It all started off on a somewhat overcast Saturday the 19th of April 2003. We set off as soon as I got out of school and could get home and finish loading the final last minute items and ice crests. Loaded to the hilt in my Red 1999 Ford F150 ready to set up camp where we saw fit, we hit I84 headed for the Portland, Oregon area.
We did not make it out of the area before we spied a Harley Davidson shop, just off the freeway in Caldwell, Idaho. Bill being the Harley man that he is, needed to make sure he got a shirt from all the Harley shops along the way. So stop we did and new shirt he got, then off again for the first leg of our journey. A few stops along the way and enjoying the view of the Columbia River. We turned off I84 onto Hwy 35 driving along the Mount Hood River toward the very snow covered 11, 240 ft beautiful Mount Hood, found a nice campground just past the town of Mount Hood and made camp. It was about 7pm and the temperature was surprisingly warm at around 40 degrees. We gobbled down some hot homemade chili beans and smoked sausages for dinner and snuggled up in the warm sleeping bags, happy and content to be alive and with each other. Up the next morning, coffee made, breakfasting on homemade biscuit�s smothered in sausage gravy and accompanied with fried eggs, hum hum, then off for day two of our journey.
Day two (20 Apr 2003) took us back to I84, with a quick stop off at the fish ladders of Bonneville Dam, then down the scenic Hwy 30 by Horsetail Falls and stopping off for a stroll up to the top of Multnomah Falls. Just a short 1 mile up the side of a mountain, climbing the switchbacks and stopping to catch our breaths many times along the way. It sure was a beautiful stroll and we�re glad we did it, especially on the way back down when we could chuckle at the people just starting the journey up. Back in the truck after filling up on espresso, getting post cards sent, buying a sweatshirt for me, off we drove to our next stop, which ended up being smack dap in the center lane of I205 stuck in traffic. Boy how I miss the big town life�not. Once going again, we continued south on I205 heading toward Eugene Oregon. Just before Eugene we took Hwy 99 and cut over to Hwy 126 toward Florence Oregon. Turning north onto Hwy 101 to our campground of choice, the lovely Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park. Beings that it is Easter Day and me refusing to cook a big ham dinner, we decided the next best thing was to find a restaurant. After a brief discussion with the very elderly camp host we set off up the road to Yachats. Pronounced YAH-hots and la-de-da signs lining the streets, we found a somewhat quaint seafood restaurant and well was asked to come in and give it a try by an interesting looking fellow. We decided on the Grilled Salmon Special accompanied with some interestingly prepared calamari. Then after much laughter about the la-de-da signs, we headed back to our camp to enjoy the cool, but rain-free Oregon evening. Morning finds us feed and ready to do a short stroll over to the beach, down a 0.5-mile pathway, through the undergrowth and along a babbling brook.
Once we made it to the beach we were free to roll up our pants legs and freeze our toes off in the cold Pacific Ocean�burrrrr. We wandered what must have been close to 1 mile down the beach and when we decided we had walked just about far enough, turned around and headed back. The stroll back was not as pleasant since the wind had picked up some, the rain started to drizzle and we were both sore from our little stroll up Multnomah Falls the day before. We were sure glad to be back in camp and ready to set out down the road with our tired butts planted nicely in the warm seats of the truck for day 3 (21 Apr 2003) of our trip.
A quick stop off to get pictures of the Heceta Head Light House. It was built in 1894 and stands 204 feet above sea level so the ships could see it as far as 21 miles out to sea. Then down the road we head. We didn�t get too far when we came to the Sea Lion Caves. Down the 200ft drop thankful for the elevator to see the Sea Lions piled on rocks, barking their heads off. More post cards and a sweatshirt for me and off again. Continuing our journey down Hwy 101 stopping to get pictures along the way and enjoying the sites and sounds of the ocean. Low and behold we almost made it through the town of Coos Bay before spying a Harley Davidson shop sign, telling us that we missed it. Well we can�t have that so turn around we did and after a few wrong turns, stopping to ask a lady along the way, we found it. Bill picked up a great looking t-shirt and off we were again heading for the next stop on our journey.
Just south of the town of Reedsport, in Winchester Bay, Oregon brings us to the second lighthouse of your trip. The Umpqua River Light House was a beautiful sight to see. It was built in 1894 and features a 65ft tower built of white brick and red-and-white revolving octagonal lens.
On to the next lighthouse of our trip, the Cape Blanco Light House, just 20 miles north of Bandon in Port Orford. This lighthouse was first lit on December 20, 1870 and has a 59-foot tower. Pulling into the town of Bandon, Oregon we found the West Coast Game Park, which my friend Linda raves about each time she goes there. It was smaller then I expected, but fun nonetheless. They have a petting area where the caretaker brings out baby animals for petting. We were lucky to be there when they had a baby lion cub, a baby lynx, 2 baby bears cubs, plus several baby pygmy goats to pet. They were so cute and playful, what a treat that was for us. Through the town of Bandon we found the Coquille River Light House, which was built in 1896 and has a 47ft tower. It was in pretty poor shape, but was interesting nonetheless.
Jumping back into the truck heading for the next campground and our warm sleeping bags was next on our agenda. Just north of Crescent City, Calif., we found our next reprieve, Crescent City KOA Campground. This campground was just at the start of the redwoods and Bill so wanted to find on of those disgusting banana slugs, I should never have told him about them. Luckily for me, it was too early in the season and none were to be found. Up the next morning (22 Apr 2003) finds us doing laundry at the camp facilities and then off to wander though the Ocean World Aquarium in Crescent City, California petting a tiger shark and watching the silly antics of a pair of Sea Lions.
A quick snapshot of the Battery Point Light House, which was first lit in December of 1856 and is the oldest inhabited lighthouse in California, then and off we go down the road to our next stop. Which was none other than the Trees of Mystery in the Jedediah Smith State Park. Watching Bill seeing those wonderful giants of the redwoods made the day all worthwhile. With the Brotherhood Tree at a mere 19-foot in diameter, the wonders of the burls and the never stoppable growth patterns of the redwood trees. Up the Skytram ride to the top of the world overlooking the redwood forest on one side and out over the Pacific Ocean on the other. What a breath-taking site that was. In the gift shop I bought my beloved redwood burls (one for Rachel and one for me) and Bill bought post cards.
Back in the truck and off we go down the coastline and through the woods to grandma�s house we go??? No that�s not right, we were off to find the next campsite and see what there is to see along the way. We stopped off to see the Grandfather tree, where Bill found redwood burls (for the girls) much cheaper then the ones I bought�grrrrrrr. Bill also picked up a cute stuff bear for Dylan and shirts for Danny and David, more post cards and a funny earthquake can to top off our shopping spree. Back in the truck and on down the road we head. Then low and behold, we come to the town of Eureka, California and find yet another Harley Davidson shop. This one is pretty cool, what with the �Redwood� logo on it, so along with Bill�s shirt, I just had to have a hooded sweatshirt for me, thank you my love. Off we go again in search of our next home away from home. We thought of stopping at a campsite in Pepperwood, but the fellas there were, well, interesting looking Daryl and Daryl�s other brother Daryl types Hummm no thanks. Finally we found Humboldt Redwood State Park Campground by the little town of Weott, California, which looked inviting and found a great site, set-up camp and fixed a wonderful dinner. Let�s see I think we had Steak, shrimp, calamari steak and streamed vegetables washed down with a bottle of white zinfandel. Life is real tough when you are on the road and eating whatever can be scrounged up.
Day 5 (23 Apr 2003) finds us driving down the Highway of the Giants headed for the drive-thru tree in Leggett, CA. Through the tree we barely squeeze, a few quick pictures and off we go again. Headed for the town of Willits, CA where my Aunt Lorraine and Uncle Lester live. A quick stop off at the Safeway to pick up a few grocery items and flowers for my aunt (and a pretty orange carnation for me, thank you baby) then to their house we go. My Aunt had set up a great �snack� of homemade macaroni salad and spinach dip served with veggie�s and crackers. Hot coffee rounded up our meal, a couple of hours of visiting then off we go heading for Fort Bragg. Oh boy, guess what we forgot to get before leaving town dear, yep you guessed it, gasoline. Well I wonder how far my truck will run with the �low fuel� light on. After 7 miles of �warning� we pull into the town of Fort Bragg and into the nearest gas station with about a half a gallon to spare, no problem. After fueling up, we headed for the beach of my childhood. Just north of Fort Bragg under the old wooden bridge. Up with the pant legs and off with the shoes. The weather was somewhat chilly so we still wore jackets, but a little cool weather was not going to stop us from wandering on �my beach�. Along the south side of the beach runs a stream that dumps into the ocean. There was interesting rocky cliffs on the other side of the stream so of course I just had to go across it. Well I got about halfway across and found that the sand was not quite as solid as I hoped and sunk up to my knees. Bill and this other fellow who just happened to see me, thought it was real funny and laughed their heads off. Well I wasn�t laughing because the more I tried to get out the further I sunk. I hollered for Bill to help me, but he wasn�t in a real hurry to get stuck too, so I did what I could and after a little more struggling I was able to get out. Soaked from feet to shoulders in sandy cold water, I was determined to see what was on the other side. So with Bill following up behind (he took the safer up-stream route, chicken) we wandered in the cliffs looking for treasure chests. None found we headed back before the tide caught us on the wrong side of the stream. I quickly changed into dry clothes with Bill still laughing at his �soggy baby� and jumped in the truck for a hot cup of espresso and the next camping site. A quick run by Point Arena Lighthouse, snap, snap of the camera and down the road we go. Hoping to make it as far as Bodega Bay before nightfall. Yeah right�
The Dramamine Drive took longer then I hoped so we ended up finding a quiet, but very wet camping site just south of Gualala, Calif. Not letting the rain put a damper on our trip we hung a tarp over the picnic table and dried off the table and benches the best we could. Cooked up some delicious fried potatoes with lots of onions, pork chops, homemade applesauce and salad. Visited with a fella from Marin County and played with his yellow lab puppy. What a cute little rambunctious pup he was too. Cleaned up the dinner dishes and climbed into bed.
Day 6 (24 Apr 2003) finds us continuing the trip down The Dramamine Drive with a stop off at the next espresso shop in Jenner, CA, a few gifts bought and back on the road again, destination San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge, a stroll through Fisherman�s Wharf and the shops of Pier 39. The sea lions were sprawled out on the boat docks as they have been for many years now and are always a treat to see. Lunched on clam chowder served in a bread bowl and had dinner at Joe�s Crab Shack. Laughed our heads off at the street guy, hiding behind a couple of bunches of branches and scaring unsuspecting sightseers. What a riot that was. We had a great view of the harbor from the restaurant and enjoyed crab legs, grilled salmon steak, grilled shrimp and crab cakes. Oh and don�t forget the crab stuffed mushrooms to start off the meal�yum yum�Gazing out to Alcatraz Island, we could see the old state penitentiary and the Alcatraz Island Light Station.
Back in the truck with a loaf of SF sourdough bread, we decide to drive up and down some of the steep streets of San Francisco and get a closer look at Coit Tower. Turning up a street, low and behold what do we see, yet another Harley Davidson shop with open parking spaces right in front, just waiting for us. In we pull, out we jump, dodging a storeowner and duck into the HD shop. Out we come with Bill�s new shirt under arm ready to continue on down the journey to the next camping spot. Well it just so happens that it was right at 5:00 pm and we were heading over the Oakland Bay Bridge in the heat of traffic, lovely. We inched our way across and trying to stay out of harms way found I80 and headed toward the Reno, Nevada area, in hopes of staying somewhere close to Lake Tahoe Lake. Yeah right�. What we did find was the weather turning into snow over Donner Summit and snow at the 4000ft level. The campground we wanted to stay at was at the 6000ft level and trucks we being turned around at Applegate, just east of Auburn and told to stay at the Fairgrounds parking lot.
Well the determined souls we are, we found campsite at the Bear River Campground and started to set up camp. With the tent erected and Bill turning sorta green around the gills, it was decided that he needed to get to a hospital to have it checked out. See Bill had been having a pain in his left side for 2 days now and being the mucho man that he is or maybe just not wanting to disappoint me, which is most likely the case, he tough-guyed it out and hoped it would go away. Well it didn�t, so after quickly packing everything back up, we headed back to Auburn to the Hospital we just so happen to have spied when looking for a campground. Well I for one think things happen for a reason and spying that hospital was meant to be. I drove straight to it and in we went ready to find out what was causing the pain in his side. Since I knew it wasn�t me, it just had to be something terrible and had us both pretty worried. The doctor was talking of ordering a CAT-Scan and decided to have a look at a urine specimen first to see if there was a chance of a urinary track infection. After about 2 � hours of sitting there, the doctor decided the problem just must be an infection, ordered a shot in the butt and some pills for the infection and sent us on our way. Hummmm a follow-up with Bill�s regular doctor is defiantly in order here.
We were both tired and still worried and didn�t want to be too far from the hospital so we took a room at the Super 8, a hot shower and dry bed for us. Breakfast at Denny�s and on the road again for what was the last day of our trip, day 7 (25 Apr 2003). We decided that the roads were too nasty to attempt going to Lake Tahoe so we headed toward Reno instead and what an interesting drive that was. Snow chains were required for all semi-trucks and vehicles without 4-wheel drive. My truck of course has 4-wheel drive so we were able to drive over the top without chaining up. It was interesting to see the guys dressed in orange and offering to chain your vehicle up for $20.00. The interesting part was they looked to be kept hopping with no lack of customers. There was a long line of semi trucks and cars pulled off the road with either the driver putting chains on or paying someone to do it for them. Coming from Connecticut and Idaho like Bill and I do, we found it sort of ridicules having to chain up with so little snow still on the road. They no sooner had them on when it was time to pull over and take them off again. I think I would have gotten real pissed if I would of had to chain up too.
Off the mountain and into the town of Reno finds us at none other than, yep you guessed it, the Reno Harley Davidson shop. Bill picked out a real nice t-shirt with a casino picture on the back and we were off again. Hitting I80 heading east toward home. Bill got a real taste for the wide-open nothingness country of our beloved Nevada. Miles and miles of nothing is a site one does not always get to see. I forget how wonderful it really is until I have someone remind me. Driving through Nevada was pretty uneventful what with nothing to see and nothing to do, but look at nothing, so we continued down the road at a nice clip. Then I get the brainstorm of an idea and decide to take the scenic trip through the Duck Valley Indian Reservation and past Wildhorse Reservoir. It should only add another hour to our trip I tell Bill. Okay, so I was off by a couple of hours.
Well we did play around in Elko for a while too, that didn�t help our time much. Talk about a wild goose chase. Bill needed to get his prescription filled for his antibiotic and we knew we wouldn�t get home early enough to wait, so after first checking at Albertson�s finding that they don�t have a pharmacy, have you ever heard such a thing, we headed back across town to Wal-Mart. Wondering if there was a Harley shop in town, we asked a couple of checkers at Albertson�s and was told that it was just off of Idaho Street on 4th or they thought. We drove around the block a few times, but not finding it decided to go on to Wal-Mart and look more later. While in Wal-Mart, we happened upon a kid with tattoo�s and eyebrow piercing, well he should know. So I asked him. Oh sure he says, its just up the street from Stockman�s Casino. Well knowing where Stockman�s was, I felt comfortable with being able to find it. Right�. No such luck. We asked a couple of �street� people and they seemed dumbfounded by the question. One guy suggested that we ask at the Arctic Cat shop, so this is exactly what we did. Bill was informed that the Harley shop hadn�t been in town for at least 20 years and didn�t know what the direction tellers were thinking. Then it dawned on us. We had seen a �For Harley Davidson Parking Only� sign in front of a bar. That must have been it. It was in about the right area and was the only sign on any kind to be found in Elko, Nevada. Feeling pretty much played for a fool; we hit the highway and made tracks out of that town.
Turned up Hwy 225 heading toward the Idaho border we enjoyed the scenic drive through Duck Valley Indian Reservation and along side of Wildhorse Reservoir, up through the narrow canyon and up over the top of a bluff. Once on top of the bluff, the miles and miles of open rangeland spread before us astounded Bill. He was amazed to see cattle roaming free and wondered how they we able to find them all when it came time to take them to market. Fall roundup and a spotting plane was my response. Finally hitting I84 again just out of Mountain Home, finds us happy to be almost to the end of our long trip. A quick run through the Jack-n-Box drive-thru, then home to enjoy burgers and fries, a hot shower and to bed brings our Spring 2003 trip to an end. What a wonderful trip it was, one that would have been made nicer by adding about a week to the length of it, but great nonetheless. It gave Bill an idea of what Oregon, California and Nevada was like and where we might want to spend more time in the future.
