South for Sun - Day 2, Astoria KOA

Thousands made this trip south in winter. When I sailed down this coast each time I knew I was one of relative few. The joke with sailboats and cruisers is only 1 % leave the harbour and of that 1% only go off shore.  I ‘m here at Astoria remembering fondly one time I harboured here.  The fishermen and working crews come and go but not in the numbers of tourists that take rigs on the road.  Seems to me most of the people who get an RV get out in it.  Maybe not for an extended holiday south but still there are so many rigs on the road.  

Yesterday the i5 was a full freeway.  With the major commercial haulers and the cars we were all headed south.  

I’m particularly well outfitted for mobility and safety. I’d rather my truck camper than the nightmares I experienced when I had to turn around towing an RV.  I imagine everyone else is more competent but in reality it’s just a learning curve. It would have been better if I’d had lessons early.  I don’t need them with this truck and camper but many of the problems I had backing up and turning and such could have been missed with training early.

That’s why we all love drive throughs for camping.  No backing up.  Just pull through and stop.  I don’t need one but was glad for it here last night in the dark and rain trying to find my 353 spot with a flashlight torch I’d just bought that day. 

Now I’m having the morning coffee. Great night despite the wind.  The camper was shaking at time. I woke to check Madigan and look outside.  The wind almost took the door off.  I didn’t put down the jacks so it was a bit like being at sea but no concern .  Not that I didn’t consider such fantasies as my Starlink satellite flying off through camper. I pray a lot. That blocks the constant negative scenarios that otherwise would fill my mind and steal my piece.  

I had a few near misses yesterday.   A bad driver misjudging distances and pulling into the traffic so we all had to brake quickly, another maniac changing lanes back and forth trying to hurry death.  It was terrible driving conditions, so much rain and spray as to reduce visibility.  At times it was like driving in a blizzard.  When the rain stopped it was such a change. No sun but the cloud filled sky low over head lightened up a little at times .  Despite this, despite 8-10 lanes of highways and the worst driving conditions, I only saw one accident.  An older couple with a mile fender bender in their car.  No one hurt. It’s a miracle really. All these people who are as difficult to lead as bearding carts, hurling down the freeway and no one killed.  Accidents occur but they are read.  The media following it’s if it bleeds it leads mentality would have us believe less in our fellow man than we should. I’m driving this big rig and there are working professionals and amateurs all sharing the road, young and old, barrelling along in high tech machines, proto spaceships and we’re all following the rules and staying alive . Unbelievable . Amazing. Hallelujah.  

I’m up. I’ve a coffee for the road.  I just need to put on my pants. I prayed. I will walk the dog later when there is light. I’ve let him out to pee.  

I’ve made my bed roughly. I’m washed and just finishing a yoghurt. I’ve had juice and vitamins. The coffee making it the big event.  That and taking down the Starlink .  When I finish my first coffee I’ll put on pant and stow the little that needs stowing. Then it’s outside to take down the Starlink. This Astoria KOA has turned out to be a godsend.  Certainly with the swimming pool and store and proximity to shore it’s a fabulous setting. I could stay and enjoy more but I really do like to head south.  It’s the rain and cold I’m escaping. Already it’s warmer and today will take me definitely into milder climes. I’ll make San Francisco tomorrow and it becomes balmy just south of there. 

When Macdonalds opens Madigan and I will have breakfast on the road.  I like Macdonalds for their fast food and wifi. They are my land port.  I’ll need to fill up again today and that’s a welcome break. I might even get organized to listen to audio books today. I’ve Louise Penny’s latest along with some scientific tombs but the truth is I’m looking forward to Louise Penny. I listened to a book of hers a year ago coming north.  

Thank you God for this day. Thank you for the pleasant dreams of work and colleagues.  Thank you for Madigan and this gear and this adventure expedition. Thank you for Astoria, I’ve loved stopping here driving on land and sailing into port.  Thank you for Astoria KOA. Thank you for the comfort and warm in this Adventurer Camper and the reliability of my Ford F350 Truck. 

Thank you Jesus.