From Ocean Breezes to Rainy Roads: Bailey and I’s Journey home

 We drove right across northern California, from east to west; from Nevada, over the Sierras, to the ocean.  On first arrival, the weather was still wet and unsettled, so as expected, the first night with the ocean view was windy and wet.

After that, however it was mostly sunny and warm with only occasional breezy times.  All my preferred spots here are very close to the road, but traffic during the day is light, and almost nil at night.  And any sounds from the road are easily drowned out by the sounds of the surf.

 

Another great spot to spend some time beachcombing, and enjoying the sun. 

Japanese fishing float washed ashore.

Canada Geese are nesting on the nearby offshore islands, and Osprey are out morning and evening looking for some fresh seafood.

Unlike the beaches on Padre Island Texas, these ones tend to have more slope, and none of that rock hard sand that makes driving on the beach so easy.  So - I was quite surprised to find this couple and their vehicle tucked into a little spot at the base of the cliffs, just barely above the high tide line!

Their vehicle may have been 4wd, but pretty sure they would be trapped there at high tide, and possibly getting very wet if the tide was unusually high, or with high surf.  To get to that spot from the road also required crossing a small freshwater stream on the beach.  Certainly not a place I would go, or stay, even with a much more competent vehicle!  Hope they made it out OK?

Bailey was in his element, stalking the grass like a little lion, his tail twitching with excitement at every rustle. It was a far cry from the dry, sparse desert sands we’d left behind, and he was clearly loving every moment of it.

After a full week enjoying the warm weather, beautiful ocean breezes, the smell of salt water, it was coming to an end.  The forecast was for rain, and more rain in the coming days.  With no desire to get wet, or be stuck inside, it was time to move on.  And move on we did.

 

With the wipers running non-stop, we continued northward up the coast, bypassing several of our favourite overnight camp spots because of the rain.

 

Our only stops were for fuel the next couple of days.  Very impressed by the full video screens at a couple of Native run gas stations in California.  And some of their prices were better than those in neighbouring Oregon, which is typically cheaper than California.

Bailey has this traveling thing figured out—just sleep the day away and wake up to explore a new area.

We turned inland at Portland, and the weather improved somewhat, away from the coast.  One night was spent waterfront along the Columbia River near Roosevelt, on the Washington side.

From there, it was a long days drive to the border, where the crossing was quick and uneventful, as usual.  We hit one short section of slush passing through Kootenay National Park, but otherwise, the roads were bare and dry all the way, which isn't always the case.

It was nice to find no snow in the yard at home, unlike in 2018 - below!

Photos from 2018 - above, and below.

 

It took Bailey a minute to realize where we were, after 5 1/2 months on the road, but he soon was tearing around like he was possessed, up and down stairs, bouncing off the walls, and perching on his favourite lookouts!

For me, it was nice to be able to watch hockey on a big screen, instead of an iPad mini, and my hot tub on the deck was very much appreciated!  Starlink was also re-activated for the summer season, both at home and on the road.

Nice to be home for sure, but after a couple days, Bailey wanted to get back into the trailer!

Maybe he's ready for some summer travels soon!