Headed South!

 With the decision to head south this year with the truck camper instead of the 5th wheel, the road conditions were less of a factor, facilitating a bit later departure. 

Bailey checks out the weather! 

But, once the hot tub is drained and winterized, there is not much reason to stick around.

  

There had already been a few snowfalls, but it had all melted around home.

 Further south though, there was a fair accumulation in the fields, and there was even a couple of vehicles in the ditch south of Bragg Creek, though the roads themselves were now all bare and dry.  We topped off the fuel in Pincher Creek and parked behind a friend's house to spend an enjoyable evening visiting. It was a bit of a shock the next morning to find everything covered in fresh snow. Heading west through Crowsnest Pass, we were clearly on the road before the snowplows had a chance to clear the slush!

That night we visited with more friends in the country near Cranbrook, after taking a detour, but not the one on the farm gate!

Next morning, we headed for the border, where we donated some eggs and green grapes to the Ag inspector!  After a quick fuel stop in Hayden Id, we made it all the way to a riverfront spot on the Columbia River near Roosevelt, Wa.

We had plenty of fuel to make it to the coast from there, but with today's fuel prices, we opted to top off the tank while going through Portland at a slightly cheaper price.  That night found us enjoying the first ocean view of the trip overlooking Cape Meares.

The heads up display in the truck includes a convenient leveling monitor, so you can level up without leaving the driver's seat!

Now on the coast, it was time to slow down and start to enjoy the scenery.

With the truck camper, we were able to explore a lot more little side detours that are often not friendly to a 5th wheel.  So, explore we did.  Near Seal Rock, there was some ocean art on display!

Just north of Sea Lion Caves, there was not surprisingly, some sea lions out basking in the warm sunshine.  I could see that one had some nasty injuries, possibly from a shark?  I was also surprised to see that some of them had a large number branded or painted on their sides, for obvious research and tracking reasons!

At another 'no-go' place with a 5th wheel, this very interesting bridge was discovered.  We have driven over it many times on Highway 101, but never saw how it was built before.  Interestingly, at the far end of the bridge in the photo, the highway immediately enters a tunnel!

At another viewpoint along the highway, someone had spent a lot of time and planning to create these designs on the beach - only to be obliterated by the tides in a few hours.  This one was already almost half gone when we came by!

Got a kick out of this on the rear of a car.  If you know the song lyrics, you get it ...

Oregon coastal scenery, spectacular as always.

 

 

Found a new to me waterfront spot near Gold Beach!

Before long, it was the coast of California that we were enjoying.  In Orick, the river's access to the ocean is blocked by sand, though ocean waves regularly wash into the estuary during high tides.   

I guess one seal found himself on the wrong side of the divide, and decided to make a 'run' for it!

I found this little gem of a spot a few years ago - the hard way!  I had towed the 5th wheel right to the shore, only to find that there was no place to turn around!  I had to back it up down the road close to half a mile before finding a place to turn.  This included going back up over a small bridge where you could not see if there was oncoming traffic!  Luckily, traffic was almost nil.  This year, with the truck camper - not an issue at all!

Next, was another place I had discovered a few years ago, but fortunately did not attempt with the 5th.  But I had hiked up to this little spot with an ocean view.  Knowing it would be ok with the camper on, I drove up for a look around.  

 

Once there, I looked at maps and Google Earth to see that there was a small camping area, about six miles along this steep, very narrow one lane road.  Why not give it a try?  With the truck in 4x4 low range, we worked our way slowly though the timber with occasional ocean views.

  

Eventually, after about an hour, we reached this idyllic spot at the mouth of a small stream.  I was surprised to find another couple campers in the area.  But the worst was yet to come.  I hadn't realized that it was FRIDAY, and apparently the spot isn't a secret among the jeep, 4x4 and the off road crowd.  By Saturday night, I was completely surrounded by other campers.  I actually had to close my curtains - a rare thing for me!  But at least this crowd does not usually travel with loud generators, so the only sounds to be heard over the crashing surf was some talking and laughter at night.  As hoped and expected, most people departed on Sunday.leaving only a couple more overnight, and by early Monday morning, we had the place all to ourselves.  Well, to ourselves, and the sea gulls.  And a wild goose chase!

 

I think we'll just hang out here for a few days, till we run low on food or beer, or the weather reports threaten to turn the road impassable.  Getting a few bits of cell service, but falling back on Starlink when required.