closing in on the end of week 1 ...I can't believe it's Friday evening already. This is the last day of our first week in our new Moby Homa! It took me most of the week to get a blog post completed. I've been trying hard to spend some time writing each day, but it's difficult to finish more than a thought or two before an interruption of one kind or another. Also, it's almost impossible to write with a cat in my lap. No place for the laptop! Also, there are so many things to take care of, and much more interaction with Steve - not a bad thing! Just doesn't leave a lot of time to be in my own head.<br />
<br />Thursday we had a welcomed visit from my brother and his wife. They had kindly offered to put off their visit for a week while we tried to get settled, but next week we have an appointment for the motorhome at Camping World to get some of our problems solved. It made more sense for them to come this week. As it turned out, it was exactly what we needed!<br />
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We had a lovely visit, getting our minds off our unpacking and sorting. Steve prepared for their visit by taking most the bins back out and storing them away in the basement. That made us feel better too! It felt like we were actually entertaining company - the family kind - and it felt great.<br />
<br />I fixed us a lunch of sandwiches and leftover pasta salad. Let me stray off topic and say I've done two great new recipes this week. The ideas came from lunch/dinners served to us at my parent's place last week. One day for lunch my mother served us a really yummy pasta salad. She used a Suddenly Salad boxed mix, Chipotle-Ranch variety, and doctored it with lots of added vegetables and black beans. It was really good! I determined I'd take a run at copying the recipe, without using a boxed mix. It needs a little tweaking, but it was yummy! That was the leftover pasta salad I served to Paul & Diana, my version of <a href="http://recipesworthsaving.blogspot.com/2012/07/chipotle-ranch-pasta-salad.html" target="_blank">Chipotle-Ranch Pasta Salad</a>.<br />
<br />The other copycat recipe attempt I made was inspired by some tilapia my Mom served us for dinner one night. She purchased it, frozen & already seasoned, at Costco. Our whole family enjoys fish, and she apologized she hadn't cooked more of it, as we ate every last bit. Naturally, we didn't <em>need</em> more, but we'd have eaten it if it was there. I had frozen orange roughy in my freezer here in the motorhome, and made a similar flavored fish. This one was a real hit! We'll be having it over and over - <a href="http://recipesworthsaving.blogspot.com/2012/07/lemon-basil-orange-roughy.html" target="_blank">Lemon-Basil Orange Roughy</a>.<br />
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I was able to share some of my over-stocked pantry with Paul & Diana. I've learned that when you live in an motorhome, you don't need to have 2 Costco bottles of Worcestershire sauce. I find it rather embarrassing on some level that I had such a well-stocked pantry at our former house. This new life-style will afford us to live in a more just-in-time, simple manner. We practiced this new lifestyle when we park hosted for 2+ months last Winter. When I do my grocery shopping, I have to continually ask myself, "When will you serve this?" A good buy is only good if you use it! I will get better at this over time. I now have the added motivation of limited storage space to inspire me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yOr9MIqSc8kjEer5d_vp-vUbMSXHXPQD6SyqoEQradc5K8DK3D8_R3JDz-SdmgZtlhK3STSI8cHSDkKgjebDpWV5ACqdebXl8iovClcoSY3L_6BjkObOE7b7a4C7fTD-7Vw3kjb5vOT6/s1600/PB150060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yOr9MIqSc8kjEer5d_vp-vUbMSXHXPQD6SyqoEQradc5K8DK3D8_R3JDz-SdmgZtlhK3STSI8cHSDkKgjebDpWV5ACqdebXl8iovClcoSY3L_6BjkObOE7b7a4C7fTD-7Vw3kjb5vOT6/s320/PB150060.JPG" width="320" /></a>I made a couple phone calls on Friday to State Parks with park hosting opportunities available. I'd left a couple messages at Champoeg State Park, and hadn't heard back. We have really been thinking it would be ideal to work a month or two at Champoeg, as it keeps us close enough to Camping World while we work out the bugs in our motorhome. This call paid off with getting to talk with the ranger in charge of volunteer hosts - Mike Smith. As might be expected of a ranger in charge of hosts, he was very personable. I explained our situation, and he explained his. He had two other hosts call in who might be able to come fill his July needs immediately. If so, that would be his preference. Another host currently working for him had some personal issues come up that might cause them to need to leave early, he'd heard. He said he'd be speaking with them and if they did indeed need to leave, perhaps we could fill that position in August? Either way, he'll be getting back to us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvooImScluedunbRPjnHCGjvXKH6kcG-Af5fFNjs5O5E1HB7H1IUqil_soALbUKX7B2vOGaMtR8JA1WOmb8UL1Cac5E6K9vBUvteqMPjUdymFCEoPCNg8qNG6wBSsU4qtHapxqw6QMPnb/s1600/Image46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvooImScluedunbRPjnHCGjvXKH6kcG-Af5fFNjs5O5E1HB7H1IUqil_soALbUKX7B2vOGaMtR8JA1WOmb8UL1Cac5E6K9vBUvteqMPjUdymFCEoPCNg8qNG6wBSsU4qtHapxqw6QMPnb/s320/Image46.jpg" width="320" /></a>Next I called Wallowa Lake State Park over in NE Oregon. It's a gorgeous park, and we haven't been there for several years. They have several openings posted for September and October. I spoke with the ranger in charge of hosts, who's name I unfortunately didn't get. She did an impromptu interview with me over the phone and said she'd be sending me information on their hosting program.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSh6IyHOUm8TOaPR_NgWIF1nuw4bEfT_4-4NsJ1Ss5o4fA_BaVfqW7fH0Pu-9Eq7rNG-x__WhFDlF8WUlpJm8t5_SCNd8ARhEoKQUfdpYkf2kF3p8uJaYFlo4bDFbt9A7zvhfo314gT1X/s1600/Image51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSh6IyHOUm8TOaPR_NgWIF1nuw4bEfT_4-4NsJ1Ss5o4fA_BaVfqW7fH0Pu-9Eq7rNG-x__WhFDlF8WUlpJm8t5_SCNd8ARhEoKQUfdpYkf2kF3p8uJaYFlo4bDFbt9A7zvhfo314gT1X/s320/Image51.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Each state park has unique needs from hosts. Wallowa Lake has only 2 yurts, and no cabins. They need <em>campground</em> hosts who assist campers and clean up the sites after campers leave.<br />
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We are anxious to figure out where we'll be living over the next few months. We were only able to get a reservation here at the Old Stone Village RV Park until the 23rd of this month. We may be scrambling for somewhere to stay until the end of July at least. I reminded Steve he needs to be praying with me about where we go from here! This is a new thing to get our heads around - we need to know where we can park our home to live each month! I imagine, over time, we'll have our favorites. It's a little precarious right now as July & August in Oregon are prime vacation months. Openings are limited. Stay tuned ...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-91507307505685187452012-07-13T17:37:00.002-07:002012-07-14T08:13:02.079-07:00Reality is setting in ...I guess it's getting <em>real</em> now. Not the full-time part, but the "we live in a motorhome" part. Not in a bad way. Just in a more real way. I haven't had as much time to think, let alone write down my thoughts!<br />
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We have a lot of things yet to work through living in our new motorhome. First, let me tell you that the huge amounts of storage aren't <em>really</em> that much, as it turns out. It's all <em>relative</em>. From my perspective, Steve keeps bringing in more bins of stuff that I don't have a place for. That means clutter, not being able to find things, and frustration. It's not his fault - he's just doing what he's supposed to do! But many things get frustrating quick when you haven't had much sleep and are in a whole new set of circumstances with every move you make.<br />
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Our first morning, I tried to think of something a little special to make for breakfast for us. I had eggs, I had a little ham to use up. Ah! Minced ham and scrambled eggs! No bread. How about baking a few biscuits in my new convection oven? Sounds fun! I get out the eggs and ham. I find my cutting board, my non-stick fry pan. I'm in business. Wait. I have no spatula. All I have are stainless steel tableware. I'm not going to ruin my pan. And the biscuits? I can't find baking powder. Never mind. I'm thankful we have cereal and milk. We eat it gratefully.<br />
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Our first day didn't exactly live up to my dreams, but still I feel happy we've made this decision. I spent a good part of the day trying to figure out where things were, and moving them to where it seemed they might belong. Also, since we were expecting company later in the day, I wanted to try to de-clutter a bit. We at least got the bins out of the main walk-thru.<br />
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At one point that day, Steve went outside to check in the large storage slide out to see if he could find any of the missing items I was longing for (and whining about). He came back in and in an exasperated way told me he was<em> so</em> stupid. He said all the bins they'd loaded from my parents garage were nothing more than "c--p"! I had to laugh, and eventually he joined me. His statement was kind of true, but it was simply caused by the way that first moving day had been. We honestly thought it was all going to fit! We'd given away or sold all our furniture! At least half our wardrobes had gone away. We were brutal about it. However, there were some items we kept <em>just in case</em> we decided they were worthy of storage.<br />
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Once we'd transferred what had been in the 5th wheel trailer to the motorhome at Camping World, Steve and Jim had started loading the items we'd stored for a week in my parents' garage. When they began to load, whatever was closest went into the storage areas of the motorhome first. When it became apparent that it wasn't going to fit, they had to quit. What Steve had found in our storage bins this first morning were Christmas decorations, Winter clothing, photo albums needing to be scanned into the computer, picture frames we don't have anywhere to hang, etc. Poor guy. It really is pretty funny! We couldn't find our underwear, but at least we could decorate for Christmas next December!<br />
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Steven Swenwold and his wife, Staci, came to visit us the evening of our first full day. They brought us a lovely deli spread with meats/cheese and great crackers. Also, Staci had made a beautiful, and delicious, fruit salad. We shared the sparkling apple cider Steven had put in our refrigerator the day of the move, in the accompanying little plastic wine glasses. We toasted to God and his goodness.<br />
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We were so happy that they'd offered to come down and visit, even though we were up to our ears in clutter and overwhelmed. Steve was the one person who was truly knowledgeable about our new purchase! We were so happy they were coming that first day!<br />
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While they were here, Steven wanted to help out as he could. He took a look under the bed to find out why we had wet carpet on the side of the bed, behind the shower wall. We'd taken late night showers at the end of moving day. Hope that wasn't what leaked! The panel behind the shower was dry. So they looked under the bed. Water! Seems a connection from the master bathroom isn't holding. A portion of the shower water, sink water and washing machine water may have ended up in our bedroom. Though water inside an RV is never good, we were relieved and thankful that we are parked directly across the road from the laundry and shower facilities here at the park. It could be worse.<br />
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Also, one of the three air conditioners appeared to be drawing way too much power, yet no longer starting. No problem - just shut it down. It's not <em>that</em> hot during the day. We have two a.c. units left! Most the rest of the list are little things - hardly worth bringing up. But now we know we will have to take "Moby Homa" back in for service soon. The idea that we could be ready to drive again anytime soon seems doubtful to me however. I'd have to have everything put away! I also feel like I need to have some rest before I'd be ready for that day. We still are very short on sleep.<br />
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Day 2 went a little better. I slept a little more. Not a lot, but a little more. Time to consider breakfast. Still no spatula or non metal utensils. We decided we were especially thankful for our company the night before. We had leftovers! Meat, cheese & fruit salad is perfect for breakfast. <br />
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There was just so much piled all around me inside the motor home! I'm one of those people that can take clutter for a few days, if it's for a reason. At some point, however, I can't take it. It happened every time we'd go out in the 5th wheel. After perhaps 3 days I'd have to just stop and put everything away and clear off the floor and counters (few that they were). Well, I haven't changed. It's no wonder I've always hated moving! Clutter is a reality, and it doesn't go away in 3 days.<br />
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Here in the motorhome we have an extra problem: There's no place to put the clutter except inside the motorhome! If the basement and all the indoor storage are full, we have no garage to put the rest into. We have the back end of our Buick Rendezvous, but that's it.<br />
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On Day 3, Wednesday, Steve thought he'd leave me back with Parsley, the cat, while he ran into Hillsboro to deal with some equipment issues at Camping World and Dish Network...technical stuff. After that he'd go to my parents and sort through the garage and tell me what he saw. I could tell him what I needed over the phone and what should just stay there for the time being. Not only was I grateful that Steve would be taking care of all those details, but I was also grateful to have the chance to be quiet and think as I tried to re-sort and store things away in the motorhome. I can't believe how fast that time went, even though the errands had taken Steve longer than he expected. By the time he returned, the place looked worse than ever, but there were perhaps 4 overhead storage areas that were now neat and tidy! Hope springs eternal.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-12395249448273909042012-07-08T14:20:00.001-07:002012-07-08T14:20:41.876-07:00Learning to Live Differently!We're back in the RV Park, learning to live in our new Winnebago Journey 42E. Just surviving yesterday feels like a real accomplishment!<br />
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We were up Saturday morning at 5:00. Our long-haired alarm clock never fails. Steve made us a lovely breakfast of oatmeal and toast, and even did the dishes. We worked hard Friday night trying to get as much as we could from the trailer into the Buick, thinking we'd have less to unload from the 5th wheel to the motorhome. The Buick was packed full! Saturday morning was about getting ourselves ready, getting to Beaverton in time to drop off Parsley at her "grandparents" for the day, and getting to Camping world by 9:00. Everything went smoothly! We got in and back out of my parents' short street with culdesac. Steve's the master at maneuvering the truck and 5th wheel without popping out the back window of the truck, were he to turn too sharply. We made it to Camping World in Hillsboro with time to spare.<br />
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Since our truck and trailer were trade-ins, their people started checking things out quickly, while Steven, our salesman & new friend, introduced us to all the aspects of the motorhome, inside and out. We'd heard much of it before, but there is so much to digest. It's really quite overwhelming. However, Steven has been very patient with us, and wonderful to work with.<br />
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Eventually we went in to meet with the finance guy, to sign papers and give him a check for the motorhome. That only took perhaps 20 minutes, compared to a couple hours probably on the motorhome. During all this, various folk were scrambling around trying to have everything ready for us. A few things didn't happen. Work orders didn't get written up, some communications didn't happened. If this had been 2 days previous, I probably would have been really bugged and disappointed. Funny thing was that none of that seemed so important all the sudden. I decided it was the relief of getting through our house sale that let me relax - even with few hours of sleep over the past several days.<br />
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My hard-working, helpful brother-in-law, Jim, joined us at the dealership. He'd volunteered to help us move from one RV to the other. I truly don't know what we'd have done without him! Having turned in our truck, we wouldn't even have had a vehicle to drive to get over to my parents for lunch without Jim. My mom fixed us a nice lunch, and my brother was able to join us from Vancouver. He'd wanted to help us with the move, but had to get back home to get his wife to work, as they were down to only one working vehicle at the time.<br />
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It turned into a very warm day by the time we got back to the dealership and found the motorhome and 5th wheel perfectly aligned next to each other, so we could transfer things from one to the other. That's when the really hard work began. Steve was in the 5th wheel and I was in the motorhome. Jim was hopping from the 5th wheel with whatever Steve handed him, and up the steps into the motorhome, saving my back from lifting, where I tried to find a quick place for everything. It was crazy.<br />
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When we were done, it was time to leave. Our salesman popped in saying he needed to get going. I swear I almost grabbed his leg and held on, begging him not to leave us. At that moment I felt panic well up - I was certain we didn't know how to drive this huge monster! I didn't even know where to begin in closing it up to move! Steven calmly walked me through the various things to watch for before pulling in the slides. We got them pulled in, and then he left.<br />
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We now had to drive away in the motorhome. Steve had decided that I would drive. Isn't he a saint? I wanted to, and was scared to death at the same time. I'd done the test drive out at Rooster Rock that once, but I hadn't had to do it alone, without the assurance of someone who knew. Suddenly we were on our own. I was so thankful to have my "other brain" sitting next to me. I wasn't sure I could get out of the parking lot. It seemed a very tight fit to get between the other RVs on the lot. Steve helped encourage me through, and the world did not end.<br />
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Soon we were on TV Highway, heading to my parents house on the pre-planned route, picked for it's less than tight corners. How strange to be pulling up next to my parents' place in that huge thing! I couldn't believe I'd driven it there! I'm not sure how I didn't hit anything... it just kind of happened to fall into place.<br />
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Once again, my faithful brother-in-law, Jim, worked his tail off along with Steve, getting bin after bin of our stuff loaded into the motorhome. Long before they were finished, it became clear it wasn't going to fit. After all that down-sizing, we still have too much stuff! That's okay. This time the McMinnville Goodwill will benefit!<br />
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I'm kind of amazed at the things we have too much of yet. Cleaning products! Lysol, degreaser, Windex, toilet bowl cleaner, disinfecting wipes, hand soap, dish soap, etc. Suddenly, it all seems like so much over kill! How many different kinds of cleaners do I need? Really. I can't wait to unload much of this stuff. In an RV we need to be more careful about what goes down the drain - as it goes into our holding tanks. We don't use Drain-O or harsh chemicals. I actually look forward to unloading much of those items that I apparently treasured at the "big house".<br />
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When we got up this morning - 5:00 again - after getting to sleep well after mid-night, we enjoyed a cup of coffee (at least we could find that!), and pretty much just felt tired and overwhelmed, while being so thankful to finally be in our new home. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871538442789030911.post-56729496949469990382012-07-04T14:48:00.001-07:002012-07-04T14:48:15.099-07:00We turned in our keys ...We're only days from moving into our new home on wheels! I still can hardly believe it's true. There are only a few more things that need to fall into place but, God willing, we move into our new home - named "Moby-Homa" - this coming Saturday. We have an appointment to begin the process at 9:00 Saturday morning. Wow!<br />
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Tuesday, we left McMinnville about 8:00 a.m. to make it to the house before Consignment NW arrived to pick up the last pieces of our family room furniture. It was fun walking into the house, freshly cleaned top to bottom the day before. Melody, the lady we hired to clean it, did a wonderful job. The house looked all shiny and new -- just what I'd hoped for!<br />
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The delivery truck for the furniture showed up promptly at 10:00 and was gone quickly. It was explained that the furniture would be for sale for 3 months. After that the price would be reduced, and if it still didn't sell, we'd be able to donate it to a local charity. There were other options, of course, but we can't take it back!<br />
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We walked around the house, finding only three more things we'd missed. Our calendar on the wall. We couldn't possibly live without that! Our cat clock - a gift from my sister-in-law in Tacoma was still telling time in the family room. We're hoping to find a place for it in the motorhome. My rooster measuring spoons were displayed on the wall in the kitchen. That was the last of it! We left our keys and mail box keys on the kitchen table (purchased by the new homeowner). I asked Steve if he felt just a little bit sad? He said no. I didn't feel sad either. It just feels like this is the right next step for us. We're excited to move ahead and see what the next adventure is!<br />
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We drove out of our driveway one last time, but turned and parked across the street in our neighbor's driveway. We had to go and have one last visit with Don and Nancy Barnes. That is, one last visit this week! We certainly plan to keep in touch with them. We've teased that they'll be wishing we'd stay away! Perhaps we'll go sit with Don in his driveway to watch the airshow in August. They are simply some of the nicest people we know. When we moved into our Hillsboro home in July of 2006, it was too late to plant a garden in our raised beds. Don showed up on our doorstep with tomatoes, zucchini, and onions. He was alone after losing his wife to cancer. Then Nancy, who had also lost her husband to cancer, joined him a couple years back. Such lovely, lovely people! We are so happy they have each other.<br />
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After leaving the neighborhood, we ran over to Camping World to pick out our satellite service, and it's accessories. Our technical advisor, Eric, made it simple and straight forward. Done. We checked in with the financial wizard, Dave, and got some final instructions. Then, Steven, our salesman, came by and asked if we wanted a quick visit with our new "Moby-Homa". They had him parked right up front. We had forced ourselves to walk right by earlier, in order to stay focused on the tasks at hand. It was a relief to be offered a visit! All I can say is, it is SOOOOO nice! The stainless steel refrigerator had all the packing materials removed and was ready for business. My Steve had a question about starting the diesel engine and noted the 100 gallon fuel tank was FULL!! Wow! That means we don't have to worry about finding a gas station we feel comfortable getting in and out of on our first day. That was huge!<br />
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After a few minutes of questions, soaking in our almost-home, we had to rush off to the title company. There, we signed all the appropriate sale papers, basically closing the books on our life in a stick house. We learned also that we wouldn't be needed at the house for the walk through, which was running a couple hours late. The new owner was driving up from California today and was behind schedule. So, instead, we ran off to deliver a check to the cleaning woman.<br />
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From there, we ran over to the Credit Union to try to arrange a quick turn-around of the cash we are going to receive via wire transfer on Friday, turning it into a cashier's check for the motorhome purchase. Eventually, we got some assurance they'd be watching for it. We learned that once the money shows up in our account, we could drive up to Wilsonville to the local credit union to get a check. We called from the credit union parking lot to speak with our "financial guy" about some of the financial decisions ahead of us also. Did you know we can write off interest on a motorhome loan the same as a stick home? That means if we take a loan beyond what we need, we can write off the interest of the purchase of our tow vehicle, (called a "dingy" or "toad"). It's a good thing! We should be free and clear in just a few years - a day we will look forward to!<br />
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That done, we decided to head back to McMinnville, via Sherwood, where we dined at Red Robins for dinner - enjoying our celebratory turkey burgers. Perfect!<br />
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We got back to the 5th wheel and Parsley, the cat, at about 6:30. Back to peace and quiet. Steve asked me if I realized we no longer have a home? I said we DO have a home - it's our 5th wheel trailer at this moment. Either way, there is no longer any lawn to mow, let alone a lawn mower to maintain. It was a great six years at that home, but it's time to move on to the next thing!<br />
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To be continued ....Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0