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On May 6, we headed northwest from Reno, Nevada, on US 395 until we got to Susanville. We were kind of foot-loose and fancy free---not really knowing where we would spend the night, or which roads we would take into Oregon. On a whim, we decided on California's 44 then 89 heading to Interstate 5 near the Oregon boarder. We both wanted to do the whole Oregon coast, but there was no easy way to get there from Reno without going south some and we were anxious to get to Oregon. The ride was beautiful especially as we discovered snow covered Mount Shasta dead ahead on route 89. What a sight! We had been to Medford, Oregon, before---in fact we bought our Toyota pickup truck there four years ago. Funny how any town we have been to before seems like home when we return. We knew where most things were and I had made a large list of things I wanted to buy once we were settled in Medford. Why? There's no sales tax in Oregon. I couldn't wait to hit the Fred Meyers store, and believe me, I didn't waste any time. We enjoyed the warm sunny days we had been longing for for so long. Medford is in the banana belt; they only get 12-16 inches of rain a year. Eager to get on to the coast and new territory, we only stayed a few days and did not do any sightseeing. But first, we had made an appointment at Cummins Northwest in Eugene, Oregon. There are only so many places who are authorized to work on the Onan generator, so we planned our trip accordingly. Ron figured it would just take a little while to “have her running smoothly” and we could be on our way to the coast via Oregon state route 126. It looked like the best way over to the coast anyway. After spending a night in the Cummins parking lot and eating breakfast while they worked on the generator, we returned to find that the problem was a cracked intake manifold (covered under warranty). But the manifold had to be ordered. I didn't want to hang around Eugene (nothing against that city); I was anxious to get to the coast. The guys at Cummins were helpful and suggested that the ordered part be sent to Portland; we could stop there on our way into Washington. The drive to the coast was spectacular. We drove into and through greens of every shade. Brilliant, light, spring green tipped the ends of the dark evergreen trees; full trees were dressed in that same spring green, a testimony to new birth. There were trees of all shapes from very tall, pointed trees to soft round ones. Even the sun light was soft as it filtered through the veil of leaves. There were no harsh shadows just delicate green tinted light every where. For a short while, the green was broken by the harsh, rusted, iron rail of a railroad track on one side of the road while on the other side, a deep, blue river wound its way over and under rocks, foaming white as it did so. And here and there, we were startled with brilliant crimson red, royal violet, dazzling fuchsia, and red and white speckled rhododendrons. These large bushes were heavy with bouquets the size of dinner plates---one right after an other; each bush was totally covered in blooms. Once we were on the coast the heaviness of the trees was gone. But the sights were beautiful. The Oregon coast from Florence north is not as dramatic as the California coast we had seen just recently. In fact most of the road is away from the coast; it jogs around a bit, but mostly only a hint of the ocean can be seen from U.S. 101. The towns we passed through were picturesque. There are many state parks along the coast, but we just can't bear to pay the high price the state parks ask when we can camp at a Coast to Coast park for just a few dollars. Our first stop was Neskowin and in getting settled, I attempted to put
the jacks down. Nothing! Did the generator guys do something? We made a
few phone calls. HWH, the jack manufacturer, suggested it might be a ground
problem. We got out the boards for leveling and I kept getting
While I had hoped for sun in Oregon, I knew better once we reached the coast. It was cold, cloudy and damp, the kind of weather that chills you right to the bone. Everyone says that the best time to visit the coast of Oregon is from August through September. But those same rhododendrons that delighted us on our trip across on route 126 were everywhere. In each grey day, they were the bright lights. Oh and one day I witnessed the most spectacular full, double rainbow I've ever seen. The campground was surrounded by hills and on this particular day, the clouds were hanging close to the hills; it had been misting and the sun came out way up high. This full, arching rainbow came from the mist, big and bright, arched across the sky and came down into mist again. It was a sight I will never forget. We had an enjoyable time driving around the area. Nearby Lincoln City is large enough to have all the amenities one could ask for, and there are plenty of drives for sightseeing. We drove the Three Cones Scenic Drive which runs close to the coast and we watched hang gliders fly with the eagles near Netarts. Another day, we drove south to Newport and enjoyed all the sights along the way. The coast is prettier or easier to see when driving from north to south.
We started at the Blue Heron which was furthest from where we were staying. They have all sorts of cheeses to taste as well as dips, sauces and Oregon wines. We enjoyed several of the dips enough to buy and browsed the many gift items we could have purchased. Debbie D's was next and there again, we tasted all of the sausage things they make. Their teriyaki beef stick was exceptionally nice and we purchased some. The highlight of the day was the tour of the Tillamook Cheese Factory. This self guided tour begins with lots of neat information about this cooperative company. I was amazed to learn that they get their milk from 198 dairy farms each with an average of 100 milk cows. Every year they deliver 40,000,000 pounds of cheese throughout the world. At the end of the tour, we tasted some nice cheddar cheeses then tasted some unusual flavors of ice cream: white licorice, French silk, and root beer float. We settled for a small yogurt cone which was delicious. Another day while in the Garibaldi area, we drove north to Cannon Beach and browsed the shops there. You'll find every thing from art treasures to nautical tee shirts. That very touristy town which is wall to wall people in the summer was quiet on this cold, damp day. There are a number of the most charming Bed & Breakfasts which called to my romantic nature. If I didn't love my bed so, I'd be tempted to stay in one for a little while. The idea fascinates me but... On May 18, we drove our house to Portland early in the day, to keep a 1 p.m. appointment with Cummins. We were there until 5 p.m. and the generator was repaired. The jacks weren't though. We tried to contact the Fleetwood dealer in Portland; there was no answer. Camping World couldn't get us in for two weeks, so we made an appointment with the dealer in Tacoma, Washington, for the next week. Meanwhile, we had a wonderful time in Portland. Number one, it was sunny
and warm---almost hot. We thoroughly enjoyed a drive west on state route
30 to visit one of our readers who lives near Ranier (see
story page 9). Along the way we stopped to investigate the cutest row
of floating houses; nearby logs were being floated downriver to a mill.
For most of the drive we could see Mt. St. Helen and Mt. Hood across
the Willamette River. Their snowcapped peaks were so distinctive. Mt. Hood
has a sharp peak while Mt. St. Helen's broken and jagged peak is a constant
reminder of its recent past. It was just 15 years ago on May 18 that the
volcano erupted violently. During the anniversary week, the media told
the story again and celebrated new growth; a new visitor center opened
and vegetation and animals are ever so slowly returning to that devastated
area.
I inquired about visiting the city proper and was given a good tip; don't drive--take the MAX from the Lloyd's center. We found the center easily and after just one inquiry found the MAX stop and were off. It pleases us to see such efficient public transportation and the train was full even though it was a weekend. We rode the whole length, walked the city center, and visited the Saturday Market which happens both Saturday and Sunday from May through December. What a wild place. It was almost like an old hippie fair---lots of young people in strange looking outfits (am I getting old?). Even many of the items for sale seemed far-out. There was lots of funky clothing reminiscent of renaissance festival clothing, bizarre pottery and jewelry etc. It was fun to watch the entertainment which reminded us of sunset at Key West, Florida. Entertainers such as jugglers, magicians, musicians etc., perform hoping that you will donate to their cause. It was definitely a carnival atmosphere and fun to witness.
Another day, we drove to Washington Park in hopes of finding roses in
the city's famed rose garden. We were a week early, but enjoyed seeing
the arrangement of this large garden which is high on a hill overlooking
the city and imagining how lovely the many buds would be when opened. We
visited the exquisite Japanese garden in the same area of the park. Said
to be the most beautiful Japanese garden outside of Japan, it consists
of five different gardens. Each is unique. For example, the Strolling Pond
Garden is lush and restful while the Flat Garden is basically raked sand
out in the
Washington Park is the largest city park in the United States. We only saw a tiny portion of it, but can attest to the beauty and scope of the park. The zoo, science museum, gardens, arbor trails and more can be found in the park. Since we had an 8 a.m. appointment at Southside Motors in Tacoma for Tuesday, we left Portland Monday afternoon and took a leisurly drive north on I-5. We spent the afternoon and night at a nice Coast to Coast park in Olympia. After getting up early, driving in rush hour traffic, and barely finding room to park at this dealer's place, we left the motorhome and went for breakfast. When we came back, the report was that we needed a new jack motor and it would have to be ordered. We paid them the $35 for diagnosis and left with the jacks still not working. When we got settled at the SKP park here in Chimacum, Washington, we
drove to Poulsbo (in the car) to check out the RV dealers there. We were
not excited about the prospect of having to take a day to move the motorhome
and wait for service. As we were coming back into the park, we saw a panel
truck with Sonny's RV Repair lettered on the side. Ron stopped him, told
him our problem and he came right over to look it over. Said he could order
the motor and take care of it without us having to move. The next day though,
he was back. Said that he wanted to check the ground wire before he ordered
the motor. After putting a new wire on, the jacks work fine and our cost
was a whole $20. We are trying to get our $35 back from Southside Motors.
But if we don't we at least want you to know that Sonny's here in Port
Hadlock is wonderful and we don't think much of the other place. In spite
of repairs, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip through Oregon.
by Ron
may or may not be in business or as they were.) Oregon R.V. Roundup, Talent, OR. (CCC). We reported on this one in August of 1991. This is a lovely, well maintained park with a nice swimming pool. It's located on a river and adjacent bike/ walking path. Although hookups are excellent, sites are limited in size and number, so it's best to make reservations. Neskowin Creek R.V. Resort, Neskowin, OR (CCC). Neskowin is a first rate park well located about three quarters up the Oregon coast, just off of Highway 101. This park has excellent hookups with all being level and most being pull-throughs. You can enjoy the beautiful indoor pool while being very close to the Oregon coast. Cable is available, but is just Denver stations. Old Mill Marina Resort, Garibaldi, OR (CCC). Although the landscaping is sparse, this charming resort is right on the bay and has a seaside flavor. Most sites are back-ins and not too level. Cable is available (you will need a long cord) and they have an excellent laundry and club house. This is a good location for coastal driving (it's only a block from Highway 101). Jantzen Beach R.V. Park, 1503 N. Hayden Drive, Portland, OR. This beautifully landscaped park in North Portland is convenient for visiting Portland and is only a few blocks off of I-5. Amenities include a nice pool and laundry. The park is on the Columbia River that separates Oregon and Washington. The park is well maintained with level paved sites and good hookups including cable. Nightly cost is $18 including G.S. discount---it was worth it. Mother Nature's Acres---Lost Lake, Olympia, WA. (CCC). This heavily
wooded park is in a beautiful setting that includes a secluded private
lake and luxurious indoor pool. Hookups are marginal and sites may be difficult
for large rigs, but the inconvenience is worth it.
  Oregon has a state law requiring fuel to be pumped by an attendant. This provides 60,000 minimum skilled jobs---seems like a good idea. If you have HWH levelers and they won't go down, chances are that a ground wire has come loose. It's surprising how many high tech RV mechanics don't know that. Michigan friends, Gene and Donna Beyer tracked us to the CCC park in Neskowin. It was great to visit and dine together. Gene also retired from the Michigan Department of Transportation and neither of us can figure out how they are surviving without us. Attendance last Sunday at Detroit's Tiger Stadium was a little over 10,000. I think the goose that laid the golden egg has died. I am continually amazed at Barb's public relations work on the book. Whenever she sees a large beautiful American Eagle Motor Home, I tell her that we need to sell 50,000 more books in order to buy one. Do you think that she believes me? I had always joked that the bean casserole recipe (May '95) was a secret.
I hadn't remembered that when Barb printed it until son David related his
excitement at finally having the secret.
(Remember that this report was written many years ago and the restaurants may or may not be in business or as they were.) 
In Reno, Oregon & Washington Charlie's Trattoria, 124 Wonder St, Reno, Nevada. This place
is wonderful! It has elegant atmosphere, large varied menu, excellent service,
fantastic food (“fine authentic Italian”), and moderate prices. Ron had
Cannelloni Della Casa (stuffed with chicken, cheese and topped in
The Dory Cove Restaurant, 5819 Logan Rd, Lincoln City, Oregon. This place was so good, we ate there twice---once for lunch and once for dinner. Service, food and menu all rate right up at the top. Ron had a salmon burger for lunch and Barb had wonderful clam chowder. For dinner, Ron and Donna had salmon, Barb had scallops and Gene had a fisherman plate. All raved. They happen to have lots of home made pies and cakes for desserts too. Sharkey's, 210 S. First St, Rockaway Beach, Oregon. The seats in this great, cozy restaurant face the ocean without any obstructions. They specialize in seafood so Ron ordered grilled halibut; Barb had sauted scallops. Everything was very, very good. The entree was served with a nice salad, warm bread, green beans, and rice pilaf. Dirty Dave's Gay 90's Pizza Parlor, 1506 Yelm Ave West, Yelm,
Washington. We were in the mood for pizza. They have great varieties of
pizza and pasta. We had their special pizza with
LBJ ranch beautiful and peaceful ...Went to Valle Del Oro and enjoyed all the activities; many folks knew you. We also toured LBJ ranch. It was more beautiful and peaceful than I had imagined.... I wrote to a discouraged FMCA full-timer who had written a column in the magazine. She was let down after three weeks. I encouraged her to give it a year, and if need be become productive on some project.... Carol & Dick Stewart
Planning to stay at the Voyager ...My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed your book. We have a 1995 Gulf Stream 34' Sun Stream motorhome. We enjoy travelling in it and hope to see you guys one day. We are planning a trip to Tucson in the month of August for a board meeting for a club we belong to. We are planning to stay at the Voyager (especially after reading about it in your book). Thanks for the tip. I also want to tell you that the Louisiana alligator hunter you met,
Mr. Douve Naquin, [book-page 189] is a personal friend of my husband's
father and the father of a classmate of mine. It was really
Karen & Lloyd Songe
One more year Could you please send a complimentary copy of the newsletter to our friends....They are planning on becoming full-timers and like many of us are concerned and also excited about everything. One more year before we can hit the road. Getting things all wrapped up and ready to go. Ray & Pat Faber
Not workamping this year ...Leaving on May 29 for a summer of just traveling---going to be tired of moving when we get back. We decided not to do any workamping this summer. We are going to see some states we've not been in yet—North & South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, little of Indiana, Illinois---will spend some time in Missouri visiting. Have friends all across the state, some we've not seen in 15 years. Think we'll have a good summer. We've not been to Hart Ranch before---understand it is really pretty, but so much of this country is pretty.... Liz & Cal McGee
Plans keep changing ...our original retirement plan for '94 got moved to '95. Now it seems it will be 96. Reid's supervisor's have convinced him how badly they need him to stay in his fire chief's position until the completion of a new fire dept...this year. We have been reading and rereading your new book and everything else we can on full-timing. We have started our plans toward our goal such as putting a storage building on a lot behind my parent's home where we have put in a full-hook up for our RV in case we should sell the house before we hit the road or in case we should have to come back to be with family during illness or etc. We have been giving away and cleaning out the past year.... We went to the Tampa RV Show in Jan and traded a 31' Seabreeze motorhome
for a 34' Itasca Suncruiser ('95 model) to give us the room we thought
we needed....When we returned from Florida...I had to enter the hospital
for a total knee replacement...then I have to have the other
We enjoy so much your newsletters and feel like we know you so well
by being able to share your life thru your news. We look forward to meeting
you in person on the road before too much longer....We just wanted to thank
you again for all the help and information you give us and the
Betty & Reid Poovey
Looking for a Hitchhiker for sale Please continue sending us Movin' On. We have enjoyed every issue from cover to cover and feel it the greatest act of love to allow the other one to read it first. We admire your sense of adventure along with your sense of humor plus your courage and, most of all your faith in God. We have been infected with the travelin' bug and are making big plans
to start movin' on after Dick retires next year. We sold our little trailer
and after last summer's RV lot research, we have decided
If anyone has a recent Hitchhiker for sale we would be interested.... Jean & Dick Massey
Thanks for the tribute Got the newsletter today and sat right??down and read it from cover to cover. Thanks for the nice tribute to Don [May '95]. He would have been pleased. We do miss him a lot and the evenings especially are very lonely. I have finally gotten the trailer emptied out, but still have to clean it good. I've had several people interested but so far---no sale.... If I knew for sure that I would enjoy traveling alone, I'd look at motorhomes, but guess I'd better wait a bit and see how everything goes.... Liz Ryding
Enjoy the recipes Thank you so much for the fabulous newsletter. I eagerly look forward to each issue. I really enjoy the recipes you include. I have recently started sorting my recipes to prepare for the time we will begin to full-time. Yours will be among those I'll be sure to include in my collection.... I am enclosing a check for more issues of Movin' On. My only regret
is all the back issues I've
Randi & Rockie Hall
This 'N That  
Did you know that in the whole state of California it is against the law to smoke in a restaurant? Since I have asthma, I really appreciate that, but I remember my smoking days and probably would have been madder than a hornet. One of our readers praised my spice solution recently and thought they would do the same. Know what? It was only after that discussion that I realized I never use all those spices I carefully carried into the motorhome. I think I use about five different ones EVER. I just don't cook the same as I thought I would. It was really strange to be watching Denver television stations while
we were camped at Neskowin, Oregon. They said that the local cable was
much too expensive so they signed up with a Denver
We received the most exciting message on our voice mail while we were
in Eugene, Oregon. A reporter from USA Today wanted to interview us for
part of a story he was doing. The interview took place over the phone from
a truck stop near the Cummins place. The story ran while we
We have also been interviewed by other papers. Look for stories to appear soon in Monterey and Sacramento, California, Reno, Nevada, and Medford and Portland, Oregon. While we were in Portland one evening a young man knocked on our door. Mike Fousie, had our book in his hand and he asked, “Are you---Yes, you are Ron & Barb....” He had purchased our book at Camping World recently and while working in the area as a news photographer for KATU TV, had heard that we were in the campground. He wanted us to autograph his book and he just wanted to meet us. It tickled us to see his excitement at finding us. Almost every interviewer asks what the biggest problem in full-timing is. Sometimes we say it is telephones, but lately I am reminded that getting repairs done is really the worst thing. Waiting---in waiting rooms, waiting for parts, having to go back when repairs don't hold. Sometimes I wish one of us were a mechanical genius. One of the reader's letters got me to thinking that I haven't advertised our back issues lately. We have a bunch and I'd like to get rid of some (extra weight you know?). If you are interested please drop us a line and enclose a stamped self addressed envelope. I will send the list of what is available. I will figure out some great bargain prices between now and then. If any of you are traveling this way during the month of June, you can find us at the Escapee park here in Chimacum, Washington. This very lovely park which Ron will review next month is handy for most of the peninsula. As soon as the newsletters are in the mail, we will start touring. It is nice---almost necessary to stop for a month or so now and then. There are things that don't get done when we are moving every week or so. Physicals, eye exam and bike cleaning are on our list for this month. Of course we will save time for visits with my son Robert and his wife Kristen and lots of sightseeing. We intend to do newsletters each month now through October so check your mailing label and see how many issues you have left on your subscription. Just a reminder that we will send out a complimentary issue to any of
your friends that you tell us about. Just drop a post card or letter in
the mail and consider it done.
She has been getting our newsletter ever since and corresponds quite often. Knowing that she lived near Portland, we made arrangements to meet at her mother's house near Ranier. After meeting her mother, Dorothy Neer, we learned where Betty got her spirit. Dorothy's home sits on a hill overlooking the Willamette River about six miles east of Ranier, Oregon. Her mobil home sets on the very property which belonged to her late husband's grandfather; he had come to Oregon via wagon train as a 12 year old boy. Betty and Dorothy still have the small wooden box in which he carried all of his belongings. Betty just retired and is planning to build an addition onto her mother's place and then the two of them will do some traveling in that old camper. At 87 young years, Dorothy is still readyto travel. The two of them gave us a great tour of the area including the family cemetery, and the two nearby towns of St. Helen and Ranier. We were intrigued by the family history and all of our questions were answered graciously. We had a great visit. Out West, the newspaper that roams
 
Sign in Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlor Good Judgement comes from experiencing.
Barb's favorite thought from motivational speaker, Og Mandino. Instead of living each day as though there were no tomorrow,
The Southwest Pork Chops recipe first debuted in this issue. I have linked it to the recipe section where all of our newsletter recipes are posted. |
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