South Beach State park, Newport, OR

July 10, 2018

RV Mileage 54920

       

          When we left Fort Stevens we drove to the Lewis and Clark National Park. After using our Golden age pass for entrance we explored the visitor area and got our walking stick medallions. Then onto the replica fort where they spent the winter before returning to the east. We then journeyed the walking path to the river where they established a landing point to Fort Clatsop. We returned to the visitor center for a short stay before heading south. We have been using our Yellowstone forever membership card and have been receiving a discount on most purchases at National parks.

Sherry with Sacagawea

          We stopped at Escola State park area, very tight winding road to the beach area. Walked around and took pictures of Haystack rock and the Puffins on the rocks. Beautiful views of the Oregon coast. Sherry drove separate when we left because of the tight corners we had to maneuver through.

          Next stop was Tillamook Dairy where they make the cheese. We rode the shuttle from the far parking area to the plant. We enjoyed the self-guided tour and the cheese samples. This is one big operation to make package and sell their products. Purchased some cheese and ice cream and then headed on to South Beach SP and set up camp. We are here for the next 4 nights. This is a very busy campground and it is pretty full. They have several Yurts they rent for people to enjoy a stay here.

Heceta Lighthouse

          We rode our bikes on several of the trails in the park and walked up to the beach area. We went into Newport to Mo’s restaurant and enjoyed the Clam Chowder and Halibut fish sandwich, Yummy. This restaurant was recommended by our guide Tony at Glacier NP.

7/11/18

          We had the lock for the rear compartment fail, cannot get access to the water hose. I had to drill out the lock to gain entry. We stopped at an RV supply but this is not a lock they have or can order. I decided to contact Coachman when we returned home for replacements.

Went to the Yaquina Light house and purchased our walking stick medallions. Nice views of the ocean from the park. Then we again returned to Mo’s for lunch. Yummy again.

Sometimes it is windy along the coast! LOL

7/13/18

          Breakfast at the RV then headed Lincoln City, OR to the Cultural Center.  Met up with Lyle and Arleen they were weaving and spinning in the basement. They had at least 5 looms and Sherry was in her happy place.  Went across the street to the Art Gallery and enjoyed the local artists work.

          Next was the Foul Weather Point where we were told there were three Whales in the area about 3 hours earlier. This is a group that stays in the area year round. The volunteers were a couple that live north of San Antonio Texas and have been here for the past three years. Back to the RV cooking on the grill tonight.

Fort Stevens SP

July 8-9 2018

Mileage 54785

We departed Celilo campground around 9am and drove to Fort Stevens in Warrenton, Oregon.

When we were in Dalles at the visitor center we heard of the fire that had closed the interstate. Moosefoot State park was the scene of the fire west of our location.  So we were concerned about this fire. Traffic was moving and we decided to drive that direction. When we arrived at the area we didn’t have any smoke or fire but it was “Stinky” from the remains of fire.

Got to Fort Stevens at 1pm and check in let us set-up after they made sure our site was available. We were only able to secure two nights at this park. It was very busy and fully occupied. 

 Astoria Trolley

After set-up we took the Jeep and explored Astoria, Oregon. We took the city trolley ride which is about a mile in length. This was a restored street car that rides on train style rails. At the end you switch your seat around and travel the same tracks back to your entry point. The conductors gave a running commentary of the history and facts about the buildings and scenes outside the trolley.

Then based on recommendations from friends Jim and Margaret Funkhouser we had lunch at the Bow Picker. This is a fishing boat turned into a kitchen. You walk past the kitchen and give them your order and pick it up at the stern of the boat. Fish and Chips were YUMMY the fish is Albacore Tuna, great recommendation.

We then toured the Maritime museum and picked up walking stick medallions and Marion berry jam. We then toured the lighthouse ship moored by the museum.

 Cape Disappointment

 Cape Disappointment

After returning to the RV we cleaned up and then drove the Jeep to the beach. We were surprised by the dark gray and black sand. We could see an old wreck along the shore and several places where driftwood had accumulated.

July 9

After a pancake breakfast at the RV we drove to Cape Disappointment and crossed the big bridge across the Columbia River. We enjoyed the drive but decided not to tour the lighthouse at the Lewis and Clark interpretive center.

We then returned to Seaside, Oregon and saw the indoor carousal.  We ate Norms world famous clam chowder and stopped at the Eddie Bauer and Pendleton blanket outlets at the mall. Drove the beach and took a bike ride around the park. We made arrangements for camping the next four nights at South Beach.

Celilo, Oregon

July 6-7 2018 Sunny and warm

Mileage 54596

          Departed Mt Spokane State Park and we drove separate as the road was steep downgrade and narrow with tight curves. We hooked up at the gas station in Spokane.

Continuing our journey we wanted to follow the Columbia River across the state of Oregon. We connected with the river at Umatilla, Oregon and followed it to Celilo where we found a free campsite right on the river.

Tinder dry grass at Dalles, Oregon

Celilo camp along I-84

          The area all along the river was very dry and the grasses were brown and in danger of catching fire. Normally the Celilo Park is a lush green area in this typically dry place. But the sprinkler pump that picked up river water for the park had broken and this park was also brown.

Downtown Dalles

 Mt Hood from the Interstate 84 by Dalles

Mt Hood

          Saturday we traveled into Dalles and visited the Chamber office to get tourist information. They told us to try Cousins restaurant as it was a good place to eat. So we went, and when we sat the waitress came by the table and said” Hello cousins”.  I had breakfast and Sherry had broasted chicken. We toured the town and then went to the grocery to resupply. Back to the RV we put out the awning and got out our chairs to keep cool. We moved over to the shade of the trees where there was more breeze and enjoyed the afternoon.

          This area is typically windy and is a gathering place for Sail boarders. We were entertained by these individuals on both afternoons and evenings. There was one barge that came down the river and the railroad bridge just upstream from us had to be raised to allow passage.

Mount Spokane State park

July 6, 2018

Mileage 54305

          First thing this morning we dumped tanks and refilled water. We ran out of water last night. We hooked up the Jeep at the shuttle parking area and left the park at 9:00 am. When we left Glacier we took Highway 2 west toward Idaho and Washington. Scenery was “OK” but not remarkable, we had just left Glacier so in comparison it just didn’t compare.

 This was a sign on our journey from Glacier in Libby Montana.

Campsite at MT Spokane

          We called ahead to the KOA in Spokane and it was full but we were already on the road so we had to meander back to the highway. We saw a sign for Mount Spokane State Park and called them. They  had spaces but weren’t going to be open long. We headed the 15 miles toward them and secured a site for the night. It was uphill most of the way and lots of curves in the road.

          Next morning we explored the mountain above the campground and it had amazing views. On a clear day your supposed to see three states and Canada.

 View from the top of Mt Spokane

                                                        View from the top of Mt Spokane

                                                        View from the top of Mt Spokane

                                                        View from the top of Mt Spokane

                                                      View from the top of Mt Spokane

Glacier National Park

July 1, 2018

Mileage 54157

            Said goodbye to the Square Dance center and after fueling up we headed to Glacier NP. The drive north was along Flathead lake and this was a beautiful drive. Cherry and peach trees orchards on the north end and this reminded us of Michigan.

Clear waters with snow melt

          When we arrived at Glacier we had no reservation and were glad we could secure a site B106 for the next four nights at Apgar campground.

          Setup camp and then took the Jeep and drove the “Going to the Sun Road.”  We went to the pinnacle Logan Pass and enjoyed to the Visitor’s center.  It was very cool at Logans pass with rain. This drive is 37 miles most of it up with one tunnel and one switchback. The drive is about 6% grade and the scenery is awesome.

 I have included this link about the history of how they built the road.

https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/news/upload/Going-to-the-Sun-Road-An-Engineering-Feat.pdf

Mountains rise around you and the rivers are alongside the road most of the way.

The water is crystal clear and the incredible views are beyond mere words. Pictures capture some memories but lack the panorama views necessary to see this amazing park.

          The next day we took the Red Bus tour again to Logans Pass. It was cold this morning 43 degrees and we turned on the furnace to warm up a bit before heading out. This campsite like most National Parks has no electricity or water at the sites. Lake McDonald is about ¼ mile from our campsite. We met up with our driver and guide Tony at Apgar Visitor Center. The Red Bus has a removable canvas roof and he rolled it open several times. However, because of rain events he had to stop and close the roof. We were supplied Pendleton wool blankets to cover and they were enjoyed as we traveled. The Red Buses were 1935 GM vehicles and GM had refurbished all of this fleet. This is an experience that you should enjoy. Our guide gave us the history and pointed out interesting places along the road and about the park. Through this experience we learned more about the park and also other places to visit in the area.

          Tony had given us a tip about where we could fish and Jay wanted to try his luck. You don’t need a fishing license inside the park so taking his advice we were going to Bowman Lake. We drove north from Apgar and then found a gravel road going north. This took us to the village of Polebridge.  Traffic on this gravel road was sparse and we were surprised when we reached the turn off for Polebridge with all the cars parked along the road. Turned out they have an annual Fourth of July parade. The village of Polebridge has around 10 residents. To see hundreds of people lined up and down the streets was something we were not expecting. Tony recommended stopping at the general store and trying there Bearclaw pastries. We worked our way through the hordes of people and obtained this treat. Never did find Bowman Lake and with no cell service I couldn’t find the map to help.

          Headed back to the RV after this and decided to drive the full length of the “Going to the Sun Road”. At Logans Pass we spotted several White Mountain Goats. The next 18 miles was mostly downhill with mountainous views. There is a tunnel 408 feet long on this road. Several areas were damaged by a previous forest fire. We finally spotted a Grizzly Bear about a quarter mile from the road. Saint Marys Lake was another scenic area. Upon reaching the town of St. Marys we went to this visitor’s center and looked around before returning to the camp.

 Look close in the center is the Grizzly Bear

          This was our last night at Glacier and tomorrow we head further west.