South for Sun , Day two, evening. 46.07/124.10, Alder Dune Campground off HW 101 Oregon

It’ day 2 in the evening.  I’ve driven from Astoria to this campground along the Oregon beaches about an hour south Newport and an hour north of Coos Bay.  I stopped at the Walmart in Newport and have an AT &T red iPhone SE with excess data for US and Mexico.  I’ve not even tried to use my Hamm Radio or the Sat Phone.  I’m pleased with this phone and plan just like last year with T Mobile.  I’ll stoop at Apple most likely in LA and get things sorted out.  

I’ve just loved the great waves. It reminded me of my coming down from the Columbia River in the SV GIRI, my 39.9 ft 13 ton  steel sailboarta day ,after a hurricane went through. The fishermen advised me to wait a day saying it takes that long for the sea to settle.  I didn’t and went out in these great waves like I’ve witnessed today.  My antennae broke off at the top of the mast and threatened 4to do more damage so I climbed the mast to fasten it down. Despite being on autopilot going forward slowly the ship was rolling from side to side.  I could have reached out and touched the water on each roll. I was glad to quickly fix the problem with bungee cords.  

Coos Bay was where we put in the first time going south because the exaust separated from the engine with the vibration.  The whole for the cabin filled with smoke and was terrifying till we realized there was no fire.  We fixed the exhaust in Coos Bay and carried on. I’ve a soft spot for these harbours as a consequence.

Now I’m enjoying my camper and truck with the Vespa on the front. I’ve yet to use that. Once I’m in one place for a while I will.  This morning I was up at 530 and on the road at 700.  We stopped or Macdonalds egg sausge bun.  Madigan doesn’t like sausage like he likes burger but will eat it if I chop it into little pieces and hand feed him.

The fellow just came by to collect camping fee. $31 .I only had American $20.  First cash I’ve used.  Each day I’ve  put $100 in the tank and spent $20 on food a coffee. I’m using my supplies from the fridge and cupboards.  

It’s continued to rain though I had some dry parts in the day.  Low hanging clouds.

I phoned Laura and left my new number on her answering service .  

I had poor Starlink coverage because of obstruction, I’m right under a fir tree, and the heavy rain. I’ll have to pay taxes when I have a better connection. I downloaded a few kindle books.  I only had the Renaissance history which I am enjoying but I’m looking forward to the naval historical fiction.  I’m rather mentally exhausted at the end of the day.  Building up stamina.  A lot of concentration.  It was especially nerve racking the first couple of hours in the dark with the rain.  So much is weather.  

The two hours waiting at Walmart was an expertise in patience but well worth the effort. I worried about Madigan in the camper in the parking lot but he was okay and happy to see me happy when I returned.  Enrique took care of all the paper work and number insertion with the cell phones. What a todo.  I’d have hated to do it myself if I even could.  I agree with Elon Musk there is way too much government regulation.Part of the problem was being Canadian and trying to get a phone in the US but i had no such difficulty buying a phone in Greece. The only difficulty there was it was programmed in the language and I made some mistakes guessing at what a message meant.

Now I’m tired. Laura texted me she had steak and has gone to bed. I fried up potatoes the way my dad liked them with a shallot and smokies chopped up , all fried in butter with mustard salt and pepper and very tasty. 

Madigan had a bowl of his Tikki France wet food.  I had to get him new water. The water I’d had in the truck must be stale because he wouldn’t drink it. He’s fine with the tap water in the camper and the new Spring water.  He’s been a really good boy cuddling up beside me on the trip down.  

Thank you Jesus. Thank you Lord of All.

I really enjoyed trying out my new 3200i Honda Generator.  I powered the Starlink and charged all my devices. I had locked to the stairs but put everything way so I can get away easy in the morning. I can make stove top espresso too.  It’s a good day. Thank you.