We have landed at South Beach State Park on the coast just south of Newport, OR.  We couldn't get a satellite signal at Sisters City campground last night.(east of Lebanon). We didn't plan on driving all the way to the coast today but as time went on during the day, and as we kept driving by perfectly good campgrounds to stop at, it just happened.  Ya know looking for that perfect campsite. 

It was another big day of driving over up and down winding roads across the central part of OR on HW US 20. I'm glad we are going south and not going to have to retrace our route back, like if we were on vacation and would have to return the same way. 

When we left Iowa on Aug.12. I had no thought that we would make it all the way over to the OR coast this year. Last year we were stopped in Rawlins, WY when it started snowing and we started heading south through Moab, UT to stay ahead of the cold. But here we are, and sure do want to make the most of it. And we have weeks to do it in. Knock on wood!

Our campsite at South Beach State Park.  Site B13. (The PU is facing SE) We had to go back and ask for another site as the one the attendant gave us was not suited for satellite duty. I think he knew that as he was rude from the start at the entrance check in station.

SOUTH BEACH STATE PARK 

South Beach State Park and the surrounding areas offer a variety of recreational opportunities.
Other activities around the park include fishing, crabbing, boating, windsurfing and beachcombing. Attractions nearby include the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, marine life exhibits at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and the Oregon Coast Aquarium. 

As time goes on we plan to just move down the coast slowly and experience the wonders of it all if we can. 

AND This is only the North Central Section of the coast.

Looks like most of the day use parks in red do not have a day use fee. The blue have campgrounds.
So many to explore... WOW..  You can click on all the names of the parks at this State Park Link.
Click on the Central Coast or South Coast graphic.

Now if the weather would clear up and be nice for beach walking.  It clouded over just west or I 5 and we had drizzle most of the drive. We hadn't checked the forecast as it has been clear and warm for so long in central OR. Oh we have plenty of time so not to worry. Just a change which we can deal with as a nice change. Makes for a nice night to have a pork roast, which Terry just put in the oven before he went for a walk.

A shot from lighthouse hill looking at the inlet and the bridge.
We will be going back to explore more extensivly in the next couple days, but just took a quick drive by to get aquianted with the area for now. We had to go into town to get a bolt to repair the pullout 5er step. The top rivit broke on the top step. So Terry worked his magic and made it good as new. We also bought extra bolts since it is sure the other pot rivets will break also. RVers learn to carry spares of things which can break. 

The old bay front area has many fishing boats and seafood processing facilities to deal with the catch.

Looks like the place to purchase your seafood. We will be stopping back. Many good looking seafood restaurants in the bay front area which look local and not fancy. Terry just stuck his head in the door with a handful of tourist info for us to study. Not sure we will have time to explore it all, might have to just stay in the 5er and read all about it. NOT!  The state of OR has put out some great looking guides.

AND the nice thing is it is after Labor Day and most of the cowds are GONE.  We can drive the PU dulley and not get in a bind with parking, even able to drive slow and then be able to get turned around.

It has been raining harder for a while now and the heat pump is keeping things toasty. If it doesn't clear up, we may have to eat our way through Newport's Beach Seafood District instead of strolling the beach. Terry just came in from out of the rain, and said it was just kind of magical in his rain suit, on the beach.

Monday  Sept. 17
We drove from South Beach campground just south of Newport and went all the way up to Tillamook. If you have done this drive you know just how inspiring it was. We had intended to go only as far as Lincoln City, but it was 11:00 when we got there and we decided to extend our tour. I don't remember where each picture was taken, so will just show them and let it go at that. We stopped at all the state parks along the way. 

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 We took HWY 101 to Tillamook and came back on the drive right along the coast to Cape Meares on down to Cape Kiwanda past cape Lookout. Portland is directly east of Tillamook.  The morning started out overcast, but as we worked our way North on the coast the skies cleared and it became a very nice day. 

Here Terry is standing at the Cape Lookout State Park with Netarts and Netart bay in the background.

Terry has gone to walk the beach back here at campground, while I work on the blog. But ya know I might just go and follow him and let you just view the pictures. 
One the way back we stopped at the above fish market and didn't stay long as they wanted $20 a lb for salmon.  We still have some some frozen salmon and we will use that. That price might be fine for some but not us. 

Tomorrow we are driving south to scout out the territory for our next move. As we drove through the state parks that have camping we found many spaces open. So not so afraid of finding full campgrounds as we head south. Then again we may take the day off, regroup and explore the beach and the town of Newport.  It looks like there are several little neighborhoods in the town of Newport, with the bay side area being the most interesting, and touristy.  might be a good place to park the truck and take to the the sidewalks.  There is also and area on the west side of town parralling the beach front with lots of little shops and restaurants.

Tuesday  Sept. 18

Our pics from today, as we went down the coast from Newport to Reedsport and back. Another long afternoon. Stopped at all the campgrounds and found many empty (not the state parks) but limited sun to get satellite service. They do like their rain forest like campgrounds out here) Most sites have never seen the sun... ever, and the NF campgrounds want $20 for a dry site. The state parks w camping are all booked up for any site that can hold our 5er. We did write down a few FS sites that we could fit in. One FS campground was perfect with ocean views from the sites. We hope some spots open up on Thursday.  We shall see. Not going to tell the name of the campground till we see if we can get in. Further south (hint) Ocean Dunes National Rec. Area has many sites open, and we will go there if we can't find better as they are mainly for ATV users. In one big campground they park them as if in a parking lot. No kidding they just have lines painted in the lots where to park. And all this nothing for only $20. They do have showers for the tired and worn out ATVers at the end of the day. Bet they party hardy each night. Know our Honda 2000ie generator would not be noticed. They don't care as they are there for going crazy running their ATVs and have a big time. We would have to put up with that noise and excitment for the weekend. We could do that as the people watching would be great, I'm sure. I like to see people having a good time. Makes me feel good too. Just think of the money they have invested in severl ATVs and toy haulers and big PU to pull it all. Now that is BIG BOYS AND THEIR TOYS.  Remember the old pharse He who dies with the most toys WINS...
Anyway the coast is something else again and every day we are finding views to die for. I had a friend back in Des Moines when I was working (ouch) who got sick (cancer) and his wish was to make it to the Oregon coast. I thought of him the other day and told myself maybe now, he could see this, through my eyes, just for today. 

We drove Beachside State campground south of Waldport. Small and cowded and it was full for bigger rigs (seams like the state parks are popular). If you want to tent it or have a pop up (and fit into a shoesize of  20 ft) the world opens up and you can find anything, anywhere. I know many of you may say, get that big rig and park it in a commercial RV park. (IE. Parking lot.) And the price is what, for a single night, there.  The state campgrounds are along the coast are about $22 and FS are at $20. Sure this is the Oregon HW 101 coast, so they can charge for it. And then we drive 100 or more miles a day to scout it all out on day trips, in a diesel dulley PU, at how much per mile. So I rest my case, we are all nuts. Spend it while you got it, and don't look back.   After FS campgrounds in central Idaho at about $6 to $10 we are in sticker shock. 

Heceta Head Lighthouse north of Florence, OR.   I think I even caught the light beam as it turned. Cool...

See this site for the history of the lighthouse and links to more info on the area.

Florence and Reedsport both have community festivals this weekend. So much to do and we NEED to get out of this vacation mode and slow down. Wondering about what the coast was going to be like and now finding out is a whole new ball game. Not what I expected, and also in many ways, much more than I expected. You soon get into the thought that, Oh another fantastic view, no need to stop at this pullout. So much it, over overwhelms the mind. Me thinks you may need, years to absorb it, find the places you like best, and then spend the time. Learning about yourself, and the life of the shore!   I do need to get down into it and spend time digging in my toes. Tide pools are the next adventure. So now, happy hour and the comments are reflective of it, so later... Stop back as Terry tells me he will add his comments later...  He better insert (by your roving reporter Terry)or his remarks might be counted as mine. Now we wouldn't want that now would we. Who does blog better? Don't answer that!... 

Notes from Terry

Rember the $20.00/lb salmon Ron mentioned the other day?  Well tonight we had baked salmon filletts and rice pilaf,  the salmon was frozen from the refrigerator, and was purschased at Wall Mart a few weeks back at less then $5.00/lb.  We were going to have a bit of white wine with the meal, but the bottle of wine we bought the other day is no where to be found.  I had the flash light out looking through the bottom of the truck cab, and the 5'ers basement to no avail.  Then Ron not believing me had to repeat the search.  I think the bottle got left in the bottom of the grocery cart and never made it out of the store.  Had to have red wine with the salmon instead.

Ron said we are sleeping in tomrrow and relaxing,  perhaps going into Newport for a bit of shopping and a bit more sightseeing.
There are a number of distinctive neighborhoods, and we have only given them a quick drive through. 

Wednesday  Sept. 19

We got a late start about 11 AM and just drove around the city and loacl area and relaxed a bit today. Tried not to be in a big rush, like in days past. Thursday will be a move day so, we shall see how it goes. 

Terry at the light house overlook in Newport, OR

Seal Rocks State Park day use area view where we went for lunch after we picked up a sub and potato salad and went for a picnic.

 Yaquina Bay Lightouse website and its History at this great link.

The view from the front center upstairs window.  WOW 

Newport harbor and bridge taken from the jetty.

 Thursday  Sept. 20

Today was move on down the coast day and we lucked out and found several campsites at Tillcum Beach FS campground just north of Yachats, OR.  We spotted this campground several days ago and YES we did get a great spot today. We didn't want to be right on the beach side of the road, as it was so windy yesterday and a little cold. This way we are a little sheltered. And still have great views and sun for the solar and internet access. 

We found a spot with satellite access and sun for most of the day 

The dish pushed its way past a some pine branches to find the the signal. We are online and HAPPY.

The views of the beach and ocean are beyond description. I can sit at the campfire and see waves crashing in on the beach. 
More later as I have a campfire going and Terry just got back from a walk on the beach, and he is going to grill chicken tonight. No breeze so it is wonderful out. 

Saturday  Sept. 22
by your roving reporter Terry

We had nothing to report for Friday,  We were going to post a note to that effect on Friday, but the day seemed to fly by and not time to put up the post.   You might wonder what we did yesterday, and the answer was absolutely nothing.  If not for a culinary emergency that required a quick trip into Yachts to get onions we would not have had to even drive the truck yesterday.

We did have bigger plans for today.  After sleeping in for as long as we could and a leisurely breakfast we set off down the coast. At Florence, OR we stopped at one of the local tire shops and had them rotate one of the rear duals for the spare.  The rear dual was wearing excessively and had most of the tread gone so we thought it best to put a little better tire on.  some time this winter we will have to get a full set of tires,  that will be a big hit to the budget.

We continued on south out of Florence and got into the Oregon Dunes National  Rec. area.  They love their 4 wheelers, and motorcycles.  Saw a couple of units stuck in the sand, but they all looked like they were having a good time.  We were there about noon and the  ATVers were all on their way in for a tailgate lunch.

 From what I've heard the salmon must be running upstream.  The town, Reedsport, was even hosting a salmon festival. With a salmon bake by members of the local Indian tribe.  They also had a few other exhibits set up, including pow wow dancers, a display of stone tools,  flint napping for the kids, and two antique dug out canoes on display.

Here the whole salmon are baking.  lt. looked like an interesting process, and I might have to try to replicate it while we are in the area,  catch the local flair.. 

There was also a Blues and Brews festival going on in the next town up the coast, Florence, but we were unable to locate the festival grounds.  Would think that the organizers would at least put up a sign.

This picture shops one of the local outfitting businesses,  I think they were in the business of renting everything you needed to go crabbing, which seems to be a popular thing to do.  Have seen a number of sporting good stores and they all have the nets and traps, and have seen people crabbing on several of the piers.  Will have to check this out in the next few days.

Monday  Sept. 24
by Ron
We took Sunday OFF, read the paper and relaxed. This salt air has been playing havoc with my throat. Feel like I'm coming down with something but not quite sure what. 
Monday (today we moved to Winchester Bay (just south of Reedsport) to a great harbor with 155 RV spots right on the marina for $10 or $12 with a BBQ grill and picnic table. 

Pic taken from the web. I didn't fly up there and take it... We are located where the red Xis in the center. The next jetty up is the commercial RV park and they want $36 for about the same view as I am getting for $12. Of course I have to provide my own power.  No problem. We have a free dump and fresh water at the end of the jetty. And the commericial sites are all full. (According to a neighbor here, who wanted to stay there.) Lots of people want to spend big bucks for just a little bit more. That's why we have all the boondocking equipment. This is a nice change from paying $20 for a dry camping spot. But we are on the coast after all so I would expect campground fees to be a little higher. 

Winchester Bay Marina
Bob and Linda from www.because-we-can.net are volunteers at the Umpqua River Lighthouse and have invited us to visit. Will have to see how I feel tomorrow. They told us about the Marina RV spots in a email. Thanks.