Birthday boy - Oct 23, 2009 -

Although he doesn’t have a clue, our little furry companion Bodie celebrated his 11th birthday today. He spent the day in his usual beagle way. The birthday boy went on three or four good walks, consumed his two regular meals and special treats, reclaimed territory marked by other canines and provided a little company to the humans in his pack when not sleeping 21 hours today. Life is good! Yes, even for a beagle……….

It rained overnight and this morning. Boy, did it ever!! Raindrops didn’t just fall…they flew like bullets in the strong accompanying wind. But, I didn’t have to experience any of this first hand. My dear wife was the sole witness to Mother Nature’s fury when she took our birthday critter on his first walk of the morning…and the next…and the next.

I somehow managed to pick up a moderate cold yesterday and slept in this morning, attempting a full and rapid recovery. Rising only briefly at noon for a chicken soup lunch, I continued my bed rest until late afternoon. It worked! Feeling much better, I was rested and ready for our reunion with traveling full timer friends Reb and Shirley.

We met these two fine folks back in January of ’07 and last saw them at Red Rock Park near West Yellowstone during the summer of that same year. They have since spent much of their time getting Reb back to health but are now on the road again and eager to see some country and visit with friends and family.

We met our two friends at a local Seaside restaurant and enjoyed good conversation over fish and chips. The food at Riley’s Lounge was quite good and the service was excellent.

Reb and Shirley will continue their travel down the coast of Oregon, but at a much slower pace than us. They will catch up with us in Port Orford, and we look forward to seeing them again.

This evening will be a relaxing one. I just hope I can sleep later after spending about 20 hours in bed…sounds a bit like Bodie, I know!! We are leaving Seaside tomorrow during a one-day break in the weather but have no idea where we might next stop.

We are looking forward to another fine day along the Oregon coast tomorrow……………………