Full Timer's Diary

Rain etc.

2011-03-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a wet few days here at the Russian River, and we even had a class 1 tornado tear up a landscaping business in downtown Santa Rosa. Lot's of slides and trees down but the river is still well below flood stage.

We Miss Our Blog

2011-02-19T16:00:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since our last post, and no excuse other than just living. We have been at the Russian River for awhile and have loved it, but now we will move on to places unknown.

Camp Life

2009-07-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

The State campgrounds in Oregon and Washington were wonderful, good prices and full hook ups!!
This is our Cape Disappointment site, the Ocean is on the other side of the trees and bushes. Little did we know that only hours from when this picture was taken we would be in an ambulance taking me to the Hospital in Ilwaco Washington!!!!

Evening Sky

2009-07-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

Our sunset from camp.

Cape Disappointment Washington

2009-07-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

Well we made it, and boy was it worth it. Here is the Cape Disapointment Lighthouse. Our campsite was actually just on the other side of the bushes where Julie is holding the lighthouse. This is such a beautiful area, we will definitely go back.

The road to Cape Disapointment

2009-07-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

Beautiful road heading to Cape Disappointment. Flowers everywhere, old shipwreck, and tunnels.

Columbia River

2009-07-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

After we left Multnomah Falls area we headed out along the Columbia River and crossed into Washington at Portland.

Ponytail Falls

2009-07-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

Ponytail Falls and Trail to Multnomah Falls

2009-07-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

Under Ponytail Falls

2009-07-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

The trail winds along little canyons and in one spot goes under the Falls.

Horsetail Falls

2009-07-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

This is one of the many falls we came across along the Columbia River.

Multnomah Falls

2009-07-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

This is Multnomah Falls Oregon along the Columbia River. We were camped about 6 miles away by trail, and so we had a beautiful walk along a trail that had two other falls and then finished up with this!

Fowler Campground

2009-07-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

This is our idea of the perfect campsite.

Middle Falls McCloud River

2009-07-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

This was a wonderful place we stayed on the way to Washington State. It is near the Fowler Campgrounds along hwy 89 just East of McCloud California. It has great trails and we had a wonderful time there.

We Are Back

2009-06-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

January 2009
We have been very bad bloggers for the last few months, but we are back and will start to update our blog with all that has been happening since we last wrote.
Our last days on the Central California Coast were at Morro Bay State Park, which is one of our favorite places to stay, and this time we splurged and got a partial hook up site (Water and power).
We got in some hikes on Black Hill, and ate at the Bayside Cafe, and pretty much had a grand old time.

San Simeon State Park

2009-01-19T16:06:00.000-08:00

Here is our dream farm, and some sights along the trail.

On the Trail

2009-01-19T16:05:00.000-08:00

We went hiking on a wonderful trail that loops all of the campground at San Simeon, and we were treated to some big Draft Horses near the trail.

Campsite at San Simeon

2009-01-19T16:00:00.000-08:00

We loved the State PArk Campgrounds at San Simeon, beautiful open and private spaces, and a short walk to the beach.

Camp Life

2009-01-19T15:56:00.000-08:00

Ahh, camp at night, a nice fire, coops in her tent, Rudi watching from the screen door, Mom and Dad have bread, apricots, cookies and wine!!!!!

Mom's Playing Free Cell

2009-01-19T15:52:00.000-08:00

Well it's time for a nap as Mom goes for another record on the Free Cell game!

Coops goes to the birds

2009-01-19T15:48:00.000-08:00

Here is one of Coopers favorite things to do, bird watching, she has asked for some binoculars and a guide book for her birthday to better study all the little birdies.

Where is the fish?

2009-01-19T15:43:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of a Jelly Fish we saw from the pier in San Simeon

San Simeon Pier

2009-01-18T19:36:00.000-08:00

Here we are on the pier in the San Simeon State Park. In the first and second picture you see the View in the parking lot from the pier and Hearst Castle in the background. The bottom shot is looking into the water from the pier.

Estero Bay

2009-01-18T19:29:00.000-08:00

We stopped here at Estero Bay on our way back from our short trip to San Simeon. We hiked to the top of this little hill to get some very nice shots. Julie on the top of the hill, the second picture shows our View on the pull out next to highway 1, and the bottom picture shows Morro Rock in the distance.

Big Moon January 10, 2009

2009-01-16T13:22:00.000-08:00

This is the night of "The largest Moon" of 2009

Life is Wonderful

2009-01-16T13:19:00.000-08:00

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

Reflecting

2009-01-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

Parked along hwy 1 just north of Cayucos near Estero Bay State Park we were privileged to watch the sunset.

Sunset at Estero Bay

2009-01-16T13:14:00.000-08:00

This is the area we love to hike in and also go beach combing for sea glass. It is full of life, Sea Otters, Seals, all kinds of birds, and of course once in awhile we will see the always reclusive human being.

Misty Morning

2009-01-16T13:10:00.000-08:00

The view from our couch window, what a wonderful way to start the day!

2009-01-16T13:06:00.000-08:00

Ahh the tall grass, I just love the cool tall grass! If I could just get this leash off I would be set.

Coops and Mom Running

2009-01-16T13:01:00.000-08:00

Julie taking little Cooper Dooper Dee Doo for a run!

Very Nice!

2009-01-16T12:57:00.000-08:00

Here we are at Mike and Shirley's place near Avila Beach, what a spot for an RV, great views and quiet too!

Our new friends

2008-12-21T09:11:00.000-08:00

These are the wonderful Animals we get the pleasure of watching for a week, the top one is a Llama, and the rest are Alpacas.

Moving Day

2008-12-16T12:24:00.000-08:00

Two months at Morro Dunes has come to and end. We had a wonderful time as usual, we will miss it, but we will be back soon!

Space 100

2008-12-16T12:17:00.000-08:00

Another magical evening at Morro Dunes.

Nap Time

2008-12-16T12:14:00.000-08:00

Coops and Rudi are not as excited about all the election coverage.

What an Election!!!!

2008-12-16T12:12:00.000-08:00

Yep we are Obama supporters!!!! We have our expectations high and have confidence this is a good change that we have all wanted for a long time. This election saw many firsts, and I think the biggest thing that happened was that my wife decided it was time for her to step in and vote! She has not voted since Nixon, but this election brought out her inner radical, and she knew it was high time her voice was heard!
I am very proud that she took this big step (Even if it means we have CNN on the TV and the radio much of the time, and the tabloid mag has been replaced by Time and Newsweek!)

Sunrise and Rainbow

2008-11-06T16:26:00.000-08:00

This is the morning after a small storm came through, and we had a beautiful little rainbow along with everything else! Wow!!!!

After a Little Storm

2008-11-06T16:23:00.000-08:00

From where we are which is very close to Morro Rock we can walk along the beach all the way to Cayucos which is near the hillside lit up by the morning sun in the second picture.

Morning Walk

2008-11-06T16:19:00.000-08:00

This is what we love about this area, being able to walk out of the View and see so many beautiful sights.

Our Anniversary!

2008-10-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time on our anniversary (10-15), we went for a great hike out at Montana de Oro State Park, and then at the end of the day we got pizza and a slice of cake to go from Cafe Della Via, we brought it home and watched the final debate (Go Obama!) A great end to a wonderful day! Thank You!!!!

On the Trail

2008-10-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

The trail starts by the Ocean and then heads up for two miles to the top of Valencia Peak.

Valencia Peak Trail

2008-10-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

Beautiful hike with great views of Morro Rock and the bay.

Moon Rise

2008-10-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

Here is a beautiful sight, the moon coming up over the hills to the east of Morro Bay.

The Morro Bay Museum

2008-10-14T15:46:00.000-07:00

This is a beautiful statue near the entrance to the Natural History Museum in Morro Bay.

Cooper doing what she does

2008-10-14T15:40:00.000-07:00

Cooper loves hanging out in her tent and tunnel so she can watch the birds come and feed on the seed we put on the ground.

Night Herons

2008-10-14T15:36:00.000-07:00

Try to find the Night Herons in the tree, I think there are three. If you click on the picture it gets bigger so you can see better.

Happy Birthday Hunna!

2008-10-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

We had a great day on Julie's birthday! We had a nice lunch at the Bay Cafe, and a nice walk enjoying the sights in Morro Bay.

Beautiful

2008-10-08T13:05:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful place, we are so very thankful for being able to hang out for a couple of days!!!!

Ahhh

2008-10-08T13:02:00.000-07:00

Avila Beach

2008-10-08T13:01:00.000-07:00

We had a great couple of days hanging out with Scamper and enjoying the peace and quiet of Shirley's. Thank You Shirley and Mike!

Until Next Time, So Long Bay Pines

2008-10-08T12:57:00.000-07:00

Well we have had a great time here at Bay Pines, there are so many wonderful places to explore from here without ever having to get in the car, they have a nice swimming pool which we enjoyed in the warm weather, but now we are off to Avila to Shirley's for a couple of days, and then Morro Dunes!

So long to Sailor

2008-10-08T12:53:00.000-07:00

This is Scamper (On the Left) and Sailor on the right, they are Shirley's kids. Sailor has been sick for awhile with cancer and had to be put to sleep just recently. Shirley has had a hard time with the decision which is never easy, and we all know Sailor is much better off now, but we all miss him very much.

San Luis Mountain Hike

2008-10-08T12:47:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful hike with great views of San Luis Obispo and all the way to the ocean by Morro Bay and Los Osos. San Luis Mountain as well as the rest in the picture at the bottom are part of the "Nine Sisters" which are a series of old volcanoes, and Morro Rock is the last one in the chain.

Misty Morning

2008-10-01T15:25:00.001-07:00

Looking out the the windows of the View is always a pleasure!

A Praying Visitor

2008-10-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

This Praying Mantis came to visit the other day, I have never seen one before and when I first stepped out of the View and looked down I thought it was a stick, but as I looked closer at the four inch long stick I realized it had eyes, arms, and legs. It was very interesting to watch as it was checking out our campsite here at Bay Pines

Walk to Town

2008-09-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

Tuesday we went for a walk into town and then down to the water to see the sights. We started from Bay Pines then along Black Hill into town, then down to the waterfront and into Morro Bay State park to get back onto the Black Hill trail and back home. There is so much to see in a pretty small area.

Sleepy Head

2008-09-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a California Sea Lion that is being rehabilitated in this little place in downtown Morro Bay, this is right at the wharf area, and for $2 you can see her and a small aquarium.

Great Blue Heron

2008-09-25T12:21:00.000-07:00

Here a Great Blue Heron lands on a sailboat near the Estuary of Morro Bay.

Sea Lions

2008-09-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a group of Sea Lions that were fishing the same spot as the Pelicans, it seemed to be a great day for the Birds and Seals, but maybe not so good for the Fishes!

Fishing

2008-09-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

Pelicans in the Bay doing their thing! We love to watch them fish, they are one of the most graceful birds.

Busy Day in the Bay

2008-09-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

This is in Morro Bay State Park as we headed back towards home and stopped along the shore near the museum to watch Pelicans, Seals, and people trying to catch fish, and as we watched the fishing this beautiful Egret flew along the water.

Us on the Trail

2008-09-19T15:10:00.000-07:00

This is such a beautiful trail and we are always finding new things to see out there.

Signs

2008-09-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

More Quarry Trail

2008-09-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

This is looking out towards Hollister Peak and also at a farm nearby, and then the trail heading back the way we came toward the Estuary of Morro Bay.

Rabbit Lunch

2008-09-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

As we were starting our Quarry Trail hike we noticed a Hawk family above us, there were three of them and then one dropped something and it landed on the ground about twenty feet away from us, we walked over to see what it was and found a Rabbit that was their lunch, and as we watched them we were thinking the Mom and Dad could have been teaching a young one about getting its food, but that is just a guess. In the top picture if you look close you can see the Rabbit in the Hawks talons.

Quarry Trail Morro Bay

2008-09-19T14:45:00.000-07:00

This is on the Quarry Trail near Bay Pines RV Park. At the start of the trail you have wonderful views of the Estuary and then you head out along trails in the brush and Oak Trees. The bottom picture shows the trail heading towards Tiki Rock, which is in the distance on the right side of the hill. On the back side of that hill is where Bay Pines RV Park is.

The Top and Back

2008-09-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the top of the trail, and then some shots of heading back to camp.

Oak Tree, Rock, and View

2008-09-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

The trail has beautiful old Oak Trees, and a nice view of the "View" in camp. Here is Eagle Rock, we have not seen Eagles but we have seen many Hawks, and Vultures.

On The Trail

2008-09-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

Eagle Rock Trail from Our Site

2008-09-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful hike at El Chorro that we do everytime we are here, we take off right out our door and then across a little bridge and up to the top of the hillside in the distance. There is also a working Dairy Farm nearby so when you start heading up the hill you get to hang out with some big beautiful cows.

4 Days at El Chorro

2008-09-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

Well we made it back to the Coast after our wonderful trip to Minnesota, and it feels great to start off with being at one of our favorite places El Chorro Regional Campground. This is by far one of the best campgrounds in the area, it is usually very quiet (At least every time we have been here) and the spaces give you plenty of privacy.

Aug 17th Hat Creek

2008-08-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

Cindy and Dean had space #7 which was also very close to the Creek.

Aug 17th Hat Creek

2008-08-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

A morning hike along Hat Creek, we love this trail that leaves the campground and ends up at a nice big meadow.

Aug17th Hat Creek

2008-08-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

My wonderful and beautiful bride made me some very good cupcakes and a birthday cake! What a great night, we were even told to hold it down by the camp hosts!

Aug 17th Hat Creek

2008-08-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

It was wonderful do be with our family at one of our favorite places.

Aug 16th Hat Creek

2008-08-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

We were in spot #1 this stay at Hat Creek and we loved it. We had a nice big deck overlooking the Creek, and it made for a great spot for getting together.

Aug 16th Hat Creek

2008-08-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

Uncle Dean got four fish during the stay at Hat Creek, he kept three and let one go.

August 16th Burney Falls

2008-08-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

When Liz and Jess got to camp we all decided to drive the 1/2 hour to Burney Falls. What a beautiful place and so much to see.

August 15th On the way to Hat Creek

2008-08-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

Back in California, it was a pretty long drive from Elko but knowing that we were headed to Hat Creek made it go by pretty easy.

August 15th, ELKO NV

2008-08-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

We stayed at a park that was a glorified parking lot, but we were in much need of sleep. At least it was one of the most quiet places we've stayed, the road was practically silent during the night, but, of course, we had the train..........anyway, up at the crack of dawn, for us anyway, and on the road for the blessed Hat Creek area!!!!!!!!

Aug 14th UTAH

2008-08-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

We made it across Wyoming, and all the way through Utah, stopping at the Bonneville Salt Flats to check it out. To be honest it was TOO hot to do our sticker ceremony as that involves moving everything stored for travel so we can pop the slide out, and it was mid 90's, so we'll keep going and do it in NV, wherever we get..........

August 14th Rawlins Wyoming

2008-08-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

We found a spot for the night, no fanfare this is about a little Olympics and a lot of sleep and back out there again tomorrow. Dad and Rudi poured over the maps seeing where we were going and mostly where we had been. Rudi said all the map reading and computer work just made her exhausted!!!!!!

Aug 13th

2008-08-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

Heading down the road toward Wyoming.....again!

Aug 13th The Culprit

2008-08-14T15:05:00.000-07:00

We asked at an information center and found out the loud bug is a Cicada, and you can see him in the middle of the branch here. They are LOUD, in fact the "song" hits 120 decibels, rivaling a jet engine taking off according to the University of Nebraska. The male actually stuffs his own ears so he won't deafen himself, and it's all to attract the female....who by the way can hear the guy a quarter of a mile away!!!!! So we had about a thousand of them right above us in Nebraska........sleep is over rated anyway right?

Julesburg Colorado

2008-08-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

Go Figure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aug 13th JULESBURG CO

2008-08-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

We left Nebraska and dipped down into Colorado so we could visit Julesburg.........cute little town. We found a frosty cone place with a great cone on the roof.......but can you believe they went out of business??????

August 13th The Storm last night!

2008-08-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

Holy crap did the storm come in! We had lightning that never stopped, and rain and hail all night. It was amazing........well, we're back on the road today, heading for the Flaming Gorge area of Wyoming and Utah.

August 11th, No Platte NB

2008-08-13T08:28:00.000-07:00

We drove through Nebraska all day and actually we're surprised by how beautiful it all was. I don't know what we were expecting but it was different by far. We traveled along the Great Platte Valley all along 80 and stayed in North Platte. The park was nice, lot's of trees with the loudest insects we've ever heard, no idea what they are but man were they loud, and sounded like electricity if that makes sense. We set everything up and almost immediately put everything away as dark black clouds set in.

August 12th, Leaving IOWA

2008-08-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

We woke to a rainstorm, but nothing stops the sticker ceremony!!!! Jaymie did the honors, and she went to work and we hit the road, again! Next time Jaymie, we'll have more TIME, we promise...........and thanks for such a great day!

August 11th, IOWA

2008-08-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

We arrived at Michael's sister Jaymie's house, where we stayed the night. We got to meet her boyfriend Shane, who we liked immediately, his daughter Hailey and Jamie's Uncle Dell. I met Jaymie's Mom Donna for the first time and she was just wonderful. We had the best time hanging out in the yard visiting (Dell, you're pretty funny) and then had dinner, and Jaymie had a cake for Michael's birthday that is just around the corner. We had the best time and although it was way too short, it was so great to see and meet everyone!

Aug 11th, Leaving Minnesota

2008-08-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

We did a hike on a trail in our RV Park, and slapped on the state sticker and headed off to Iowa......

Aug 9th, 10th

2008-08-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

We did individual family shots, everyone looked great! Sorry Carol Lee, only had two of us and your eyes were closed in both!

Aug 9th, 10th

2008-08-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

August 9th, 10th REUNION

2008-08-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

We're at Bobbie and Pete's house on Lake Sylvia, a beautiful home with every lake toy imaginable. We took a tour of the lake on their pontoon boat, and spent the two days just enjoying the company of family we rarely see. Bobbie had T-shirts made with a great Trout logo done by her son-in-law Randy and each family had a different color. All in all we have 22 first cousins and 41 second cousins, and this was a huge turnout with very few missing.

Aug 8th, MN

2008-08-13T07:44:00.000-07:00

Finally arrived.....got to camp and set up and decided to wait to go to the lake until tomorrow, it'll be a long day and we're beat!! We drove through Mom's birthplace, Marshall MN and wove our way to Annandale. We got to this place just before the office closed, it's a regional park and the only place near the reunion at my cousins lakehouse we could stay in the RV. The woman in the office was a riot, she had the Olympics on the TV, and we asked how it was looking and she said she didn't even know, that she was still upset she was missing Wheel of Fortune!!! She told us our space number, gave us no paperwork for the place, didn't tell us how to find our site, or water or trash or anything......off we went driving around a couple of times until we found our place. The park was full, all apparently local Minnesotans. We attempted to smile and wave to neighbors, and got a very chilly reception from them all. Our first encounter anywhere on this trip where people were actually downright rude.

Aug 8th, leaving So Dakota

2008-08-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

We put on the sticker, the kids got comfy and we headed off.....not far though, we went to a Lakota Museum a couple miles from where we stayed and spent quite awhile going through it. We would recommend this place to anyone in the area, Chamberlain S.D. is where it's located. Now it's Minnesota........or bust!

Aug 7th

2008-08-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

MMMMMMMmmmm.................................Salmon!!!!

Aug 7th Badlands cont......

2008-08-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

Please notice behind the antelope the prairie dog up out of his hole. I loved these guys!!!!!!!!!

Aug 7th South Dakota

2008-08-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

We took the loop drive through the Badlands, and it was beyond amazing. Believe us, none of these photos do this place justice. We loved the area and there are tons of hikes that we will come back to do one day. Our over all impression of South Dakota was super favorable, everyone in this state are so friendly you wouldn't believe it!!!!