Apr 28, 2013 - More Oregon Coast

Days 54-55 of The Big Trip Clear skies greeted us on Saturday, the 27th. Seventy-six miles after leaving Bullards Beach, we were in Florence. After getting set up and having lunch, we were back on the road. Driving south, by the way we had just come, we went to the Umpqua Lighthouse. This is the only lighthouse, on the Oregon coast, which has a red beam included in its signal. Our guide was absolutely fantastic and made the whole story of this place come alive. It's also the only lighthouse where one can climb up into the lens. There are...

Mar 12, 2013 - Florence and the dunes

Hi Y'all, Good stuff to report today. Thanks, Andrea C for the update on church news. Our weather has not been bad. It is cool but no rain or wind. We think we can tough it out but are anxious for warmth. Gracie has been a hit wherever we take her. We decided that she is having a few problems mixing Judy and me up. She eventually gets it right and then is a little embarrassed as her main job in life is protecting Judy. She scares to death anyone who dares approach the car.. Now to Oregon. John and Leslie, I thought of you today as we only...

Nov 1, 2012 - McMinnville to Florence

November 1, 2012 Guess what? More rain. However as we left McMinnville on 99 south we did get intermittent sunshine. At the beginning of the trip we travelled north on 99 through the vineyards and hazelnut orchards. Very pretty with the dark clouds, sunshine, green fields and golden vines. In Corvallis we had the tires checked and we now have tools to be able to do it ourselves. Although we have stopped at several Les Schwabs, no one ever offered us the tools to be able to check the air ourselves. Getting the hubcaps off is a bear but now...

Oct 8, 2012 - Florence, Oregon, September 19-21

Florence, Oregon, September 19-21 Some fellow campers in Anacortes suggested that we drive down the Oregon coast on our way South. When we left Astoria, that's where we headed. We learned quickly that the west coast is way different from the east coast because the west coast is full of mountains and the roads wind and turn. We would drive for a few miles in the mountains and all of a sudden you would see powerful waves crashing against some jagged, rocky shores. After consistently sunny weather across this trip, both days that we drove here...

Sep 27, 2012 - Florence, OR

Moving day, southbound along Hwy 101, passed by the chasm called Devils Churn and Hecta Head Lighthouse. The lighthouse was closed to viewing due to maintenance, but we could see it from the next vista overlook. As we neared Florence we could see that we were nearing the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. We stayed at the Florence Elks RV Campground which is out of town, not at the lodge. We found some good Chinese food for lunch at a place called Ichiban. Then we walked around old historic Florence enjoying some window shopping and...

Sep 24, 2012 - Staying at the Three Rivers Casino in Florence, Oregon

Last night we stayed at the Three Rivers Casino in Florence. If David’s cold is similar to Karen’s, it will take 3 days before he feels like he is getting back to normal. We ate a buffet at the casino. The price was only $8 for all you can eat. The food was great. Jan and Jeff checked out the price of salmon but it was $13/lb and didn’t look fresh. Florence is a port city. Jan and Jeff watched a person crabbing but he threw them all back because they were not over the legal size of 5 inches. .)

Data:0 miles to Three Rivers Casino

Sep 23, 2012 - Traveling Oregon Coast Highway 101

We drove about 85 miles from Lincoln City, Oregon to Florence, Oregon on the coastal highway. It is sunny so we have had excellent views of the Pacific Ocean. It is cool – in the 60’s and breezy. We are staying at the Three Rivers Casino tonight – no hookups, but it is free. David has a sore throat so we hope he gets better soon. There are many stops along this highway but some are difficult to navigate with the RV’s. Jan and Jeff have stopped along the way, but Karen and David made one stop and that was at the Sea Lions Cave (about 10...

Sep 21, 2012 - Day 84

Departed Ilwaco, WA this morning to cross over into Oregon and drive down US 101 towards California and the Redwoods. We passed through the cities of Astoria, Warrenton, Seaside, Rockaway Beach, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Beaver, Cloverdale, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, South Beach, Waldport, and Yachats among others before reaching Florence. We did not make very good time as the road is very winding and has a lot of towns along it, along with some construction. The views of the Pacific are fantastic. Weather was not all that great when we...

Aug 18, 2012 - Bandon to Florence

We drove from Bandon to Florence, a distance of about 73 miles. We will set up camp and then go on a local scouting tour of the area and get some fresh vegetables for dinner. The camera is always with us, and who knows, we might find something interesting to share! Mike and Nancy

Aug 2, 2012 - Shock!

Aug. 2, 2012 At the end of today, all pretense of civility was gone.  The 45 miles that sounded ok, turned out to be intense!  The views were fabulous (photos can not do justice) but getting there was daunting, to say the least.  Highway 101 traffic was horrendous with lots of cars, huge campers, and even a few loaded logging trucks.  Thank goodness, most drivers were polite, but shoulders were only 6 inches wide in way too many places including blind curves and a tunnel (hope you are not reading this, Nancy!). There was not really an...

Jul 23, 2012 - Visiting Coastal Oregon, Part Two

We proceeded through Newport and down to the historic section of town called The Bayfront. After driving around the block once, we managed to secure a great parking place right near where we decided to enjoy lunch at the Saffron Salmon. The location was ideal, right on the end of a pier and dining right on the water. And even more fortunate, we managed to get a table waterside with perfect views of the water, the pier and the Yaquina Bay Bridde; great scenery! Our meal was heavenly – we each ordered a cup of clam chowder, followed by...

Jul 23, 2012 - Florence, OR

Today's journey turned out to actually be under 30 miles to the little community of Florence, Oregon. It was gorgeous this morning with clear skies and sunshine - perfect traveling weather. Since we had such a short way to go, we did not have to leave early and once again, John did an excellent job of patiently waiting until around 10:00 to start putting things away. We toyed with the idea of not hooking up Suki and just driving her the short distance, but in the end, we towed her. I like sharing the driving experience with John, even just...