tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63361725438367499922024-02-19T03:18:02.373-08:00Gordon's Geezer GrumblingsMy thoughts and opinions about most anything that interests me at the moment. Juanita might add her two cents worth occasionally as well.Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-71764824383723423942017-08-13T19:39:00.002-07:002017-08-13T19:54:54.778-07:00Back at the Oregon homesteadWell, our vacation has ended and, despite the good time had by man and beast, I think we are all happy to be back home in Port Orford.<br />
<br />
The 975 mile drive from Island Park, Idaho to our little coastal village took only a few days that were mostly without incident. Our first night on the return trip took us to Twin Falls in Idaho and back into lower elevation heat. The skyline during the entire return to Oregon, and almost to the coast, was blown out by dense smoke from mostly distant wildfires. The miles and miles of usually beautiful scenery were covered by a dense brown haze that dissipated only at the crest of the Oregon Coast Range east of Brookings.<br />
<br />
Our second day on the road took us along one of my least favorite roads in the US, the eastern end of Highway 20 from Ontario to Burns in Oregon. The roadway is in decent shape but consists of a constant twisting and turning along a river valley. In the past we have hauled our fifth wheel trailer behind allowing us the use of a tag along bathroom. Let us just say that I was very uncomfortable after well over 140 miles of roadway with no facilities and after multiple morning cups of coffee. I will readily admit that I killed some sparse roadside plant life during this portion of our travels.<br />
<br />
We were greeted in Burns with a temperature of 102 and spent the night in a motel that might not have been infected by bed bugs. At least I didn't see any. The place was somewhat run down and the two Beagles were bothered by some aroma that I couldn't detect.....maybe a dead body in the room at some time in the past?? I sure hope not!<br />
<br />
The peek-a-boo latch on the door was torn off, obviously by someone kicking in the door and the handle and lock combination was in bad shape. A couple of bikers in the next room elevated the discomfort level, although wifey and Beagle girls slept through the loud bangs and bumps that lasted most of the night. I didn't sleep quite as well.........<br />
<br />
The third day of travel took us along the arrow straight portion of Highway 20 to Bend, where we turned south on Highway 97 and then west just north of Crater Lake. We arrived in Central Point (near Medford) during mid afternoon to a balmy 106 degrees. At this point we really missed the cool weather around Yellowstone and eastern Idaho.<br />
<br />
During our overnight stop in Twin Falls, Idaho, I ordered and set up for Saturday pick up a 55" 4K Ultra High Definition TV at the Medford, Oregon Best Buy store. While Juanita finished packing and preparing the girls for our last day on the road, I drove over to the store and made the pick up at the 10 AM opening time. I secured the big heavy box just to the rear of the truck cab and returned to the motel to collect my passengers for the 175 mile drive to Port Orford.<br />
<br />
We arrived at our little RV home late in the afternoon and happily inhaled the fresh clean Pacific air with a 63 degree temperature showing on my weather station. Better!!! I unpacked all of our luggage and we rested a little before a friend of mine arrived to help me take the big 97# boxed TV out of the back of the truck.<br />
<br />
Our sixteen days of travel and 3500 miles of roadway had left all of us unscathed by insult or injury....that is, until I tried to shift the big box around in the back of the truck, without help and wearing my sandals. I realized my bonehead move the instant the box suddenly lurched over the big toe on my left foot, crushing the digit and lifting about 2/3 of the nail from the flesh. Will I ever learn?? Uh, probably not....................<br />
<br />
Anyhow, a week has passed and we have returned to our daily routine. Juanita is quilting, my friend and I managed to get the TV into the trailer and in place, and I have already scheduled my first of the season salmon fishing trip on the nearby Coquille River. As for my tender toe, it is slowly healing but I think the toenail will fall off in time. Oh well, it won't be the first time.<br />
<br />
As for the TV, it is fantastic. NASCAR races never looked so good........................................<br />
<br />
<br />Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-91823111086981025412017-08-02T18:09:00.000-07:002017-08-02T18:09:24.266-07:00Out of the cooler and into the frying panWe have had such a fine time in the high country around Yellowstone (the cooler) that it was difficult to drive back into the flatlands of Idaho (the frying pan) today. We are facing 100+ degree temperatures for the drive back to Port Orford. Ugh!<br />
<br />
On Sunday we took a drive to one of our favorite Montana destinations, the little town of Ennis. While driving along the Madison River, I stopped at a rest area and unleashed my flying machine to record some video of that beautiful area. Unfortunately the sky conditions were not great because of smoke from distant wildfires. I directed the camera for mostly ground shots, which minimized the bright washed out skies. I also stopped just outside Ennis to complete the video record of the day drive.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/C-iKLnSTl7w/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C-iKLnSTl7w?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Try to use the HD setting if you have the bandwidth</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We picked up a little picnic lunch at a local Ennis eatery and found some shade under a tree to enjoy the nice meal. Our original plan to continue on to Virginia City was set aside so we could drive back along the Madison River and over the old 1959 landslide at Earthquake Lake. A thunderstorm interrupted any additional attempts to record aerial video, so I took a couple of still shots with my iPhone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJX04_aj_gSlDOJO510n0SRCpnnJhZWulbHxHlak-YIGmT6FwnxdKClUwwwcjW0r6RvPtpK0XP7Oc3-sv8yWXPXhsMqWvlqq_dNEd6LuueskWiE_FoOTW_3zPXvrFg-usOhZG5ov0fvwtO/s1600/Earthquake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJX04_aj_gSlDOJO510n0SRCpnnJhZWulbHxHlak-YIGmT6FwnxdKClUwwwcjW0r6RvPtpK0XP7Oc3-sv8yWXPXhsMqWvlqq_dNEd6LuueskWiE_FoOTW_3zPXvrFg-usOhZG5ov0fvwtO/s320/Earthquake1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcV5fEtxWsqkyROTF-nt0m4bggqwBKCWRM_GJj569ova_keITbW060bPt_KqF6y19GSzRV2DA3VzGbS6bQY6fsXcBvai0I5D-7-afmanrgZAEALD0HLaBd584zJQynx9LIuaBEV_xFLzz/s1600/Earthquake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcV5fEtxWsqkyROTF-nt0m4bggqwBKCWRM_GJj569ova_keITbW060bPt_KqF6y19GSzRV2DA3VzGbS6bQY6fsXcBvai0I5D-7-afmanrgZAEALD0HLaBd584zJQynx9LIuaBEV_xFLzz/s320/Earthquake2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We returned to Yellowstone NP Monday morning to make a loop trip through the Hayden Valley where I was certain that we would find some of the park wildlife. We weren't disappointed with the outcome and spotted large groups of bison and several young bull elk. We also encountered the classic Yellowstone animal jams and marveled at the tourist idiocy on display. One woman, in and out of the passenger seat of a pickup truck in front of us, seemed to have a death wish and was a good candidate for the Darwin Award.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Because the NPS and FAA have banned hobby flying for video purposes inside the park, I used a handheld stabilizer with my iPhone camera to record a little video of our excursion.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/r6tODk6dNZI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r6tODk6dNZI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We returned to our little cabin in Island Park during mid afternoon so we could avoid the worst of the traffic in the park and rested up from the nice day drive. Just at the end of a quiet meal we heard a knock on the door of the cabin and, fighting off two out of control hounds, opened up to find a long time (do I dare say old here?) travel friend standing with a big Cheshire Cat grin on his face. I noted on Facebook that I seldom get got, but I did. I knew our friends Mike and Sandy Mills were in some part of Montana, but had no idea that they would attempt to put a gotcha on me and pay a visit. We later joined them at their rolling home at the nearby Valley View RV Park for some fun conversation and treats. We enjoyed the brief visit and have promised to return the favor when they least expect it. Payback!<br />
<br />
<br />
Tuesday was our last day in the area and we decided to keep our travels fairly local after Juanita did some laundry. After that task was completed we took a drive into Montana along a dusty dirt road and filmed the excursion with my quadcopter camera. We stopped for a picnic lunch at Hidden Lake (well named) and I recorded a few more aerial clips at the beautiful location.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MTejwxJNinY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MTejwxJNinY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, we left Island Park this morning for the 275 mile drive to Twin Falls, Idaho. The cool motel room was very welcome! We drove to a nearby burrito joint for a take out dinner after a little rest and a couple of much needed showers. The nachos and burritos were excellent.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow we return to Pacific Daylight Time and will overnight in Burns, Oregon. We have enjoyed previous trips along this route, but smoky skies promise to diminish the interesting views. Oh well.<br />
<br />
I expect to post again before our return to Port Orford on Saturday...............Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-30229104931106594172017-07-29T17:55:00.001-07:002017-07-29T17:55:21.903-07:00Seven miles for mediocre morning coffee!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3PSa1qgPj383fSQCo_uqe8iwYvCCU_P5RMACEzPg7dkRlHVpFBEb5mXsTxc6XLDDBDZ8gLmLP_jgfEX4eBAWFMWRMJzqX6mkSF9wckAYbMyL1W_-r_32GjzONSasbd08tHQgMD0uPSC1/s1600/IMG_1482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3PSa1qgPj383fSQCo_uqe8iwYvCCU_P5RMACEzPg7dkRlHVpFBEb5mXsTxc6XLDDBDZ8gLmLP_jgfEX4eBAWFMWRMJzqX6mkSF9wckAYbMyL1W_-r_32GjzONSasbd08tHQgMD0uPSC1/s320/IMG_1482.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Although we really love our little cabin in Island Park, ID, the daily seven mile round trip to pick up two cups of mediocre morning coffee is a bit much. It was a brisk 42 degrees this morning for my drive to and from Robin's Roost for the purpose of purchasing the life saving liquid. The early morning light on surrounding ranch land is spectacular and shows promise for another awesome day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBb6vBBi2JKwZlBwTavAE7LxB1NMnAMqzeGl9EKXJ1VZvOWZoK_DSP4yq1TyD5Z_PrbQQAz-TTLYqck22GEzVkSMNAynOgvq1jOILXXtYBG4kH6uVC6zjuanOII-8aPbwHFn_6wJzcrC6/s1600/IslandParkID.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1600" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBb6vBBi2JKwZlBwTavAE7LxB1NMnAMqzeGl9EKXJ1VZvOWZoK_DSP4yq1TyD5Z_PrbQQAz-TTLYqck22GEzVkSMNAynOgvq1jOILXXtYBG4kH6uVC6zjuanOII-8aPbwHFn_6wJzcrC6/s320/IslandParkID.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We made the 20 mile drive into West Yellowstone Thursday to purchase a few things needed for the balance of our trip and returned to Island Park to rest a little from the fast paced travel from the SF Bay Area. It was a beautiful day that ended with the second evening in a row of fantastic mountain thunder storms. Fairly large hail fell for about 15 minutes and added a crashing roar on the metal roofed cabin in addition to the almost constant thunder.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Friday was laundry day and Juanita was able to take care of everything at the nearby Valley View RV Park and laundromat. We again spent the afternoon hours lounging on the deck of our little cabin before driving a few miles down the highway to see old friends Steve and Karen. They are the owners of Beagles Callie and Maddie, who are both related to our two girls. Maddie is a half sister to Abbey and Luna and Callie is a second cousin, if there is such a thing in the canine world.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLvh75rQhDYweKizGSGOase7ZRtPusRvKqamHIhQD1tcY526X3JAJs0dr67NZ8WPjM7Sfuhw0GJ-f57VsmH-3fClXw89b9AKZ8ffSYhvG2SISdTyQP1r3GNfqKlO89Dz8k48ZFMSIFlE-/s1600/TheGirls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLvh75rQhDYweKizGSGOase7ZRtPusRvKqamHIhQD1tcY526X3JAJs0dr67NZ8WPjM7Sfuhw0GJ-f57VsmH-3fClXw89b9AKZ8ffSYhvG2SISdTyQP1r3GNfqKlO89Dz8k48ZFMSIFlE-/s320/TheGirls2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2BjZTAuUiIyVCZEKIgTFHInf8HJScss9TxaXIwwXH32oX3plZSLZCAR5Jm7h7BpTA8j9lTfq51i86Xafs04IEb9vI0FwJ4r_PcXzK7ilufj9bxDDmW9KrlXSRZWdHfmOR3XSnocuOJ2n/s1600/LunaAtWindow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2BjZTAuUiIyVCZEKIgTFHInf8HJScss9TxaXIwwXH32oX3plZSLZCAR5Jm7h7BpTA8j9lTfq51i86Xafs04IEb9vI0FwJ4r_PcXzK7ilufj9bxDDmW9KrlXSRZWdHfmOR3XSnocuOJ2n/s320/LunaAtWindow2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the photo above, our four Beagle scrum is quietly posing with Juanita and Karen. From left to right....Luna, Abbey, Maddie and Callie. While we had a good conversation and dinner with our good friends Karen and Steve, Luna kept a good eye on the mountain neighborhood and kept us safe from wild critters.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was time today for our first drive into Yellowstone NP and I almost dreaded the heavy traffic and horrible animal jams. Well, my fears were not realized. The traffic was fairly light and there were no animal jams whatsoever. The lack of critter sightings causing massive traffic jams was easily explained by the almost total lack of wildlife within sight of park roadways. We saw only three bison, only one of which was located on or near the highway through the park. A few geese grazed on river banks...that was it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtl00Mp7g0j-w3RfxOxmFv6oX1Jg_kYZ2tuLdIWKMGRqI-1yfRbbT7Rrlh_JkvsX9o1dzQu_TLFGIYTSfYpgfLjbReMQN8mKVBAmnf254MUu4wnlGHH3oqVXu4suIkbiMW78Lu4OzrJEmi/s1600/NezPerceCreek2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="1600" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtl00Mp7g0j-w3RfxOxmFv6oX1Jg_kYZ2tuLdIWKMGRqI-1yfRbbT7Rrlh_JkvsX9o1dzQu_TLFGIYTSfYpgfLjbReMQN8mKVBAmnf254MUu4wnlGHH3oqVXu4suIkbiMW78Lu4OzrJEmi/s320/NezPerceCreek2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nez Perce Creek is a beautiful Yellowstone waterway.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUM0bAd5nh4W_B_iB3OUrsDdKHULtbf8XA-GPuXmnJLRkkBtL-5QRXJn3mr8FPj87brHa25jzdkosELjys935M28Xsc6AGpfuvkpHQPb9SkVMa5BcTM30j-URttgppAH2xI0q9_TSQtrzu/s1600/LunaWatchesGeese2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1376" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUM0bAd5nh4W_B_iB3OUrsDdKHULtbf8XA-GPuXmnJLRkkBtL-5QRXJn3mr8FPj87brHa25jzdkosELjys935M28Xsc6AGpfuvkpHQPb9SkVMa5BcTM30j-URttgppAH2xI0q9_TSQtrzu/s320/LunaWatchesGeese2.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Luna kept an eye out for invading wild geese.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The light overall traffic in the park today was a little harder to explain. In past years a Saturday at the end of July would be a nightmare experience. Not so today, and I have no clue as to why. We stopped by the Old Faithful Lodge to pick up a few supplies, missing the geyser eruption by minutes. We have seen it many times before. We stopped off at a couple of our favorite pull outs near hot springs and small geysers and ate lunch at Gibbon Meadows.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi3dHQOW0AHHD_FCdxNF2MXK5NKPE3wuVdt1atEfHlBJiOk4_YVcdfdu8HHtPLiesixG7lPdodyM4G4nAgZJpPLrLHbgtMsyBC8kUCbPAWwi8HF5Z8MrDcWTl5bKEFJJ7aQwMEBxJGLH0/s1600/AlgaeFalls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi3dHQOW0AHHD_FCdxNF2MXK5NKPE3wuVdt1atEfHlBJiOk4_YVcdfdu8HHtPLiesixG7lPdodyM4G4nAgZJpPLrLHbgtMsyBC8kUCbPAWwi8HF5Z8MrDcWTl5bKEFJJ7aQwMEBxJGLH0/s320/AlgaeFalls2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUBpS17feiGQUGsWGwEsy8Ss7YKQ7Xsgn4DTGVI2MFypJAZ4OdehbY2Sp0Dhhdnz1KI7NdYCFZTmEMHK1oMLncGSivB_ZU3eM0aW_b6bLNsEsZ4ZGg91E4V4OKUMPaIr6A1OpsrBgVPRP/s1600/BubbleBubble2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1600" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUBpS17feiGQUGsWGwEsy8Ss7YKQ7Xsgn4DTGVI2MFypJAZ4OdehbY2Sp0Dhhdnz1KI7NdYCFZTmEMHK1oMLncGSivB_ZU3eM0aW_b6bLNsEsZ4ZGg91E4V4OKUMPaIr6A1OpsrBgVPRP/s320/BubbleBubble2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEI6LGAQb8lYBbcvoKbxppRGBaKz2I6qTIT3TUNdIeEFyNwxwXDm5l4etbX6yRYc32WxLVEUp3nbIPu9a8M6-UXG7OtnYUIiXW39KAp6XnNf18mt9TSXXcPPryF1pbmcYNqjyjp5JFFDp8/s1600/DeadWood2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEI6LGAQb8lYBbcvoKbxppRGBaKz2I6qTIT3TUNdIeEFyNwxwXDm5l4etbX6yRYc32WxLVEUp3nbIPu9a8M6-UXG7OtnYUIiXW39KAp6XnNf18mt9TSXXcPPryF1pbmcYNqjyjp5JFFDp8/s320/DeadWood2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have made dozens of trips into Yellowstone over the years, but have seldom seen a more spectacular day in regards to moderate temperatures, light winds and lack of the usual human swarm. We had a fine day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our plans for tomorrow include a drive over to Ennis, Montana and maybe to the old west town of Virginia City. We'll see how the day develops. If weather conditions permit, I would like to do a little aerial photography with my portable quadcopter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We'll check in with y'all again soon..............................</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-49144583279377155912017-07-25T18:52:00.000-07:002017-07-25T18:52:12.890-07:00We survived!We outlasted the swarms of humanity, terrible traffic, dingy skies and hot summer temperatures in California and escaped to Nevada yesterday and Utah today. Whew!<br />
<br />
Juanita had a fair amount of quality time with her family members that were assembled from various locations to celebrate the life of her Mother who passed in July of last year. My dear wife doesn't do well on boats, but was able to join her family members on her brother's sailboat to spread Mom's ashes in San Francisco Bay as she had requested. <br />
<br />
While Juanita was taking care of family business, I kept the Beagle girls happy with walks and a couple of rides away from the motel. The girls actually do very well in a motel environment, which requires that every noise from the adjoining rooms or hallway needn't push the bark or howl button. That's not an easy thing for Beagles.<br />
<br />
We left the Bay Area early yesterday morning just at the end of the commute and didn't have much trouble during our eastward trek to Winnemucca, NV. It was fairly warm east of the Sierra's with the temperature falling just short of the century mark. Early evening thundershowers cooled everything off quite nicely.<br />
<br />
A shorter 377 mile drive today brought us to Layton, UT, which is located just south of Ogden. Highway traffic was fairly light and the temperatures had dropped into the upper 70's to lower 80's....very comfortable for a day drive through NE Nevada and into Utah.<br />
<br />
We pulled over at a rest area at the spectacular Bonneville Salt Flats to dewater both dogs and humans and to take advantage of the windless afternoon to take several aerial photos of the salt plain. I took the DJI Mavic Pro quadcopter up to an altitude of 300 feet and took about six photos in different directions to capture the beautiful scene.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwDgtaxJC6PMp3AupSVDSiSdDuhcGXjHhH82PadPugxoFqrMABVQJrqhyRcFRIk1iK-o_WW59nLdCpEuACVSu4uE40hEKbrj63RO7KuvOnBt8Igs0TYsu-m-577xuJAU3KxZC0Bm_lLD-/s1600/BonnevilleSalt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwDgtaxJC6PMp3AupSVDSiSdDuhcGXjHhH82PadPugxoFqrMABVQJrqhyRcFRIk1iK-o_WW59nLdCpEuACVSu4uE40hEKbrj63RO7KuvOnBt8Igs0TYsu-m-577xuJAU3KxZC0Bm_lLD-/s320/BonnevilleSalt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A bronze plaque located along side I-80 in Nevada provided the humor of the day. I would think that the group that put this event memorial together would have at least done some editorial review before having it cast. Apparently not. Read the last sentence of the story and note the dedication date.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjex6blnAeRuxycoPxNnqmOx1QPVrofYI3IlkprwPvpdFKb_G8caHBUM17RHitvSPekmrulLgruJtoq0KrxVE9-TXtMM__0jjRAcx88PGPmzdM2Y9wViIMx84qI-xOq-hra9fbNC3w6dn2Y/s1600/IMG_1479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjex6blnAeRuxycoPxNnqmOx1QPVrofYI3IlkprwPvpdFKb_G8caHBUM17RHitvSPekmrulLgruJtoq0KrxVE9-TXtMM__0jjRAcx88PGPmzdM2Y9wViIMx84qI-xOq-hra9fbNC3w6dn2Y/s320/IMG_1479.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
June 7, 6008...Really?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are fed, the girls have been walked and we are relaxing after a very nice day on the road. Tomorrow we are off to Island Park, ID and look forward to a week of travel in Yellowstone and surrounding area. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We'll check back in with y'all again soon.................................</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-65217472421803424292017-07-21T20:10:00.002-07:002017-07-22T15:49:47.102-07:00Veni, Vidi, Vici---I came, I saw, I conqueredWell, not so much. I came to California, I saw the place, but I can only say at this point that I merely survived the experience.<br />
<br />
We left Port Orford, OR at 6 AM yesterday morning and, after a series of rest stops to water and walk the dogs and to dewater and walk the humans, we arrived in Dublin, CA at 6 PM. Ugh! I had intended to let Juanita drive some of the way to break up her ride along boredom and to give me some rest from behind the wheel. Being the macho man that I am, I drove the entire way. Ugh again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehJBN0_GLfwLi5AtxYiHjU-rnpe5fC_Bh4b5urki1tPJfugSqehkI_6xQCrjz7qcc70DFTNga0ngGLtKGvMpMFeNkRtXQ4vrK4UfTGq_fjSXeVDlVWV8hqBKzrC2yJjxY9TvP4LmXs-5d/s1600/GeezersDronie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1600" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehJBN0_GLfwLi5AtxYiHjU-rnpe5fC_Bh4b5urki1tPJfugSqehkI_6xQCrjz7qcc70DFTNga0ngGLtKGvMpMFeNkRtXQ4vrK4UfTGq_fjSXeVDlVWV8hqBKzrC2yJjxY9TvP4LmXs-5d/s320/GeezersDronie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A "dronie" taken at our first rest stop in Oregon...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0UN0VFyFQCm6gN-ucPpR2LzsihT3ItzJa1o_mqm9HDuFtkwUES_qKIb-iG91GgZBg8NqmSVan6YprG0Y9buaJXO6QvsQ_iB2OrzS2zS2kLpj5P7oISFF4aoFuZKznG5KLuVbqOrsUPss/s1600/SandyBridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0UN0VFyFQCm6gN-ucPpR2LzsihT3ItzJa1o_mqm9HDuFtkwUES_qKIb-iG91GgZBg8NqmSVan6YprG0Y9buaJXO6QvsQ_iB2OrzS2zS2kLpj5P7oISFF4aoFuZKznG5KLuVbqOrsUPss/s320/SandyBridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the Sandy Creek covered bridge</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Few surprises arose during the drive, except for the substantial remaining snow fields on Mt Shasta in CA and the almost full appearance of Lake Shasta. The usual assortment of moronic drivers pushed us from the rear (no, I am not a poke-along geezer) and dived in front with death defying moves. I kept my verbiage civil...not...and didn't make any threatening gestures during these encounters despite the urge to do so.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just as luck, and timing, would have it, we arrived in the northern part of the SF Bay Area right at rush hour giving validity to our decision to leave the place over eleven years ago. I can't even comprehend how I put up with this day in and day out insanity for years. Oh, the humanity!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After making all the right turns at the right time (memory served me well), we arrived at the LaQuinta Inn in Dublin to rest up a little and feed the pups and ourselves. Juanita left me with the furry critters to see her daughter for a short time before we all crashed for the night.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since all family members are still employed and had to work today, Juanita and I decided to visit with our old (or I should say former?) neighbors in Castro Valley. We spent about four hours with these good friends and found the old neighborhood relatively unchanged except for cosmetics on some homes and degradation of others. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unfortunately, during our old neighborhood visit, our little Beagle girl Luna rolled in something very odiferous...I don't even want to know what it was. As a result, Juanita decided to take the two furry critters over to her daughter's house this evening in order to cleanse the foul creature. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZ2w0o3jOn5Z0GueJavQWEgPQgWGwbzyk9VXXwKo51ry12xGWCkKSktv0JXI2yipLLImW9ul_c20-tjzDyGs-YVC-HKIvycffWdMMW7d7aU0Ji9zGJhRQvsVM8aItiqXzkPpshtT2qpOS/s1600/welshdronie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZ2w0o3jOn5Z0GueJavQWEgPQgWGwbzyk9VXXwKo51ry12xGWCkKSktv0JXI2yipLLImW9ul_c20-tjzDyGs-YVC-HKIvycffWdMMW7d7aU0Ji9zGJhRQvsVM8aItiqXzkPpshtT2qpOS/s320/welshdronie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Dronie"with our friends Tom and Vicki</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have seen more humanity in just an hour here than I see in Port Orford in a year and would like to say that I can survive the next two days of our California visit with no problem. I put the chances of that at fifty fifty, but who knows. By the time of our departure Monday morning, I might be able to proclaim with certainty....Veni, Vidi, Vici. Or not.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We'll see you down the road...........................</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-16869219766213013772017-07-18T20:16:00.001-07:002017-07-18T20:16:59.661-07:00Port Orford Slim and wifey take a "vacation"So, I have been missing from the blog scene for a good while now. I'm not even sure why that has happened, other than the fact that I haven't been especially inspired to write. I always have something to say about our activities...or lack thereof...and various interesting events, both personal and observed. A few recent events, however, move me to bring all of our remaining blog friends up to date.<br />
<br />
In the no news is good news category, my dear wife Juanita is holding at full remission after the six month long chemo series and subsequent bi-monthly maintenance treatments. She is healthy, happy and probably much wiser than I. <br />
<br />
Both of us began much needed diets in early February with terrific results. I have lost well over 50# and Juanita nearly 40, allowing me to take the name "Port Orford Slim" in the blog title.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFx563rP231C5RFNPnPu2_7YqvaX0qfL5Lp4PGF3FM_7oxwzkD235DJ46jxRx6IuymTk8vxqSodeKoCKIWxgSkTw1oGsvp9scgFDxfSZYC2S2OdiWBkmvt6plgs91uAX7PJxhyphenhyphen06eHNXB0/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFx563rP231C5RFNPnPu2_7YqvaX0qfL5Lp4PGF3FM_7oxwzkD235DJ46jxRx6IuymTk8vxqSodeKoCKIWxgSkTw1oGsvp9scgFDxfSZYC2S2OdiWBkmvt6plgs91uAX7PJxhyphenhyphen06eHNXB0/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Port Orford Slim</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the other big news department, the owners of Port Orford RV Village took us out of the loop, so to speak, and put us into one of the side permanent spaces in the park. We purchased the 8' x 8' shed owned by the previous tenant of the space, so Juanita finally has local storage for all of her quilting supplies and I have a shop with an 8' long bench, room for all of my tools and hobby stuff and a Generac 3.6 Kw emergency generator. A guy couldn't ask for more. Nor could wifey!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Being placed into a permanent space in the park implies somewhat more than I am willing to concede at this point in life. I think J is happy to make this spot our home, while I am clinging to the truck keys with some uncertainty about the situation. As each day passes, however, I am becoming more settled and can most certainly see advantages of making this our home off the road. We are facing decision time early next year when we will either return to Texas to renew our drivers licenses or become Oregon residents. Decisions....decisions......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdhmWpNVSw0HJt5FHTftYe5j4GPfegNlhbdnAsa8xcnDeoCDA7OoutI40Wt05XaW7XsCj_b26uA0yA0HCKSML_QM39UueJtdS8SRiB36adVLfDes12XCCChAc6j-tZQcWf1-DB174FdfM/s1600/RelaxedinPO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1397" data-original-width="1600" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdhmWpNVSw0HJt5FHTftYe5j4GPfegNlhbdnAsa8xcnDeoCDA7OoutI40Wt05XaW7XsCj_b26uA0yA0HCKSML_QM39UueJtdS8SRiB36adVLfDes12XCCChAc6j-tZQcWf1-DB174FdfM/s320/RelaxedinPO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm starting to get comfortable here!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since I last wrote, I have purchased two new drones. A larger DJI Phantom 4 Pro quadcopter is supplemented with a much smaller and portable DJI Mavic Pro. Both are very capable photo and video platforms that have already been put to good use.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wfZDxfpuuPw/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wfZDxfpuuPw?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As to the subject of the title, we are going on a two week long "vacation" beginning Thursday morning. Yes, we still take vacations, but a vacation for us retired folks is more a departure from daily routine than anything else. Since the fifth wheel trailer had to be put into this space with a very large shoehorn, we are taking the truck only on the journey that starts with four days with family in the SF Bay Area. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We will then turn the trusty Chevy east and make a rapid run through Nevada, Utah and Idaho to Yellowstone NP. A nice small cabin located outside the park in Island Park, ID will provide a roof over our heads while we visit Yellowstone and other favorite places in the area like Ennis and Virginia City in Montana. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I plan to put the portable drone to good use during this trip and will post some of the results in this blog and on Facebook. Due to others who have abused the privilege, the FAA and National Park Service prohibit the use of drones in national parks, so ground based photos and videos will have to suffice.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, as Arnold would say, "Hasta la vista baby".</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-83435716846768775092016-06-24T19:49:00.001-07:002016-06-24T19:49:23.717-07:00Hey, I Think I Will Make A Blog EntryRealizing full well that most, if not all, of our readers have moved on to greener blog pastures, I will post a mega overdue entry anyway. Our daily, weekly or even monthly activities offer little that would interest many of our friends, family or loyal readers, so I have entered the ultra stealth mode, only to make ourselves visible when there are enough developments to report.<br />
<br />
This sunset at our current location in Winchester Bay, Oregon represents one of the notable developments.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYw-IKOQAACyz7pNLjF3arxdCr5LnMBMUxEQsCW87p5b1wso31_kOT-8W5mXMhrNrTokgyXf3a3s_GBheHVEtW4Ik5hqavZ_x9ephJaQtLDjGKfz4_-YREu2KTKyGNaP4jAebQa3mJFUBm/s1600/WBSunset3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYw-IKOQAACyz7pNLjF3arxdCr5LnMBMUxEQsCW87p5b1wso31_kOT-8W5mXMhrNrTokgyXf3a3s_GBheHVEtW4Ik5hqavZ_x9ephJaQtLDjGKfz4_-YREu2KTKyGNaP4jAebQa3mJFUBm/s320/WBSunset3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One hundred and eighty degrees away from this spectacular scene, a full moonrise was also creating a stunning visual.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyIGuphwA0si7r51kos2t7wp8iHEoSEnjgrTgaXSdJVLspbE71i6EgNqqdbnj_tK_jz9js60dPthado1uWK5XNt6VyN8MizBnqOxZJAbrkKsslGk1tpad6GEup4rVaxW2jB7y9sN9PJ5V/s1600/WBMoonrise+At+Sunset1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyIGuphwA0si7r51kos2t7wp8iHEoSEnjgrTgaXSdJVLspbE71i6EgNqqdbnj_tK_jz9js60dPthado1uWK5XNt6VyN8MizBnqOxZJAbrkKsslGk1tpad6GEup4rVaxW2jB7y9sN9PJ5V/s320/WBMoonrise+At+Sunset1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Winchester Bay Marina RV Resort has been a favorite destination of ours for many years now....even before we began full time RV living over ten years ago. We left Port Orford late last week for a two week "vacation" that includes visits with friends that we met here last year, fresh pies from Kitty's and the Sugar Shack, an afternoon at the annual Reedsport Chainsaw Carving Contest and other local activities and events. I also brought along my new fat tire bicycle and take daily rides to work off all the pie. I know, good luck with that!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To get a little "old" news out of the way, Juanita had her last chemotherapy session in early April and was happy with the very positive outcome of 100% remission at this point. She will need bi-monthly non-chemo maintenance infusions for the next two years and found the first of these treatments completely side effect free. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't tell you how proud I am of the fortitude that wifey showed during the long six months of treatments. She kept a positive outlook and big smile on her face despite the endless fatigue and other bothersome side effects. She's a rock!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With all of this behind her, Juanita has resumed work on a series of quilts, most of which are still works in progress. She is looking forward to entering a couple of her quilts in the upcoming show for the 4th of July celebration in Port Orford.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have continued my routine that I started in October of last year and still do most of the cooking, laundry and shopping. I really enjoy baking with sourdough and usually make enough to share with friends around the RV park. Other than that, I keep the cameras in action, both on the ground and in the air with my quadcopter. Most of my recent aerial work has resulted in still photographs but I have plans for more videos in the near future.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recent photos:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT66KVUgaOx5fOuGkefnMl7TGXazwKJStS7VkLdrbTX1iOk3blOQZNJMnE5ycVUoV6Nbb37COxAl4DjDnmoXgf9CnEvKw-P6B2do2oJYm9ODboQTVp1AkywrKE-8Sx2lA_5fhShtMznVpL/s1600/_D7K2262_HDR.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT66KVUgaOx5fOuGkefnMl7TGXazwKJStS7VkLdrbTX1iOk3blOQZNJMnE5ycVUoV6Nbb37COxAl4DjDnmoXgf9CnEvKw-P6B2do2oJYm9ODboQTVp1AkywrKE-8Sx2lA_5fhShtMznVpL/s320/_D7K2262_HDR.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cape Blanco State Park in fog</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSSoJs27DPVxK3-A54LAIEFXFV2V4ln6T3DHnvYhk4X0lWn61yFBCKOY9spjOIOnWuOUTPveVZ77P24UupsTkVE0tzP0xAnB9GM4BkOifLPcBxGBjhHOsyY6ZfFX7QXUUobgDjtkBg_ly/s1600/Bandon+Islands+B%2526W.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSSoJs27DPVxK3-A54LAIEFXFV2V4ln6T3DHnvYhk4X0lWn61yFBCKOY9spjOIOnWuOUTPveVZ77P24UupsTkVE0tzP0xAnB9GM4BkOifLPcBxGBjhHOsyY6ZfFX7QXUUobgDjtkBg_ly/s320/Bandon+Islands+B%2526W.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bandon, Oregon offshore rocks</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxBwlUtex7X4CR_9TSJgrZwBRlNt9EASzxTl2l8uDxEQDs23X8BYsnsBSfshrUb5Gu5eK0uy96m-Be5sgAheFmFpSidmW3xBj3OeHYjzoXWdNT0q1RvWOJxJAa7ItU7HjhYHfeDD6sSrA/s1600/PO400footer2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxBwlUtex7X4CR_9TSJgrZwBRlNt9EASzxTl2l8uDxEQDs23X8BYsnsBSfshrUb5Gu5eK0uy96m-Be5sgAheFmFpSidmW3xBj3OeHYjzoXWdNT0q1RvWOJxJAa7ItU7HjhYHfeDD6sSrA/s320/PO400footer2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Port Orford from 400'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8lnZVPTqQtxbzGzPOaBkDGNCJCJTzVDnd79Wh-gyyYzC24NUO1NxZpkorG4ntiOfr4c2yhOmlOKaOMGqBxKtzgoA4rPTUhs3Sn0d3hz1Otpmn97luvSV1B3b-aT4yIAOR9gi3DGOZK2J/s1600/WBSunset2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8lnZVPTqQtxbzGzPOaBkDGNCJCJTzVDnd79Wh-gyyYzC24NUO1NxZpkorG4ntiOfr4c2yhOmlOKaOMGqBxKtzgoA4rPTUhs3Sn0d3hz1Otpmn97luvSV1B3b-aT4yIAOR9gi3DGOZK2J/s320/WBSunset2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another sunset in Winchester Bay</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZCDuBRQEHgYPlicmvmPMWesv2CI9Rw_H33kNvKfN1-jr6el11z-SwVWkb3-0ghHkabZQN2V4XVebBIYcavZADS_SzAfnbc7omdaZ4dE43UuBkAVuBRLa68TSNVBvrE6wPRIQuzZ5LQVN/s1600/D7K_2037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZCDuBRQEHgYPlicmvmPMWesv2CI9Rw_H33kNvKfN1-jr6el11z-SwVWkb3-0ghHkabZQN2V4XVebBIYcavZADS_SzAfnbc7omdaZ4dE43UuBkAVuBRLa68TSNVBvrE6wPRIQuzZ5LQVN/s320/D7K_2037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Offshore rocks south of Gold Beach</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJD_VI75fIucgUCtEet3vQaegim1rFh_ET-bybXd6R9Z7WGaPbloLxTApP5kwNxXyNTrwEi4Mc0xiy2A2fK9GkI5Rjboi2i1mAAfgX2Riz_TBwdvzlSJ_NbN8GBFBQLiKjci7HKGy-6DxI/s1600/NoseJam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJD_VI75fIucgUCtEet3vQaegim1rFh_ET-bybXd6R9Z7WGaPbloLxTApP5kwNxXyNTrwEi4Mc0xiy2A2fK9GkI5Rjboi2i1mAAfgX2Riz_TBwdvzlSJ_NbN8GBFBQLiKjci7HKGy-6DxI/s320/NoseJam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Abbey and Luna nose jamming in Port Orford</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zQx6bG5oz0yOLW2w8-gZnHf7FqktXwrpKOUyhUxmITzfpCwBcGjYZMJ89J2KmKGzt62hIDTO4KYcxXI2q4vf907cPJXaaa3gDYwNmoE4dvPat87Hr1TmZUAkRQSsTEr0ECt35iWAnveE/s1600/Garrison1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zQx6bG5oz0yOLW2w8-gZnHf7FqktXwrpKOUyhUxmITzfpCwBcGjYZMJ89J2KmKGzt62hIDTO4KYcxXI2q4vf907cPJXaaa3gDYwNmoE4dvPat87Hr1TmZUAkRQSsTEr0ECt35iWAnveE/s320/Garrison1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Garrison Lake in Port Orford</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Using my Nikon D-7000, I also made a short video of some spring waterfalls along the Elk River near Port Orford.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/p8oFv-dOXVI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p8oFv-dOXVI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After returning to Port Orford later this week, we plan to stay through the summer with a trip to Montana possible before fall sets in. Since Juanita will have a regular schedule of medical treatments, we will spend another winter in Port Orford with short trips possible when we feel the need. We don't have any plans to hang up our keys at this point and still have no problems hauling the rolling home here and there on a whim.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Because "grumblings" is part of my blog title, I will leave you with one. It is a mystery to me how, from over 325 million residents in the US, we could have possibly ended up with two of the most despicable individuals that I could ever imagine as final candidates for President. Maybe my geezer status is fogging my mind, but I just can't get my head around this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So much for grumbling...all is well in the Pacific Northwest and I hope to get back to you again soon. No promises!!</div>
Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-61462513201641745782016-03-11T14:44:00.000-08:002016-03-12T07:31:43.409-08:00Wow....Ten Whole Years!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlTw2F5HiuaCPZDGeG3ON4m2tm_7jnjLJMT8EdT3st4Rl6xXVxQIoIfI_H69hbtmxn5GNoAq6Y8FRXt9lqYHjP1zH2Pt_rsGs86JyakGwdq0PT90ajUV_jZPXnTgr344xm1IASBcsZvbc/s1600/Gordon+and+Juanita+at+Port+Orford+Bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlTw2F5HiuaCPZDGeG3ON4m2tm_7jnjLJMT8EdT3st4Rl6xXVxQIoIfI_H69hbtmxn5GNoAq6Y8FRXt9lqYHjP1zH2Pt_rsGs86JyakGwdq0PT90ajUV_jZPXnTgr344xm1IASBcsZvbc/s320/Gordon+and+Juanita+at+Port+Orford+Bay.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Mike Mills</span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ten years!!!! </b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So, ten years ago we pulled up our roots, retired and began our journey into the great unknown. Although we had extensively researched the lifestyle before departure, we left without a solid plan beyond traveling to Texas to establish our new home base.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Unlike many others starting out as fulltimers in an RV, we didn't set up specific goals, such as visiting every state (except Hawaii of course), seeing every state capitol, climbing every high spot in each state, visiting all the presidential libraries and so on. Although these are certainly worthy goals, we tended to be a little less structured and decided to travel wherever the wind blew us...sometimes literally.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I remember more than one occasion we would spend the evening looking at a map of the US and come up with the next days travel direction over dessert. Other than our wonderful journey to Alaska in 2008, most of our plans were drawn in pencil and subject to spontaneous changes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Examples of this are many, but several come to mind. After meeting a vacationing Wisconsin couple at a camp in Montana and hearing them speak of their favorite pizza parlor in Grand Marias, MN</span><span style="font-size: small;">, we adjusted our travel map eastward and paid a visit to Sven & Ole's Pizza located on the western shoreline of Lake Superior. Of course there was much more to be seen during that journey, but setting up a singular goal opened up a new world to us and we were excited by all of our discoveries.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">On a fall day just north of Salt Lake City and while watching a travel program about countrywide festivals, we saw a show about the Emma Crawford coffin races to be held the following weekend in Manitou Springs, CO. Only 500 miles down the road, that was certainly in our range for a special event. Again, we saw some beautiful places, found some wonderful new camping locations and got a chance to experience something very different.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">When planning our Alaskan journey, I read about the experiences of many RVers that had proceeded us and decided not to take the long alternate route known as the Top Of the World Highway. I read about the hundreds of miles of dirt/gravel roads, steep grades, narrow passages along cliffs with no guardrails, dust, dirt, mud and miles and miles of nothing but trees and and tundra.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">That decision worked out in our favor as it turned out. While staying at our last Alaskan location in Valdez, I had the opportunity to get the opinion of Alaskan residents, who, without exception, told me not to miss the Top Of the World in the fall when the road is pretty much dry, there is little or no opposing traffic and the fall colors are exploding from horizon to horizon. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">We changed directions and found what we had been looking for the entire journey...a pristine landscape that took the Alaskan trip to a new level. And we found the ultimate gold rush town that I envisioned from the writings of Jack London in Dawson City in the Yukon.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Our ten years of travel have taken us to all the western states with the exception of Nebraska. We have covered most of the midwest but didn't make it east of Indiana or to any of the states in the southeast of the country. Although we don't have plans at this point to travel to the Atlantic shore, we never say never and might someday put the eastern states on our travel map.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Along the way we have found stunning scenery, had experiences we never imagined and met some of the finest people around. Many have become lifelong friends who stay in touch and sometimes cross our path. There is nothing better in life than this.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">As for now, our travels have slowed and we spend most of our time parked at one of our favorite places in the country, Port Orford, Oregon. We still find occasions to travel in the west and hope to do so in the future. We have no plans at this point to hang up our keys and might very well move on as the spirit moves us and our health allows.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Juanita just returned home after spending four days at a quilters retreat in Gold Beach. I will let her follow with her experiences and a few photos of the event. Otherwise, I will return soon with a blog update about the rainy weather and current activities.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">See you soon........................................</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Hi, Juanita here. I have 15 photos to post here so I won't get too wordy about it. Suffice it to say I had a blast. All day Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday it was quilting, quilting and more quilting. Tuesday was a class on the technique called Dresden Plate, which consists of a series of wedge shape pieces put together to make circles or fans. Or, in the case of this class, butterfly wings.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_kuILy_o5fGuNL5807CQaLdm4RpGiOsUqMmr7pCeLKgHcTKhOG5R13GEIOZ6s9_OhA9HSyhf55hKBjUFGPkAKu7QFD6UCkaeDCf1DwTid43c3JcvQdQyfRLACNeC0wa7NoKc0-KzP-RC/s1600/IMG_0807.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_kuILy_o5fGuNL5807CQaLdm4RpGiOsUqMmr7pCeLKgHcTKhOG5R13GEIOZ6s9_OhA9HSyhf55hKBjUFGPkAKu7QFD6UCkaeDCf1DwTid43c3JcvQdQyfRLACNeC0wa7NoKc0-KzP-RC/s320/IMG_0807.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">This gal, I think her name is Ruth, completed hers. Some of these ladies are speedy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGjgGn5oQGbPvwbccaLS8L-3PsUZUPij9ThjS5w4oy-oBc9YBlk8gCq0sju7mm49FdIIfucDeT3x8La0Dh0uZzKBmjJkau-MnfqSGD1w7JScGSU1Yhza2kCkQKklf81Ue04iHt4s3WZDu/s1600/IMG_0801.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGjgGn5oQGbPvwbccaLS8L-3PsUZUPij9ThjS5w4oy-oBc9YBlk8gCq0sju7mm49FdIIfucDeT3x8La0Dh0uZzKBmjJkau-MnfqSGD1w7JScGSU1Yhza2kCkQKklf81Ue04iHt4s3WZDu/s320/IMG_0801.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Sheri here (hidden by the quilt) had some quilt squares made up before coming to the Retreat and put this whole quilt together in 2-1/2 days. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFwVRz9xtma7NkXbrKuBD0r_GXzM76cuWGZ5bDgupDy9KRsznmmy183uiUZKO2GQXLCUZ65tPrcA8fz93A1RfJXKpvFh0-VNnvSwSjlgvwRX5xY1nRI9HenR6fnQ1Pjc1R1tkcnbttLfZ/s1600/IMG_0762.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFwVRz9xtma7NkXbrKuBD0r_GXzM76cuWGZ5bDgupDy9KRsznmmy183uiUZKO2GQXLCUZ65tPrcA8fz93A1RfJXKpvFh0-VNnvSwSjlgvwRX5xY1nRI9HenR6fnQ1Pjc1R1tkcnbttLfZ/s320/IMG_0762.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This version is more my speed.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQF2-B3t5b2bXBkMjAc4Yq30PxpNgFzF5U-2xriiDjh7cmuRpvup1LNJekUfcnAcoqpq7HwZWozLKw9OMCFmqIOZhz7eaaYPrTdBXPLnP_uoFI_mAvXOAW6euTEcpaSUAsq0nh89jdEDn/s1600/IMG_0786.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQF2-B3t5b2bXBkMjAc4Yq30PxpNgFzF5U-2xriiDjh7cmuRpvup1LNJekUfcnAcoqpq7HwZWozLKw9OMCFmqIOZhz7eaaYPrTdBXPLnP_uoFI_mAvXOAW6euTEcpaSUAsq0nh89jdEDn/s320/IMG_0786.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">This one is mine. I'm taking it slow, but its going to be really pretty. I only worked on it on Tuesday, because Wednesday, I started a second class. This one is kind of interesting. Check out this Elephant.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXaNafDL4tALL7VbzzQy56Y0HruDHLM0CoyiKFzASR46UgviFbiw3S2M1PSGzyvQDAdPtyTGbrH3BNYuG4mT9T4T2kThvI12QvZeGFhZXdyzMRgbL_23NhtObBl_QAM1lasStmrOyLanH/s1600/IMG_0769.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXaNafDL4tALL7VbzzQy56Y0HruDHLM0CoyiKFzASR46UgviFbiw3S2M1PSGzyvQDAdPtyTGbrH3BNYuG4mT9T4T2kThvI12QvZeGFhZXdyzMRgbL_23NhtObBl_QAM1lasStmrOyLanH/s320/IMG_0769.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Isn't he adorable? I worked on mine all day Wednesday and most of Thursday and this is how far I got. This is maybe a little more than half way through the process. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5oQ8gOFgaClzQjgAiTZ7hmDwo-xAOljrPXx0KigycGVafbZSxUuD1qVnck4Xg0Vt5PhBI1rvDoZxEZQkImVwxQlmJvWjlMKpS4UvHj_hxPcIeTWVHpwtgAC9bRmMqRpp4Wj9L1pKL0px/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5oQ8gOFgaClzQjgAiTZ7hmDwo-xAOljrPXx0KigycGVafbZSxUuD1qVnck4Xg0Vt5PhBI1rvDoZxEZQkImVwxQlmJvWjlMKpS4UvHj_hxPcIeTWVHpwtgAC9bRmMqRpp4Wj9L1pKL0px/s320/IMG_0812.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Here is another one like mine but with very different fabrics.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzF5c-r_HoW3d54DjTuP9ar4IdV44W8CszJTjtgqQGUtvuMEaEayPNrgigur9VNN_VIVyUBueluZBim1C6jL_q30jTRW3E3X3BUfhL92kqUwMgMLoQrgLYebQiYKGajbXikJBo5D-mv2OP/s1600/IMG_0803.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzF5c-r_HoW3d54DjTuP9ar4IdV44W8CszJTjtgqQGUtvuMEaEayPNrgigur9VNN_VIVyUBueluZBim1C6jL_q30jTRW3E3X3BUfhL92kqUwMgMLoQrgLYebQiYKGajbXikJBo5D-mv2OP/s320/IMG_0803.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">We also had the option of doing a Giraffe:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinglIZBRJz_oDHAFQqmGW_F2Kz51SmQKVyZyf4-XA8rBQ6Sn68TYbsYBky8C3SBFP_NClnPdiEG1Fgx_UIkgz1hT4JYp4LxcKAFVjvKVMYJUhIHsHdWNgTmcUPrC_oQS6ia7Tc4CvcAaW5/s1600/IMG_0808.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinglIZBRJz_oDHAFQqmGW_F2Kz51SmQKVyZyf4-XA8rBQ6Sn68TYbsYBky8C3SBFP_NClnPdiEG1Fgx_UIkgz1hT4JYp4LxcKAFVjvKVMYJUhIHsHdWNgTmcUPrC_oQS6ia7Tc4CvcAaW5/s320/IMG_0808.JPG" width="239" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Or an Orca Whale:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7WdVZbU8WX00DtXxDN82tpe8JcKgPiQizJBQLqve8YiEVsS8t0FXXAyuAWBORoqTZJeDicIcVMx4ANmxrNTFsZ6Iq5O7xDqjo8KTeCUFdUyQ8BU2OqNRyvQZxf0sSewg9eK89bOj5lWq/s1600/IMG_0791.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7WdVZbU8WX00DtXxDN82tpe8JcKgPiQizJBQLqve8YiEVsS8t0FXXAyuAWBORoqTZJeDicIcVMx4ANmxrNTFsZ6Iq5O7xDqjo8KTeCUFdUyQ8BU2OqNRyvQZxf0sSewg9eK89bOj5lWq/s320/IMG_0791.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Or a Hippo:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHx7RSQu_nIZq9ybXTo5w5PzvjBX1nOyLEyhlIikckQ3H-WOx1hNxZRb2BcSH6zN5OF_Qe5TmR54lIAHQQMXQsjDcQMnWYdhwmyXm-BLs1zkMHU7Xc_q6GG7uRgWcaF9ySLbPpfrj0lhG/s1600/IMG_0816.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHx7RSQu_nIZq9ybXTo5w5PzvjBX1nOyLEyhlIikckQ3H-WOx1hNxZRb2BcSH6zN5OF_Qe5TmR54lIAHQQMXQsjDcQMnWYdhwmyXm-BLs1zkMHU7Xc_q6GG7uRgWcaF9ySLbPpfrj0lhG/s320/IMG_0816.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">The following four photos will give you a general idea of what a quilt retreat is like. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hV6Pc9WdgoEEYbNwgvgSM_W7ozPe6nV1V0T9Vgbs7mpkXkGKfFqDsEwoltmTpFHxXJtBR0dAxW4qZURt5gSiM3TixZdzC1LnZrzm4Ie5JZ2fBGngWY2YCtsb0ckiinFKljmgbpBl90Sz/s1600/IMG_0748.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hV6Pc9WdgoEEYbNwgvgSM_W7ozPe6nV1V0T9Vgbs7mpkXkGKfFqDsEwoltmTpFHxXJtBR0dAxW4qZURt5gSiM3TixZdzC1LnZrzm4Ie5JZ2fBGngWY2YCtsb0ckiinFKljmgbpBl90Sz/s320/IMG_0748.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">That smiling person there is Chris, a former employee of the quilt store (now happily retired) and a master quilter. When I need advice on something she is my go to source.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tCwscRwIIJQbMh0mVRDJrZP8-IZe0u2gQobU2nD6_GZHcMQhy6hgym78xSHI63PPmmb9nq5wH_DnDTE7L5Q7v5j1uILxhV9x-y4HXxHbRZm6F2opuJj9b9tHYfZz4xZfBVTWNy3104SB/s1600/IMG_0749.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tCwscRwIIJQbMh0mVRDJrZP8-IZe0u2gQobU2nD6_GZHcMQhy6hgym78xSHI63PPmmb9nq5wH_DnDTE7L5Q7v5j1uILxhV9x-y4HXxHbRZm6F2opuJj9b9tHYfZz4xZfBVTWNy3104SB/s320/IMG_0749.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">More happy quilters.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6z4_WPJKEPEDa85u1n0mc1UG48811FsVghxJWACjRgcITAJMZUPNV9rs9iZxqCJsbrDW_B8N4pWhhT9Dc81BvMKLAqHIxXyNzO0MIarho_lg6_RRgeahknxOBl25yWpWlbU32S7zW32x/s1600/IMG_0757.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6z4_WPJKEPEDa85u1n0mc1UG48811FsVghxJWACjRgcITAJMZUPNV9rs9iZxqCJsbrDW_B8N4pWhhT9Dc81BvMKLAqHIxXyNzO0MIarho_lg6_RRgeahknxOBl25yWpWlbU32S7zW32x/s320/IMG_0757.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">This is the balloon gift wall. When your name gets called up, you pop a balloon which has a number in it, find the gift with that number on it and its yours.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Fun stuff.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">One last photo. My roommate, Janice, put this quilt on her bed. It is a work-in-progress. It is all hand-pieced, and there are hundreds of individual star pieces in there. It is awesome. And she has only been working on it for 10 years. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDjAbp7-rhJJhrb4xaZHomC_jLwLs3FeTnG6NZm56wBRqgFGqeXnQOTZbgVvx05GHI53bOeUQwsGTPj46C9WqVAwvv5upkKuwf0GRUhGjddFL3jy_UcxELgTOxeN2LZ1-AQMS_gqdMQr4/s1600/IMG_0742.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDjAbp7-rhJJhrb4xaZHomC_jLwLs3FeTnG6NZm56wBRqgFGqeXnQOTZbgVvx05GHI53bOeUQwsGTPj46C9WqVAwvv5upkKuwf0GRUhGjddFL3jy_UcxELgTOxeN2LZ1-AQMS_gqdMQr4/s320/IMG_0742.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">I will be back next year, assuming we're still in Oregon that is. We'll see.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-20293649265559328332016-02-29T17:02:00.003-08:002016-03-01T19:31:17.135-08:00A Leap Day Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvhTuDFemSkvr1-SPyT7YSGgTZVYMwg9hsdFAm-Os-JxwnygdtLMm4zv8kuC4TsbeUeP2Eqg49gMTbtNo6PqE0Kmr6oSw9BCcxNUMKmMYjksqwGPcMEszLvJqEzTonJipGkVYPkoDe0Ri/s1600/IMG_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvhTuDFemSkvr1-SPyT7YSGgTZVYMwg9hsdFAm-Os-JxwnygdtLMm4zv8kuC4TsbeUeP2Eqg49gMTbtNo6PqE0Kmr6oSw9BCcxNUMKmMYjksqwGPcMEszLvJqEzTonJipGkVYPkoDe0Ri/s400/IMG_0211.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Howdy everyone! Happy Leap Day!!!!</div>
<br />
<br />
OK, you can call me all sorts of bad names and pledge to never read our blog again. I know, it has been weeks and weeks since my last entry, and for that I am sorry...sorry...sorry. Even though we have been very busy here in Oregon, I have no excuses. The word "lazy" comes to mind however.<br />
<br />
I'll get the Juanita medical report out of the way first. She has had two more two-day chemotherapy treatments since I last wrote and is doing extremely well. The last CT scan shows that the treatment has had the expected results and all of her lymph nodes are no longer indicated. <br />
<br />
Wifey's side effects have been light to moderate and consist mostly of headaches and manageable fatigue for several days after each treatment. The last chemo will be in a couple of weeks and she will then go on a two year program of bi-monthly Rituxan maintenance sessions to extend the remission. Although Rituxan has been one of the two drugs used during the previous treatments, the chemo drug Treanda will no longer be a part of the program and she should experience minimal side effects, if any.<br />
<br />
As many of you have already heard, during the extended medical program, I have taken on many of the usual household tasks normally performed by Juanita. My "Man Card" flew out the window back in October and I see little indication that I will be able to find or replace it anytime soon. Wifey has become quite accustomed to me doing all the shopping, the vast majority of the cooking, most of the dog walking and all of the laundry duties. Oh well.......<br />
<br />
Which brings me to another subject. I actually enjoy doing most of the cooking! I had always done all the outdoor grilling and smoking but rarely ventured inside to use the cooktop or microwave/convection oven. Well, that has most definitely changed.<br />
<br />
Back in early November I found a wonderful San Francisco sourdough culture and have become a whirling dervish baker ever since. In addition to fantastic pancakes from the culture, I have baked different types of bread, coffee cakes, gingerbread cake, buttermilk biscuits and muffins. I buy flour by the truckload these days and often share the resulting baked goods with others in the RV park for fun. I never saw this coming!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirP1LAfNyROKS9thDCbGCbqZN_9CZm7sU2XDgT-l13HGIvRBrcLItyC-LMGZ17jvy1QiPWBHs12JTnTpPgvW4NUZAqu8jVdEW2HSbimemrwwYXy8tDBvoaY-4WWcpuT_Xn6nUaufxsKVHp/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirP1LAfNyROKS9thDCbGCbqZN_9CZm7sU2XDgT-l13HGIvRBrcLItyC-LMGZ17jvy1QiPWBHs12JTnTpPgvW4NUZAqu8jVdEW2HSbimemrwwYXy8tDBvoaY-4WWcpuT_Xn6nUaufxsKVHp/s320/IMG_0028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Nothing beats sourdough pancakes!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YK-05_08IiZAD9Vvpi1RDT4HjouuqKTMGipGh2Rnt1qLjxS30WXlQzMWZh3zG8qDkWnhh-8onYwzyyh3WdBJgOv2hU3wIKUAnq7NvAE9T14Yt-ebetczSHVuZIV-RcYQrCdVX0NGLtDm/s1600/IMG_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YK-05_08IiZAD9Vvpi1RDT4HjouuqKTMGipGh2Rnt1qLjxS30WXlQzMWZh3zG8qDkWnhh-8onYwzyyh3WdBJgOv2hU3wIKUAnq7NvAE9T14Yt-ebetczSHVuZIV-RcYQrCdVX0NGLtDm/s320/IMG_0157.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice loaf!<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAxuSDF9wmOuv-aCTBs5YTNjec9jxJEl0cLG2pBq99C6E8GHqNuCFOy9SzI5vP2YkLwQgRVhBqC_m9LDGqhGfuE3LFvx_IzvOGclwxDqMpTF2YE5An_9uWwXTJGPWbskxnXZu_DlBtJju/s1600/IMG_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAxuSDF9wmOuv-aCTBs5YTNjec9jxJEl0cLG2pBq99C6E8GHqNuCFOy9SzI5vP2YkLwQgRVhBqC_m9LDGqhGfuE3LFvx_IzvOGclwxDqMpTF2YE5An_9uWwXTJGPWbskxnXZu_DlBtJju/s320/IMG_0161.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks pretty good I think<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQYu_fB8XHK_JcA6fOfHqwzIX8L5gxgjKVmo2LAYSyDtH6Ght0EkPswdxn_kbN3mjxnwK-SB5GJZEbA3l_ny57LpLzRk4SRX4j1PFz2gCETV09Q7-KAP-wAnZxCI_H3o0zR5HvY2Manbw/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQYu_fB8XHK_JcA6fOfHqwzIX8L5gxgjKVmo2LAYSyDtH6Ght0EkPswdxn_kbN3mjxnwK-SB5GJZEbA3l_ny57LpLzRk4SRX4j1PFz2gCETV09Q7-KAP-wAnZxCI_H3o0zR5HvY2Manbw/s320/IMG_0162.JPG" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sourdough cranberry/walnut bread<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In addition to all of the baking, I purchased a GoSun solar stove for cooking in all of the sunlight that we have along the southern Oregon coast. Haha!! Not now we don't! But, during the rare sunny day this winter, I have been using that bright nearby star to make muffins, a beef stew and kielbasa on a bed of sauerkraut. I can't wait for the long summer sunlight to do even more.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0XCA9Xgp03POfQBBH_tiRNLWy9IESFkhxSLor7ll6p7XyuG1Q5oqe17gmqeemxMn3RM2XRlcBU3A8Z0VUpKl16Y2G3kxnawKJ5o2ERad_8KNaKzCkr2h70q6-eZcOVj1S147b6uL_DQR/s1600/IMG_0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0XCA9Xgp03POfQBBH_tiRNLWy9IESFkhxSLor7ll6p7XyuG1Q5oqe17gmqeemxMn3RM2XRlcBU3A8Z0VUpKl16Y2G3kxnawKJ5o2ERad_8KNaKzCkr2h70q6-eZcOVj1S147b6uL_DQR/s320/IMG_0166.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObgwHMsWvEkJJHy9AnPeHBKWi4WP0VD_xI13SGbbbw0Yg9klOh-nh-Jr2ZymxPrMpJ1g8SyCGQFqq51TDblmVyWwEVeQkwc0GKePbI32E0drIxHOZWVSBwsCTudgv0HM-Epmf7eiyIot1/s1600/IMG_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObgwHMsWvEkJJHy9AnPeHBKWi4WP0VD_xI13SGbbbw0Yg9klOh-nh-Jr2ZymxPrMpJ1g8SyCGQFqq51TDblmVyWwEVeQkwc0GKePbI32E0drIxHOZWVSBwsCTudgv0HM-Epmf7eiyIot1/s320/IMG_0176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXh_JptkIJv5EocurZiWlp8LqO6Yh2pprzQNUqVwqQ3RDrzyJl-TeXLcb-GvH5rFJoAPB5264lfAvD8tHqBC00oZfDiyXcUGzje4zk0QwZpGQiQL_1c7KI5Prq2x2tj1Qb_FghKgLmto4/s1600/IMG_0182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXh_JptkIJv5EocurZiWlp8LqO6Yh2pprzQNUqVwqQ3RDrzyJl-TeXLcb-GvH5rFJoAPB5264lfAvD8tHqBC00oZfDiyXcUGzje4zk0QwZpGQiQL_1c7KI5Prq2x2tj1Qb_FghKgLmto4/s320/IMG_0182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
As noted above, the winter weather here has been mostly overcast and wet...very different from last year's mostly sunny January and February. After over 33" of rain in December, we had somewhat over 18" in January and another 7" this month. The wetter months of March and April are on the way..... Temperatures have been mostly moderate with occasional dips into the upper 30's at night. We saw a couple of sunny days last week that pushed towards 70 degrees. Wow!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Juanita has stayed busy at the sewing machine and has a good number of quilts at difference stages of construction. She will attend a four day long quilter retreat in Gold Beach, Oregon in early March. While she quilts I keep busy on my many duties and have also been working on producing a series of video slideshows on YouTube that celebrate our upcoming tenth year anniversary of full time RV living. I have three online now and hope to have more during the next several weeks.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YRxxff8Qkkk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YRxxff8Qkkk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SR5EcJMwMcw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SR5EcJMwMcw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6PexLwImRjw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6PexLwImRjw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Due to winter weather conditions, ground and aerial photography sessions are rare to nonexistent. The Nikon, GoPro and DJI Phantom quadcopter are all ready to go when conditions permit.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been assigned a few duties around the RV park while the owners are away for several weeks of well earned vacation. Having been retired for ten years now and not wanting to host or otherwise work, I won't call this a job...just assisting where I can..............</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I plan to write another blog entry on March 11 to mark our ten terrific years if RV life. I hope!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-19508518661958241302016-01-03T14:02:00.003-08:002016-01-03T17:46:36.919-08:002015 Recap.....2016 Preview, as far as we can tell<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HSLakOAeY5oPfxk4QABR8quwDDl58AEpwnk7uVymPcPqDicoBCDvKzTS-p7kT55T5BFyzDX3OKCKObV8sO7MqeuiGxpaNUebpjhzJ9wpz9aCLGZQnlvi2GXl7uggXL9FCroYqyeAKuGY/s1600/IMG_0495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Regardless of the several kinks here and there, I think 2015 will go down in the books as an excellent year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcA1sr6_EIBBTLHnPGgDpK8DJ-vT0jnj2xRlG8kv3kJLw-KnzNFb_L8LcBd3EYm0bKXXc6ypQ2re2LJz0GzNnUyWk7meg9EHBbCnwNn6-SWc0SuUNtEJvcTpmKWjwLQhbEsxoCK-Go_qs-/s1600/Drone+Pilot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcA1sr6_EIBBTLHnPGgDpK8DJ-vT0jnj2xRlG8kv3kJLw-KnzNFb_L8LcBd3EYm0bKXXc6ypQ2re2LJz0GzNnUyWk7meg9EHBbCnwNn6-SWc0SuUNtEJvcTpmKWjwLQhbEsxoCK-Go_qs-/s320/Drone+Pilot.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ3S_1fM311ZpUxKhYRdqeCmlFdsRt6EMePexpSb4h3_2aXJVRoh5xKyRkFOlIw-gYpB9zxsOtRKjt7oHTBXdR9yTc7_6xWSdhHHesowkn2UWQN1yXM_ZAAludgRJwBkJJrTzrqLlJWdI/s1600/IMG_0495.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ3S_1fM311ZpUxKhYRdqeCmlFdsRt6EMePexpSb4h3_2aXJVRoh5xKyRkFOlIw-gYpB9zxsOtRKjt7oHTBXdR9yTc7_6xWSdhHHesowkn2UWQN1yXM_ZAAludgRJwBkJJrTzrqLlJWdI/s320/IMG_0495.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our (sometimes) rolling villa spent 9 1/2 months parked in a nice RV space in Port Orford, Oregon with a little moving around in late spring to early summer. Stopping here and there along the way, we pulled our beast 300 miles north to Long Beach, Washington, returning to Port Orford just in time to do our volunteer time at the Cape Blanco Music Festival during the first week of August.<br />
<br />
The highlight...or low point...of that journey was the 4th of July period of total mayhem in Long Beach. The hot inland weather and fire restrictions put the bulk of Washington resident celebration right outside our RV along 27 miles of ocean beach. It looked and sounded like war and our two little Beagles were nearly crazed by the constant explosions.<br />
<br />
Otherwise we enjoyed all the beach walks, fine coastal restaurants, beautiful views, new friends and a different place for rest and relaxation. A good number of our past travel buddies showed up for short visits and we met a good number of good people that remain in contact to this day.<br />
<br />
While in Long Beach I purchased a new quadcopter to replace the two earlier versions that started me out in the interesting hobby of photographing our world from an aerial view. Now with 70 flights on the log, I have become very confident of my ability to keep the craft in the air and pointed in the right direction. I am happy with the better than average on board camera quality and have made some nice still images and videos while flying this wonderful piece of technology and certainly look forward to doing a lot more of the same.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7h7nLsdzRutg4SzAi0Dsi3TyGBfiPOkiiDeK2EHIj2qMN8k33xaBKh8wEpNTHKYDe2iyAsbkcncHqe4Q-pPoBkxS96bEoPk7lFFANNaJXPJYQLo8JU7PUymMqHLIkBq-UVy7cTSzEdJD5/s1600/West+PO+Pano+01022016.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7h7nLsdzRutg4SzAi0Dsi3TyGBfiPOkiiDeK2EHIj2qMN8k33xaBKh8wEpNTHKYDe2iyAsbkcncHqe4Q-pPoBkxS96bEoPk7lFFANNaJXPJYQLo8JU7PUymMqHLIkBq-UVy7cTSzEdJD5/s400/West+PO+Pano+01022016.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Aerial photo stitched from nine photos taken 398 feet above our rolling home in Port Orford<br />
<br />
<br />
Our stay in Port Orford has been very comfortable as you can imagine. We obviously like it here and would be parked in another place otherwise. Port Orford is a quirky little town with a fairly slow paced lifestyle and residents that don't take any interest in stepping on our toes for any reason. Politically right of center, but with a small number of self proclaimed progressives, residents here seem to accept opinions other than their own with grace and cordiality....although sometime fairly exuberant in opposition. We can handle that.<br />
<br />
With only a couple of acceptable restaurants and cafes in the area, the place is devoid of any fast food establishment and, what sidewalks there are, roll up by seven in the evening. There is only one food market with high prices and somewhat limited supplies and a small co-op grocery with the usual organic products and other interesting items. The single service station in town has all fuel priced at 60 to 70 cents above the cost of fuel just 22 miles up the road in Bandon. Whatever!!!<br />
<br />
Juanita loves the great quilt store in town. Because of her enjoyment of quilting and my amateur radio hobby, we have made a lot of local friends, who open up other fun possibilities for us. One of my ham operator friends owns a small fishing boat giving me the opportunity to land some nice trout from nearby lakes and tasty Chinook salmon from the Coquille River located north of Port Orford. Juanita has joined the quilting club and we both belong to the local amateur radio club. Although we plan further travels in the future, it looks like we have put down some roots here. Only time will tell if this becomes permanent.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDU3HxZ1_YLWecXcW4BEsQRygBZ0Ow5JniKi3tbFdeaQ4I_ukdV5mdjm0tMVRZZcuYH_vT49JJttSrPl_O3VfLkn6JqlwR3uSZ3nBFCau0YXfMWzLXI3UrjaALo7fnc4h0ZZ_xqSZrxj3/s1600/IMG_0814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDU3HxZ1_YLWecXcW4BEsQRygBZ0Ow5JniKi3tbFdeaQ4I_ukdV5mdjm0tMVRZZcuYH_vT49JJttSrPl_O3VfLkn6JqlwR3uSZ3nBFCau0YXfMWzLXI3UrjaALo7fnc4h0ZZ_xqSZrxj3/s1600/IMG_0814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDU3HxZ1_YLWecXcW4BEsQRygBZ0Ow5JniKi3tbFdeaQ4I_ukdV5mdjm0tMVRZZcuYH_vT49JJttSrPl_O3VfLkn6JqlwR3uSZ3nBFCau0YXfMWzLXI3UrjaALo7fnc4h0ZZ_xqSZrxj3/s200/IMG_0814.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaRqpl162vIh8Yr8yXNfTdoni9HVoVOPVrPQiUO8K0iKcbgfVHcEZharB9iYxiyZ8WVHU8R0hyphenhyphenDEYH78ZQDwvY3Qg-haFtY8_fZCTnaEEQ3ui8HLUERCd9A9zQETtTC5P-TvpdilWHUAW/s1600/IMG_0805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaRqpl162vIh8Yr8yXNfTdoni9HVoVOPVrPQiUO8K0iKcbgfVHcEZharB9iYxiyZ8WVHU8R0hyphenhyphenDEYH78ZQDwvY3Qg-haFtY8_fZCTnaEEQ3ui8HLUERCd9A9zQETtTC5P-TvpdilWHUAW/s320/IMG_0805.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
During the past year my health remained fairly decent, but as noted in several past blog entries, Juanita had a bit of a setback with her ongoing leukemia. She had an infusion port implanted and began a series of chemotherapy treatments in October and has completed part three of the monthly infusions as of mid December. Although the chemo side effects have been quite uncomfortable for short periods of time following the treatments, she has handled the process very well and with continued good humor. I'm not sure I could do the same.<br />
<br />
The results of a CT scan scheduled tomorrow will determine the treatment program ahead for the next few months. Depending on her progress, she could have from one to three more treatments ahead. Obviously we are hoping for only one and I would be surprised if she has more to get through. Juanita is otherwise healthy though, and has progressed very well as evidenced by stellar weekly blood tests. We are confident of a good outcome in 2016.<br />
<br />
Our two little Beagle buddies Abbey and Luna continue to be very active hounds and require lots of ground sniffing walks daily. They are our clowns in fur suits and constantly keep us laughing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJB0KsLEWiH-YqAsKmFrcHTplEDaqbByEluCsxaHlhetLNq19e9j-i39H3_f5WqWLCIR1eR50aaw32G1IItyvYtxNUnpcHaF-TT7qMTgq4a32aV4Q6u0C_7xX4oZBJOSrokmuiLM2w6Od/s1600/IMG_0472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJB0KsLEWiH-YqAsKmFrcHTplEDaqbByEluCsxaHlhetLNq19e9j-i39H3_f5WqWLCIR1eR50aaw32G1IItyvYtxNUnpcHaF-TT7qMTgq4a32aV4Q6u0C_7xX4oZBJOSrokmuiLM2w6Od/s320/IMG_0472.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Since my dear wife has had to put up with all the recent medical activity, I have taken on most of the chores that kept her running. Leaving her mostly with fun stuff, I now do all of the grocery shopping, laundry and most cooking and dish washing. As a result of this process I have found a new hobby...baking and cooking with sourdough.<br />
<br />
I found an excellent and very active sourdough culture from San Francisco that has produced wonderful buttermilk biscuits, pancakes, streusel coffee cake with dried cranberries, pita bread and gingerbread cake. During the learning process I have had only two huge fails...not bad for a newbie!<br />
<br />
The weather in Port Orford in 2015 was an interesting mix of extremes. Last winter, spring and summer was warmer and drier than usual but December brought the entire year rainfall up to normal range with over 33 inches of the wet stuff in one month. The summer months were very windy with very little rainfall. It looks like we have gone back into a normal cycle of alternate rainy and dry periods, but only time will tell.<br />
<br />
As for the upcoming year, 2016 promises to be interesting to say the least. We are hoping, of course, for an early year end to Juanita's treatments and would like to take a little trip with our fifth wheel trailer home in late spring. I have considered several travel destinations but think eastern Washington State around the Columbia and Snake rivers is at the top of the list at this point. We have previously spent very little time in this part of the country.<br />
<br />
We plan on spending the summer and fall in Port Orford and might move down to Arizona for the winter. None of our travels for 2016 are carved in stone, however, and we could end up any place at any time. A family member will graduate from high school in June, so I imagine that a trip to the SF Bay area of California is in our future for that time.<br />
<br />
Juanita has a bunch of quilts under construction to one degree or another and has many more in her head for future efforts. The last salmon season on the Coquille River was downright crappy and I am hoping for better this coming fall. Before that time, I will be putting both my ground based and aerial cameras to work and hope to post some interesting photos and videos as a result. Of course we look forward to visits from many of our good friends that will pass through Oregon during the summer and fall.<br />
<br />
We wish all of our family and friends a healthy and happy 2016!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGSQcY1byfodTGgpqtIG6kc8kn3-k2RchrPYOYhR-UCGsbvSFxN8JEQtWNNt8Ky918lXVtGbqPWVYNOLOD3yjOsAX_4hWnPHtWrun8tgio59HBgixPin4Rkui7zQNnS_3gVJLmEHXkxwp/s1600/Battle+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGSQcY1byfodTGgpqtIG6kc8kn3-k2RchrPYOYhR-UCGsbvSFxN8JEQtWNNt8Ky918lXVtGbqPWVYNOLOD3yjOsAX_4hWnPHtWrun8tgio59HBgixPin4Rkui7zQNnS_3gVJLmEHXkxwp/s640/Battle+Rock.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port Orford, Oregon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-21007523089074084152015-11-30T16:39:00.002-08:002015-11-30T16:39:16.556-08:00Sticking Close To "Home"As you have noticed, I have not been writing on this blog very much lately. The fact that we have been sticking pretty close to Port Orford, Oregon is one good reason. The other is that we haven't been doing much beyond the usual day to day activities that keep body and soul together.<br />
<br />
Fall weather here has been fairly normal with a total of about 8.5" of rain in the month of November. We just had five straight nights of colder than normal temperatures with low readings of just under 30 degrees. The first night of the cold temps was also fairly damp and the resulting ice on our elevated deck nearly killed me when I first walked the dogs early in the morning. I was only saved by crashing into the side of our trailer door. That left a mark!<br />
<br />
I took my DJI Phantom 3 Pro quadcopter out to Cape Blanco on Saturday morning for a little exercise. The weather was absolutely beautiful with no wind and bright clear skies. I flew through four battery packs and put in over an hour in the air, resulting in 45 minutes of raw video of spectacular scenery. I was able to boil the total video into the following 4:10 minute clip on YouTube.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qBQRnkARHrY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qBQRnkARHrY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Juanita is doing quite well with her chemotherapy treatments and had her second two day outpatient session two weeks ago. On the Wednesday immediately following the chemo she felt just fine and thought that the second treatment would be followed by few side effects. Wrong! By Thursday morning she was suffering many of the side effects listed in the "textbook" and not feeling well at all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In addition to terrible fatigue...she described it as having all of her blood drained...she had no appetite, her taste buds were shot and she was meaner than a rattlesnake caught in a buffalo stampede. I found out about the last when I tried to force her to eat, drink and go back to bed. This caregiver is a tough old dude, however, and I got past the chemo induced anger to get the job done.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By Saturday she was pretty much back to her good old self and life was good. Juanita had to generally stay out of public places all of last week due to a suppressed immune system but is completely back in the pink as of today.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We enjoyed our small version of Thanksgiving by putting an eight pound turkey breast on the wood pellet grill and joining it with all the usual stuff for a fine dinner. I also baked a sourdough gingerbread cake with lemon sauce for dessert. Awesome!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Juanita will join all of her local quilting friends for a quilt club Christmas party tomorrow and we hope to join friends for seasonal activities for the next couple of weeks before the next chemo session in the middle of December. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A week of rain is forecast, so we plan to stay low and slow until the storms pass through the area. Regardless of the weather, we spend a good amount of time outdoors and don't mind the wet stuff all that much. In fact, the two Beagle girls just love playing with their drying towels after walks in the rain. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'll check back in with you all again soon. Everyone please stay safe during your holiday travels.....</div>
<br />Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-51450418627866077522015-10-28T21:11:00.001-07:002015-10-28T21:28:58.518-07:00Hospitals are no fun!Well, we have been missing from blogworld for a while now, but we have had a lot on our table. We have saved all sorts of interesting adventures for this blog post and it will be somewhat longer than usual.<br />
<br />
When I last checked in, we were anticipating the immediate beginning of Juanita's chemotherapy treatment. Well, not so fast folks. We had a fairly extended wait to get a second opinion from wifey's Arizona oncologist, who initially didn't have all the latest information to work from. Once she had all the details, she fully agreed with the oncologist in Coos Bay, who had also gone out to get one more opinion from another oncologist. Since we had three independent sources on board for the proposed treatment, we felt confident enough to proceed with everything.<br />
<br />
Juanita had an 8 AM appointment on Oct 19 to have the infusion port surgically implanted in her upper right chest. The appointment was changed twice that day and we ended up checking in at the short stay facility at Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay at 1 PM. As usual for such medical issues, she didn't move into the operating room until 3:30 PM. The surgeon arrived in the waiting room about 45 minutes later to report a successful implant and told me Juanita would be ready to go in about an hour...not!!<br />
<br />
It appears that my dear wife is very sensitive to anesthesia. The brief encounter with a moderate dose of the stuff left her terribly nauseous for several hours and made her the last patient to escape the short stay ward at the hospital at nearly 8 PM. Since she had been fasting prior to the surgery and had nothing to eat or drink afterwards, she was really needing something comforting to eat. What is better than ice cream? While on the way back to Port Orford, I stopped by DQ in Bandon and picked up a cup of the frozen stuff. She was happy with that and actually slept for the remainder of the drive home.<br />
<br />
We made the 105 mile drive to Roseburg on Sunday to drop our two Beagles Abbey and Luna off with their breeder, who very kindly offered to care for them while Juanita spends a week in the hospital to receive her first series of chemo treatments. They were going to have a good week at doggie camp in Medford.<br />
<br />
Juanita checked into Bay Area Hospital at 8 AM on Monday morning with bags full of comfortable lounging clothes, several iDevices and one of her beautiful quilts. She was assigned a rather comfortable (for a hospital) private room on the 4th floor of the new hospital wing. Despite the cause of her visit, it was apparent that she would be fairly comfortable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiMP2Gc8eHR3U15MchQtVNh6hoGBZWkhh67Xnm5egdc8_Gcv-KoHGVIlcPoYp8cvsloSM2n7QKpXpalyHVsD7XphQJlz026-w5wpAeiG63Y3KLMflcuONP6gFpyaDRcenMiUnPpRhGoJ_/s1600/Juanita+at+Bay+Area+Hospital+for+chemo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiMP2Gc8eHR3U15MchQtVNh6hoGBZWkhh67Xnm5egdc8_Gcv-KoHGVIlcPoYp8cvsloSM2n7QKpXpalyHVsD7XphQJlz026-w5wpAeiG63Y3KLMflcuONP6gFpyaDRcenMiUnPpRhGoJ_/s320/Juanita+at+Bay+Area+Hospital+for+chemo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
By 10 AM, she was hooked up to IV saline solution and prepped to receive her first infusion of four to take place during the week. We knew the game was on when two nurses showed up in "spacesuits" to connect the first chemical bag to the ever present IV tree. Let the juices flow!<br />
<br />
Other than a considerable amount of pain when the newly installed port was accessed the first time, Juanita had very few effects from the first infusion. About an hour into the process she experienced an "odd" sensation in both hands. The capable nurse staff kept a close eye on the situation and the sensation soon passed. We were amazed, in fact, that the process seemed to have little effect on her.<br />
<br />
The first treatment was very slow and lasted just a little more than five hours. During the process, wifey ordered a good meal from the fairly extensive menu, talked with a few family members on the phone and tapped away on Facebook. Like any first rate hotel, the hospital had excellent Wifi.<br />
<br />
While Juanita was having her first treatment, I passed time reading my Kindle, keeping friends and family posted on Facebook and continuously helping my dear wife unhook and reconnect the power cables from the IV tree for the frequent (every 20 minutes or so) trips to and from the small bathroom. A constant IV drip puts a lot of fluid through the system and we soon realized that this was going to be our exercise for the week.<br />
<br />
Because the chemo was removing a large number of cancer cells from Juanita's blood, fluids in and fluids out had to be closely monitored. I made a mistake the first day of throwing away one of her empty water bottles and was firmly reminded by a nurse that they had to be counted at the end of each day to confirm that the in/out process was going well. Oh well, my bad!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiHMXJ8pfR6FERMsmU2xxeaVakXZ3SW36rniH4bJfX_T7oeo9SB5CgVxGLVNRo0elv5Szc6PFmjQyoQIL_Yzb7DzVOdaSScQi3gbfN-4mYd9EWstZ9FzgAhE0vnVDc8NGa9ZgRycxoa6z/s1600/J+doing+well+on+her+first+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiHMXJ8pfR6FERMsmU2xxeaVakXZ3SW36rniH4bJfX_T7oeo9SB5CgVxGLVNRo0elv5Szc6PFmjQyoQIL_Yzb7DzVOdaSScQi3gbfN-4mYd9EWstZ9FzgAhE0vnVDc8NGa9ZgRycxoa6z/s320/J+doing+well+on+her+first+day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday went pretty much the same, with only minor differences to mark each passing day. I usually arrived at about 9 AM each morning and left at about 5 PM in the afternoon to avoid the nighttime drive back to Port Orford. I really don't like driving the two lane coast highway at night. Too many drivers have no idea that high beam headlights cause issues with opposing drivers. I must have seen all of them during my only night drive south on Tuesday night. Juanita made sure that I didn't repeat that departure schedule.<br />
<br />
My dear wife did very well during the entire process. Her only emotional crash came early Tuesday morning and was probably caused by the drugs. Unfortunately, Tuesday was my only down day and it took both of us a few hours to pick ourselves up for the rest of the adventure. We did.<br />
<br />
The 4th chemo infusion was fairly light and finished by noon. Not long after one of the fine nurses entered the room with two beautiful root beer floats so we could toast the completion of the treatment cycle. Although we were happy to reach this point in the process, it was necessary for wifey to spend 24 more hours in the hospital for observation and continued saline drip.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsa9GlTYCGqyZxpOwaeEDNJfhF2ZUQp8GN3INaU7VepsDQNpvXEdnUSR2Oj6Bov5p5B03ESZCOQ1M6D046Qs4gpmqI00mJqkzjflaFiviXabTEWoXJZjTPtJSJW_bd4wObC1XyRnMJb95/s1600/Celebration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsa9GlTYCGqyZxpOwaeEDNJfhF2ZUQp8GN3INaU7VepsDQNpvXEdnUSR2Oj6Bov5p5B03ESZCOQ1M6D046Qs4gpmqI00mJqkzjflaFiviXabTEWoXJZjTPtJSJW_bd4wObC1XyRnMJb95/s320/Celebration.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Friday was happy dance day....after an injection of Neulasta to keep Juanita's white blood cell count from crashing during the following week, we packed up and made our fast escape...in a wheel chair of course. We were free!<br />
<br />
All in all the experience was better than I expected. Juanita's doctor, the nurses and the hospital staff were all first rate and the facilities were clean, modern and comfortable. Even at that, we are happy that we shouldn't need to revisit the place until my dear wife gets the port surgically removed after the treatment ends.<br />
<br />
Additional chemotherapy treatments will be scheduled every 28 days and will consist of two days of outpatient infusion at a cancer center located near the hospital in Coos Bay. Juanita needs to have blood tests run every Monday at Southern Coos Hospital in Bandon. We have been told to expect up to five more cycles or fewer if anticipated results occur at an earlier time. We would be very happy to see fewer cycles as you can imagine.<br />
<br />
Before departure from the hospital we were given a book with all sorts of side effects listed that might come up sooner or later in the process. These side effects are shown from probable to rare and require various responses from us if they arise. While kicking back and relaxing on Sunday, one of these issues became evident...Juanita had developed a more and more frequent dry cough and I took her temperature to see if we had a problem. We were told to report anything over 100.5. She was showing a 101.8. We made a call to the doctors office and, hearing nothing in a half hour or so, decided to make the drive to the emergency room at Southern Coos Hospital in Bandon.<br />
<br />
Juanita was checked in and immediately had two blood tests, an x-ray of her lungs and other fluids taken for lab analysis. Four hours later all the lab reports came back clean and the elevated temperature had subsided. The high number was probably related to the mix of meds in her system and not caused by an infection. The oncologist on call in Coos Bay cleared our departure and we arrived at home early enough for a decent dinner.<br />
<br />
Monday was pick-up-the-hounds day in Medford. The round trip was nearly 400 miles and made for a very long day. We were happy, however, to have our little therapy Beagles back with us. Luna was immediately doing her usual clown dog act, but Abbey (part cat we think) pouted for hours before letting us know she was happy to see us again. Weird dog!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMCjruhKfYre1Ozv8NCQfPTq8eSVnEHbo68YZYziqrqGtt6fax2fYEMTL6tYgeux8DDcvqmPg1shnYplB2FUk-Igfpd0zSDYRsVDIfZctMCo-BDDygJe8VF-AUGsV7oW6IiwqgpLW0UQn/s1600/the+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMCjruhKfYre1Ozv8NCQfPTq8eSVnEHbo68YZYziqrqGtt6fax2fYEMTL6tYgeux8DDcvqmPg1shnYplB2FUk-Igfpd0zSDYRsVDIfZctMCo-BDDygJe8VF-AUGsV7oW6IiwqgpLW0UQn/s320/the+girls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We needed to make one more trip to Coos Bay yesterday and had a short (three minutes!) visit with Juanita's surgeon for a post-op check up. We did a little shopping while we were in town and returned to Port Orford to stay a while...we hope.<br />
<br />
As of this evening, Juanita has experienced no side effects other than the brief episode on Sunday. She is in good spirits and confident that the treatment will take care of her issues. In fact, she has already noticed that a lymph node that has been very noticeable on the right side of her neck for three years is completely gone. Even the nurses couldn't find it. Yahoo!!<br />
<br />
We are looking forward to a week of quiet, rest and fun times with our two furry companions and will check back in with you soon.............Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-33100386827636771042015-09-20T14:55:00.000-07:002015-10-27T23:22:48.801-07:00ChangesHowdy everyone! It has been a long time since my last post, but I have been holding up long enough to get clarity on our future plans.<br />
<br />
In the meantime we have been very busy with all the usual activities. Juanita has been quilting up a storm and I have started chasing down Chinook salmon on the nearby Coquille River. I have also been busy with my trusty Nikon camera and put together another video with the Gopro Hero.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HuGo3FvckSc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HuGo3FvckSc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dredging the port</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We have had visits from more long time travel friends and a couple of our blog readers have dropped by or spent time with us in the RV park. I expect several more friends will stop in on their way to winter locations. Which brings me to another subject.......</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We have made a change in plans to spend the winter in Tucson, AZ, and will instead stay in Port Orford for a second winter. As many of you are already aware through Juanita's Facebook page, a recent CT scan indicated that my dear wife needs to begin a series of chemotherapy treatments to prevent an enlarged lymph node from possibly impairing liver function at some point in the future.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We have been aware for several years since Juanita was diagnosed with CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia) that chemo would be needed to treat one or more issues at some time in the future. Well, that time has come. She feels just fine and is good spirits, but we both realize that we need to take preemptive action while she is otherwise healthy.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I can assure all of you that this is not a life threatening issue and that Juanita's prognosis is a good one for the long term. She is eager to get this latest life adventure behind her and asks only for the good thoughts and prayers from her many friends. I will be with her every step of the way.............</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As mentioned earlier, the Chinook salmon season has begun on local rivers and I have already started chasing down the big fish. I landed a 19# salmon on Friday, so you can easily imagine what was on the menu that evening. Yummmmmmmmm!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I enjoy trolling along the Coquille River whether or not the salmon are biting and took the Nikon along to show you why.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRbLmd7QC7fmBiUyAA4Up12RxSIKGuWsF7MuDMZ_rMQSNpNXjhaE4wOSANgn1UV6baH7DIo_IixLn4Y5IbXUf7cnJ8WZaMnhfqItgEBaeYHe9Am3Sew8QCxjrl6hyphenhyphenfKVmVAxxdMJi6UZS/s1600/Coquille+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRbLmd7QC7fmBiUyAA4Up12RxSIKGuWsF7MuDMZ_rMQSNpNXjhaE4wOSANgn1UV6baH7DIo_IixLn4Y5IbXUf7cnJ8WZaMnhfqItgEBaeYHe9Am3Sew8QCxjrl6hyphenhyphenfKVmVAxxdMJi6UZS/s320/Coquille+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRy5wIRS4Hz496FqTrF7x7XlS0ZXWWQwgQMOmBFJTmLG1p1BhK6R7GmT3pKCcFo7ATz8KFELqcoZDsqG-wR2T5ltG4tuXHRsRhxhgep4QhiJVsUaAtxskkmFLoyCIY40pi0y4HX-ICYvsL/s1600/Coquille+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRy5wIRS4Hz496FqTrF7x7XlS0ZXWWQwgQMOmBFJTmLG1p1BhK6R7GmT3pKCcFo7ATz8KFELqcoZDsqG-wR2T5ltG4tuXHRsRhxhgep4QhiJVsUaAtxskkmFLoyCIY40pi0y4HX-ICYvsL/s320/Coquille+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
During our day long boating trips, we often see Osprey, Eagles, sea lions, harbor seals and even the occasional deer along the shoreline. Although not shown in the two photos, we are also accompanied by dozens of other fishermen and need to use extreme caution not to cause a disruption in the otherwise orderly fishing boat circulation. Some old fishermen apparently think they own the river and are quite verbal if crossed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At any rate, we are looking forward to another nice winter on the beautiful Oregon coast and hopeful that Juanita can spend her time between monthly treatments enjoying the good life. Her message to friends has been, "don't worry about me....I am in good hands."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes, she is!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-17430616871351280232015-08-12T10:50:00.001-07:002015-08-12T10:54:46.939-07:00Summer vacation is over - back in Port Orford, OR again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwo2d-VSS6nyz_RhMldMVxiCGo4HyzkzeNzkwk_4HwueVZXqmr4TDTdjMc9ZDlOAp2Xl48qxjSJtngn5K6g-BUwTCIk_41Tk8EK6mkE_zvcAVQs5cXu5DZZK9K0ol77lwICEt67pkeyz1/s1600/DJI_0460-HDR-Pano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwo2d-VSS6nyz_RhMldMVxiCGo4HyzkzeNzkwk_4HwueVZXqmr4TDTdjMc9ZDlOAp2Xl48qxjSJtngn5K6g-BUwTCIk_41Tk8EK6mkE_zvcAVQs5cXu5DZZK9K0ol77lwICEt67pkeyz1/s320/DJI_0460-HDR-Pano.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aerial panorama of Port Orford from my DJI Phantom 3 Pro quadcopter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a couple of months in Long Beach, Washington and a week in Winchester Bay, Oregon, we returned to our "Western home" in Port Orford several weeks ago. Our early summer vacation is over.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLqSr2P8lXnOwluAUOPNhVU4QBdUptDtYHu-cumqMwD-1Wb87Fpt8tb_CVX70yKeW2SYg5W17PdxeaKbko3eclFKe7aukxkagLadPKi6nifA_wxztbm1sKMEGtefX9uJ2lqZUifbCeHD7/s1600/DJI_0343-HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLqSr2P8lXnOwluAUOPNhVU4QBdUptDtYHu-cumqMwD-1Wb87Fpt8tb_CVX70yKeW2SYg5W17PdxeaKbko3eclFKe7aukxkagLadPKi6nifA_wxztbm1sKMEGtefX9uJ2lqZUifbCeHD7/s320/DJI_0343-HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our "home" park...Port Orford RV Village</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-OW0liXaGBAn0R8Hpzmx9FCxWV-DhquGO7kyniaW1S9YNubqpQdjSL6QjvtnrK7GKk3OzNMVf1LiLvUpWdh7RlTZ1_JkSQnBA7AaEMf_dwmNBan2lpSsRFr7upUYIJajLLoF8-AfhC6M/s1600/DJI_0414-HDR-Pano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-OW0liXaGBAn0R8Hpzmx9FCxWV-DhquGO7kyniaW1S9YNubqpQdjSL6QjvtnrK7GKk3OzNMVf1LiLvUpWdh7RlTZ1_JkSQnBA7AaEMf_dwmNBan2lpSsRFr7upUYIJajLLoF8-AfhC6M/s320/DJI_0414-HDR-Pano.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Port Orford from the north</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Immediately following our return we put in some volunteer time at the Cape Blanco Country Music Festival. Juanita and I were stationed at the entrance to one of the festival campgrounds, although the word "campground" is not very descriptive of the dusty, miserable field that we directed people into. We spent our entire time fielding complaints and talking visitors down from anger and high drama.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Juanita has spent some quality time with her quilting friends in town and I have taken advantage of the beautiful summer weather to make some photos and videos with my DJI Phantom 3 Pro quadcopter. I just posted this video on YouTube last evening...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/km-1BiNvfn8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/km-1BiNvfn8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few long time friends have visited during the past few weeks. Full time RV traveler Judy, along with her daughter and a couple of grandkids, joined us for lunch at the Crazy Norwegian's last week and Texan visitors Mike and Sandy visited for several hours Saturday afternoon. After some good conversation in the RV park, we gave the Texas tourists a quick view of Port Orford and had another fine meal at the Crazy Norwegian's. Hey, what can I say, we like that place!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mike took a good photo of us with our furry companions at a nearby ocean overlook........</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNgk9E29YlvJMjV2XoxDxgBHULTeEwMfHySO9tXi8iTXpFzEAnaM-O_655Ac4NFFY1UiPPV-U9shqzwZ12cu7jWKVjuSFQUKqxqsNfkYt6cNkDK84eFQBAxP_nrcerzKbmEsPGd2KHAgL/s1600/Gordon+and+Juanita+at+Port+Orford+Bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNgk9E29YlvJMjV2XoxDxgBHULTeEwMfHySO9tXi8iTXpFzEAnaM-O_655Ac4NFFY1UiPPV-U9shqzwZ12cu7jWKVjuSFQUKqxqsNfkYt6cNkDK84eFQBAxP_nrcerzKbmEsPGd2KHAgL/s320/Gordon+and+Juanita+at+Port+Orford+Bay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The weather has been fantastic since our return with daily high temperatures mostly in the upper 60's and nighttime low temperatures in the mid to upper 50's. The wind has been fairly light for this time of year, except for a couple of days when high inland temperatures have drawn stronger gusts to the coastline. We had a couple of fairly warm days here as well with a high of 85 degrees. That's somewhat unusual for the area, but it does happen from time to time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We will be very active in days and weeks to come. Juanita has several quilts under construction and plans to attend a class at the local quilt store beginning later this month. I will make more videos and photos from my flying machines and look forward to the upcoming salmon season, which should begin on the nearby Coquille River late this month or in early September.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We'll check back in with you all again soon.............................</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-5333378878888301982015-07-15T15:22:00.002-07:002015-07-15T15:22:21.245-07:00Forgot To Tell You...We Are Back In OregonTime sure flies when we're having fun! We are 225 miles south of Long Beach, Washington now and will be moving another 75 miles down the road tomorrow.<br />
<br />
July 4th in beach towns is always interesting, to say the least, but this year topped anything we have ever seen. Because fireworks were banned in all inland areas and the high temperatures persisting everywhere except on the coast, most everyone in Washington came to Long Beach to celebrate the holiday. And boy, did they ever party hardy!<br />
<br />
From noon to midnight on the 4th, the entire 27 mile beach on the Long Island Peninsula was a wall of fire with an aerial display that would rival the efforts of any city in the country. Loud explosions and huge bursts of crackling colors lasted for the entire 12 hour period, even when their full impact couldn't be seen during daylight hours. <br />
<br />
Local restaurants and super markets ran out of food, especially bread, buns, hot dogs and all the stuff that people use while having a great time outdoors. Safety rules along the beach such as a ban on campfires, no overnight camping, speeding violations and the use of illegal fireworks were ignored, much to the dismay of local officials. I understand that a meeting is in the works to avoid a repeat of the mayhem in future years. In my opinion...good luck with that! I'm sure commercial interests were thrilled.<br />
<br />
Before we left Andersen's RV Park, a couple of outstanding sunsets allowed me the opportunity to get several good aerial photos with my DJI Phantom 3 Pro quadcopter. All these photos are created with five images taken in rapid succession, each with different exposure values, and merged into a single HDR image in Adobe Lightroom.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Tc8C1zGETpCYQo8yhT_3BdJ3eAFNFPaTvgDvR54erJNp0Wynxg1wMkK2acHlVX6a81eWuoOeWJgymIVGnH-tQP_qMeGI_XB_bUgKfZVtberIVGuxz8VFQUV9WM5Fyy8jXWIqDCOEHmWl/s1600/DJI_0015-HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Tc8C1zGETpCYQo8yhT_3BdJ3eAFNFPaTvgDvR54erJNp0Wynxg1wMkK2acHlVX6a81eWuoOeWJgymIVGnH-tQP_qMeGI_XB_bUgKfZVtberIVGuxz8VFQUV9WM5Fyy8jXWIqDCOEHmWl/s320/DJI_0015-HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZFXR9L_q0AKTdrT-8fTjOGmCV2LL2wzBJt80BTUISA9jm-XAGyWIcpvf-A9vXaOXmx3ECMHFFu0dWwHG9hi86OXt2TwrXHT21gHzZU8qfjSrCzc61vztxMc2e9JNXy9dDW-ZDzSavZmG/s1600/DJI_0020-HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZFXR9L_q0AKTdrT-8fTjOGmCV2LL2wzBJt80BTUISA9jm-XAGyWIcpvf-A9vXaOXmx3ECMHFFu0dWwHG9hi86OXt2TwrXHT21gHzZU8qfjSrCzc61vztxMc2e9JNXy9dDW-ZDzSavZmG/s320/DJI_0020-HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We left Long Beach on July 7th and stopped for two nights 150 miles to the south in Newport, Oregon. While there, we rested up from the holiday uproar and enjoyed a few of the local sights. I also put my quadcopter into the air and got a very nice sunset photo over the Yaquina Bay Bridge to the west of the RV park. This is another merged HDR image.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx69ea1bNBI58XUgGOGfLZK26K5Yml2yIpVyAU9HPE-N2pIIO3F71v7msoFEJGRdG2-U8XUUhE6rsV4rqgdHi0GWJqvumKPiGAGWRnyBkP0-e3J8BkViK1myhio9z5Uy3VtBLJECQrM3E9/s1600/DJI_0100-HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx69ea1bNBI58XUgGOGfLZK26K5Yml2yIpVyAU9HPE-N2pIIO3F71v7msoFEJGRdG2-U8XUUhE6rsV4rqgdHi0GWJqvumKPiGAGWRnyBkP0-e3J8BkViK1myhio9z5Uy3VtBLJECQrM3E9/s320/DJI_0100-HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As you can see, I am having way too much fun with this photo platform!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the 9th of the month, we traveled another 75 miles and pulled into one of our favorite parks on the Oregon coast...Winchester Bay RV Resort. This place is roomy and located on a piece of land with water on three sides. Our space is slightly elevated, giving us a fabulous 360 degree view.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have never seen a park of this size get so much attention from staff members. All grass is watered nightly (yes, they have plenty of water), the lawns are mowed every Wednesday, the facilities are always immaculate, and a host cleans every site immediately upon the departure of each guest. We even saw a host cleaning the inside of a covered utility station this morning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Because this is peak season in the park, our weekly rate was $260 for a large interior pull through space including all the usual amenities. We have really enjoyed our week in Winchester Bay!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As you can imagine, I have managed to get in a good deal of flying time with still photography my main effort. I have gained a huge appreciation for the quality of images that can be attained from a very small camera fastened to a 3-axis gimbal on the belly of the quadcopter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few photos of our park location follow:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAG_f5vCIV0Lk5ZuR-5VN8c3FnCB5rTFNNd1GQbyIxmpAMINLv-pLBBuIWqYMaHdLmEHIzL9frDc6REzXIB5Nvm_1oIN-uN-7Ex8NHFsUqUKTRH2utOLCZ2oniTfiu3Q1gL74fG8Uvl9FR/s1600/DJI_0130-HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAG_f5vCIV0Lk5ZuR-5VN8c3FnCB5rTFNNd1GQbyIxmpAMINLv-pLBBuIWqYMaHdLmEHIzL9frDc6REzXIB5Nvm_1oIN-uN-7Ex8NHFsUqUKTRH2utOLCZ2oniTfiu3Q1gL74fG8Uvl9FR/s320/DJI_0130-HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnHqfS-cHk45xwxH-XKZuJ1whmJjlMizCrT5XGMVXf_LFPLxaOJmJJhOVpDBHyspIfun5BxYOggnkBEbRy8oCn-8juxzVRWonDLX70e6Tq2-KFNfRzTfkW_PBHd7Mgqx8h59TjvpLTg8L/s1600/DJI_0160-HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnHqfS-cHk45xwxH-XKZuJ1whmJjlMizCrT5XGMVXf_LFPLxaOJmJJhOVpDBHyspIfun5BxYOggnkBEbRy8oCn-8juxzVRWonDLX70e6Tq2-KFNfRzTfkW_PBHd7Mgqx8h59TjvpLTg8L/s320/DJI_0160-HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfq2NT8RCIFBOCPd6Y_8-IlJgTQgzYHdb5eVYMlidJWQWPIVoBB4TlIW9Fj53azKVHycy003mscPx1f1UqYLWU7r3Gg_likVqs5qyvAtSPoaRtvcCKiRmGOwq5sq6CtROZwuki6uXE35C/s1600/DJI_0169-HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfq2NT8RCIFBOCPd6Y_8-IlJgTQgzYHdb5eVYMlidJWQWPIVoBB4TlIW9Fj53azKVHycy003mscPx1f1UqYLWU7r3Gg_likVqs5qyvAtSPoaRtvcCKiRmGOwq5sq6CtROZwuki6uXE35C/s320/DJI_0169-HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And, in the following photo, our home on wheels can be seen at center right:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXl2z0uiZWEEHRTiqEyogt1438Oq0vKIjSEEwZmMmr50pQLGBKAZ52uTbZEQruLP4KWmIjgExlTfzRA4B9qolGY4ilYbTOyj6fgl09cINglmkD5Hot4zjBbkVeNmsuq_TBYba8KAPAldLH/s1600/DJI_0155-HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXl2z0uiZWEEHRTiqEyogt1438Oq0vKIjSEEwZmMmr50pQLGBKAZ52uTbZEQruLP4KWmIjgExlTfzRA4B9qolGY4ilYbTOyj6fgl09cINglmkD5Hot4zjBbkVeNmsuq_TBYba8KAPAldLH/s320/DJI_0155-HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also managed to photograph a spectacular sunset over the Umpqua River:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb09ZBGETq7McEizOHTn0leQ9rva_Xy3WY-9cDExeTO1XtBjse9DVGvOIl1AIbEDFaIzaXKGoSFVURQHwXUpCyMUv10Yg4MWkJp97ztu9nvu8qWb6c3OIi1vnibGuvo2XvOI-sPa8hbZrH/s1600/DJI_0201-HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb09ZBGETq7McEizOHTn0leQ9rva_Xy3WY-9cDExeTO1XtBjse9DVGvOIl1AIbEDFaIzaXKGoSFVURQHwXUpCyMUv10Yg4MWkJp97ztu9nvu8qWb6c3OIi1vnibGuvo2XvOI-sPa8hbZrH/s320/DJI_0201-HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSju0T57QIxctupoDn9_u12-RWfD7-pbgQawUdaJwm64Y637sHi1coAcB_NIG00KlJuwmehs6ITBA_Y9ecGt0ibtsu-KGycy-SPnmbPDmZ9Jugdfgx7jbCCQxcAoZCFqhYKSrsJVNiFmzW/s1600/DJI_0181-HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSju0T57QIxctupoDn9_u12-RWfD7-pbgQawUdaJwm64Y637sHi1coAcB_NIG00KlJuwmehs6ITBA_Y9ecGt0ibtsu-KGycy-SPnmbPDmZ9Jugdfgx7jbCCQxcAoZCFqhYKSrsJVNiFmzW/s320/DJI_0181-HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tomorrow we will make the short drive down to our West Coast home park in Port Orford. Even though we have had an excellent time in other places, we have really missed our friends and all the activities around that little Southern Oregon Coast village.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am looking forward to some fishing with friends and Juanita is eager to return to all of her quilting buddies in town. We have both volunteered to work at the Cape Blanco Country Music Festival at the end of the month and will be able to keep our two little Beagles with us as we attend the gate of an event campground.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also have a couple of aerial photo and video projects planned for our four months in Port Orford and will most certainly share them with you on the blog once they are completed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Until then..........................................</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-11357709754204045742015-06-24T15:30:00.002-07:002015-06-24T22:08:24.049-07:00Getting behindOK, I have really gotten behind on the blog. I guess we are just having way too much fun here.<br />
<br />
A few family members and friends are beginning to arrive in the Long Beach area and even more are on the way just after the 4th of July holiday. <br />
<br />
Juanita's sister and brother-in-law visited from their home in Hoodsport, WA. Joining them at our rolling home, Juanita's Australian sister-in-law and her brother fit us in during a short visit to the Pacific Northwest.<br />
<br />
We met up with travel friends Bill and Diane for a shopping excursion and quilt shop tour of Astoria, OR yesterday, finding a good burrito shop to cover our lunch time appetites. Bill and Diane will be in the Long Beach area for a couple of weeks, and we are looking forward to hanging out with them a bit.<br />
<br />
Old travel buddies John and Ann showed up in Long Beach a couple of days ago. We had a great conversation and excellent lunch with them today at the Lost Roo in Long Beach. More RV friends will join in the festivities just after the holiday weekend and we have extended our visit to Long Beach to meet up with Steven and Linda on the day of their arrival.<br />
<br />
We took the two Beagles out for a good sniff and hunt excursion to nearby Cape Disappointment State Park last Saturday and enjoyed the walk out to the North Head Lighthouse...one of two old lighthouses in the park. Since my aerial photo equipment is not allowed in Washington State Parks, I made a video of our walk with my GoPro Hero 4 Silver camera.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/E7wOk9D3mPM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E7wOk9D3mPM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have also taken my trusty Nikon out for some local photo sessions. A beautiful bald eagle has been hanging out at the beach near the park and made a decent flyby on one of my treks along the beach.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbXwCwaB2tRyBOlAV-X5x1BKfnqbqDHr4BPoclMh7fkCG6KehuMq5CDU2zHsFRTm3ePMaP_bpcbzFKY5mZNUHKygybZc5hLQvnrPOYx7ivjI8EiHSHDnedpvdV98_AmLlgKkvMw51tX6o/s1600/D7K_1903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbXwCwaB2tRyBOlAV-X5x1BKfnqbqDHr4BPoclMh7fkCG6KehuMq5CDU2zHsFRTm3ePMaP_bpcbzFKY5mZNUHKygybZc5hLQvnrPOYx7ivjI8EiHSHDnedpvdV98_AmLlgKkvMw51tX6o/s320/D7K_1903.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A golden sunrise through the grass covered dunes was well worth the early hour walk with the camera.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHL65PnaMVZtjrqOhIk-ZFS12JD6yH-UKbgd9DZ0aPm3n19nX6k6rmoxHxWosFpX8uI1Z5PCx0BQ3o-2OVtLkqhpcpDQiAbaOnIWHZBn2dE2OiavpveDqAr-NveLzmwlUP52DwQDKRNp6/s1600/D7K_1829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHL65PnaMVZtjrqOhIk-ZFS12JD6yH-UKbgd9DZ0aPm3n19nX6k6rmoxHxWosFpX8uI1Z5PCx0BQ3o-2OVtLkqhpcpDQiAbaOnIWHZBn2dE2OiavpveDqAr-NveLzmwlUP52DwQDKRNp6/s320/D7K_1829.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Who knows when this old piece of driftwood arrived.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIczjTUqlxshyphenhyphenXGSeY0qqR6JlExjVF-bFapH3Rt3a57iirW6iJJgZWIa7qClT1PiAUsXPwnv80ehD1BU1rK2dFgiIwKwmD2x3P11YKuVruFtYjtdAkuEHBwT1zRQ1aw0ajqFKdOfFF5nAM/s1600/D7K_1836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIczjTUqlxshyphenhyphenXGSeY0qqR6JlExjVF-bFapH3Rt3a57iirW6iJJgZWIa7qClT1PiAUsXPwnv80ehD1BU1rK2dFgiIwKwmD2x3P11YKuVruFtYjtdAkuEHBwT1zRQ1aw0ajqFKdOfFF5nAM/s320/D7K_1836.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have also put my latest addition to the Pierce family aerial photography fleet into the air over twenty times and have taken a few photos in and around the RV park. Now that I have broken in a couple of batteries for the new flying machine, I plan on flying beyond the local area and making more videos of interesting subjects. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJHGZwypQKUVYCH9cRGkymV0LD8lb8EkHSnrQi2nt-yTtRDUthGITvA9C6w5EetXdURX1S0xIztryj1_mqpopLWedViNaCPFASPzxzMMUa07ssFe4kvv7vykIRN4Vpj2oQF-GG2k7C-BK/s1600/DJI_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJHGZwypQKUVYCH9cRGkymV0LD8lb8EkHSnrQi2nt-yTtRDUthGITvA9C6w5EetXdURX1S0xIztryj1_mqpopLWedViNaCPFASPzxzMMUa07ssFe4kvv7vykIRN4Vpj2oQF-GG2k7C-BK/s320/DJI_0009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInX6Boc6JgybKcePaD7O8W-p0lbKYmPCmamIo15-KcGZuBKfiG2dsxXy16XaVAxkkaxb3LKvezpFR74aInRl65FNQopmYMwRskI5gBXvdcYNNRK7pHKIjNAoL7EJtnATmu2nnaWkumVb_/s1600/DJI_0007-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInX6Boc6JgybKcePaD7O8W-p0lbKYmPCmamIo15-KcGZuBKfiG2dsxXy16XaVAxkkaxb3LKvezpFR74aInRl65FNQopmYMwRskI5gBXvdcYNNRK7pHKIjNAoL7EJtnATmu2nnaWkumVb_/s320/DJI_0007-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXp4e8v6C7q2WWW7J7Meqem_HP9QPxTBCuo8U1_jzZbIxR1SG0oAebYMj2GmFR4tcMkcGFCseAXGFfVJ4ODYY4s4TvC4a7-piypWjXFs7iFF5l6I-KfyQ7Z_YSfC4WbkjNS4BOFkAhNc7/s1600/DJI_0036-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXp4e8v6C7q2WWW7J7Meqem_HP9QPxTBCuo8U1_jzZbIxR1SG0oAebYMj2GmFR4tcMkcGFCseAXGFfVJ4ODYY4s4TvC4a7-piypWjXFs7iFF5l6I-KfyQ7Z_YSfC4WbkjNS4BOFkAhNc7/s320/DJI_0036-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also took a couple of photos with my Nikon looking across the Columbia River from the Chinook County Park just south of here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LoetmYBseOuyTK_f2iy_r9TuNQ1edFHiNAC9B-ernjtAViaD8cGEDI7YNcXLCCnzOQrAataDTvsidroPukAGkRYoWnqb083dpe2CjlYMdFVoQHhvPIYMHITYeIKiGQXZTiipPl54DcKs/s1600/D7K_1912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LoetmYBseOuyTK_f2iy_r9TuNQ1edFHiNAC9B-ernjtAViaD8cGEDI7YNcXLCCnzOQrAataDTvsidroPukAGkRYoWnqb083dpe2CjlYMdFVoQHhvPIYMHITYeIKiGQXZTiipPl54DcKs/s320/D7K_1912.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmmNX2KlXnGRgNOa7zTBjR-kbiB0N1ijR9X5YJZHRrf4zyQDNXA6oASy6Q7TBaMpqKtFtlpObmr9wbx73Rn-NLWXYWQMCBe7k26zkV7qNatmbIjnaP-JGH3yWyiv8o3Yh6M6dNwZCkDFW/s1600/D7K_1911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmmNX2KlXnGRgNOa7zTBjR-kbiB0N1ijR9X5YJZHRrf4zyQDNXA6oASy6Q7TBaMpqKtFtlpObmr9wbx73Rn-NLWXYWQMCBe7k26zkV7qNatmbIjnaP-JGH3yWyiv8o3Yh6M6dNwZCkDFW/s320/D7K_1911.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a month or more of cool overcast weather conditions, the sun has finally arrived and the temperature today has managed to reach a balmy 68 degrees...the highest temperature we have seen during our visit. If the forecast can be believed, we can expect more of the same before our departure on July 7. We can only hope.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Juanita has been very busy with needle and thread and will follow my comments with details and photos shortly...........</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ok...Hi, Juanita here to add to and finish up this blog. Since we've been here I have started and completed two small quilts. The first one up was for my Mom's next door neighbor who was recently blessed with the birth of a beautiful baby girl. I made this from a Layer Cake. (Sorry, that's a quilting term.) For those who are not quilters, a Layer Cake is a package of coordinated fabrics pre-cut into 10 inch squares, and they usually come 40 squares to a pack. I took 20 of these squares and cut them into 2.5 inch strips, re-assembled a mix of these strips into sets for four. Then I cut these units into more strips and reassembled them again. Now I had 20 - 8 inch squares, each square consisting of 16 - 2 inch squares. Sounds silly when I write it out this way, but thats just what we crazy quilters do. Cutting fabric into little pieces and finding new ways to sew them all back together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At this point, I made a trip to the local quilt store, much to their delight, to purchase sashing, binding, backing fabric and a piece of flannel to use in place of regular batting. The use of the flannel made it very easy to quilt because, unlike batting, the flannel will not bunch up or get all weird inside the quilt. This helped speed up the process because very minimal quilting was necessary. So I got it all put together and here are a couple of images of the baby quilt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIFRS5ISoLsWl98c9nbI7vsw0g6CqskC_NfN5bdfHkokrFR8FJn78lDtTzfL-bnUuiE1r-NPV1QOBskzdYmg9E1DwMO3b2NM_xRXooI5vZUI4ZZtngOQ0LXII0em6phvmYAhf-jyZL1z-/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIFRS5ISoLsWl98c9nbI7vsw0g6CqskC_NfN5bdfHkokrFR8FJn78lDtTzfL-bnUuiE1r-NPV1QOBskzdYmg9E1DwMO3b2NM_xRXooI5vZUI4ZZtngOQ0LXII0em6phvmYAhf-jyZL1z-/s320/IMG_0490.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That polka dot binding fabric (you see there on the edge) is also the backing fabric. I love polka dots.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTKmu6q2DSmo404AlGXnICUnpSYKPfsRSZ9bZZtbnPRjyQg9vUbdUj_lWhc-xTIXxEJifypYaqFeVxD9NX28GsQvn_tleJ4-8xSGnZtklxUpcD2mEtVZqOsgRsq4Zw9h2cVShY8Wf42NZ/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTKmu6q2DSmo404AlGXnICUnpSYKPfsRSZ9bZZtbnPRjyQg9vUbdUj_lWhc-xTIXxEJifypYaqFeVxD9NX28GsQvn_tleJ4-8xSGnZtklxUpcD2mEtVZqOsgRsq4Zw9h2cVShY8Wf42NZ/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, my mother was happy with this and the new parents liked it as well. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just a quick note about quilt #2. It is a quilt I am entering in the Port Orford 4th of July quilt show challenge so I can't show it off yet. After the Fourth, I will post some photos. Its a fun little quilt, very bright, and I hope its the "star" of the show, but who knows.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been thinking lately it would be nice to have a small, simple machine to use as a portable when I go to classes, or just to take with me to the Rec Room at the park now and then. So my bigger machine can stay in its special place on my sewing table at home. I recently discovered a good size thrift store in town and as I was browsing around one day I came across this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsLcdfJJDzUeAmnY8ye4kzCz-EbBojxid19USp75wScLGg9YzR8wzwgTHa0qoOhSThqPXj4tVuzhmOGqct3jtNob9TxTupGdSGB18OPXrsgQicuHgHxwG4k9AGsiRVv1IMxI9UVa1jorI/s1600/IMG_0722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsLcdfJJDzUeAmnY8ye4kzCz-EbBojxid19USp75wScLGg9YzR8wzwgTHa0qoOhSThqPXj4tVuzhmOGqct3jtNob9TxTupGdSGB18OPXrsgQicuHgHxwG4k9AGsiRVv1IMxI9UVa1jorI/s320/IMG_0722.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This little beauty is now mine. Of course I will be removing the machine from the cabinet. Then once I get back down to Port Orford I have a friend who I hope will be able to get it in prime running condition once again. I'll just give you one more photo so you can see the scroll work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OgqJ0LQPXHfEJ6VXsXzTB-PoEMRblg-OX1HXD8wMiN6dzVgPWm-gs2gz5PagZBUQBLj3UxfX6eAXE3fC4OQfJsCMTUnser8NauWNW3GsigUM56kejlydIm-BEQwBhKpLMtBwbtShgyLJ/s1600/IMG_0725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OgqJ0LQPXHfEJ6VXsXzTB-PoEMRblg-OX1HXD8wMiN6dzVgPWm-gs2gz5PagZBUQBLj3UxfX6eAXE3fC4OQfJsCMTUnser8NauWNW3GsigUM56kejlydIm-BEQwBhKpLMtBwbtShgyLJ/s320/IMG_0725.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Isn't she pretty!! I can't wait to get her working again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So now you know what I do to entertain myself while Gordon is playing with his flying machines and cameras.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We will post again soon, I hope.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-23766237420346325132015-05-31T13:47:00.001-07:002015-05-31T22:31:59.530-07:00Staying BusyThe sun finally came out...yesterday! And then, not so much today. Oh well.<br />
<br />
The park was packed solid for the Memorial Day holiday weekend and forty mile Long Beach Peninsula yard/garage sale. We joined the bargain hunting pack on Sunday and picked up a few pieces that needed a new home. Most of our purchases were items for our friends, but Juanita found an antique quilt that was in pretty rough shape and needs a lot of TLC. I managed to leave everything in the yard or garage.<br />
<br />
Fedex arrived on Wednesday with a nice new flying machine to add to my ever growing fleet (this is Juanita, the editor: "ever growing fleet"...I don't think so!) of quadcopters. I have already made five flights with the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, which is an amazingly stable platform for both videos and still photos.<br />
<br />
My previous Phantom 2 Vision is stabilized by up to only 12 GPS satellites, whereas the new quad can access more than 20 at times. That, in addition to a new visual/sonar near ground positioning system, makes for an almost tripod like aerial stability. The short video below shows some of that solid performance at the beginning, which appears to be a still photo.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/iqyzAlOdH6E/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iqyzAlOdH6E?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Because two additional batteries are on back order, I am flying on only one, and dropping it to a break in level of 50% at that. As soon as additional batteries arrive in a week or two, I'll expand my range and get some interesting views in the local area.<br />
<br />
I also took a few still photos with the new camera. The first one is a fun dronie at our little space at Andersen's RV Park and the second consists of five shots bracketed and processed into a single HDR photo. The new camera is able to capture single, multiple, bracketed, time lapse and long exposure photos and will require a lot of practice to get things right.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykS4S14yJ4kDITMyzEUBTn4SDcl6n1DUO9dnY8hfINVkM_8Alr9_xIORl0csScDUSMj1vL1Fxi-9GDtGl7iJjNno8MERFMuBh__-CVo31jiRHiyL8d-UlLKx7fMvao-1UqNgYHR-kDLVj/s1600/DJI_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykS4S14yJ4kDITMyzEUBTn4SDcl6n1DUO9dnY8hfINVkM_8Alr9_xIORl0csScDUSMj1vL1Fxi-9GDtGl7iJjNno8MERFMuBh__-CVo31jiRHiyL8d-UlLKx7fMvao-1UqNgYHR-kDLVj/s320/DJI_0008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dronie!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YXNTn6Jm_50vUymMoEmhxA6FSqdX-8GLA_pFp2Z6ykH8yeZdhjQxK-PVAoLZLHcNV3RgQqn9CdzXH0tDQWwdTHyXWg0jH82x3cEOTjrG9qQbiOsS4A7jL6gMh18XY1PIraixYoXTUc88/s1600/DJI_0006-2-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YXNTn6Jm_50vUymMoEmhxA6FSqdX-8GLA_pFp2Z6ykH8yeZdhjQxK-PVAoLZLHcNV3RgQqn9CdzXH0tDQWwdTHyXWg0jH82x3cEOTjrG9qQbiOsS4A7jL6gMh18XY1PIraixYoXTUc88/s320/DJI_0006-2-Edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Five shot HDR</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Good long time friends Mike and Charlie Harris visited with us briefly earlier this week. We haven't seen these two good people for many years after meeting them originally in early 2007. After trading stories in our rolling home for a while, we adjourned for a great lunch at the Lost Roo restaurant in Long Beach. Good company, great food...we couldn't ask for more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday we drove down to Ilwaco for the weekly farmers market. There was very little produce available, but we loaded up on other stuff...again mostly for friends and family.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHOnd10Qg3E6mUfAnFfUlLU3hfKHsyH8-R78gprXC55-nNwcebfnXk5rmDy0MX-uIAcy0vG_FYy6Hwv9VZk9MDruCZ5EJy_2li8hG7TIl6-shprbwk9c2Op3U9vcUrbQaM59cXxp_ffii/s1600/D7K_1822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHOnd10Qg3E6mUfAnFfUlLU3hfKHsyH8-R78gprXC55-nNwcebfnXk5rmDy0MX-uIAcy0vG_FYy6Hwv9VZk9MDruCZ5EJy_2li8hG7TIl6-shprbwk9c2Op3U9vcUrbQaM59cXxp_ffii/s320/D7K_1822.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxIAOiHNzmuMtbH5Qkn9NFoA4qErTI5KWQoZKYnfyh3GXMY3qSA6-dNO3GXx-wxEXpcBY8w-byvPyRALqDp0ds3rfVC_kZpMWUwyKBwuwa3IxT_GSaUTcCnkfRW9ipsn-cjNLgXPnjmMj/s1600/D7K_1824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxIAOiHNzmuMtbH5Qkn9NFoA4qErTI5KWQoZKYnfyh3GXMY3qSA6-dNO3GXx-wxEXpcBY8w-byvPyRALqDp0ds3rfVC_kZpMWUwyKBwuwa3IxT_GSaUTcCnkfRW9ipsn-cjNLgXPnjmMj/s320/D7K_1824.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1BWk37EGT-ffXftKm1xS9euPgEPdGDi4EHT1MF0Jhya3S_j6C4lYd-tV_bkF_d1O1b9XSFcsXSG6XfZYCe2ejyCp1zm0Ic5AtvJ44k_diKRhCFQktUggb0KhyphenhyphenDdNZ3l_Pnzt9daXgyfP/s1600/D7K_1827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1BWk37EGT-ffXftKm1xS9euPgEPdGDi4EHT1MF0Jhya3S_j6C4lYd-tV_bkF_d1O1b9XSFcsXSG6XfZYCe2ejyCp1zm0Ic5AtvJ44k_diKRhCFQktUggb0KhyphenhyphenDdNZ3l_Pnzt9daXgyfP/s320/D7K_1827.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the marketplace in Ilwaco...the Lady Washington was in port.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Despite the almost constant overcast, we are enjoying our visit to Long Beach. The upcoming July 4 holiday is still ahead before we head south, and we are looking forward to more fun activities on the Washington coast.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-58501338292948444912015-05-19T17:08:00.002-07:002015-05-19T17:08:44.922-07:00Bring back the sun!Howdy everyone!<br />
<br />
Well, we have been in Long Beach, WA for nearly two weeks now and the sun has all but disappeared. Don't get me wrong. We are enjoying our visit very much but would dearly love to get a little vitamin D.<br />
<br />
As usual, Juanita is quilting her little hands off and I am doing pretty much what I always do. Reading, exercising the two Beagles, maintaining RV systems, flying quadcopters and a kite, processing photos and videos, bitching about political events and watching people come and go are the activities that generally consume much of my time these days. Retirement is sure tough!<br />
<br />
Things are fairly quiet at Andersen's RV Park, but I expect things to pick up soon with the Memorial Day holiday ahead. Party time! There will be a 40 mile long garage sale over the weekend in addition to all the usual holiday activities, and I expect a lot of people watching opportunities for entertainment purposes of course.<br />
<br />
The weather here started out pretty decent but has fallen into a real rut of daily overcast with light to heavy mist at times. The ten day forecast calls for the same with the exception of "partly cloudy" conditions tomorrow. You would think that NOAA could use the word "Sun" somewhere in their forecasts, but I guess that's too much to ask. <br />
<br />
The temperature range has fluctuated between 52 degrees in the morning to a balmy (haha) 54-58 in the afternoon before the unseen sun sets. OK, I'll admit to getting a bit snarky here, but I'm a big fan of the big bright shinny orb that usually occupies a place in the sky, and I become very grumpy when I don't get my way.<br />
<br />
I managed to find a short break in the mist and clouds and put the DJI Phantom 2 Vision quadcopter in the air to capture a quick video of the area around the park. Upper level wind caused some video shudder, but I managed to put something together regardless.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VsR5TyyJyrQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VsR5TyyJyrQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We will make a day trip into Oregon tomorrow and do some shopping in Astoria and Warrenton. Hey, we might even see the sun for a few minutes!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We'll be back soon............</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-2608098990889423042015-05-08T17:38:00.001-07:002015-05-11T08:37:50.323-07:00Beachin'!!!An uneventful drive of 158 miles brought us north from Newport, Oregon on Wednesday and left us on the edge of a beautiful loooooooonnnnnnnngggggggggg drivable beach in Long Beach, Washington. The place is aptly named.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6kophosnbcCS0AP6Q28PuUj1NrJ_1fImfTGCnHNZW2zU4lHvjyuEKePTaDOczPGk0YO8WKgIE0ybNgEHT3hQcxA5WhfuGaUeAM1vm1sDTcveVJJC4cm9TzSNo9CxsPwwvfTTJdfUlf7y/s1600/DJI00003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6kophosnbcCS0AP6Q28PuUj1NrJ_1fImfTGCnHNZW2zU4lHvjyuEKePTaDOczPGk0YO8WKgIE0ybNgEHT3hQcxA5WhfuGaUeAM1vm1sDTcveVJJC4cm9TzSNo9CxsPwwvfTTJdfUlf7y/s320/DJI00003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A short trail takes us from rig to the beach.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We pulled in at Andersen's RV Park soon after 1 PM and did the basic set up on our rolling home in short order. On Wednesday we put out all the utilities, set up the DISH satellite antenna and mounted the Davis Vantage Vue weather station on the roof ladder. On Thursday we completed the outdoor set up process by putting up our deck and steps, putting the Green Mountain Grill Davy Crockett BBQ together and getting the amateur radio antenna put in place and my station on the air.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have previously visited Andersen's for a couple of one week long periods but will stay for two months this time. The park is essentially a very large gravel parking lot with rows of back in spaces on each side. Wide grass strips are located to the rear of each lot and the spaces are separated by narrow cedar bark filled areas. The sites are quite close together but the grass strip and area of natural vegetation at the back makes the space feel larger.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1fDTMaS6uGkBaOj27_tPnO8iCJKNcepEoJlWwe03dW8ho-7KfwHz1SUpdtTO966ZoOvyBA6rnhNN-Q0FVqfowoVNq5E35SIjnPYaxQtndSVIF8Ata44KNiiZy1lnkj5FJ2UTItlu1D-R/s1600/DJI00007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1fDTMaS6uGkBaOj27_tPnO8iCJKNcepEoJlWwe03dW8ho-7KfwHz1SUpdtTO966ZoOvyBA6rnhNN-Q0FVqfowoVNq5E35SIjnPYaxQtndSVIF8Ata44KNiiZy1lnkj5FJ2UTItlu1D-R/s320/DJI00007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another view of Andersen's RV Park.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The park has all the usual amenities and the hosts are very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. All facilities are a bit long in the tooth but very clean and adequate for our needs. The park layout seems to facilitate friendly interaction between the guests and just about everyone that passes has something to say, even if to just say hello.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2aKXql98WiQ7XbaLGXvczOi3gwd9vJ5JRkqHE-pAdtBqAxSNXSvF2qOW4tZ2PsnYCrcBLHz0fXdAwGlceP6gFW3ju862WkeLD1rPqvyaVFv0dsLChGMXWKX3ic_C2zv0g9pjeaCF-Tey/s1600/DJI00001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2aKXql98WiQ7XbaLGXvczOi3gwd9vJ5JRkqHE-pAdtBqAxSNXSvF2qOW4tZ2PsnYCrcBLHz0fXdAwGlceP6gFW3ju862WkeLD1rPqvyaVFv0dsLChGMXWKX3ic_C2zv0g9pjeaCF-Tey/s320/DJI00001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
View to the southwest of the park.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The weather since our arrival has been fantastic with moderate temperatures and only light wind. Partly cloudy conditions Wednesday and Yesterday gave way to clear skies today. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The wind was light enough this morning to allow me some flying time with the DJI Phantom 2 Vision quadcopter, and I took a series of photos to show a little of our home for the next two months.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnVqC06v66I8CYxmlPCAI3ZQkyYUMGNZashuhhAPiXjziSMpxU0T8p0yAK_edp3Qoy7W3J4kEWocbJD_BN9IMr9N3hMOGT7pEBMeFJqzv9ug4mt-u1cuMybcnzCn0RS5BuqlpstZeHJWx/s1600/Phantomfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnVqC06v66I8CYxmlPCAI3ZQkyYUMGNZashuhhAPiXjziSMpxU0T8p0yAK_edp3Qoy7W3J4kEWocbJD_BN9IMr9N3hMOGT7pEBMeFJqzv9ug4mt-u1cuMybcnzCn0RS5BuqlpstZeHJWx/s320/Phantomfly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Come to Daddy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lX9WgBC4m0vZETdmPxBRjVkxlH2-kDEE4d7SoPMHNk4UGjM3L7lAL3F95p-6oQkgLyg270aU66__rYf2CIdJ1DKjJBsK39h_K52srhKbwmdfKPhwKT6TqSM3rfF5aR_0f556me6MqRrW/s1600/Phantomgrab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lX9WgBC4m0vZETdmPxBRjVkxlH2-kDEE4d7SoPMHNk4UGjM3L7lAL3F95p-6oQkgLyg270aU66__rYf2CIdJ1DKjJBsK39h_K52srhKbwmdfKPhwKT6TqSM3rfF5aR_0f556me6MqRrW/s320/Phantomgrab.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Grabbing my aerial photo platform from the sky.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Juanita got her quilting station going today and already has two projects on the agenda. She is making a real quick baby quilt for a neighbor of her Mom in California and has started on a quilt to enter in the July 4th contest in Port Orford, Oregon. She will ship that quilt to a friend who will handle the entry.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our little furry buddies just love the beach and surrounding area. They spend a lot of time outside, proving again that tired Beagles are good Beagles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We will check back in with you all as soon as events justify another blog entry...................</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcQFFNGGsIBc_7RkLzNO_cPwfO0adjg-NRHy7aainKZpUg7io70tTem9yiyQ4yaPz_tC-F9OGPOgkhQU8bbdRZ_MtQZRnk1SdLXzEqZcmxyNTvjtxmTEkDwgb2exSpzQxozU5YOHO5062/s1600/DJI00008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcQFFNGGsIBc_7RkLzNO_cPwfO0adjg-NRHy7aainKZpUg7io70tTem9yiyQ4yaPz_tC-F9OGPOgkhQU8bbdRZ_MtQZRnk1SdLXzEqZcmxyNTvjtxmTEkDwgb2exSpzQxozU5YOHO5062/s320/DJI00008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Andersen's RV Park in Long Beach, WA</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-16168908881260961312015-05-05T17:46:00.002-07:002015-05-05T17:46:46.357-07:00We like it...the Beagles do too!Several very fine days have passed since our arrival in Newport, Oregon, and we are ready to move along again.<br />
<br />
The first two days were very windy, which was just fine with me. I didn't feel like I was missing anything outdoors while watching NASCAR races on TV. Yesterday and today, however, have been absolutely beautiful...just perfect for spending quality time along the central coast of Oregon.<br />
<br />
Of course any "tour" wouldn't be complete until Juanita checked out the two quilt shops in town. She found only a couple of items she couldn't do without and I considered myself lucky with that outcome.<br />
<br />
We visited the Yaquina Head Lighthouse area yesterday afternoon and enjoyed the fantastic views and interesting wildlife. While watching whales offshore, a flock of pelicans passed by almost close enough to touch. A pair of peregrine falcons defended their cliffside nest with loud screeches and sea lions played in the surf. We couldn't have asked for more.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc507Me8UvuZqKXP_dxrl01_C5dkQEwObKdn59GWmnxUnrRaDHf6wkybDD6oljU8ZlXWeStEQRBVjTfCVAhyRN1dBOIb81sAwXRoQofk6efslYFA0HDfP1BKMw36BMerTmjuejsG4eK3LY/s1600/IMG_0926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc507Me8UvuZqKXP_dxrl01_C5dkQEwObKdn59GWmnxUnrRaDHf6wkybDD6oljU8ZlXWeStEQRBVjTfCVAhyRN1dBOIb81sAwXRoQofk6efslYFA0HDfP1BKMw36BMerTmjuejsG4eK3LY/s1600/IMG_0926.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Juanita and the "girls" at Yaquina Head</div>
<br />
<span id="goog_2085321778"></span><span id="goog_2085321779"></span><br />
<br />
Today we took a drive up to Otter Crest, Depoe Bay and Boiler Bay. Large waves were pounding coastal rocks and creating quite a show for tourists at the many viewpoints along the highway.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18qgiOGaVOdBo25M2bLkx91tmaMg1Sbe1iJh-BMmYwdjdv3h9_4jN8ps5gjIm0URM7UkFa9BvKM-xbPPRqAaYiGxtUmUOejkAvSjm9LX0cLUMZz2Z-QUOuWDYHhAYTgfDqz0Zbm5caHNM/s1600/IMG_0930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18qgiOGaVOdBo25M2bLkx91tmaMg1Sbe1iJh-BMmYwdjdv3h9_4jN8ps5gjIm0URM7UkFa9BvKM-xbPPRqAaYiGxtUmUOejkAvSjm9LX0cLUMZz2Z-QUOuWDYHhAYTgfDqz0Zbm5caHNM/s1600/IMG_0930.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Devil's Punchbowl at Otter Crest</div>
<br />
<span id="goog_735415821"></span><br />
<br />
Our diets were cast aside for a day so we could enjoy a lunch at my favorite eatery along the coast. I have been visiting Gracie's Sea Hag since my college days at Oregon State in the 1960's and seldom pass through the area without ordering up a bowl or a cup of chowder followed by a basket of salmon fish and chips. I will pay the price by cutting back for the next few days, but it was well worth it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQi9oRMMwqEikwN8-ZdpahJZ3et5hclK8w7DgzKOG_CtbyS1v2xAUkPm3tAYs50Kq7HLjPhKjzXAcHuVBo4Z6z8E3YXiLOPKtGC8PIDPgwNYnXniC7ch5tOqtBZI_Pjpay5GU-ySMXdGXs/s1600/IMG_0931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQi9oRMMwqEikwN8-ZdpahJZ3et5hclK8w7DgzKOG_CtbyS1v2xAUkPm3tAYs50Kq7HLjPhKjzXAcHuVBo4Z6z8E3YXiLOPKtGC8PIDPgwNYnXniC7ch5tOqtBZI_Pjpay5GU-ySMXdGXs/s1600/IMG_0931.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A fairly heavy surf along the coast today.</div>
<br />
<br />
Our two furry friends have enjoyed their Newport area visit as well, with all sorts of new aromas and interesting stuff to sample from the ground level banquet table. I don't really want to know what they find to eat, but they find it quite palatable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4hzcNz7QDvIi49fOBidL4Ox5Mhj04pHLivTiQjW9_mjMPL6f7D4wj6xQD5PnFfKG8_9d7ksikIDPg-yVJrdwa0JYgKkjpPHdo6yu2KI6yta8ZZjDQqf89pB5srHrGzwz2TeHNStcCRnN/s1600/IMG_0932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4hzcNz7QDvIi49fOBidL4Ox5Mhj04pHLivTiQjW9_mjMPL6f7D4wj6xQD5PnFfKG8_9d7ksikIDPg-yVJrdwa0JYgKkjpPHdo6yu2KI6yta8ZZjDQqf89pB5srHrGzwz2TeHNStcCRnN/s1600/IMG_0932.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fantastic view across Boiler Bay</div>
<br />
<br />
We will put another 150 miles behind us tomorrow and stop in Long Beach, Washington for a two month visit. I'll check back in with you after getting set up at the beachside RV park.Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-63800397265604481152015-05-01T16:55:00.004-07:002015-05-01T16:55:56.065-07:00So long Port Orford...Hello NewportWell, it has been a while since the wheels have rolled on our little roving home. In fact, we arrived in Port Orford on May 1 of last year.<br />
<br />
Despite the fact that it has been an entire year since we have packed and prepared the fifth wheel trailer for travel, our mental check lists were fully operative and we didn't seem to pass up any necessary tasks. It went far smoother than I expected.<br />
<br />
We left Port Orford at a rather civilized time at just past 9 AM and arrived at the Port Of Newport RV Park at 1PM after an easy and uneventful drive up the Oregon coast. The 147 mile drive was well within our usual maximum daily range and we got everything set up and fully operating in very short order.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienXfocj0HZABt2bJuGDUgK0l7qXWaawN6ZeemBzgzPotR0IMBngkDEyvv6EmAPSWDANZGlqCVfmIHCZXrI3fRW8TsUK-8p45KryjZrFyyK6x6U3wqeJUl8ewltgpmtOIrBU4FDsgqfS0B/s1600/IMG_0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienXfocj0HZABt2bJuGDUgK0l7qXWaawN6ZeemBzgzPotR0IMBngkDEyvv6EmAPSWDANZGlqCVfmIHCZXrI3fRW8TsUK-8p45KryjZrFyyK6x6U3wqeJUl8ewltgpmtOIrBU4FDsgqfS0B/s1600/IMG_0919.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All set up in Newport, Oregon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
The weather was almost perfect for the short drive, except for a stout headwind of about 25-30 MPH. The wind speed continued to increase after our arrival in Newport and I was nearly blown off my feet during the last outing with our two furry friends.<br />
<br />
We have previously visited this park, which is essentially a large parking lot with long spaces located between narrow planted strips of native coastal vegetation. Interior roads and spaces are all paved and we have all the usual RV park stuff including decent cable TV and marginal WiFi. We will remain for five nights before moving another 150 miles north to Long Beach, Washington.<br />
<br />
My expectation that hauling the big heavy trailer down the road after a long layoff would be uncomfortable at the very least was unrealized. Well, at least I didn't run over or hit anything! Traffic was light and I fell back into the towing routine instantly. It felt like I had done this just last week.<br />
<br />
We plan to spend time checking out the sights in the area and I will be back in a day or two with photos and, if the wind would ever stop blowing, possibly a nice aerial video. We'll see............Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-18562360874536549252015-04-20T20:35:00.000-07:002015-04-22T07:47:56.814-07:00Where there's smoke, there's fire......I will honestly admit that my biggest fear about living in an RV is fire. Although a fairly small incident, that fear was realized for us today.<br />
<br />
Several weeks ago the circuit breaker for the microwave/convection oven in our rolling home tripped to the off position and couldn't be reset. Thinking at the time that we might have a problem with the oven, I moved the power cord to a different outlet in the kitchen. The oven worked just fine.<br />
<br />
Since the problem occurred on a dedicated circuit, I thought that the issue would probably be easy to resolve. Well, not so fast Bubba.<br />
<br />
Nothing seemed to remedy the problem, so I purchased a new circuit breaker. It wasn't the breaker.<br />
<br />
It was time to call out Dandy Don, the local RV repair dude. All kidding aside, he is a very experienced fellow. Don arrived this morning and proceeded to systematically check out each and every ac branch in our rig. <br />
<br />
He immediately found four loose neutral connections at the main box, but continued his search, knowing very well that these problems tend to cascade within an electrical system. He managed to isolate the problem to the single line for the oven and checked out the possibility that someone put a screw into the power line when constructing the trailer.<br />
<br />
He found nothing else that caused any concern and reconnected the power for final check out. Well, after about a minute the breaker tripped again. It was at that point that we all began to smell burning plastic. Don saw a little smoke coming from a low wall junction box under the kitchen sink and I went outside to look under the long slide on the utility side of our trailer.<br />
<br />
Dense black smoke and flames were rolling out from under the kitchen slide...looks like we found the short circuit! The fire was still small and easily extinguished, having burned only the plastic junction box, rubber boot and some undercoat material on the bottom of the slide.<br />
<br />
Don picked up a few repair items at the local hardware store and made the final repair quickly. A final system check gave us confidence that all was well...finally.<br />
<br />
Left as it was, this could have been a real disaster when we began travels late next week. The hard short circuit and fire was caused when Don moved the ac line from the power outlet to the junction box. Movement of our RV our even putting the slide in or out could very well have caused that fire down the road when we weren't keeping a close eye on everything. This was a timely repair for sure.<br />
<br />
As noted, we are making preparations for upcoming travel. Although our destination is only 300 miles up the road from Port Orford, we are looking forward to getting back under way. For a number of reasons we have stayed in one location for a year, and it's time to move on for a while.<br />
<br />
Juanita has been storing away inside items while I proceeded to rearrange and store everything in our three basement areas. I pulled out the ground rod for our ham radio system today and stored the Traeger wood pellet grill in a space provided by park owners Tim and Cindy. The Green Mountain Davy Crockett pellet grill will accompany us on our journey.<br />
<br />
I have also been making exterior cosmetic repairs, with some success in places and not so much in others. Most of the vinyl decals on our rig are beginning to fade, split and peel and will need to be removed soon. I plan to begin that process after we return to Port Orford in several months. Needless to say, I am not looking forward to that particular exercise.<br />
<br />
Because of our busy schedule I haven't had an opportunity to put together photographs or videos. Hopefully I will have plenty of time for that after we arrive in Long Beach, WA.<br />
<br />
If events provide additional fodder for the blog, you will hear from us before we head north. If not, we'll see y'all down the road........................................Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-69675658753240887922015-04-08T15:08:00.001-07:002015-04-20T07:26:06.803-07:00We're still around....I think!OK, I know. It has been far too long since I have posted to the blog. We have really been busy doing mostly nothing worth writing about. There have been a few highlights during the past several weeks, however, so here I am.<br />
<br />
The big news of the day is that my dear wifey has officially reached the golden years and was able to drop very expensive health care for the much more affordable Medicare and supplemental insurance. We will celebrate with a nice dinner this evening at Edgewaters in Bandon.<br />
<br />
While attending her monthly meeting at the Quilters Corner yesterday, Juanita was presented with a nice gift that I had purchased at the shop the previous day. She was completely surprised and I got a lot of positive reviews as a wonderful husband from the ladies in the group.<br />
<br />
We enjoyed a short visit by two long time travel friends last Thursday. Tom and Ruth were able to spend a couple of hours with us on their way out to Tennessee. They were fortunate to pass through the area just prior to a big spring storm that hit the area this weekend.<br />
<br />
The cold storm brought 3.26" of rain to the park and, finally, a little snow to the mountains of Oregon and California. Better late than never I guess.<br />
<br />
Back at the beginning of the year I set out a goal to lose 20# before seeing my doctor again in April. The scale revealed that I accomplished that and a little more yesterday morning. I'm not doing anything special in this effort, other than pushing myself away from the plate sooner rather than later. It works!<br />
<br />
I won't give weekly or even monthly updates about my weight reduction program but will certainly let you know when I reach my next goal. I expect to drop 20# more by my birthday in September and, hopefully, another 15# by the end of the year. If I do all that, I will be too buff to believe. Well, I can always dream anyway!<br />
<br />
We are starting to make travel preparations and will be leaving Port Orford on May 1. After spending a few days in Newport, Oregon, we are scheduled to arrive in Long Beach, Washington on May 6 for a two month visit. While there, we look forward to seeing old friends, visiting interesting new places and seeing a couple of Juanita's relatives who live in the area.<br />
<br />
During a break in the weather several days ago, I took the Gopro Hero camera out for some exercise at nearby Cape Blanco State Park. It took several hours to process the video clips, but I am slowly getting more comfortable with Adobe's Premiere Pro proccessing system. I hope to get a few more aerial videos soon as well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/D1rTcwLsfo4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/D1rTcwLsfo4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I hope to get a couple more blog posts made before our departure, but no promises.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-35512473920279063812015-03-11T12:56:00.002-07:002015-03-11T16:46:21.733-07:00Nine years!!!!!!Nine years ago today we drove away from our jobs, a stick home, our friends and our family to join the full time RV'er lifestyle. We have no regrets whatsoever! Note: Juanita has missed seeing the grandkids grow up however......<br />
<br />
Our friends and family members were all busy leading their own lives, our jobs were a big pain in the butt and our stick home was an anchor. Now, we travel when the urge arises, or stick around in places we enjoy for as long as we like.<br />
<br />
The first four years were like an extended vacation...we moved around a lot. For various reasons, the past five years have been much more relaxed. Although we haven't made any plans to plant ourselves in any specific location at this point, we enjoy spending long periods of time in special places.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlZGGgcFYfW3FF0Xinpjjnt3ijMpPfNsnKKVtktREEcXQdyc7RJ6Iv7NzB3JpCq5HQ-l5M0c9-dcGLDqSzzHeYtTFgW0XgOF8NP1wMRRx1s9b5YiSkgEa8fcOF3-3WyUgpGX9zXyM1JQV/s1600/GJP_2633+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlZGGgcFYfW3FF0Xinpjjnt3ijMpPfNsnKKVtktREEcXQdyc7RJ6Iv7NzB3JpCq5HQ-l5M0c9-dcGLDqSzzHeYtTFgW0XgOF8NP1wMRRx1s9b5YiSkgEa8fcOF3-3WyUgpGX9zXyM1JQV/s1600/GJP_2633+(1).jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two travelers in a very special place indeed!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Places we have visited over the years of travel have been spectacular beyond belief...the life long friends that we have made during this journey have been the icing on the cake.<br />
<br />
I can't even list the huge number of friends that we have made over the years but should note a few that were special during this time. Jim and Jan were the first full timers that we met on the road at City Of Rocks State Park in New Mexico. We formed an instant and close bond with Roger and Pat at the McCall RV Resort in Idaho during the early summer of 2006.<br />
<br />
RV classmates of 2006, Barb and Dave took us on our first geocaching adventure in Arizona in January of 2007. We will never forget that excursion and these two intrepid travelers. Mike and Sandy introduced us to warm (if not for a "rare" snowstorm) Texas hospitality, Will and Karen let two strangers camp next to their big red barn in Illinois and became great long term friends and Ed and Marilyn were good neighbors in Texas and hosted many afternoon sessions of laughter and companionship.<br />
<br />
Dave and Toni keep us laughing, Steve and Karen have been awesome hosts (with beagle benefits) in both Idaho and Arizona, RV park owners Tim and Cindy are almost family in Oregon and Harry and Gayanne have become Oregon fishing buddies.<br />
<br />
Canadians Wolfgang and Christine have forged with us a long lasting cross-border friendship, Steven and Linda add to our photographic and culinary interests and we took special pleasure in following friends Paul and Mary from their full time beginnings to current some-of-the-time RV adventures. And who could forget our dear friend Randy...he introduced us to "The Red Green Show" and keeps his stick on the ice to this day.<br />
<br />
Because this blog entry is already getting out of hand, I have left many fine people off the list. I will probably be severely excoriated for doing so. All of you, however, are not and never will be forgotten.<br />
<br />
I need to mention that we have met dozens of people in the virtual travel world of the Internet. Although we have laid eyes on only a few of you over the years, we value the friendship of our journal and blog readers more than you will ever know.<br />
<br />
We realize that this journey will end sometime but have made no specific plans for that eventuality. New places and more friends lie ahead. After all, we live on wheels!Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336172543836749992.post-53501759481652926822015-03-08T10:05:00.001-07:002015-03-08T10:13:20.817-07:00Ready for some fishing!Since my last entry I hauled myself down to the local hardware store to pick up an annual Oregon fishing license. It is a bit pricy for non-residents at $106, but I usually catch enough fish to justify the cost during our time in the state.<br />
<br />
I joined my local friend Harry on his boat for a quiet morning fishing trip to nearby Bradley Lake. Bradley is only a 30 acre body of water, but it contains a good population of trout and bass. The small lake is completely surrounded by private property and can only be accessed for fishermen by boat.<br />
<br />
Fishing for the first hour was very slow and we tried trolling at different depths to attract a fish or two to our lines. My friend Jim landed the first trout. It was the usual size for recently planted fish at about 8" in length. <br />
<br />
Soon after that my pole nearly bent double and line began to sing as it pulled rapidly from the spool. Since I was using only light tackle, I played the fish very carefully and it was obvious that I had something very special on the line.<br />
<br />
It took about 10 minutes to land the fish, which turned out to be the largest rainbow trout that I have caught for a long time. The fish weighed just over 6# and looked like a small salmon. My gentle handling of the fish was justified when the lure easily fell from the trouts jaws immediately after being netted. Now, that is luck!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_OVVPoyHjZtU_Q6uAU2s9w3KfKViwxexRu756XJIvdRMFduY8_Q7IJFSjhCGqSSYwva5w_tebjFdTbr9vzdCQo5xiskLNh2fx8qX3dqvSh-mzZTr5ZzUFv2hbUO-ArpAlMvwJQo7E4Rg/s1600/IMG_0906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_OVVPoyHjZtU_Q6uAU2s9w3KfKViwxexRu756XJIvdRMFduY8_Q7IJFSjhCGqSSYwva5w_tebjFdTbr9vzdCQo5xiskLNh2fx8qX3dqvSh-mzZTr5ZzUFv2hbUO-ArpAlMvwJQo7E4Rg/s1600/IMG_0906.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nice fish!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I put the fish in brine last night and will smoke it this morning after a couple of hours on the drying rack. The fillets look like salmon and I can't wait to see how it all turned out.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjPU27N3iT4QBbZYkQlTdnNikmrO94ciA5CHoF2N4W_8tG8im22JHs3oqJlXmL8k4QiDpCNEQ5EKFcT-6NgywK1Z0fTKuLs7YXJbiBOshiEw4lFpG40KHCCtxyrcyXiaLlabTab9I2zI4/s1600/IMG_0908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjPU27N3iT4QBbZYkQlTdnNikmrO94ciA5CHoF2N4W_8tG8im22JHs3oqJlXmL8k4QiDpCNEQ5EKFcT-6NgywK1Z0fTKuLs7YXJbiBOshiEw4lFpG40KHCCtxyrcyXiaLlabTab9I2zI4/s1600/IMG_0908.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The fillets look like salmon<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
We caught more of the smaller trout before leaving the lake in early afternoon. It was most certainly a good result for my first fishing expedition of 2015. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">The western sky gave the appearance of an excellent sunset in development on Thursday evening, so we drove to Paradise Point beach with the hounds...and my Gopro camera of course. The potential of a spectacular sunset was fulfilled and I spent the remainder of the evening putting together another video on YouTube.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FswGWrfC84g/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FswGWrfC84g?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After I complete the process of smoking the fish today, Juanita will put together a smoked meat loaf for this evenings pot luck dinner at the RV park. The theme of the pot luck is "meat loaf madness", and I'm sure there will be several tasty dishes on hand. It's good that we have two smoker/BBQ's to handle all of our outdoor cooking activities.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I still need to get my Nikon out for some photo exercise soon. I know, I keep promising and never deliver....................................</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Gordon Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073881581277360145noreply@blogger.com11