Down the Left Coast - Masked trespasser in camp!

In the last post, we'd reached Cape Meares on the Oregon coast, and enjoyed the sounds of the surf and smell of the sea.

From there, we moseyed on southward at a relatively slow pace with light traffic.  A quick stop in Lincoln City found some diesel at $3.39 ($1.25Can/L), so any spare fuel cans got filled as well, knowing that the prices would be much higher ahead.  Propane also topped off.

 Well down into California, this great spot was re-discovered for another night with only the sounds of surf.

Check out the videos!

As per usual, we left highway 101 at Leggett, opting for the #1 right on the coast, after the very winding, sometimes steep road to get there.  Due to shoreline slumping and collapses, several preferred ocean view pull-offs were occupied with construction equipment attempting to save the road.  We did find a good spot nevertheless, though a masked trespasser came by in the dark - or perhaps we were trespassing on his home?  Bailey also decided that there should not be any deer allowed in camp!  Check out the videos below!

Another sip of fuel in Fort Bragg had us continuing down the coast, trying to stay ahead of any predicted precipitation.  Found this great ocean-view spot, and we were joined for the night by three different van campers.

A short detour took us out to the Point Arena Lighthouse, where this video was taken.  I posted this one on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/ozmDLzIiFLI

At the mouth of the Russian River near Jenner, we stopped a while to watch the harbour seals, and large flocks of gulls the brown pelicans feeding in the estuary.

We don't usually use Starlink in the winter down south, because of a much cheaper grandfathered unlimited plan with AT&T we have, but it's brought along as backup.  It's been paused, but is still active till the middle of the month, so decided to give it a try in a short cell-free zone.  Much to my surprise it worked quite well, just set up indoors on the bed!  It didn't even tip over when left there while driving!

The coastal route south of San Francisco in the Big Sur area is still closed because of landslides last year, so it was time to blast all the way across northern California for some hot spring action.  Luckily, that route involves a short incursion into Nevada, where fuel prices for diesel were decent at $3.33/g.

 

Compare that to Bridgeport, Ca, where I've traditionally found the highest prices ever!

After driving that far, it was a big disappointment to find the hot springs closed with this sign!

Plan 'B' was quickly put into effect, and we headed down to the collection of hot springs in the Whitmore/Mammoth area.  This area is much lower elevation as well, so the nights would not be dropping well below freezing like they were predicted to do in Bridgeport.

Time to slow down, relax, and enjoy the hot water for a few days!

On the Road! Missed the first snow by hours!

The leaves were turning and falling rapidly, so it was time for the change of seasons, campers, and locations! 

 

 There was quite a long spell from the time I pulled the truck camper off for the winter, and our departure for the south country, so we were well prepared to head out.  Bailey finished his work controlling the mouse population, and keeping the squirrels wild.

Bailey knew something was up and kept going to the door of the camper every day, as if to give me a hint!

 

After getting all new hubs and bearings and brakes on the trailer, there was no more reason to stick around.

Day one, we headed south and visited friends in Pincher Creek.

Next day we crossed the border, and the agricultural inspectors justified their jobs by taking my one tiny tomato, and one shrivelled orange.  I'm sure they felt good about it!

 

Bonners Ferry, Id

 

Apologies, but most of the photos are simply taken out the windsheild or side window as we drove.  They may not even be in the correct order, as I can't recall where most were taken!

We started in Idaho, then headed west through Spokane, Wa, then down to the Columbia River

That looks like Lake Pend Oreille, near Sandpoint!

Spent this night in a quiet lake front boat launch.  Quiet, except for the nearby railroad!  Took Bailey our for a walk in the parking lot on leash.  He heard a boat approaching and it scared him, so he broke his collar free and ran for it.  I found him waiting to be let in the camper door :-) just like at home.

Found this new to me spot on the waterfront of the Columbia River the next night.

 

Pretty sure that's Mount Hood dead ahead.

Headed west along the south shore of the Columbia, in Oregon.

Portland traffic was not an issue mid-day, so we carried on and took a different route to the coast, heading out to Tillamook, and on to Cape Mears.

It was a tiring day for the co-pilot.

Found this high and lonesome spot with a great ocean view to spend our first night on the coast for this trip!

Blog is up to date, which is an infrequent occurrence!  Stay tuned.