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A Travel Newsletter Issue #5: June 17- June 29, 2013
Lake Mead in Nevada near the Hoover Dam
Day 75: Monday, June 17 We drove from the Konocti Vista Casino RV Park to Fort Bragg, CA taking CA29 north and then CA20
westward to the coast. The trip started out fine but eventually evolved into switchback curves that challenged Sallys stomach.
Taking it slow is the right way, and using pull-offs gains favor with the faster vehicles behind you. Set-up at Ft. Bragg Marina RV
was quick so we were able to hit three thrift stores prior to touring the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. This is another top-
shelf venue with beautiful flowers and gorgeous coastline views. We agreed it was worth the 3 hours we spent leisurely strolling the
grounds. Back at the camper we walked the cliffs at the adjacent Pomo Park that overlooks the waterway in and out of Fort Bragg.
Our rule of camping away from trains, highways, chickens & peacocks didnt work as planned. The nearby
foghorn was subtle but ever-present with a 3-second toot every 20 seconds. Sallys white-noise sleep machine
masked Ft . Br agg s Loui e
Armstrong marine serenade. We
both slept well that night. (1:
Campsite overlooks Pacific Ocean.
2,3,4:Mendocino Coast Botanical
Gar dens f l ower s ; s eas c apes
everywhere; Sally sniffs flowers. 5A far
right: Our campsite at Ft. Bragg
Marina RV Park is adjacent to the sea.)
Day 76: Tuesday, June 18 Heading north on Pacific Coast Hwy CA1 we are continually amazed at
all the small towns in California; the stretches of rural land are amazing and refreshing. Frequent
photo shots got us out of the car and onto forest soil and beach sand. The rolling & winding road
became much more so as we headed north into the giant redwood groves. Though fifth-wheel
trailers come this route its much friendlier territory for small trailers and pop-ups. The picturesque
terrain requires a lot of slow, strong torque on ascent and frequent braking on descent. The driver
gets to concentrate on the somewhat narrow road with infrequent shoulders while your passengers
describe the scenery. Its definitely the route to take but caution and care is required behind the
wheel. Arriving at Garberville-Richardson Grove RV campground we
were delighted to realize they are a Passport America park (1/2-price
to members). $14 (+tax) got us in and we were set up in 10 minutes
and headed out in the VW to tour the Avenue Of The Giants, a 35-
mile drive through some of the worlds most scenic redwood groves.
We spent about 4 hours stopping & hiking various locations. There
are plenty of free trails so no need to pay entrance fees at CA state
park venues. Chris took over a hundred photos but the depth-of-field
beauty of the woods is lost no matter whether youre digital or film-
based. So take those photos but let your brain suck up as much of
the beauty as your memory can retain. Our only disappointment of
the day was the lack of hot water at shower time tonight. It was barely lukewarm. Chris said he gritted his teeth and thought of the
gold miners of yore If they could hack a cold water shower, I can hack this! Nuf said. (PS: The next morning
1= Bridge over river entering ocean. 2= River forms delta at ocean.
3= Trees along CA1 form a cathedral arch above highway.
1: Near very large redwood. 2: Redwoods stand tall at over 275 feet. 3: Sally holds down sawn redwood. 4: Chris stands inside fallen root ball.
5 above: Sally stands next to fallen redwood. She is at end of yellow arrow.
1 3 4 2
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2 3
5A
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3 2 1
Sally reported the lack of hot water to the manager who apologized and said shed have it corrected. Sally said the lady was sincere and very apologetic.)
Day 77: Wednesday, June 19 Our drive from the Garberville-Richardson
Grove RV campground north toward Trinidad, CA was easy along US101.
Chris noticed a highway sign for a botanical garden so we exited and found
it a part of the College Of The Redwoods campus (photo left). The charge
was $5 each and the garden was quite nice with a long walk to a spiraling
labyrinth mound of grass, a sort of art form. From the garden we drove
north to Eureka, CA for lunch, a visit to a hardware store for a part for a
simple car repair, then we drove on to our campground for the next two
nights The Emerald Forest of Trinidad (photo right). The manager,
Brandon, went out of his way to make us feel welcome. This is a really neat
camp nestled amongst a small forest of redwoods with RV sites and retro-style cottages, a real rustic but very neat and clean operation. The
restrooms were clean and looked recently renovated, but the highpoint is the forest setting in which we are encompassed. We feel like we were
back in the old campgrounds of the 1950s & 60s. How cool is that!
Day 78: Thursday, June 20 Driving north after breakfast we made a few stops to
photo the seashore (#5) and coastal mountains that rise from the Pacific. A nearby
herd of elk were grazing about 150 yards from the road (#4). Driving further we
watch a movie at the Visitors Center, then more photos on the beach. Our first
major stop for the day was (#3) Fern Canyon, off US101, the former site of several
movies including Star Wars and Jurassic Park. The hour-long, 0.8-mile hike through
the canyon was breathtaking, and we chose to return along a mountain path rather
than back the same way. Our return trip to the highway was delayed for a picnic
lunch on the beach south of Fern Canyon. The dirt road to & from Fern Canyon is
narrow, gravel, has many potholes, and requires fording several very shallow
streams. Dont let this discourage you from the adventure, just drive slow and be
ever watchful. Driving back south we hiked the Lady Bird Johnson Redwood
Grove (#1), which has some of the tallest redwoods in the USA. A side trip up an
old, paved logging road got us some spectacular views from the Redwood Creek
Lookout Point. Driving back to Trinidad saw a castle carved from a solid stump of redwood (#2), then we drove to the Trinidad harbor area where we
walked around the lighthouse memorial park and took photos of the harbor (#6). Our campsite at The Emerald Forest is picture perfect, and the
restrooms are nice and clean. Weve loved our stay here. The scenery outside our windows is like a storybook setting. Bring out the gnomes!
Day 79: Friday, June 21 Unlike Dorothy & Toto, we felt a bit of sorrow leaving The Emerald Forest (RV Park, that is). It has a special charm as a
rustic, well-kept park in a beautiful, natural setting. For more info go to www.RVintheRedwoods.com . Chris made his infamous (inside joke) egg
burritos so we hit the road about 10:30, later than usual. Driving north up US101 we stopped at several viewpoints to take photos and stretch our
legs Big Lagoon, Stone Lagoon, Freshwater Lagoon, and several other locations. A valuable map entitled Exploring the Redwood Coast is
available from the National Park Service, though I cant remember where we picked up our copy; maybe the Kuchel Visitor Center north of Trinidad
but just before Orick, CA. The ranger highlighted many good locations worth a visit.
Arriving at Kamp Klamath RV Park we set-up our Aliner for the next two nights (Fri & Sat), plus bought tickets to their Saturday-Night summer
salmon BBQ. In about ten minutes we were back on the road north unsure of which sights we would visit. In the end we chose to drive to Crescent
City, buy some auto parts, then ask for a recommended location for lunch (it was approaching 2PM by now). The auto parts jockey said, The best
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1: Sea lions outside Chart Room restaurant 2: Sally shows girth of redwood thats almost 300 tall
3: Sally next to root ball of fallen redwood 4: Moon shines large over mountains in northern California
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How Do You Pl an a L on g-Ter m Ov er -t he-Road Tr i p?
Yes, long-term vacations & trips can be nerve-racking ! Last years summer trip found me with a semi-broken pair of eye
glasses. I say semi because it felt like I was keeping the frame together with glue, bubble-gum and prayer. I feel the latter did
the most good. We also had an older cell phone that we wanted to replace with the newest iPhone (5) that wasnt expected
until after our trip. It broke in half 3 times! Both those circumstances are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a long-term
camping trip; there are many things to consider when youre on the road for an extended period of time away from home and
the places with which youre most familiar. Planning can ease the troubles & calamities. Having solutions prepared
beforehand for potential problems, before they occur, can also ease the frustrations.
In an effort to help our fellow campers, and at their request actually, we are currently preparing a multi-page booklet with
detailed suggestions on how to prepare, execute, and wind down from a long-term vacation of 4-6 months (or more). The
booklet will be presented at both the October Myrtle Beach Multi-Regional Rally and the Florida Fall Rally a week later at
John Pennekamp State Park in the Florida Keys. For exact dates & registration info go to the AOC website. When our own,
personal website is complete (hopefully by falls end) well post a free downloadable version available to everyone.
In the meantime HAPPY CAMPING no matter how long, short, close or far your camping itinerary may take you!
spot for a reasonable sit-down meal is the Chart Room at the marina. So thats where we went. Good spot, great seafood, good price, portions big
enough to spilt the meal, and the sea lions out our large glass window were on our list of what-to-see (#1). (Location is at the end of Anchor Way at the
south end of Crescent City.)
We next took Howland Hill Road to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (#3) and Stout Grove (#2). When the narrow, twisty road went from
asphalt to dirt we got a little concerned. No need its worth the drive! The speed limit of 15mph keeps most dust down, plus gives you time to move
over for other drivers coming the opposite direction. What do you see? We both felt these woods were the best we had seen of any redwoods groves
to date. Simply amazing. But its best to get out of the car and take a few short-distance jaunts down a trail. Remember this is a NOT a route for
trailers or RVs. Cars only! This aforementioned route is one of the best routes to follow to see the best redwoods up close & personal! The
north end of Howland Hill Road ended at US199, so we then headed west back to US101 and south through Crescent City again. We stopped at
both ends of Crescent City Beach and took photos, then drove up Enderts Beach Road to the Crescent Beach Overlook for more photos of stunning
views. While heading back to camp we stopped at several overlooks, False Klamath Cove, and then drove back to camp for a shower and good
nights rest. Tonight the weather service said to check the extra fullness of the moon. We did. (#4 before)
Day 80: Saturday, June 22 After a quick breakfast we drove north a few miles to the Trees of Mystery
attraction, which we had visited in 2005. Its a terrific location for viewing more redwoods with signage
posting good explanations as you walk through the forest. Then ride amongst the trees in a cable gondola up
into the trees seeing aspects and features you dont see from the ground. Even though we had been here
before we filled over 3 hours with fun
and exploration along guided paths.
Their gift shop is nice and the
included Native American Museum
is rated as one of the best in the
nation. Dont miss spending 15-45
minutes viewing the treasures in this
museum!
From the Trees of Mystery we drove
south to do some more hiking and
chose t he Kl amat h Ri ver
Overlook at the end of Requa
Road off US101 a few miles
north of Klamath (city). Again,
this is vehicle-only travel; leave
the RV in camp. By 4PM we
chose to go back to camp to plan
our next week and get ready for
the salmon BBQ. Kamp Klamath is an older park thats slowly renovating.
It falls short in a few areas but never at their salmon BBQ. The menu
tonight was grilled-in-front-of-your-eyes salmon steaks & chicken,
seasoned rice, garden salad, and stir-fried mixed veggies. You bring your
own beverage. Live music found Doug on guitar & harmonica and a
friend on the washtub bass. Good music and good food crowned the day!
We enjoyed the bonfire in the circular, concrete fire pit, the very one that
warmed Sallys feet in 2005 to the point that the soles of her sneakers
started smoking and she eventually lost her sole a few days later.
(Notice how I spelled sole.) Since our previous trip the fire pit has
somehow shrunk from 10-12 in diameter (as I tell when I recount the
burning sneaker sole) to about 6 foot in diameter now. Must be the damp,
cold northern California weather than causes such shrinkage!
1: Grove of redwoods stand together like
sentries guarding each other. 2: Sky Trail cable car ride brings
visitors up into the upper portions of the forest then back via
cable car or hiking trail. 3: 285 ft. Cathedral Tree is wedding site.
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4: Late afternoon fog rolls in
on Pacific coast near
Klamath, California.
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PART 2 In our previous issue I discussed several issues regarding the selection of an RV:
Drive it or pull it? Buy what you need, not what you want. Make lists before you go to the sales lot.
Know your preferred floor plans. Go back and read over Part 1 to refresh your memory.
By now you should have some ideas about what you want in your RV, but the advantage of an RV over a summer cabin is its
portability, so your RV has to be able to get from home to there, that being the location(s) you want to visit. At this point were going
to shift gears and mention some aspects of motorhomes then concentrate the rest of our study on trailers as this is where most RV
buyers begin their ownership adventures.
Motorhomes: Self-powered RVs, that is, motorhomes come in many sizes, floor plans and price ranges. Class B refers to
commercial minivans or full-size vans that have been converted inside into living spaces in which to camp for multiple days. Class B
Plus are these same vans that have had significant additions made to the bodies, such as widening, to make them larger than Class
B motorhomes. Some Class B units can get quite expensive as they are popular due to the higher (relative) fuel economy when
compared to Class C & A units. Fuel mileage may approach 12-19 mpg (more or less) depending upon a lot of factors.
Class C motorhomes have a van cab / passenger compartment on the factory truck frame to which a box-type camper body has
been attached. These are very common in the RV rental industry. They are more spacious than Class B/B+ units, usually cost
more, and usually get less fuel mileage. Class C RVs come is a wide variety of lengths and, therefore, more interior space. Fuel
mileage in Class C units can run from 6-17 mpg, again with many variables.
Class A RVs are a bare truck frame with the engine & drivetrain installed upon which a camper body is built. These generally look
like a big box on wheels. They are the largest, most spacious, and get lowest fuel mileage, though some Class Cs can get low fuel
economy close to an A. Class A units merge into the motor coach class at some point where a large bus-type vehicle is converted
into a rolling home. Fuel mileage in Class A units can run from 3 mpg up to about 6-8 mpg. Again, actual mileage varies with many factors.
Another factor with motorhomes is whether you plan to have a toad, that is, a vehicle that will be towed behind your motorhome so that
when you park your RV you can take day trips in your toad. Make sure your motorhome can handle a toad. Does it have a suitable frame
strong enough for the task? Not all cars or small trucks can be a toad! Transmission damage can occur if the toad is left with all four
wheels on the ground and pulled without the engine running. And the cost of a hitch & wiring between the RV and toad can run from $600
to several thousand dollars depending upon the options.
Enough said. I am not an expert on motorhomes but many friends purchased Class A units when they were popular in the late 1990s &
early 2000s. As the price of fuel skyrocketed many units are now used as a guest house while parked in their back yard. Some are driving
them but not as many as bought them. As with any RV, we highly encourage you to rent a unit before purchase, and then consider buying
a used unit as there are many on the market at good prices during the current economy.
Travel trailers: For the remainder of this article I will concentrate on my area of higher expertise camping trailers. Many of the selection
criteria for motorhomes also apply to travel trailers. RV industry research indicates that most first-time RV buyers purchase pop-up trailers,
probably due to low cost of ownership, but also maybe so they can decide if RV camping is really what they want to do. If so, they
generally move up to bigger rigs.
Travel trailers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are so small they can be towed by a motorcycle. Others look bigger than some homes
and need a semi-tractor trailer truck to pull them. Theres certainly no one size or style of travel trailer thats good for everyone. Look back
on the previous newsletter (issue #5) to review the factors to consider when thinking about an RV. Now, in relation to a travel trailer, add
these additional considerations:
What size travel trailer have you selected? How many wheels will it have? Tolls on most toll roads are based on numbers of axles on
both vehicles. More axles, higher tolls (though it may not be a lot of $ increase!). More tires = more tires to replace when worn. More
tires means more potential safety if one of your two only tires blows out on a two axle trailer. (Note: I have not had safety issues during
blow-outs with my 1-axle Aliner!)
What size vehicle do you need to pull this size trailer? Can you pull with your present vehicle? Will you need an additional vehicle to
use in pulling? Are you willing to sell a current vehicle & replace it with a vehicle capable of pulling your trailer? Can you afford to
maintain another vehicle, or a larger vehicle, or the payments of another (replacement or additional) vehicle? Will your pick-up truck
carry all the passengers that will camp in your trailer? Or will you need a crew cab or multi-passenger van or SUV?
Fifth-wheel trailers are generally very large, but owners report they are easier to handle than same-size trailers connected via a
conventional trailer hitch. Others report that their initial concern about pulling, parking and backing-up a trailer were soon resolved after
they learned how to handle driving with a trailer behind their car/truck.
What interior accessories will you want or need? Toilet? Shower indoors or out? (Smaller trailers sometimes come with the option of
an exterior shower on a hose, so you can buy a portable booth in which to take your shower if not using the campgrounds bathroom.)
Water heater? Furnace? Stove top? Microwave? Air conditioning? (I personally think thats a must!) Refrigerator? (A 3-way fridge
works on 120-volt household current, 12-volt RV battery current, and LP-liquid propane. Other options are 120VAC only, 12VDC only, or
120VAC & 12VDC combo refrigerator. These cost less than 3-ways but must have access to power at the site or able to run off a
charged battery for 1-3 days.) One double or queen-size bed? Two twin beds? More than 2 beds? What are your cabinet & storage
needs? Can the beds be tilted to reach storage or are there outside cargo doors? How much lighting do you need? Need a cable
system installed for your TV, or can you run a cable line out a door or window? Do you need a built-in stereo system, or can you do with
a $20 boom-box? How good IS the stereo system the trailer maker installs?
This list can go on & on. And it needs to if youre going to get the best RV to meet your individual needs you need to know exactly what
you want to purchase. Do you still have questions? Send us your questions at thriftytravelers@cox.net and well try to answer them in a
future issue.
NEXT ISSUE: Part 3 A) The criteria WE used in selecting a trailer and B) WHY we selected the trailer we did.

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Day 81: Sunday, June 23 Before arising this morning we heard the tinkle of raindrops on our roof. The forecast called
for sporadic showers during the day and during a lull we closed up the camper and headed north to Crescent City to
attend worship at Grace Lutheran Church. Arriving during Sunday School we enjoyed the lesson presented by Pastor
Chris and found his sermon to also be inspiring, especially when we found he was a supply pastor while Grace is
preparing to call a new minister.
Back on the road after lunch, we drove several hours north on US101 through light, intermittent rain, stopping
occasionally to take a photo, though the shoreline was quite foggy. We set up camp at Humbug Mountain State Park in
coastal Oregon. Despite the weather the camp is very nice with an overnight rate of just $20 for an electric site. The
ranger even came to our camper to collect the fee so we didnt have to go out in the rain and deposit the fare in the
outdoor fee box. US101 resembles a cathedral as your drive thru thousands of firs & redwoods over 150ft in height.>
Day 82: Monday, June 24 Following breakfast we took a
short, quick walk down to the ocean beach. It was very foggy.
We met the couple that was camping next to us and enjoyed
the happy nature of their dog. She wanted to play catch with
her tennis ball and would drop it at our feet every few moments
to get us to kick it or throw it. As the ocean wind became cooler
we chose to go back to camp and finish packing up. Within less
than ten minutes we were back on the road. Driving north on
US101 along the coast we stopped at several viewpoints to
look at shoreline and the natural sand dunes that are famous in
this area. We took the last campsite at Lakeshore RV Park
about 4 miles south of Florence, OR. This is a Passport America park for all but the summer months, so we got our site for $15 cash w/ PA. Jim, the
manager, is very cordial and the parks restrooms, showers, lounge, & rec. room are spotless, plus the coin laundry, which is only $1 per load
washing and 25 per 15 minutes, is the best weve seen in quite a while. The sites are parking lot style, so dont expect a botanical garden around
your RV, but everything else is worth a stop. More info at www.lakeshorerv.com
Day 83: Tuesday, June 25 Leaving
Florence we drove north along the coast
making an occasional stop for photos,
just a shame its still mist-raining today,
the third day in a row. We camped tonight
($27) at South Beach State Park just
south of Newport, OR, a bigger city on
the coast midway up the state. This is the
largest state park weve yet visited in
Oregon: about 150 campsites, adjacent to
the beach. Nice facilities. We set up the trailer, disconnected the VW and drove
into town to visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium, a AAA GemSite. This aquarium is
very nice! We spent from 2PM until closing at 6 walking around and watching
the sea life being fed, going through the plastic tunnel twice as sharks and other
fish swam above & below us, and saw many other aquatic exhibits. Yes, this is
another must-see destination if youre in the neighborhood. 1= jellyfish swims
aimlessly as they have no brains, really! 2= sea lion responds to commands
from trainer; 3= sea otter floats on his back and breaks clams out of their shells
with his teeth & front paws; 4= giant octopus is 6 ft in length and changes color
via capillaries, which serves as camouflage; 5= famous dunes of Oregon coast
are located along several stretches of Pacific coastline.
Day 84: Wednesday, June 26 This was our first day without rain all day; our morning had drizzle and was foggy but we left it behind as we headed
inland to the east. Before leaving we walked to a boardwalk overlooking the Pacific. Heading inland the rain gave way to slightly brightening skies.
Our first destination was a tour of the Chalet RV factory in Albany, OR, about 15-20 miles south of Salem. We wanted to arrive after lunch so we
wouldnt disturb the employees lunchtime. As we traveled through Philomath, a town next to Corvallis, we saw a Habitat Restore. Theyre a thrift
store that sells many building supplies that are donated to Habitat For Humanity. Being used items they cant always be used on the houses they
build. This Restore was extensive and had a large selection. After a half-hour of gazing Chris selected about six items from a special bin marked
90% off marked price. When we went to pay the lady asked if we were seniors. We responded yes. She commented that we get 10% off today.
Dining experiences worth repeating A dining location rates well with us if we say wed go there again. Here are some places that fit that
criteria: Newport, OR - Izzys Pizza Bar & Classic Buffet: pizza, salad bar, hot meats, desserts, beverage, AYCE for a reasonable $9. Very good
food for a buffet. Salem, OR - Izzys again. Salem, OR (downtown)- Adams Ribs: Great BBQ. Sallys shredded pork was huge, almost couldnt
eat it all; Chris Philly steak had great grilled veggies, a lot of good, moist meat. Fries were average, everything else - terrific. Cresent City, OR -
Chart Room: Seafood and other great meals; reasonable prices; some portions large enough to share. Sea lions outside your window!
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When I told her the items came from the 90%-off bin she said that equalled 100% so she said it
wasnt worth ringing up, Here, its free. Have a great day. Wow!
We drove several more miles for lunch at a chain restaurant Sally especially likes Izzys. From
there we parked in front of the Chalet factory and lifted the roof of our Aliner. (Chalet makes a
similar A-frame trailer.) Within 5 minutes the employees had a break and most of the factory
poured out and took photos of our trailers. Workers were smiling, laughing and asking questions.
Don Rose, the owner of Chalet, personally took us on a tour of the plant and the three lines of
campers they build. We were suitably impressed with the floor plans, details, and quality of
construction. Thanks, Don, for the fabulous tour. You make a great product!
Driving to Salem, our campsite for the next four days, we stopped at another thrift store. The St.
Vincent dePaul Society operates such stores nationwide for the Roman Catholic church. This was
a superstore and had a name change to, I guess, keep up with the times St. Vinnies. (No joke,
that was the huge sign above the doors!) We walked out with a book and a new umbrella for Sally. After setting up our trailer at the Salem RV Park
we walked next door to Home Depot for some walking exercise. Chris found a air chisel on clearance (his broke the day before we left on our trip.) It
was marked down from $15 to $11. When we got to the checkout it rang up $5.80. The cashier saw the price tag and said, This doesnt come up
right, but I guess Ill let you have it for that price, but I want to scan it again. He did. It came up $5.80 again, so thats what we paid!
Day 85: Thursday, June 27 We began our day with a visit to the
Mission Mill Museum in Salem, just a few miles from our
campground. This site is unusual in that the base of the museum is
an old woolen mill that at one time employed about one-fifth of the
local population. After closing in 1962 due to the popularity of
synthetic fibers, the mill was eventually reopened as a museum.
Our volunteer guide, Bill Perin, did a super job of giving us a
personalized tour for almost two hours detailing a multitude of
processes used in the manufacture of woolen cloth. Moved to the
property were historic buildings used by the original settlers of the
area, Methodist evangelists who came to covert the Native
Americans to Christianity. That effort failed due to the death of
Indians from European, white-man diseases, a reluctance of the
Indians to convert, and the growing disillusionment of the missionaries to the hard work and lack of results. This site is a very interesting place to
visit. After lunch we visited the Hallie Ford Museum of Art of the Willamette University (Wil-la-met). Its compact but interesting collection was very
well presented, which explains why it also is a AAA GemSite. 1= woolen loom; 2= Bill Perin points to woolen mill complex of buildings.
Day 86: Friday, June 28 Following a trailer-made (aka home-
made) French toast breakfast, we drove to Silver Falls State Park
about 25 miles from Salem. If you have ever wanted to see some
beautiful waterfalls, heres THE place! There are ten waterfalls
connected by an 8-10-mile trail. Rather than walk the entire trail, we
chose to see nine of the falls via three drives in our car. The furthest
hike was about 3 miles round trip; the shortest about 1/2 mile. This
is Oregons largest state park and a AAA GemSite for obvious
reasons the waterfalls! This is another must-see area if youre in
this neck of the woods (so to speak). We ate our
home-packed picnic lunch at one waterfall and met
several other hiking couples repeatedly on the trail.
After spending the entire day at Silver Falls SP we
drove back to Salem and had soft serve treats at DQ.
Day 87: Saturday, June 29 Our day started with nearby yard sales. We found a few very
good bargains. Then drove downtown to the annual international cultural experience
where about 50 local ethnic groups offer food, crafts, products, etc. along with commercial
companies in a country fair type of environment. We enjoyed watching Scottish dancers,
Native American dancers, crafters, plus local companies both profit and non-profit. On our
way to lunch we saw a car show & stopped. Sally listened to the live rock n roll music;
Chris drooled on the custom cars! After lunch (Izzys) we drove to the local Mazda car
dealer to look at a new
model. Returning to camp Sally did some laundry before we leave this location to
drive further north to the Portland area. Chris worked on Brittanys & Jims
wedding video but didnt make much headway as a recent upgrade to the video-
making program changed procedures quite a bit. Back to the drawing board, so to
speak! Salem RV Park has been a good, central location during our time here,
and their restrooms & showers are always super clean! 1= Native Americans in
traditional dance; 2= Didnt like 58 Fords until I saw this one with 58 Edsel lights!
1= Sally walks along moss & fern
adorned trail near falls; 2= We visited 9
of 10 falls; 3&4= Two falls had broad
overhangs that you could walk under &
see falls from behind.
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