foreshadowing: it's a really good thing we bought the all-terrain tires and jumbo bug spray

 From Gold Beach, we cut across to Roseburg, Oregon where we decided to replace the tires on our vehicle. While we only had about 30K miles on this set, they were looking rather worn and with the plans we had before us, involving off-road and wintry conditions, we decided to err on the side of safety.   

And so it is, we detached the Denali from Quarantinny, and while tires were being replaced - popped open the canopy and set up camp right there in the parking lot of Costco.  

 While the car was in the shop, we ourselves shopped and with two carts packed to the brim, seemed to completely forget that we were living in a 27-foot camper. 

Costco has that effect on us.  

We don't necessarily want new wide brim hats with a chin cinch for the entire family, but we sure do need them.  Just like some of us need new flip flops.  Along with gargantuan sizes of shampoo and conditioner.  A six-pack of toothpaste. Body lotion. Sunscreen. Bug spray.  And croissants.  It's impossible to walk through the Costco bakery without getting a box of croissants.  This time we bought two because who knew when we'd see a Costco again?  It was the responsible thing for us to do.

As we pushed our overflowing carts outside, the shock of seeing the camper again was like jumping in a cold lake when we suddenly recognized our significant spatial limitations.  Everything had critical value, nothing could be returned.  So it took us the better part of an hour to stuff our refrigerator, freezer, pantry - and every nook and cranny with supplies which we thought for sure would last us for four weeks.   (Reality: the food lasted less than a week, what with four ravenous teenagers.)

By the time we had successfully put everything away, broken down camp and pulled out of the Costco parking lot with our new tires, a full tank of gas and full bellies, it was 5:00 PM on Friday, June 19th.  

Oblivious to what lay in store, but with an optimistic attitude and penchant for rolling with whatever adventure comes our way, we pushed north to Crater Lake where we had no reservations nor clear idea where exactly we would be staying.  

The subject of my next post is why Fridays became my most anxiety-ridden day of the week .... and how we honed our skills at boondocking.  

That's it, smile everyone...  ignorance really is bliss! 

gilded helmets along the gold coast

We continued our drive north along the spectacular California coast, before we arrived in what would soon become everyone's favorite state* of Oregon.  (*At least until we got to Washington!)

We had initially planned to cut across from Humboldt to Mt. Shasta in California, before driving north through the central part of Oregon, past Klamath Falls.  But when we heard that our amazing niece, Jessie, a brilliant wildlife biologist, was working at Gold Beach, we stuck to the coastal route.

The Gold Coast of Oregon is breathtakingly beautiful.  Soon after crossing the state line, we made a pit stop at Meyers Creek Beach to take in the sights, stretch our legs, and let Ollie run around.

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It may not appear that steep, but this trail was a bit treacherous to climb over in order to access the beach.  There was probably a better, safer way down - but the kids hopped out of the car and just took off running in the direction of the sand and water.  

 Must. Get. To. Beach.

Must. Run. Around.

Must Climb Rocks.

 

Must. Splash. in the. Surf.

 

What was supposed to be a quick 10-minute stop wound up being more than 120-minutes.  Around this point, we were realizing that the most awesome thing about this meandering trip, was also the hardest part about this trip.  

So many of these unplanned stops turned out to be such a gift of unexpected splendor, we easily could have stayed for several days.  Alas, all we could do was drop a pin - make a mental note - and promise ourselves that we'll be back to visit, again. 

 

So we continued our trek north, where we enjoyed a fun dinner with Jessie aboard Quarantinny and learned all about her current assignment with the National Forestry Service.

We also squeezed in a few more runs with Elizabeth, along the coast.

This section of coast was called - of all things - Driftwood Beach.

Elizabeth's motivation to get out and run every day was really inspiring.  Although I would accompany her on my bike for most of the rides, if I wasn't able to go - William would always step up.  

One of my best memories of this trip is how William in his rapid ascension of vertical growth, surpassed his father in height - and stepped in to the role of Big Brother.  Virtually overnight, I think it can be traced back to while we were in Oregon... he became extremely protective of his sisters (and me) and is living up to the origins of his name as a defended protector. 

 

Rugged men of the northwest, indeed!