Apr 13, 2015
So many changes
From the beach of la Isla de la Piedra to the dry desert in Ajo to shopping in Yuma to the farm fields of Southern California and onto the mountains of Northern California, so many different landscapes. We woke to cool temps of 40F in Yreka and soon were ready to hit the road. The four of us did some serious cuddling last night.
It wasn’t long before we crossed into Oregon.
Such a beautiful state. Saw a sign along the road advertizing ‘ Miguel’s Mexican Restaurant ‘. Wish we had time to stop but I am fairly certain that there was no way they would be as tasty as Miguel’s on the Isla. Rae, be sure and let Angela & Miguel know.
We hadn’t noticed this logging off the highway before. Always something new to see.
So much green here, of course it does rain quite a bit.
Saw this cute house enroute to it’s permanent forever location. Most expensive diesel of the trip North so far, here at Love’s @ 2.749/gal.
Our destination tonight is the Valley River Center fondly referred to as the Eugene Mall.
This is an oasis in the middle of a city right next to nature and miles of walking and biking trails along the Willamette River. You are allowed to spend 2 nights here at no charge within a 30 day period. A really great location after a long day on the road and just a few minutes off of I5. Each time we stop here ( this is our 3rd year ) I think of Jean & Skip. If they hadn’t posted about it back then, we never would have found this special place. Thanks again Jean & Skip.
Within 15 minutes of arriving it started to drizzle so off we went for a walk. Note that the girls have Gortex jackets, neither Colin nor I do.
I haven’t seem too much spring activity this year. I think I just missed it as it was so early this year.
I never noticed this sweet plaque on a bench on the bridge before. What a neat tribute. “He fished here…She fed the ducks.”
We heard some yelling and looked over the railing.
It was a couple and their dog who seem to be living under the bridge. She was screaming at the top of her lungs as she left, ” I am leaving you forever”. Who knows, maybe it was for the best? The peace of the park resumed once she pedaled off on her bike. We have seen so very many homeless people these past three nights and dozens of people, both male and female, living in their cars. Will this cycle ever change? It seems to be getting worse. Just an observation, they seem to have sufficient funds to buy their smokes and to buy expensive coffees in the morning 🙁
The drizzle had become more intense when we met this fellow just staring out to walk his two dogs. Of course we had to say to his doxie girl.
I asked if I could take his photo. He was happy to oblige. I think it very neat that he has figured out a way to walk his dogs when he can’t walk himself. We had seen him get out of his car and barely get the scooter out.
When I saw the rain drops bounding off the water, I knew it was time to head back to the RV. Nothing like being mooned by a duck.
Once back inside the sky opened and it has been pouring for over three hours now. The girls are in shock at the cold and the wet. So many changes we go through, some small and some more involved. Today as we drove, I found myself thinking of calling my Dad to tell him something. Of course that got me thinking about how that will never happen again. So many changes…..
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I can’t believe you’re in Eugene already!!!! I love Eugene and it has some of the best street food this side of the Mississippi. And you’re at the Valley River Center! It’s the BEST urban boondocking spot I have ever found! When I was there, the guard was super nice and told me that I could stay an extra night or two if I needed and to just let him know. I don’t know if they still do extensions or not.
(I’ll let Miguel and Angela know, LOL!)
Of course you would know about this place 🙂 Printed on the form is a charge of $50.00 per night after the first two but you can always smile pretty and see what transpires.
I spent quite a bit of time in Eugene and the environs in March of ’11 since I got my solar setup done at AM Solar in Springfield. I was still waiting on payment from the RV show that did its best to screw me over, so I was desperate to find a free place for a few nights after my hospitality ran out! I found the VRM from ourodyssey.com, a really good boondocking resource for the U.S.
The guard took me under his personal protection, made sure I had the 24-hour emergency number, and had patrols go by my rig regularly. Never felt so safe!
Btw, I’m in bed and commenting from my iPad. 🙂
Don’t think I am getting the iPad. Comments not nesting???
They’re nesting at my end…
The one below this one isn’t, at least on my puter. No worries.
You were here before us! It is a very safe place. I wonder if you got your solar panels done at the same place as Suzanne, see her comment below. You really need to check out her blog, first class.
Yes, same place. They are the best in the industry. I knew even before I had my RV that I would wait to do solar until I could get to them.
Thanks for the Eugene Mall tip although guess we won’t get there anytime soon. It’s always like that when you travel north quickly. For us it was the change from Phoenix area to Nevada. Summer to late winter. We’re glad you trip home is going well!
For certain lots of temp changes along our treks North. Hopefully one day you can experience this place.
I can’t believe you are in Eugene already. It makes me a bit melancholy for many reasons. One because this current journey is almost at an end, and another, because I loved Oregon so dearly, and know it will be a long time before I will return again. I would never have known about that wonderful Eugene Mall stop were it not for your blog, and I had such a great stay there, from test driving my wonderful AM Solar install to the gorgeous rose garden along the path. Such a beautiful place all around! LOVE the girl’s jackets! So cute!
It was my pleasure to share it with you but pray tell, where is the rose garden? We haven’t seen it yet, maybe it is too early in the season.
Contessa, it is across the river. If you google “Owens Rose Garden,” you will find this description and a map:
“Nestled next to the Willamette River near the Washington/Jefferson Street bridge is the eight and a half-acre park known as Owen Rose Garden. In 1951, George E. Owen, a former Eugene city councilor and lumberman, donated five acres with his house to the city. It was the first parcel in a series that now forms the section of riverfront park stretching from the Ferry Street Bridge to the Greenway bike bridge near Valley River Center.”
Gracias, on the list for next year.
Hi Contessa,
Great picture of the man on the scooter with his two dogs. You can see the look of pride on his face. Dogs give us so much don’t they?
Will you be crossing into Canada via Sumas? There was a heavy snowfall on the coquihalla 2 nights ago and the semis were lined up with about an hours delay reported on the radio. We had a wet cold front that went through and caught people off guard. Shame to get salt on those shiny wheels !! Cool and wet here in the fraser valley
Alan and Laura
We will be crossing at the Peace Arch crossing but really the truck crossing a few miles East of it. We have to be in Delta the day we cross.
I heard about the snow. We plan to use the Connector on Thursday morning so if you or anyone else has any news about more snow please send me an email. We should be online until about 4PM Wed.
Nice to hear from you here.
So very many changes… all the time, sometimes hard to adapt or accept….
Thanks and hugs back 🙂 I know you get it.
The truck crossing near the Peace Arch is Pacific Border. I spent four months at the RV park right there. I’do sit at my dinette and watch the semis go through customs!
I knew that but it was buried in my mind somewhere. Thanks.
Thats what we love about living full time, the scenery changes and season as well, enjoy the rest of your journey.
Those who RV have a very special life indeed.
Yep, you have been moving right along. Hope you have nice weather waiting for you at home. Love that boondocking spot, we will have to remember it when ever we are in that area.
Ruth
We hope so too. Will have to wait & see tomorrow if the Connector will be clear or if we have to take the Fraser Canyon.
Pretty cool post!
Gracias but it was cool outside 🙁