Thor Hurricane - Adventure South - Myrtle Creek - 5 pm

I am so thankful to Peter and Larry.  There are a lot of RV parks but they had found these easy pull through sites near the I5 that were about 4 hours drive apart. I learned today that Peter said he and Larry packed lunches for the day. It took me 7 hours to do what they do in their Tiffin in 4 to 5 .The rough rule is 4 hours driving a day.  I think they go faster in their Tiffin too with all the confidence of experience.  I’ve stopped at most of the rest spots and given Madigan a walk.  I’ve also had to calm down. I’m learning. I worry I’m giving out their places and plans like a person sharing their fishing sites with you. I’ve truly thankful for their generosity. Peter is always providing thoughtful ideas and these sights with easy drive through and friendly hosts is a God send.  Thank you Peter. 

Today the excitement was mountain roads and curves. Till now I’ve had pretty straight roads except for in town.  This was a whole lot more exciting.  I am thankful to two trucks who I followed for an hour or so in the serenity lane . I figure they’re the professionals

Madigan is calming down.

I don’t remember much else. It’s a kind of blur.  Crossing the Columbia was spectacular. I remember coming up the river after surfing a sound bar a head of a hurricane.  I bounced off the sandbar but took comfort that I didn’t twist but stayed on the straight. I called ahead to warn the Coast Guard that I was coming through on low tide with concern I’d just make it best it was better than another night of hurricane in the open sea for me.  I was thankful I chose correctly. There are rules for solely sailors but they had more experience whereas I had an engineer and the incredible American Coast Guard nearby who discussed the plan with me.  I made it then motored up the Columbia to a slip where the winds were 50 knots in the Harbour.  Next day I left despite being wisely advised by a fisherman that they wait a day usually to let the sea settle after such a blow. I hit the midway buoy in the river not paying attention. Then I was out in 20 foot seas and had to climb the mast on autopilot with the mast kissing the seas on either side because the radio antennae at the top had come off and was swinging about threatening to thread the seas.  After that I was less than happy about climbing the mast but thankful that day I’d installed the steps on the advise of my sailing Kiwi friend. 

Then I was in Portland, a city I’d stop at several times passing through.  Then on to Eugene. I liked seeing the sheep and cattle in the fields

I love the Classic A motorhome window. It’s like being on the train . Such a view.  Incredible. Mountains and the sun peeking out of clouds. We had some rain but mostly just cloudy. At one Rest Stop they have a collection of trees with names and I liked that.  Nature.  Wells done. It would be an even greater sight in summer when the leaves of some of the trees would be present.  Now it was firs and spruce and holly.

Now I’m hear in Myrtle Creek. I’d never have found it on my own and so glad that Peter told me of the stop. It’s an hour from the “a bit scarey” Grant’s Pass. There had been weather warnings for flooding ent tthe route to day but nothing came of it. Grant’s Pass has had freezing and snow and I took the coast when I came through after Christmas to avoid this.  Tomorrow I’ll be glad to put it behind me. It’s challenging but I’ve done it a couple of times and just feel cautious .  It’s not something I ‘d like to do in bad weather.  I’ll be glad to do it in the morning when I’m fresh. I think Porter and Larry think of things like that so picked this place though there are more RV sites closer to the pass and back along the way in Eugene.  This is just right in a way.  

Peter and Larry have Bella, Madigan’s girlfriend, and Luka , both Havanese. Madigan liked the field and trail along it.  

I’ve still not furnace but without the slide out the two electric heaters are making the inside cozy. I had to wear three layers today driving.  I even wore socks and shoes and my feet were a little chill. I think it’s all God giving me motivations to go south.  My electric blanket is heaven at night.  Tomorrow I plan to run then generator for the pass with the little 75 heater in the front keeping us warm.  I don’t think the front heater is working but I could check that out too. I knew I didn’t have air conditioning the in the cab but I may have heat. A sweater and fleecy are fine but my feet could get chilled. I’ve think I socks and may consider those to but I like the chance to use the generator. I tried it for an hour yesterday and it was great. With it on I have electricity.  

It’s a learning curve.  Every day I’m really tired mentally and physically.  I was able to relax enough to play Secret of Secrets Dan Browns latest.  Time flies when I can listen to an audiobook and I did for an hour or so. I remember coming back last year and so enjoying Louise Penny.

I’ve electricity and water and starlink set up. Now I’ll turn off the heater and put on the microwave.  I’ve enjoyed my thermos full of coffee.  I’d hoped to make it too a Macdonald’s so I could share a burger with Madigan. That might be tomorrow’s plan. I am so grateful to god to have got me this far. It’s so exciting!

Thank you God. Thank you Holy Spirit. Thank you Jesus. !!!!!