I managed to be useful to my friend, Gennie, who is getting ready to RV fulltime. After a week of easy living in her place and in the wake of 90 degree days in the Willamette Valley, Tango and I got restless. It did not take long to figure out where to head next after consulting the weather map. One of the few places in the lower 48 with daytime temps in the 60s and low 70s? The Oregon Coast, less than an hour’s drive away.

We hit the jackpot. We are on the central coast, in the Siuslaw National Forest. The forest has a dozen or so campgrounds on HWY 101 and lots of dispersed camping in the heavily forested coastal hills. We spent the first night up in the hills at an old horse camp because the non-reservation sites were filled by late afternoon, then moved the next day to a sweet recreation area with trails. Nearby: lighthouses, beach access, and birding spots. The small town of Florence is a few miles down the road, giving me access to supplies.

Most of the licenses plates in the campground are from Oregon. I am surprised because the HWY 101 corridor along the entire U.S. west coast is an iconic, bucket list kind of place. A classic road trip. Oh well, maybe the usual groups of Germans and college student travelers have passed through. I am taking my time, however. I continue to monitor weather maps and wildfires, and I am hesitant to move from this cool haven. I may stay awhile. I can’t imagine running out of scenic places to visit.

On the other hand, I have a g-baby growing quickly on the eastern side of Washington. I can’t wait to see him again. He and I are working on a weekend trip to a cabin, with his parents. At the moment, he seems to favor a cabin near St. Maries in Northern ID. Not sure yet when, but it will certainly be the highlight of an amazing summer.

But first, next week we meet up with Gennie for 4 nights at another spot along the coast here.