First Days in Oregon

Well in two nights in Oregon we have experienced the worst campground ever and the best so far.
We were trying to get to Hood River for our first night but by around 5PM we knew that we did not want to keep going that far. We still had about 200 miles to go. So we used some iPhone app to find a place to stay near Baker City, a very nice historic town along the Oregon Trail. We chose Lookout RV Park since it was Good Sam approved. It was an asphalt parking lot with hookups. Not a blade of grass or a single tree or bush could be found. Everything was wrong. The utilities were at the front of the sites requiring the full extent of the hose, electric cord and cable. The sewer hookup was uphill from the trailer pad requiring shit to defy gravity. Please consult with Einstein & Newton when installing a sewer system. Well the owner was nice, the laundry was clean and at least there was a "lookout" view.

The next day we pulled into Memaloose State Park recommended by Kim at Small Small Trailer. Thanks, Kim, this is a great place to stay. We are sorry we didn't push forward the day before to get here. After setting up our trailer we drove into Hood River to see the town and get something quick to eat.

Oak Street has shops,  wineries, cafes.

This is a telling photo. The Police Station is closed.

Delicious artichoke pizza at Andrew's

The Memaloose SP campground was right on the Columbia River. We arrived without reservations and  did not have any trouble getting a spot for one night. The next day was completely booked for the Labor Day Weekend.

Diva's spot had a great view of the Columbia River. Unfortunately, this picture does not do it justice.

This magnificent weeping willow provided Diva with shade

The Columbia River near our campsite

Charcoal grilled pork chops and asparagus for dinner

Finishing dinner at our campsite. The photo was taken by our neighbors, a young couple from Portland on their way to a Dave Matthews concert nearby.  We shared some our dinner with them and they shared their desert, grilled peaches. We also shared a few hours of conversation.

Debbie seems pleased with our circumstances.

We will be spending the Labor Day Weekend near Portland on the Columbia River. I hope the campsite is half as nice as this one.

Thanks, Kim.

Frank

Welcome to Oregon!

I have been waiting to see this sign for most of my life.

When I was a boy of 9 or 10 I read my first full length book and it was about a boy and his family who were on their way to the Oregon Territory. They encountered rivers and mountains, bears and wolves, indians and bad guys. It was quite and adventure and it sparked my interest in Oregon ever since. In spite of this interest I had never set foot in this state until today. This is the last of the 50 states for me to visit. It was a deeply emotional experience it was. I plan to spend the next month or so right here.

Frist stop is the Welcome Center to pick up some maps and a State  Park Guide.
And a free cup of coffee.

Eastern Oregon looks pretty dry and barren

I guess if we need cement then we need to mine mountainsides to get the materials.
Hopefully, we can do it less destructively.

Is this the Road to Nowhere?

The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center near Baker City

Life-like displays of the daily lives of the immigrants.

The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center near Baker City. A fantastic view from the top. 

What a Week!

We had a fantastic week at Alumafandango in Lakeside, Colorado. Rich Luhr and his staff says there were some problems setting up this inaugural event but we hardly noticed. I know we didn't have water or electricity for about 10 minutes and, gosh knows,  that was terrible. 

The very first people we met at the rally were Ken and Julie pictured below. Ken asked me where I was from. "South Carolina",  I said. "Where in South Carolina?"  he asked. "Aiken" I responded. "Really, what part of Aiken?". "You've heard of Aiken?" "Yes, we have a house there". It turns out that I had spoken to them several months ago when a mutual friend told me of their Airstreaming. Nice to meet them in person. Julie was at exercise classes every day. Ken was very helpful in solving Airstream problems.

We took a tour of Timeless Travel Trailers, co-sponsor of the event and experts in rebuilding, designing and redesigning Airstreams and other classic trailers.

Brett conducted the tour.

This Bambi was lifted off its' frame. It will be turned into a pizza place in Australia

Mila and Dan are reflecting in this mirror shinny Airstream. I am to the right looking oh-so skinny.

This multicolored parrot has his picture snapped every 5 seconds.

Fred Coldwell in his 1948 Wee Wind

This 1948 Wee Wind Airstream is in its' original conditioned. "Maintained" but never "rebuilt"

Everything in it is original.

A 40 foot Airstream! The Western Pacific used it to house workers who slept in bunk beds along one side.

Rosie inspects the new digs.

There were dozens of classic Airstreams polished to mirror finishes.

The lovely Diane Bailey with her dog. She owns 4 Airstreams.

Diane's 16 foot Happy Trails

We met in person many people we had only met virtually before. Below are Marlene, the pretty one with the smile and, what-can-I say, Dan

Luka with a K.

The perfect retirement clock

Three rasta dogs we met at the Rally

An Edward Hooper moment at the amusement park adjacent to our campsite

Frank & Debie enjoying the Ferris Wheel

Yvonne & hubby

South Carolina always gets the rap for anything that goes wrong

Here is an aerial shot of Diva. Just ignore all those other so-called Airstreams surrounding Diva

You mean you can't find us? Keep looking. 

Photo by Kevin and Laura of Rivetted, http://www.riveted-blog.com/

Posted by Rich Luhr , http://airstreamlife.com/maze/2012/08/27/1932/

Used without  WITH permission (see comments)

To see some other pictures of Diva, and who wouldn't want to?, go to Kyle and Mary's post.

http://channelsurfingwithgas.com/alumafandango-open-house/

Diva is featured in #84 to 90.

We are now on our way to Oregon via Utah and Idaho.