Our New Adventure - Truck Camper

We have been watching home and property sales in western Oregon, as that is the state I've (I'd) determined I want to retire for life.  Buuuut, the SO and Oregon itself have changed my mind.

In 36 months of online searches, and 6 weeks of in person searches, I have found 3 (he says 5) properties that "appear" viable.  We put a contract in on one, and oh, it was gorgeous! 

22 acres of mixed forest and field and garden deliciousness
Recently built small home
Lovingly cared for
Higher elevation in the eastern side of the Coastal range
35 minutes from a good grocery store (this is so very important!)

          That could have been my craft hut, complete with RV outdoor shower.  Waaaaaahhhhh!





However, we lost out to someone who could make a full cash offer.  We could not.

Sigh.

And after 3 weeks of rain, the SO was getting irritable (we were visiting in March and April).  If he had trouble with 3 weeks, how was he going to handle 9 months?

Between those two rocks, I came to the conclusion that Oregon does not want me/us in the state permanently. 

After 3 years, I am ready to give up.  Exhausted.  Tired of searching. 

So I did.  I gave up.  I cannot find a place to move to in Oregon, and I refuse to keep up a fruitless search.  I suppose it is time to delete all my saved searches.  The emails just re-depress me.

While we both still highly desire moving out of the south (our canine companions could really care less), with Oregon struck from the list, I'm not left with many options.  Our next viable states list includes Colorado and New Hampshire.  These will require further travel and study, living and experiencing, in our search for the next "place to hang our hats."

But we are tired of camping in a tent, requiring the loading and unloading of the truck at each and every stop.  We want to carry a little home with us while we travel about.  And we want to travel in less tent weather compatible seasons.

We look to ... travel trailers!  And new trucks (our current is an '05 SUV).

 

 Construction quality is scary.

We attended the Annual RV Travel Show in Denver at the Western Complex.  (Great, but hot parking lot, many "Holy cow, what were they thinking" displays ... an outdoor TV?  Really?  And an ample display of what we do NOT like.)  After considering construction quality, travel desires, and functionality, it is the truck campers that appeal to us most. 

 

Once we found the Northern Lite line, we needed to look no further.  They are beautifully built inside and out. 

In a very short period of time, we placed an order for a 10'2" EX CD SE and a Ford F350.  We had played with the numbers: GVWR, camper dry/wet weight, and truck load capacity.  We spoke several times with our salesman and Keith at Northern Lite.  Keith's comment was, "The F350 was made to carry the 10'2"!"

Excitement could describe my own feelings, but the SO is fairly low key.  The truck (forevermore known as "Monstrosity") arrived in early June with a camper certification from the manufacturer. 

Our first uh-oh moment came in reading the certification ... it would only allow us to add 250 additional pounds to the truck once the camper was loaded.  Otherwise, we exceed the manufacturers written capacity of weight load.  Yeah, nope!  Not gonna happen.  We probably had an additional 250 pounds with the extra tire, wheel, and carry rack alone!

We swiftly contacted our salesman, who contacted Keith.  We all agreed that we should downgrade our camper to a 9'6" (all the while being told over and over that "they" put 10'2"s on F350s ALL THE TIME).  Well, OUR F350 wasn't going to be overloaded like that.

I've lost quite a bit of storage by downgrading from the 10'2" to the 9'6" ... it does not "look" like so much. But, in actuality, the 10'2" is 21" longer than the 9'6", being truly closer to 11' in length.  That additional length is lost/found in the bathroom, dinette, and storage cabinets.  Insert 😢 here.

But I'm over it.  Really.  As long as I haven't lost my sewing machine, and fabric, and light, and cutting implements, etc space, I'm okay.  But honestly, I'm looking at himself's collection of "Stuff" for the camper, and I wonder mightily.  I really wonder.  Where is all this SH!T gonna go?  There's like, 5 storage cupboards and drawers in the 9'6" (exaggeration, there is more).

We sit here in late August, dealing with the rainfall from Harvey, making last minute adjustments to Monstrosity, the tow vehicle, and prepping for the call that our Northern Lite 9'6" Queen Classic SE is traveling from Canada to our pickup location.

Our saga begins.

What I'm driving and why?

What is with the white?

Monstrosity, specifications

Travel Wardrobe capsule.

Eating plans.

Dogs and traveling.

Electronics and techy toys.

Day 8 - Oregon and Yellowstone Trip

2014/09/26
Get up early, 5 am, and out the door by 5:40.

41 F (5 C) according to auto.

Pretty neat to drive through cloud banks in Northern California.

Road work slows us down for a couple miles.

Gas $4.00/g at the Chevron in McCloud.

Reach Lassen Volcanic National Park.  Summit 8511 ft and 32 degrees.  Strange on both accounts for this southern flat lander.

  

A steep hike would have taken us to the summit.

 

 

32 F on the dash

This is the first time I have experienced geothermal activity.  Photos and videos obtained to wow and/or bore future captive audiences ...  

And walked a 3+ mile trek to Bumpass Hell and back.  I'm going to blame our heavy breathing on the altitude! We were exhausted at the apex of the climbs.  Luckily we both recovered quickly.

 

Nope, not making up the Bumpass Hell bit ...

As we were returning, the school field trippers arrived.  OMG, that many kids just should not be in that confined an area.  Their concentration is far too high.

Navigating Sacramento is a pain.  As with Seattle, we need to drop the car fast and leave the mean streets.  Yuck.

Dinner and groceries at Whole Foods, then drop the car.

A taxi cab back to the hotel, and sleep.

Day 7 - Oregon and Yellowstone Trip

 
2014/09/25
We awaken to 3 adult and 4 youthful deer nibbling on the front lawn.

Breakfast at rental and then planning the day, hiking "Pilot Rock."  

 
Pilot Rock is a very steep climb for us, 1000 ft (just over 300 m) elevation change.  Whew!  Exhausting.  The area is quiet and lovely.  Mgmt had recently gone through and created a new pathway to the rock base as the regular path was too damaged from storms and hikers.  Well, it was not too well marked ... so we took the old steep path up.  I was getting concerned about my footing, when we met up with the new trail, and took it to the top.

 

The top of Pilot Rock - it is drizzling and we decide this is far enough

 

With pausing for breath and pictures, that elevated 1 mile took us 40 minutes! :)  And we are in fairly good shape!!!

Truck gauge read 47 degrees (8 C) when we returned from our hike ... no wonder my hands and forearms were so numb.

The cold wore me out.  And I will spend the rest of the day recovering ... and napping.

We head out tomorrow, and I discovered Lassen National Park as a long way round to Sacramento.  Himself is thrilled.

We saw a gorgeous rainbow off the front door this afternoon.  It was a double rainbow ... Two separated in the sky.  BUT, the brighter rainbow had three prism replicates within it ... I thought I may have picked up a fourth in a glimpse or two.

I will be sad to leave Oregon.  I like the state.

Time to pack.

Day 6 - Oregon and Yellowstone Trip

2014/09/24
The morning dawns with Himself's phone going, beep, beep, beep ... with in-coming messages.  I fixed mine shortly after I got it, no sleepy-time beeps for me (except emergencies).

We see deer, rabbit, wild turkeys, squirrels, and small birds roaming the yard at 6 am.  This would a rafter of wild turkeys ... the non-alcoholic kind.

Breakfast is yogurt, granola, oatmeal, blackberries, apple, and dessert nibbles from "Cornbread Cafe."

We also watch low hanging clouds pour down the hillside.  A fascinating experience, I've never seen this kind of cloud movement in hilly terrain.  A poor video was taken, but video does not accurately represent reality in any way.

Start - Cloud bank moving in from the upper right. 

Finish - several hours later cloud bank covers the hills and valleys in fog.

We go for a hike around the property, but do not even make it one mile.  If I desire to maintain my cardiovascular health, I am going to have to start running while vacationing.  It is a good thing I've started working on my Jalie running short draft.  I need a bit more depth of body, but they have been excelling in yoga practice this vacation.

Lunch and dinner came from the fridge at the rental.  I am grateful for the oatmeal one renter left behind!

A panoramic view from our walk ... as the rain begins.

The rain begins to fall while exploring, and we head in.  I do not know why we bring rain gear on every single vacation!  It starts to rain, and himself heads for shelter.  No more rain gear on vacation Kira, you do not need to waste the space.

So far, I have not made use of my long sleeved items, my woolen pants (Icebreaker), nor my recent New Look woolen maxi skirt.  However, a quick look at the upcoming weather for Jackson, WY and West Yellowstone, MO lead me to believe I made the right choice in packing my winter weight items.

 Asolo Athena

I never realized how warm hiking boots could be until I started wearing my recent Asolo Athena acquisitions.  They will be must haves for future winter trekking.  They are not the best for slippery situations, but very little is in my experience. My VFF kangaroo leather trail shoes are, but the trade off is the lack of warmth ... and water absorption. They gain a lot of weight on a moist trail, even from morning dew.

 VFF KSO Trek, before soaking.

As for "accessories" I brought two sets of earrings for my double pierced lobes, and wear them daily.  I brought a single necklace, likewise to the earrings as to wear use.  I've slept in earrings and necklaces previously, but I no longer find that comfortable, so they rest by my bedside at night.  I put them on first thing in the morning. 

I brought no makeup, and that works well.  I never stop to think, man, I wish I had mascara, or blush, or foundation.  :)

Cococare's 2 oz bottle of oil.  I used it daily and still have most of the bottle remaining.

 Out of Africa's unfragranced Shea Butter, with vitamin E as a preservative.  I used half the tin.

I did bring a small bottle of oil in addition to my solid Shea Butter tin.  Both get regular use.  The Shea Butter helps with some extreme dryness I've been experiencing, mostly from wind.  And the oil helps my hands recover from the incredibly drying soaps everyone and their dog put out for use.  Honestly, I should bring my own soap to every restaurant, grocery, homestead, and rental I visit.  I'm tired of smelling perfume when I eat!

My Sherpani Soleil backpack, purse, and tote convertible is working out exactly as I needed.  My only complaint is that none of the smaller pockets inside are large enough to hold my wallet, so it rests at the bottom.  I would prefer an inside zippered pocket for wallet.  

I do find the non-removable tote carriers a bit irritating when I'm trekking along with any speed (they can bump against my neck).  But it was just what I needed, as revealed by my previous travel experience, and practically perfect in size.

Tom Bihn Aeronaut, purchased in Forest, now offered in Olive ... of course!

I also greatly appreciate my Tim Bihn Aeronaut - carry on size and has built in backpack straps.  It has worked out well, though I am second-guessing my decision NOT to buy packing cubes.  I could use a bit more "ease of room" to pack.  It is not packed to the brim, but close!  The extreme weather I've anticipated in my packing certainly does not help ... Days in the 90s (32C) and some evenings anticipated in the 20s (-6C).  A bit of a temp swing.  Layering just does not quite cover it.

 

Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Mat

And my Manduka eKO Travel Yoga Mat has been a very useful purchase.  It is getting daily use, and is loads better than either a bare floor or a towel.  Is it as good as a full size (and thickness) yoga mat?  Absolutely not!  However, it is a great alternative to nothing at all.  If it lasts for 4 trips, I will consider it money well spent.  Especially since I can (and do) fold it up in my Aeronaut traveling between destinations.


I'm sketching regularly on my SketchBook app by AutoDesk, and it is incredibly useful ... one can save those images in the photo album.  I like to sketch quilt ideas in it.  And clothing ideas.  And landscapes.  And generally just play around with the app.

I appreciate more and more the aspects of smart phones that make saving thoughts and ideas easier than carting notebook and pen everywhere.  I know some people work with that system well, but I always returned with notebooks that got put away, generally losing the included info for years (perhaps decades).

I resisted a smartphone for quite some time, Himself had to twist my arm (figuratively) forcefully before I caved.  Mostly, I resisted due to the recurrent cost issues, I'm cheap that way.  However, they have me now.  I'm not sure I could easily transition back.

Day 5 - Oregon and Yellowstone Trip

2014/09/23

Yoga in the morning, and a picture of my Pincha Mayurasana.  And I got into it fairly easily.  Whew.

The belt around my arms keeps my elbows from splaying out, something I just cannot yet control without assistance.

Pack, run load of dishes, toss towels in washer.

Head out to Corvallis to look at a house for sale and a quick exposure to the city as a possible retirement community.

Himself's comment on Corvallis is that the downtown area looks well cared for, with none of the disuse we see in some downtowns.

Not run down and not ritzy is a follow up as we drive through Junction City.

The house is on property that is much more elevationally exposed than the photos reveal.  I do like the community though, so I will keep an eye on property in the area.

I notice a lot of wildlife along the major roadways.  That indicates a fairly healthy ecosystem, or they would not be so close to civilization.



Himself is determined to use the Garmin GPS unit to navigate to gas stations.  If it says there's an Exxon there, there should be an Exxon.  Unless it has another name and Garmin has not updated their system.  Disregard the fact that I have the exxonmobil site pulled up on my phone showing the current locations, nope, you will enter the data that Garmin tells you to ... So, fine.  

At least we are not driving out if the way when we get to the ConocoPhillips station that Garmin has directed us to visit!!!  And Kira is right again.


Lunch at Cornbread Cafe, Fried Tempeh with Mac n UnCheese, and fries; a salad; and portobello with mashed potatoes and gravy, and sautéed spinach.  I get too many desserts to go ... And himself gets jalapeño cornbread to go!  :)

We drive along watching the terrain get hillier and drier as we head south.

Stop at Ashland co-op for food fixins.  I'm quite impressed by the co-ops in Oregon, they are well stocked and highly variable.  

Slowly wending our way to the rental south of the city, the area is gorgeous, dry, and isolated.

Weather tells me it will not be dry much longer.

No wi-fi, no internet at all.  But we do have a tv, and room for yoga downstairs.  I may be doing a LOT of yoga in the next couple days ...

Day 4 - Oregon and Yellowstone Trip

2014/09/22

A trestle we pass under to reach the rental ... Trolls, under the bridge!  Where else would you find them?  ;)

Bridges, Portland has many

A lovely flower at the garden (this is a gardenia of some type, perhaps a variety of Gardenia jasminoides, the single ring of petals is rare in my experience with Gardenias)

Chinese Bonsai ... called Penjing ... this is approximately 1.5 ft tall (46 cm)

Chinese gardens are heavy on the rock ... they imported tons for this location




Breakfast repeat, and I've finished the peanut butter.  :(

Drive to Lan Su Chinese Garden via bridges and wherever our hearts lead us.  Some of Portland reminds me of older Michigan areas, some are reminiscent of St. John's Newfoundland.  We definitely see the people who would turn heads at home: tattoos, extraordinarily long hair on guys, and mega big plugs in earlobes (almost non-existent in Houston).  The bearded male ratio is high here, facial hair is usually eliminated at home.  So there are some visual adaptations to make.

But, I rarely see high heels, people dress comfortably, and I never hear any discussion of fashion.  

The weather has cooled and the sky appears to look more like what I expected, a bit clouded.  I'm quite enjoying myself with this turn in the season.

Our first stop for the day is Lan Su Chinese Gardens.  Their propaganda shares the large number of Chinese artisans, stone placers, and gardeners temporarily imported to build the garden.  And the grounds consist mostly of Chinese plants (any plant with chinensis as the species name is almost guaranteed originally discovered in China: Rosa chinensis, Tsuga chinensis, and Juniperus chinensis).  Not to mention that the vast majority of landscaping plants we find in the local Home Depot or Lowe's evolved in China.  

While the garden's focus on all things Chinese is understandable, I can't help but wonder "what about the Oregon-based effort that went into the build?"  No illumination.

I do wander through the gift shop (I am determined to find myself a little something as a trip reminder) and see a beautiful scarf.  I am somewhat off-put by the price, but the loose weave is the kicker that ruins it for me.  I cannot wear loosely woven scarves for long, they tear up on dog nails (or human nails), furniture, or door knobs within 30 minutes of donning said item.  Onward.

We decide to skip the River Tours we originally planned to experience.  They do not show what himself wants to see (the bridges) unless you are in a speedboat, and the lone independent operator does not go out until 7 pm.  A wee bit too late to see the bridges well.

Lunch at Tangier Restaurant, I stick with their vegan menu, which may be on the way out since they are transitioning to a Moroccan menu under new management.  Himself orders from the Moroccan options.

Vegan Mezze platter, Ful Maddamas, Moroccan Eggplant Dish, and Moroccan Chicken.  Everything is extraordinarily tasty.  I would go back.

We drive out to Woodburn Outlet to see the Icebreaker and Helly Hansen shops.  The hubby finds 3 t-shirts and various socks and I find a tank.  I wish they had more natural colors for gals.  Is green available?  Only if it is a bright, eye-searing green!!!  Yuck, gimme an olive or sage.  I'm very tempted by the guys side of the shop: warm, inviting colors.  Too bad it would not come close to fitting ... this is why I sew. 

Back to our rental for laundry, packing, and planning our next day in Corvallis.

We do find that GPS and the street signs in Portland share very little in common, making 3D navigation of overpass/underpass/bridges that much more difficult.  I'll blame Garmin.


Himself's opinion of the area?
"Driver's more realistic about the situation than Houstonians."

Day 3 - Oregon and Yellowstone Trip

2014/09/21

Get up, wash socks and towels. 

Breakfast a repeat of yesterday.

Once socks are dry, head east to the Columbia River Gorge area.  I have three waterfalls on my list for sightseeing today: Latourell, Angel's, and Horsetail.

The drive out is rather pretty, with views of the Columbia and Washington just off to the left.

Latourell Fall's is easy to find and we immediately head for the upper falls area, if himself's recent ingrown toenail surgery area begins to irritate, we can turn back before the midway point.

The hike is nicely taxing, and gives a pretty wonderful view of plants and water features.  We see and hear very few animals.  Not even birds are in the area.  Strange.

Nursery Tree along Latourell path

Flower on Latourell path

Hollowed out tree 


The falls are lovely, and some of the trees grow so heavy with moss.  Too cool!  Other trees have such unusual growth structure - I wonder what forces caused their curves and direction changes?

Thorny leaf guarding Latourell path (evolutionary biologists believe these types of spikes offer protection from herbivory ... it certainly discourages me from taking a bite)

Interesting tree growth along Latourell path (hurry up with that photograph ... I'm about to slip!)

Upper Latourell Fall's



We have a picnic lunch at the far SW portion of the falls hike.  We made it through all 4.5 or so miles (7.2 km).  With more elevation than these sea level lubbers are familiar, we took a couple photo op breaks to rest our hearts! 


Upon returning to the vehicle, we decide there is only enough time for one more falls (a daylight return in this unfamiliar territory is a must).  Internet equipped phone to the rescue as a quick photo search yields the opinion that Horsetail Falls will interest us more than Angel's, so further east we drive along the Historic Columbia River Hwy.

Ponytail Fall's, visitor free

 Ponytail Fall's, visitor full









Horsetail is a much shorter trail than Latourell (the horsetail portion is the lower bit you can see from the road, but Ponytail Falls is the bit requiring a climb).  OTOH - the elevation change is much more noticeable compared to Latourell.  Whew, you are winded when you reach the top!  It feels like you start out straight up, and that's about how you feel when you reach the upper falls area.

I stopped and chatted with a lovely mother, Heidi, her son, and their two dogs, Atreu and Paco.  We had a awesome visit.

Back down to the car, and back home happily exhausted by the day.

Leftovers are pizza from the night before, and dessert.


Yoga before bed, and I kick up into Pincha Mayurasana again.  Two days in a row.  And I held it for several seconds.