Newport and the Black Oyster Catcher

We arrived in Newport the 24 th Sept for a week,we've been here before and have stayed at the Newport RV & marina park nice view of the marina & bridge. Went shopping and sightseeing for a couple days and then the weather started arriving this is a pretty big storm the remains of a typhoon that hit Japan a week back so we have been souped in with winds and rain  and are missing places that we would like to see again. Kathy wants to see the black oyster catcher that frequents this area which can be elusive for her birding list.The weather should start clearing out Tuesday the day we were scheduled to depart.  We decided to stay another week. oh well that's what is good about this lifestyle you have the flexibility to change your plans. I  need to get a few things done to the RV so that's the name of that tune and Kathy needs to see that darn bird. so hopefully I will have good news about the elusive oyster catcher in my next blog until later Safe travels.  

Astoria,area

Lewis & Clark ended their journey here in Astoria where they found the Pacific ocean just a few miles west of here. We visited the interpretive center yesterday which is the site where Capt's. Lewis & Clark and the  the men know as corps of discovery  (us army enlisted men) spent the winter here  before heading back they built  Fort Clatsop and hunted fished and traded with the Chinook & Clatsop Indians to sustain them through the winter. The center is very informative and a must see if you spend time here. also we visited what is know as the Astoria Column its built in the early 1900s on top of the largest hill in the city and built like a lighthouse you can see where the Columbia River empty's onto the Pacific ocean , sand bars and river channel for miles very pretty and you can get a since of what this area is all about. with other rivers that empty into the Columbia another must see. We will leave here the 24th and go to Newport OR so until later get out and see this wonderful country that we live in. Safe travels.

Astoria ,OR

Arrived yesterday and are all set up here in Warrenton at Camp Riley army national guard base. 10 full hookup spots on asphalt  been here before and really like the Astoria  area lots of history with Lewis & Clark   and the mouth of the Columbia River will be here a week maybe two, will relax for a few days after having a great time in WA. will post more later about this area. until later safe travels.

Labor Day, our last few days in Washington.

We will leave here Tuesday the 3rd and go to Astoria OR for a week We have had a great summer up here and have made new friends here in the park and seen old friends who spend time up here  The best part was being able to spend time with son's David & Clay we said our goodbyes last weekend and its always sad to leave them but they both seem happy and you can't ask for more than that.  The Lord has blessed us with great weather, friends and family. Looking forward to seeing the Oregon coast again as it has its own beauty. Until later folks,safe travels wherever you are.  

Whidbey Islands

Our friends Steve & Sandy invited me, Kathy and Marty over to Oak Harbor on Whidbey island for a day visit We left Port Townsend on the ferry and they picked us up on the other side at Coupeville which is a very pretty old town.We drove up to oak harbor where they grew up and showed us the town and brief history of where Steve and Sandy met and use to hang out, also the Navy base is located there. next was  Deception pass where you cross the only bridge to the island it is very pretty area up there and they have a beautiful state park there. Next we were shown Penn cove world renown for their mussels very picturesque setting and historical town and cove. We were next taken to their beach house that Steve's dad built and they recently inherited they prepared lunch for us (which was very good thanks Sandy) They have been busy cleaning out the house and making repairs and if you live on the beach you are always trying to keep up with the weather damage that is constant how you can get any work done is beyond me because with the shipping lanes, sea life, birds  its so pretty there how can you find time to work.Our time was running down and and they drove us back to the ferry it was a great visit and will stay in our memory banks. Thanks again Steve and Sandy for a great day. Safe travels everyone.  

Visiting family

Saturday we took the ferry over from kinston to Edmonds WA to visit my cousin and her daughters family (Val & Jay) in Snohomish who have moved up here from Florida.Our two sons David & Clay picked us up and the four of us spent the day visiting. My sons have never met their second cousin and family they have three sons  Jay Brandon , Kyle who are living at home and Aubrey their other son is married and living in Fla. Everyone bonded very well. My Cousin Carol and her husband Dean are visiting with them for a few weeks they have a motor home and are able to park it at the house. Dean is a master carpenter and is doing some cabinetry work that Val wanted They hope to come over here one day to visit with us I hope they can do that as they have not seen this part of the country and this time of year it is wonderful up here. Today was great sunny and deep blue sky can't beat that, Kathy and I just set around watching birds and working a jigsaw puzzle. and somewhat watching NASCAR . Hope you folks are enjoying your day wherever you are.Safe travels.  

Mystery Island (Nordland WA)

We have moved to Smithy's RV park outside of a small fishing village of Nordland WA one mile from Fort Flagler state park the owners are very nice and the folks that are staying here are very friendly. Kathy is a happy girl, has bird feeders up and our space big and has flowers & plants everywhere. We had our friend Marty over last evening for happy hour & dinner Kathy cooked a great southern dinner of fried chicken mashed potatoes green beans biscuit & gravy,Marty needed a wheelbarrow to get to his truck lol. Our sons will be over Sunday on the ferry and Kathy has another great meal planned ,I might need a wheelbarrow also if she keeps this up. Marty says he will come over here for a week in Aug when his Daughters and family come over to Ft Flagler for a camping outing I think we are going to Port Townsend this afternoon to the boatyard, the brewery there is putting on a BBQ and samples should be fun. Well until later folks, safe travels.