Spring-Summer, 2014
Saturday, September 27, 2014: This was an overcast day but no precipitation so a well attended yard sale. I showed up early to make sure to get first choice at whatever treasures might be available. I found a satellite finder for $1, a couple of woodworking tools for $1 each and (Gwen's favorite), red pepper string of lights, also for $1. Then on a second trip through I found a complete Pressure Pro tire pressure sensor system. It was identical the the one I already own. I paid $400 for mine and picked up this one for $20. I'm thinking of spare parts. Gwen did a walk through too but didn't find any treasures.
Later in the afternoon I moved the Alumascape from storage to our lot. This is the final move to prepare for six months of travel in the Alumascape. But, before the preparation begins, we drove to Roseburg for the Timber Valley birthday/anniversary celebration meal. Then, after the meal, we did some sales-tax free shopping. Gwen likes to stock up on items we would normally have to pay sales tax in other states. There are only five of the fifty states which have no sales tax (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon). We live in one of those and visiting one of the others, Montana. Gwen hates to pay sales tax as much as I do but she takes it so seriously she will buy six months of toilet paper to avoid paying sales tax. I think that's funny. Click the photo for another view. The last thing I did today was watch USC Trojans embarrass the Oregon Beavers. Bummer.
Friday, September 26, 2014: This is a notice I received from a friend today concerning over 300 quakes registered during the last 36 hours near Mammoth Lakes in California. I looked up the USGS information on the "swarm" of quakes and they don't seem to be overly anxious about the activity although they have the "threat level" as "high". The USGS reports "swarms" in the past without volcanic explosions so we are to assume the current swarm won't lead to a disaster.
So, while 300 earthquakes are happening in California, I was attending a meeting of the Escapee Chapter 9 officers discussing the dates and locations of the 2015 RV rallies. That's why I'm reporting on the earthquakes, it's far more exciting.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014: Today was the appreciation dinner for the volunteers at the park. Of course it was the volunteers themselves (or some of them) who actually bought the ingredients and cooked the dinner for ALL volunteers. The park paid for the ingredients. After the dinner the new (used) golf cart was introduced to the volunteers. The park bought the golf cart for the volunteers to be used mostly by the "welcome committee". The welcome committee greets all new arrivals to the park, giving local area information and park information to the visitors. The golf cart is in the shape of a European vehicle and has the BMW logo on the hood. It appears to be in very good condition.
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Tuesday, September 23, 2014: Another project which has been waiting all summer for me to complete. When we got our lot in 2012, one of the first things we did was to install our chicken weathervane to the roof of our shed on lot #55. After moving, I noticed that our next door neighbor had a nice weathervane installed to a 4 x 4 next to his shed. I liked that idea so I chose to install the 4 x 4 next to and near the steps up our hill. I put a bevel on the top of the 4 x 4 and sealed the top with glue. The vane mount was broken so I drilled a hole in the top of the post and put the vane shaft directly into the post. I also wrapped the base in plastic to help preserve the post. My neighbor also gave me twenty pounds of cement mix which I used to help stabilize the post. Later in the afternoon it was time to take a photo of the finished project and found that three deer were visiting for a snack of the green grass on our hill, an excellent time to take the photo. Click both photos for additional views. The photo behind me shows the deer on the hill. |  |
Monday, September 22, 2014: Thank goodness we had an overcast sky all day, I spent the entire day re-engineering the steps up our mountain behind the fifth wheel. My first try had a few of the steps too far apart or too tall to the next step. I estimated the need for four new steps, 10 feet of pressure treated 2 x 4, 20 feet of rebar and a new "transfer" shovel. As it turns out, I only needed 2 of the four steps but I needed 20 feet more rebar, I had exactly the right length of 2 x 4. Had I put more planning into the first installation, i would not have had to do it a second time. It actually took me longer to fix the problems this second time than it took me to install the first time. Each of the 2 x 4 supports has 20 inches of rebar passing through it and into the hill. The external rebar is to keep the step in place. I finished the project just before dinner. I had to build platforms to hold the stones where there was no ground support due to the steepness of the hill, I guess an engineer would have figured that out the first time, right Tom? I watched Morgan use the new design and she had a much easier time climbing the hill. Click the photo to see the steps from the top of the hill.
Sunday, September 21, 2014: It's another hot day so I decided to complete one more project before we leave Oregon so off to Home Depot for supplies. The project has to do with making our steps up the back incline more comfortable and usable. It means rethinking some of the spacing of the blocks and some redesign of the engineering. I decided to do this now rather than wait until next spring when we return because I suspect the winter rain will cause the grass to grow in the areas I must clear for the steps. Next spring, then, the hill will look more in a normal state of green foliage rather than chopped up to make room for steps up the hill.
Saturday, September 20, 2014: I've added rails to the dog ramp so Morgan would not slip. After reading some instructions of how to train a dog to walk a ramp, I laid the ramp on the ground so she could get use to it. She is not impressed with the new ramp. It is now laying on the floor inside the fifth wheel. I'm hoping she will step on it, get use to it then not be afraid to use it as a ramp. We'll see how it goes.
Friday, September 19, 2014: Still working on the to-do list. It started with flushing the hot water heater then replacing the anode rod because the current rod is completely spent. Next, the plywood in the fifth wheel tailgate needs to be sanded then repainted. Click the photo to see how the plywood fits the tailgate. Also, recall that the combination lock on the tailgate is from my college bicycle lock ... and I still remember the combination. I graduated college in 1969 so pretty good memory. Of course I opened that lock at least 10,000 times.
Thursday, September 18, 2014: Morgan has begun to struggle climbing the steps into the Alumascape because of her age. Today I designed and built a doggie ramp to make it easier for Morgan to get into the trailer. I have a few more additions to the ramp but it's mostly finished. The next trick will be to get Morgan to use the ramp. Also I have a question about the material I used to make the ramp. It may be too smooth. I'm keeping a lookout for some in/outdoor carpet so Morgan has something to grip on the climb up the ramp. The trials will start tomorrow. Click the photo to see the ramp unfolded.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014: I spotted this in our local Bi-Mart store. Seems like an odd fan food to me. My son wants the molds to make ice cubes ... he's a true Oregon Duck fan. Meanwhile, I'm working on a long to-do list to get ready for some real traveling in a couple of weeks. Here are a few of those items: check air pressure in the trailer spare tire, fill the empty propane tank, insulate the hot water lines in the trailer, move zip-ties to the trailer, replace the tarp over my outdoor wood supply, torque trailer wheels, treat the black water tank with chemical, and make sure the grand kids presents are in the truck.
Monday, September 15, 2014: Today was a travel day from Diamond Lake back to Sutherlin. As we pulled into Roseburg, my tire pressure warning alarm began to buzz showing 63 lbs of pressure in the left rear trailer tire and dropping. This is the third time the tire pressure warning system has worked to save us. Fortunately, we were less than a mile from Les Schwab, the dealer selling us the trailer tires. They found a lag bolt in the offending tire but also found that the tread was separating. When checking the other tires, another tire was separating on the opposite side. The tire warranty covered most of the replacement cost so I got two new tires. This is the kind of thing you want to have happen (if it happens at all) when you are not a thousand miles from the nearest dealer. Our long distance travels will begin in about two weeks and for the first thousand miles we will be in Les Schwab states, after that, no Les Schwab. Gwen and I have a long list of "to-do" items which must be completed in the next two weeks. We can check-off the trailer tires on our list. Click the photo to see the transmitter sensor on the tire.  |
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Friday, September 12, 2014: This was an unusual travel day from Coos Bay, Oregon on the coast back to Sutherlin, our home base. Gwen met her Physical Therapy appointment. In the mean time we check the weather forecast to learn that the next three days are to be 95+ degrees. Since we are still hooked to the trailer, Gwen bought a few groceries and we drove a couple of hours into the mountains. This time to Broken Arrow campground near Diamond Lake. We had scouted this campground earlier in the month and learned this would be a quiet place to camp. It would also give me a chance to test my ability to get a satellite signal using our new DISH antenna (satellite dish) with only solar power, no hookups as we had in Coos Bay. I'll do that tomorrow, it's much too late to try tonight.  |
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Wednesday, September 10, 2014: Gwen and I shopped the local farmer's market and found it to be one of the best we have visited. Lots of farmers and really good produce. Of course it's the right time of year for all the best. Gwen wanted to visit Fred Meyer where she found what she was looking for. When we returned to our Alumascape we had just enough time to prepare for the pizza party happening tonight. This is the crab rally so several members with boats went in search of crabs today and found enough for the group. We'll be eating those tomorrow night. Click the photo for the pizza party. 
Tuesday, September 9, 2014: This was a travel day to Coos Bay, Oregon on the Oregon Coast. The Escapee Chapter 9 is having a rally at the Mill Casino RV Park with something planned for each day. This was also my first chance to setup the DISH network satellite dish on my own. Gwen and I used the point and scream method. That's where I point the dish while Gwen watches the TV screen for signal strength and yells out the window to me so I know if I'm improving the signal. I have another method but I thought I'd try the point and scream method first, if it worked quickly, no need to try method two. On the drive to Coos Bay, we stopped in Winchester Bay for a bread bowl of clam chowder, click the photo for a view of the floating Unger's Fish and Chips where we like the chowder. The center of activities in this rally is the crab feed. Several boat owners are going to trap crabs and provide them to a crab feed on our last day.
Saturday, September 6, 2014: The Oaker's are from Oakland High School, Oakland, Oregon. They were the Oregon State Champion football team last year for small high schools. Gwen and I chose to do something different and attend the first game of the season. They are using a freshman quarterback this year and much of the rest of the team is young. They held well through the first half but they Central Linn took over and the Oaker's have seen defeat for the first time in a long time. We enjoyed the game and the refreshments.  |
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The Silverton rally began with food and continued nearly every day. We also visited the Oregon Gardens, Frand Lloyd Wright house, Mt. Angel, the Silverton Farmer's Market. We continued with a quilt show in one of the rural churches then a nice hike in the Silver Falls State Park. A nice rally but a traffic noisy RV park so I would not return to the park but I would return to the camping area of the state park. What we enjoyed the most was the city of Silverton, old town. Nice restaurants and shopping area. Gwen enjoyed the Oregon Gardens and quilt show at the rural church. Someday we will want to return to the state park and hike the "10 Falls Trail". Click all photos for additional views. |  |
Monday, August 18, 2014: A week ago, Gwen and I were camping at Diamond Lake. That evening a good Timber Valley friend died unexpected from a stroke. Wally Hepworth was a work horse in the Escapee Timber Valley Park. The park is a "co-op" so each member is expected to do a share of the park jobs. Wally did much more than his share. Wally was also knowledgeable about solar, batteries and a variety of other topics. For that reason, I always considered Wally to be my "safety net" for the multitude of projects I attempt. Wally has saved me from myself more than once. But in this park, I wasn't the only one which Wally helped, he was the "safety net" for most. I will miss his wise advice and friendship.
Thursday, August 14, 2014: Some time ago we had some work done on our truck in Sutherlin. Since the work, our steering has shown some subtle problems. We've taken the truck to three different locations asking for repairs and been charged by all three but the problem was not fixed. I finally took the truck to the Lithia Dodge dealer in Roseburg. They immediately said, "the
steering damper is missing". The dealer wanted to check all other joints and check for a replacement steering stabilizer, "even an after market part". When I returned an hour later I was told they could NOT find a part for my 2004 Dodge because the steering parts on my truck seemed to be from an earlier year. "Say What!", I'm thinking. What happened to the original stabilizer? The Sutherlin repair station probably forgot to reinstall after their work. But how would I get steering parts other than 2004 model parts? So their solution was to order all new steering parts which included a stabilizer. The cost with installation was to be $1,000. I had no alternative but to schedule the repair to happen in a week so they could get the parts. I left Lithia, drove a quarter mile to the Napa Auto Parts dealer. I met Randy, the owner. He had the stabilizer in stock and sold it to me, after giving me a "Gold level" discount card, for $43. I called Lithia and cancelled the $1,000 repair. Later in the day, they called me back and wanted $110 for the hour they kept the truck. That seemed fair assuming they really did check all steering joints. Their report was that everything was OK and I only needed the stabilizer but since none existed I must replace all parts. I have to question why they could not have made the Napa purchase and installed the part. Had I been thinking quickly enough I could have asked that they install the part I had purchased for the $110. Instead, I installed the stabilizer myself. It took about twenty minutes. Did it fix the problem? Time will tell. Click both photos for additional views. 
Wednesday, August 13, 2014: Before leaving the Diamond Lake area we had to do a visit to Crater Lake, we haven't seen it for ten years. It's always amazing to step up to the edge of the calderas and view the size of this lake. We had remembered the location of the cafe and store differently and believe they built a new building and removed the one we remembered. We particularly liked visiting the lodge. We caught the weather just right since the wildfires to the south have been obscuring the view and thunderstorms have also been common. The narrow access road to the lodge requires work from an overhanging cliff. Click Gwen's photo to see workmen hanging on ropes to break rocks loose before they fall on passing cars. Click the above photo for a panorama of the lodge deck and lake. 
Tuesday, August 12, 2014: Leaving Diamond Lake today. This is the store and marina. The lodge is just to the left of this location with a nice restaurant and rooms or cabins to rent. Click this photo for "bumper boats" and fun activity for the kids for $5 per boat and a lot of bumping for the kids. We left the area about noon for a two hour drive back to Sutherlin except we stopped in Glide for a snack then Roseburg for groceries.
Saturday, August 2, 2014: Finally, we make our first visit today of Lahne's u-pick farm where we got to pick vegetables from the field. We got corn, green beans, carrots, squash and cucumbers. Vegetables can't get any better than this! More to come.
Friday, July 25, 2014: I signed up for the ping pong tournament today at 2 p.m. thinking I would have time to finish all my projects before the tournament began but it soon became apparent, I had too much to do so I cancelled my ping pong registration. Instead, I borrowed the parks pressure washer which has a 5.5 hp Honda engine and puts out 2,500 lbs of pressure. I cleaned all the crud off the fifth wheel, top to bottom, then did the same for the Alumascape which was still sitting in our driveway from the ocean trip. Finally, I pressure washed the concrete patio in front of the fifth wheel. It is surprising how well the pressure washer works. It cleans only with water but very high pressure. I even moved the cedar stairs in front of the door to get that part of the patio too. I wore ear protection because I hate listening to the sound of a gasoline engine hour after hour. Once the pressure washing was done, since the stairs are now offset from the fifth wheel door, I put a coat of Red Cedar deck stain on the stairs. While those are drying, we are using the fold out stairs connected to the fifth wheel. Gwen finished cleaning the inside of the Alumascape so I hooked up and towed it to our storage space in the "back 40". Click the photo for a larger view.
Today was the last "fun day" so event awards were given tonight along with a dessert social. Everyone enjoyed cheering for the winners. I found it funny because there was only one set of ribbons. After each event was awarded the winners had photos taken with their ribbon then had to return the ribbon so it could be given to the next set of winners. That wasn't the case with dessert. We had plenty to share with everyone and many different flavors to choose from.
Thursday, July 24, 2014: This day started early with an 8 a.m. horse shoe tournament. I enrolled in the tournament thinking I would be defeated quickly then I could easily take Morgan to her 10:30 a.m. annual veterinary checkup. Well, I was defeated quickly BUT not released from the tournament. Instead, everyone must play a total of five games. It was the beginning of game number 4 at 10:05 a.m. so I found someone to take my place. Morgan is nearly 14 years old, so showing her old age but the vet says she is in good condition for her age.
I also made an appointment in the afternoon for Miss Scarlet (our Prius) 15,000 mile service. I had a problem with the Prius navigation system so the dealer updated the software. I was told we had a very old version of the navigation software and the update would take care of whatever problems we were having. On the return home, I learned NOT to push the "short route" button, but to push the "fast route" button. In this case, I pushed the "short route" and the navigation instructed me to take a route currently not available and also to "turn right" on a road which did not exist. The electronic navigation is very helpful most of the time but there are times you must "out-think" what you are being told by the electronic voice.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014: This is our first annual meeting to attend at Timber Valley since becoming leaseholders at the park. The photo shows the 2013-14 board of directors just before the meeting began. Click the photo to see the 109 members (lots) in attendance. This is very much like a monthly board meeting but an annual review of happenings in the park. This is also a good chance to ask questions concerning park events. As with all Escapee functions, this one included food. The men's cooking group fixed lunch for everyone. Everything ran very smoothly with three of the current board members replaced by new members taking a three year term. This is also a time for members to volunteer for committees. Gwen committed to three while I committed to two. 
Sunday, July 20, 2014: I drove to Bandon, Oregon today to pick up Gwen. She has been visiting with a friend the last couple of days. While waiting in the car for Gwen and her friend Alice to finish shopping the town, I noticed a couple outside the store just in front of me and I quickly snapped a photo (click the seagull photo to see the couple). I just as quickly posted the photo to Facebook stating that if Gwen and I should ever dress with matching tye-dye coats, my kids should just take me out and shoot me! My daughter quickly pointed out that their grandchild may have given them those coats and now she would put them on a "wish list" for MY grandchildren to get ME. I'll admit, I would wear anything my grandchildren purchased for me but I don't have to do in PUBLIC!
While visiting Bandon, Gwen and I took a walk on the cliffs overlooking the Bandon beach. I began noticing the seagulls ridge soaring right above our heads. I knew what they were doing because my college roommate was a sailplane pilot and I'd flown with him a couple of times. The wind was blowing against the cliffs and lifting the air over the cliffs. The gulls were catching this uplifting air and riding the wave. The other part of this I noticed was they were doing it for "fun" and in groups. It seemed to be a social thing, like surf boarders waiting for the best wave then all joining in together to learn who could get the best ride. At the end of the ride, they'd turn around and ridge soar back toward us. This fun would be repeated over and over. Now we are back at the marina, the gulls have returned and all seem to be telling their wave riding stories at the same time. I told Gwen, it must be the "annual meeting" much like the Timber Valley annual meeting happening next week.
Thursday, July 17, 2014: Gwen needed an ocean fix so we hiked our way to the south side of the Umpqua River and found a long flat beach part of the Oregon Coast Dunes Recreation Area. The Dunes stretch from Florence to Coos Bay and are popular with Quad riders. We walked a couple of miles on the beach while Gwen watched for unusual shells. I talked her out of driftwood and rocks. After the beach, we visited the Umpqua Lighthouse again and the museum. The museum has a room showing the life of a sailor in the coast guard in the 1940s. She had an uncle who lost his life while serving in the coast guard in 1942. We found it interesting to see the artifacts of the 1940 Coast Guard sailor. Today was a clear day compared to the day I visited earlier. The clear weather gave us a better view of the marina and of the new 20' "kite tail" I'm hanging from my wind sock pole.
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Tuesday, July 15, 2014: After a leisurely morning, I took myself for a hike to the Umpqua Lighthouse and museum. The boat at the right is an early rescue boat designed to survive rough surf when searching for sailors from ships in distress. Click the photo for view of the Umpqua Lighthouse which is still in use although today was so foggy it could barely be seen on shore or off shore. The details of the lighthouse are printed on a sign in front of the lighthouse. The coastal weather is keeping us cool. We actually had sun until mid-afternoon when the fog was blown in. Highest temperature still did not top 60°. 
Monday, July 14, 2014: The forecast for Sutherlin and the rest of the interior of Oregon is to be very HOT this week. We are beating the heat by visiting the coast for a week during the hot spell. It is almost working too well, the temperature reached 73 this morning in Reedsport with clear skies but in Winchester Bay at the Salmon Harbor Marina where we are parked it's overcast with fog and 20+ mph winds making is cold enough for Gwen to start the propane space heater to stay warm. I took Morgan for a walk after changing into long pants and warm shirt. This should be a popular time of year at the coast and there are many RVs parked around us but the local restaurants are empty at dinner time. No doubt, it is tough to earn a living on the Oregon coast. This location is only 1.25 hours from our home park in Sutherlin.
Friday, June 20, 2014: This is my view with my morning coffee. It's warm in Oregon and just the right temperature for a relaxing morning.
Today was my Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED training class which I needed to complete the requirements for my chainsaw certification with the PCTA (Pacific Crest Trail Association). I had to think about the last time I had the First Aid certification, probably 40 years ago. I'd say, "not much has changed", except the number of CPR compressions to the number of breathes per minute. And, of course, 40 years ago, there was NO AED. It's a good thing the AED talks to the user and coaches the correct use of the instrument.
Early tomorrow morning I'm leaving for a couple of weeks to spend eight days on the John Muir Trial near Mt. Whitney, California. I'll also be visiting with my grand kids in Nevada and then with my Mother in California. It will be mid-July when I return to continue with RVeCafe.
Tuesday: June 3, 2014: Gwen and I with our friends Jay and Anita attend the Umpqua Community College play "Brownstone". The play concerns a New York home (Brownstone) and focuses on the lives for three generations living in that home. The generations sometimes overlap. I found the play moving and well done. Since it is a community college class performing the play, the acting talent varied but still very professionally done and worth the viewing. The performance was well attended and the audience showed their appreciation. I'm looking forward to the next UCC play. The college is only eight miles from our park so we have no excuse not to attend. When you click the photo you will see Jay and Anita examining the UCC student artwork featured outside of the theater.
Saturday, May 31, 2014: After seeing my photos of the Lost Coast backpack trip, Gwen wanted a taste of the ocean for herself. Our reason to drive to the ocean was to visit the Coos Bay Farmer's Market. However, we learned after arriving that the market day was not Saturday as we had thought. That didn't stop us from continuing the drive to Cape Argo to watch the sea lions and stand on the beach. Click the photo to see a panorama from a cliff view point. Be sure to scroll right/left with the photo because it will not fit your monitor. If you have a little magnifying glass with a (+) in the center, click the photo a second time to enlarge. We also got a view of the Coos lighthouse. The weather was perfect but windy in unprotected areas. Gwen was wanting to collect a few sea shells (by the seashore) while I was wanting to collect surf polished pebbles. We were both successful in finding what we wanted. We ended our ocean visit by having dinner at our favorite Coos Bay Seafood restaurant where Gwen had "Slaw and fish Tacos" and I had Calamari with onion rings. Morgan also hiked to the beach but didn't care for the steep hike back to the car.
Friday, May 30, 2014: This was another "ordinary" day. I rebuilt the concrete block stairs between the two levels of our lot. The stairs were originally built by volunteers in the park but have not held up well. I redesigned the support and put them back together but forgot to take any photos. I did photograph Gwen's creative design on the patio side of the shed. I don't think she is finished yet. All the items came from garage sales. Just another "normal" day in Timber Valley.
Thursday, May 29, 2014: After five days away it is good to get back to the normal. Normal everyday routines, silly things happening in the park, getting things completed on the to-do list, scoring student assignments and eating Gwen's great meals. This was Gwen's creation for lunch. Healthy, fresh and filling. Now I have the energy to work on more of the to-do list and plan the next backpack trip.
Thursday, May 22, 2014: George and Trudy are long time residents of the Timber Valley RV Park. Earlier this week, George invited Gwen and I to meet them at their favorite buffet. Seven Feathers Casino is a 40 minute drive to Canyonville, south of Roseburg. Beginning Thursday evening, they have a nice seafood buffet. George and Trudy love the buffet so invited their friends to join them. Everyone (except me) loves to dig into crab legs. That's too much work so I choose the pickled Herring, smoked Salmon, fresh and deep fried oysters and, of course, the huge dessert bar. This is likely the last of the good food for me for a while since I'm leaving on a backpack trip early tomorrow morning. Click the photo to see the party inside the Casino.
Monday, May 19, 2014: My project for the day was to build then install this privacy screen next to the shed. Also the hangers for the gardening tools and ladder. Gwen's clothes line is behind the privacy screen and she would prefer that her laundry not be seen. Our lot is slowly getting cleaned up. I still have some concrete block work I want to do but that will not get done until the end of next week. Too much happening this week. The inside of the shop is cleaned and organized. Now I just need to put some bins away and sell a few items on Craigslist and I'll be ready to start woodworking again.
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Friday: May 16, 2014: The photo is of Mark, the "boss" of the crew which installed our patio. Mark was rarely on the job. The only thing he did was to cut the few blocks which needed to be cut. The whole crew is related. Steve is Mark's brother and Ivan is their uncle (although Ivan is a year younger than Mark). Mark was complaining about "being too old for this kind of work" today as he cut the final block. Mark is 60. Have you ever cut a cement block. Imagine the noise the diamond saw blade makes when cutting that block. Look at the cement dust floating in the air. Mark wore no hearing, eye or lung protection when making the cuts. He smokes continuously. After making the cut, he sat next to me "resting", wheezing and struggling to catch his breath. He was talking like he was looking forward to retiring but apparently he hasn't figured out, this is the body he will have to live with when retired and he hasn't taken care of that body.  |
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Wednesday, May 14, 2014: For the second project, we need more blocks so here I am at Willamette Graystone picking up 3,500 lbs of blocks. I put 80 lbs of air pressure into my Firestone load leveling air bags, the truck didn't look like it was loaded nearly to maximum but it sure felt like it was. Steve and Ivan got some help from "the boss" who was suppose to cut several blocks but didn't so the job is still not complete. Click the photo to see "the boys" in the 95° heat.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014: The work continues on the patio areas. All blocks will likely be installed by tomorrow. Once all the forms are installed, the forms are used to level the gravel and sand so the blocks are perfectly level. This first project should be finished tomorrow. Click the photo for another view. Steve and Ivan are related and probably work together a lot. They "banter" while working. Gwen thought it was arguing, I think it is bantering. It was a very warm day today. Gwen and I got several jobs done but I'll share those another time.
Monday, May 12, 2014: Today, Steve and Ivan showed up to begin work on the patio in front and to the side of the shed. These guys have done many of the block patios in the park so we have hired them to do our patio. They are circling the patio area first with pressure treated 2 x 4s then will lay the block in sand to make sure they are level. While they began work on the patio I continued work on the electrical wiring and started getting the shed better organized. Steve and Ivan will return tomorrow to hopefully begin laying blocks. Click the photo to see a wider view and the outline of the patio.
Saturday, May 10, 2014: Several weeks ago we took advantage of an offer from Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI). Gwen and I needed new hiking boots, if we purchased them within a time period, REI would give each of us a $20 gift certificate which could only be used the first twelve days in May. So REI had us hooked and we needed to return before Monday to use our $20 gift cards. We wanted more than one reason to visit Eugene. As it turned out, yesterday I was visiting with my friend Glen in Costco and mentioned my need for a storage unit so Gwen and I could use our shed more for hobbies than for storage. Glen showed me exactly what I was looking for but Roseburg Costco had sold out. I called Eugene Costco and learned they had plenty. So that was reason number 2 for a trip to Eugene. Reason number 3 was to have breakfast at a unique little restaurant near the University of Oregon Campus. And finally, reason number 4 was a trip to the Valley River Center (a large mall) so Gwen could look for a new sweater. The photo shows me with the large storage shed box after two Costco employees loaded it for me. The shed display is above my head. I'm also wearing a favorite shirt previously purchased a Roseburg Costco. I picked up another in gray along with the shed. Click the photo to see our table at the unique restaurant this morning during breakfast. It is extremely popular but we got there just before the crowd and were seated inside. Many of the "regulars" sat outside (even when raining) because they must like it as much as we do. I really like their coffee and wish we had a local restaurant with as good coffee and reasonably priced meals. Actually, we have three near us however one does not serve breakfast and none have coffee as good. Only a few minutes after being seated, the noise level became so loud (only from the conversations around us) that we could hardly hear each other or our waitress. That was part of the fun. The Lighthouse Center Bakery and Cafe is like that much of the time. Oh! I got a $21 pair of Smartwool Trekking SOCKS and Gwen got a very nice REI brand fleece, windbreaker (good to 50 mph) vest. I'm sure neither of us would have treated ourselves to these nice items had we not had our $20 gift cards. I also picked up a phone carrier which will connect to the shoulder strap on my pack. I ordered this online at the REI Outlet store (on a half price sale) but had it delivered to the store to get free shipping. Finally, yes! We had to drive the truck to Eugene rather than our Prius to pick up the shed. It was still cheaper than the $100 they wanted to ship the shed to Sutherlin. If you did not already know, Eugene is 60 miles, so 1 hour from Sutherlin.
Friday, May 9, 2014: This is Friday afternoon which is usually "Friendship" time in the clubhouse, but today, something special. The local community college is only 8 miles away, Umpqua Community College. The UCC Singers performed on stage in our clubhouse this afternoon to an appreciative crowd (or was the crowd attracted to the free cake and ice cream since food in the clubhouse usually draws a crowd). Gwen and I enjoyed the music and hope to enjoy more with the summer Oregon Musical Theater Festival happening at the college and other locations in Douglas County. I'm hoping we have more such events on Friday afternoon.
Thursday, May 8, 2014: After talking with "Mark", the person most folks in the park use to set their concert block decks, I drove to Roseburg to pick up the number of blocks we will need. It turned out to be two pallets, each pallet weights 3,500 lbs so I picked them up one at a time (my payload is 4,500 lbs). I purchased them at the Willamette Graystone, they loaded the pallets with a fork lift, I had to unload one block at a time. Thank goodness, Gwen helped. We've only unloaded one pallet so maybe we'll finish tomorrow after some Advil tonight. These blocks will be arranged in front and to the side of the shed to make a nice outdoor location for a patio. I could have built a wood deck as I did in front of the #55 shed but that would have been more expensive and would require annual maintenance (paint or stain). We have assembled the materials and beginning Monday, we will have help to laying the deck from Mark and his crew. They are the experts. Click the photo for another view.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014: I know this must be getting boring but this is how I spent my day, moved stuff out of the shed to install the shelves and start putting items into the shed in some kind of order. I also listed several items onto Craigslist and plan to list items on eBay to get rid of them. The perimeter of shelving has been installed so now I have a little more floor space to use. I need to get my project wood OUT of the shed but must build the wood storage unit to do that. Gwen has started the painting (click the photo) so now I can build the wood storage unit. It will be raining tomorrow so most everything has been moved back into the shed. 
Tuesday: May 6, 2014: Today I ordered the paint to change the color of the #93 shed to Gwen's favorite, sea foam green. Then off to the hardware store to pickup concrete blocks to support the stabilizer jacks. I've never used more than four jacks but own eight jacks and have decided to use them all to try to take some movement out of the trailer. It's tough trying to seat the blocks and balance all the jacks while still keeping the trailer level. This is just one more way to make us permanent. Click the photo for another view.
Monday, May 5, 2014: Cinco de Mayo at the clubhouse ... any reason to share food! These folks really know how to fix good Mexican. We got a Cinco de Mayo history lesson from Jerry. It was a battle with the French.
Yes, we are out of lot 55 for good, no $20 per day penalty.
Sunday, May 4, 2014: Working another long day to finish the job of moving. Today included more trips to the dump, removing all #55 shelving and anything else attached to the #55 walls. Somehow, I was also able to lift the News-Review newspaper delivery box. This was a tough job since I had driven the post deeply into the ground with a hammer. This was a rainy day and tomorrow is forecast to be a rainy day also. I took advantage, then, of the few rain breaks to climb onto the #55 shed roof to remove our chicken weather vane. I apparently thought the vane had to survive a hurricane because I installed it with four large bolts thinking it would never have to be removed. It took a 1/2" drive, long handled socket wrench with Gwen hold the nuts under the eaves to remove these bolts. What made this especially difficult was the paint we had applied to the bolts after the installation. But, we were successful and here it is, ready for installation onto the #93 shed. So what's left? I must remove the 4 x 4" pressure treated post I buried two feet in the ground to support one tip of my ill-fated shade triangles; I must remove my shed overhead light and ceiling fan from the shed; I must rake the rocks to cover the bare dirt left from where I used cement blocks to stabilize the fifth wheel and finally; vacuum the shed floor. Then comes the months of work to organize everything in the #93 shed. You'd think we we'd bought a 2,000 square foot house. However, when you have only a 10 x 12' space, if must have exceptional organization to use it for storage and still have room for hobbies (my woodshop). 
Friday, May 2, 2014: Two big jobs were completed today. I spent most of the morning removing our awning from #55 shed, then reinstalling the awning onto #93 shed. Click Gwen's photo to see the installed awning. When you look at that photo you will see the pine shelving I removed from the #93 shed and now used as a temporary deck to place items as we wait to install the shelving I will remove from the #55 shed. We've also moved most of the items from the #55 deck (such as our new table and chairs). These items kept outside might get some weather protection from the awning.
After the awning was moved, Gwen and I installed self-adhesive floor tiles to the floor of the #93 shed (we had to wait for the tile and floor to warm before installing). This was about a three hour job because all of the perimeter tile had to be measured and cut to fit the space. We calculated correctly, it took exactly 120 square-foot, tiles. I believe this may be cheaper than the floor paint I purchased then used on the #55 shed floor, and this is much nicer.
Once the floor was installed, I made several trips to transfer items from #55 to #93. No time to install shelving into the #93 shed. We must be moved by Monday evening and rain if forecast for Sunday and Monday. That means everything we want to stay dry must be moved tomorrow and stored temporarily until shelves are installed. That means all items inside the #93 shed will have to be removed, something I was hoping to avoid because it means double handling. We'd probably need at least another two weeks to make this move easier. So, tomorrow, all shed items must be moved and wood storage unit on the back of #55 must be dismantled then rebuilt before the rain begins.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014: I mentioned yesterday, something might happen today at 9:30 a.m. which would cause me to remove my triangle shades. When you are a lot-holder in an Escapee Co-op park you always have the option to move to a vacant lot when that lot becomes available. If more than one lot holder wants the vacant lot, the lot holder with the longest residence gets first choice. If NO lot holder wants the vacant lot it is given to the next person on the waitlist. We have been a lot holder for a little less than two years and we have been a lot holder longer than anyone else wanting lot 93. Our current lot, 55, is a wonderful lot and we have made many improvements to it but we saw lot 93 as having enough differences, we decided to apply for the lot and we got it. It has NO improvements. Previous lot 93 holders had installed a wood deck and wood retaining wall, both were installed so long ago, the wood was rotten and both were removed by the park. The park replaced the retaining wall with concrete blocks but did not replace the deck. The park also added a truck load of gravel. When you click the shed photo, you'll see a street view of the lot. The ditch, surrounded by rocks, was filled by the park today with gravel so the ditch is gone. The shed is "rough". When we got lot 55, the shed was also rough but electrified. Lot 93 shed is insulated but NOT electrified. We expect to make improvements to the lot slowly and consider these photos the "before" photos. So why move? You can see that lot 93 has no one parked behind the lot. Instead, there is a steep hill leading to a huge lawn area. We see that as a positive. Lot 93 gets both summer and winter sun (some of the lots located further south receive NO winter sun). The angle of lot 93 has our fifth wheel pointed due east-northeast which means we will be getting summer morning sunshine on our awning area with the sun passing directly overhead and to the opposite side of the trailer in the evening putting the awning in the shade. In the winter, the sun will be low in the south, putting sunshine directly onto the awning and patio area. Gwen sees having no improvements a positive because it means that we will design the area to look the way we wish. A park rule in a lot exchange is to make the move within seven days. That means lots of hard work for the next seven days since the new shed must be improved before moving all our shed items to the new shed. Click both photos for additional views. 
Wednesday, April 23, 2014: We picked Studio One Cafe for breakfast in Eugene after reading the recommendations on Yelp. This is the kind of breakfast location I remember from my college days, a rustic setting with great service and great food. I especially liked their coffee. The restaurant opened at 7 am and we arrived only a few minutes after opening. We got a lot of visiting time with Gwen's son David before we all met David's girlfriend at the airport. That gave us even more time to visit. After visiting time, Gwen and I went to REI where we found some hiking boots to replace those we have worn out. We got home in time to attend a business meeting of the Friends of the Umpqua Hiking Club. This meeting was to plan the hikes for the next three month. It was interesting to know ahead of time where the hikes would lead. 
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Thursday, March 27, 2014: During our winter trip south to stay warm and out of the rain, I damaged the tint installed onto the rear hatch window. I waited until I returned to Oregon to have the tear repaired. John originally installed the tint and said he would do his best to make it look good again. It didn't take long for him to fill the tear. Most people won't notice the repair, we'll learn what Gwen has to say about it. Unfortunately, our Prius is not perfect anymore.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014: Joe, the cobbler, fixed my favorite shoe in just one day. One of the sewn seems was pulling apart so Joe sewed it back together. I bought these Keen shoes last fall in Ferndale, California. They were on sale (otherwise I would never purchase in California due to the sale tax). I liked them so much I went back the next day to learn if they had a second pair I could buy, but they didn't have my size.
About the blue shoe laces. Kickstarter.com is an interesting site which introduces product ideas to people like me BEFORE the product has been manufactured. In fact, they offer a chance to invest in the production of the product at different award levels. The Blue Shoelace Project was one of those products. I invested $5 and 3 months later got a pair of blue shoe laces. The company making the shoelaces is the LAST American company making shoelaces. The bluelaces make a statement that I care about American manufacturing. So if you see someone wearing blue shoelaces, mention that YOU also care about manufacturing in America.
Monday, March 24, 2014: Well today I debates between posting two photos, the yard ornament at the right and the eyeglass showroom photo found behind the yard ornament (click to see). That's because this was a busy but boring day. Gwen and I had eye doctor appointments today, then a meeting to help the activities improve at Timber Valley, then I worked to assemble the yard ornament which I purchased from Costco after seeing the exact same ornament in my sister's yard in Concord, California. We liked it in their yard, so wanted one for us too.
Now about eye glasses. Many retired RV travelers like us visit Mexico to buy glasses. In Mexico an eye exam is usually free or cheap ($10) and Mexico does not charge for every little add-on, they are usually just included. As I remember, the price totaled $100 - $200. Many travelers are happy with their Mexican choice. However, that price is close to the Costco price on glasses so that's the route I've gone the last two years. Last year's choice was not great so this year I chose to visit the local optometrist. I'm hoping for glasses that work better for me. So far, I like the optometrist much better than the Costco optometrist, he spent much more time with me and the fee (because I have insurance) was the same as Costco. The fee for the glasses was quoted at $350 and these are the "basic" progressive glasses with transition lenses. I expect the Costco glasses to be about $250 but I'll learn that tomorrow. Then I'll have to make a choice.
Saturday, March 22, 2014: This is my second day for a long walk. I'm trying to build endurance because some of the best hikers can hike as much as 20 - 30 miles in a day. I don't need to hike that far, but the better condition I'm in, the more enjoyable the hike. Today is the birthday and anniversary luncheon in Roseburg so I walked nearly 7 miles toward Roseburg before Gwen caught me and drove the rest of the way. I'm walking old highway 99 (the major north/south route in Oregon before 1960). Interstate 5 is to the right of the guardrail. I'm carrying my trekking poles because I've lost both rubber tips which are needed for road walking.
After the luncheon, Gwen wanted to look for some patio furniture. Click the photo to see what she likes best. That price dangling from the chair is for SIX chairs.
Thursday, March 20, 2014: The first day of spring, 2014 and we have returned to Sutherlin, our "home base". We are in the process of cleaning and repairing the Alumascape before putting it into storage until our next trip. This is finals week for my college course so I've been busy scoring exams and calculating course grades then posting, so nothing is getting done on the RVs. My weather station reports a low of 35° and a humidity of 92%. We haven't seen that since leaving Oregon last fall. 
