Winterizing - The Emotional Pain

The temperatures have dropped below freezing a few times now, and with no power at our storage location, we knew it was time for the inevitable seasonal pain we call "winterizing".  Winterizing is not painful...the lack of freedom it represents is.  Gone are the long weekend trips where we can select the most remote site in a campground and know our sink will keep running and our toilet will keep flushing.  We are now relegated to staying at parks with nearby facilities and making those 6 a.m. treks in the pouring rain to the public facilities.  Don't get me wrong....we still LOVE to get away and explore Oregon every weekend possible, but are saddened by the limitations that come this time of year.  The paper plates are restocked, the jugs of water are onboard, and the campground "toiletries" are packed and ready for a daily trek to facilities.  This is the time of year where us northerners are jealous of our travel buddies that are down south enjoying the clear sunshine and full facilities.  Wishing all 4 of your that read this blog a wonderful holiday and happy new year!

Premier RV Resorts - Salem, OR

Some of our weekend escapes just do not allow us to travel very far from home.  Even just an hour away from home can provide a nice escape on a short weekend trip.  This last weekend our escape was Premier RV Resort in Salem, Oregon.  Located on the Willamette river, the park is just a few minutes SW of downtown Salem, and one of many options in the Salem area.  Although not located directly off I-5, this is a convenient location if you really want to explore Salem, or if you happen to be coming East from a coast trip in Lincoln City.  We are both impressed with this park...particularly the cleanliness of the park and the amenities provided and would certainly stay here again for events and activities in Salem.

Game Room

Sites along the river

Our supersite

Supersite adds picnic table and parking spot

Setting 3.5  The park is accessible directly off Hwy 22.  The park is along the river, but the river is not visible directly from the sites.  There is a path behind that park that allows you to view the river.  Sites are all pristine and spotless.  Residents certainly seem to have pride in the park as well....no junk lying around, etc.  Downtown Salem is about 10 minutes and Hwy 99 which runs N/S through Oregon is also just about 10-15 minutes away.

Amenities  4  Tremendous water pressure, clean electrical and a huge array of cable channels included.  The park also has an extensive DVD library.  Some of the sites (like the supersite were were in) have an additional parking space and a picnic table which provides extra space.  The only negative was the sewer connection as there were no threads...so unable to make an airtight seal.  Great game room available and a small exercise room as well.  We did not utilize the laundry facilities, but they looked impressive.  Bathrooms were spotless and well apportioned.

Accessibility 5  Easy approach to the park.  All sites were easily navigable and any size rig should have no problem negotiated the sites.  May be limited on site selection for anything in the 42-45 foot range, but it could not be easier to navigate the park.

Friendliness 4  Very friendly front office and residents also seemed very neighborly.  Only staying the weekend, this is always hard to evaluate, but everyone we did meet was friendly and welcoming.

Exercise room

Hookups

Pheasant Ridge RV Resort Review - Wilsonville, OR

Locating an RV park in an urban setting is always a challenge, and the Portland area is no exception.  South of Portland there are really only two choices, Pheasant Ridge in Wilsonville or Roamer's Rest in Tigard.  The third choice south of town in Tualatin sold to a developer last year and will soon become apartments and condos.  Being involved in a program at Portland State University, I am a regular patron of Pheasant Ridge as it is certainly my favorite of the two south Portland locations.  We will certainly continue to frequent this park when visiting the Portland area.

SETTING: 3.5  The location of the park is quite convenient.  Located just a few blocks off of I-5, this location is ideal for getting around the south Portland suburbs.  It is located near grocery, Costco, Target, Starbucks...and Camping World is right across the freeway.  Downtown Portland is about a 20 minute drive, but more convenient than the two parks that are north and easy of Portland in my opinion.  I also appreciate not having to navigate through downtown Portland or east Portland.  The sites are very close together and do no have tables, or even a space to sit outside.  The tiered layout of the sites on a hill does make it feel like you have a bit more privacy than you actually have.

AMENITIES: 3  Full hookups are available.  Cable channels are limited, but you can check-out a converter box which does access additional channels.  Bathrooms are clean, but not overly spacious.  Laundry room is quite nice.  Exercise room is very limited and is attached to the general gathering room so can be a bit awkward.  Like most RV resorts, the exercise room consists of old and tired equipment.  An indoor pool is on premises.  The utilities can be difficult to access, and some of the sites have the sewer hookup so far back on the pad that your normal sewer hose will not reach....we have had to back up to dump on two of the sites.  Most of the daily/weekly sites are on the upper level, above the clubhouse.  Good water pressure and internet is adequate.  Strong 4G Verizon available at the park, and the office has a great selection of grocery, snack and RV supplies...one of the best I have seen.

Utility Post

Shower/Restroom Stall

Sink Area

Row on Upper Level

Site in Upper Section

Site...noting tree to watch

ACCESSIBILITY: 3  The entrance to the park is definitely frightening.  It must be taken at an angle, and I always prefer to unhook nearby before entering the park....just be careful as you enter and exit.  There are many trees in the park that can make negotiating your site a challenge, particularly after dark.  You will absolutely want a co-pilot and guide as you enter and exit many of these sites.  On our first visit we watched in horror as a couple sideswiped a huge hedge in their brand new class A pusher.  That being said, if you are careful and plan ahead, MOST of the park is definitely negotiable.  The front office is very helpful if you ask them for a site that has easy access.  Like most older parks, you just have to be careful as you are negotiating the property.

FRIENDLINESS: 3  The front office staff is friendly as are the residents.  I would guess that 70% of the park consists of full-timers during the slow season.  Rigs are all in good condition and residents are thoughtful in keeping their sites clean and orderly.  That being said, most people seem to keep to themselves as we have never found this park as friendly as some of the more transient parks like 7 Feathers.

Musings on a rainy weekend getaway

It is Oregon....and with all the beauty that statement encompasses, the reality is that it is November and that means "rain" pretty much anywhere you go in the state.  Our last weekend escape was in early November at the Oregon Coast, so we decided it was time to head south....although we are weekend RV'ers so that does not mean far enough south to escape the rain.  With a craving for the truck stop Friday seafood special (yes, I am serious, and yes, a delicious find at $10.99) we were off again to the 7 Feathers RV Resort in Canyonville, Oregon.  I won't blather on about how much I love this place again...suffice it to say they do it right.  With an empty stomach, swimsuit packed, and player's card in hand we again took the 2 1/2 hour trek from Corvallis.  We arrived late Friday to find a whopping 8 other rigs in a resort that has 200'ish sites.  We also arrived to 30-40 mph winds and pummeling rain...again, nothing that should surprise any northwesterners.

Blackened Salmon Friday night special

As usual, the blackened salmon dinner made it worthwhile and fueled us for the stormy night ahead. 

One of my favorite pastimes at these transient resorts is creating travel lives for everyone that passes through.  Of course this time of year with the crap weather in Oregon, I pretend that most everyone is on their way down to the Palm Springs, Phoenix, Quartzite....any place where the sun actually shines and where furnaces don't receive a full-day workout.  My second favorite pastime at this particular resort, given that a truck stop is just down the hill, is to imagine my life as a long-haul trucker.  I visualize cruising the country, meeting new people, and testing my verbal acuity with CB banter.  Of course, my fantasies are far from reality in most cases as I know what a shitty trucker I would be, unable to fix anything significant, and probably hopped on on uppers to actually drive for 10-12 hours straight...but nothing wrong with a fantasy right?  That reminds me, I had better come up with a good CB handle for my next fantasy session.  On our last visit here we met THE most awesome couple from Palm Springs, so who knows what this weekend might bring...although nothing will compare to the homemade tamales that we shared with our newfound friends on the last visit south.

An empty 7 Feathers Resort

 This brings me to what I love about the RV lifestyle.  We are surrounded by people on a regular basis that we would normally not meet nor interact with elsewhere....but thanks to us all having kindred roving spirits, we share a common connection that transcends our differences.  I think our country could learn a great deal from this camaraderie.  In our country that is getting more and more polarized, with the status quo being finger pointing and blame-laying, RV'ers come together despite their differences and embrace the unique journey that we have the opportunity to share together.  By sharing meals together and fun times, we are able to each learn from each other and realize we are really not the polarized factions that the media would make us all out to be.  Liberals and conservatives CAN and do get along, and we can each learn from each other and enjoy each others' company.  At the end of this election month, I think it is important that we remember this and try and remind ourselves that it is the celebration of our uniqueness that keeps us fueled.....passion for exploration and new experiences brings us joy and awe.  Spending our time making judgements and living in places of fear are they way to frustration, anger, and sickness. 

Happy Holidays my fellow wandering spirits!

Pacific Shores RV Resort - Newport, Oregon

The Oregon coast is an RV'ers dream and the Pacific Shores RV Resort is no exception.  The Resort was a part of Outdoor Resorts until a recent bankruptcy that returned ownership to the homeowner's association.  Although the property suffered during the bankruptcy proceedings, the homeowner's association is clearly reinvesting to bring the property back to it's glory days. Nightly rentals are reasonable at $30-40 during the non-peak season.  The resort still does not have an operational website, so you need to call the main office for reservations (541) 265-3750.

SETTING: 3-5  Located a couple miles North of the city of Newport on Highway 101, Pacific Shores restricts access to Class A and C RVs.  Lots are individually owned, although a few unsold lots remain under the control of the homeowner's association.  There is a lower section and upper section that make up the 252 sites.  The lot views vary dramatically as do the ocean views hence the rating variation from 3 to 5.  It it the coast, so depending on the wind some of the sites can get hit pretty hard and require slide-ins on the windier days.  Our favorite sites are in the 118-140 range and also the 26-34 range.  If visiting in Winter, I would recommend the sites nearest the clubhouse on the upper level as the lower level can be quite windy.

AMENITIES: 5  50 AMP hookups, cable TV, good WIFI, strong Verizon signal, good water pressure, pool, workout room, tremendous laundry room, clubhouse with games and great views.  Amenities vary slightly depending on your site, so bring seating/table with you.  Workout room has usual outdated and crappy equipment, but free weights are available.  Sauna and hot tub as well. 62 channels on cable. Bathrooms are spotless.  24 hour security as well.  You must have an access pass to enter the property.

ACCESSIBILITY: 5  Roads are wide and able to handle any size RV.  Sites vary in size but will all accommodate 40-45 feet.  Sites are all either pull in (oceanfront) or back-in with space for your toad (varies by site). 

FRIENDLINESS: 5  We have stayed at several RV "ownership" resorts, and this is BY FAR the friendliest we have ever experienced.  The front security personnel are amazing and the owners are friendly and approachable.  There are several weekly events at the clubhouse and everyone is welcome.  An amazing and diverse group of people here so is always fun to talk with new folks.

FOOD: Of course we LOVE food...so here are our favorites in the area.  Nanna's Irish Pub (Nye Beach), Stephanie's Cafe (Nye Beach - Breakast/Lunch only), Saffron Salmon (Waterfront), Local Oceans Seafood (Waterfront), ARR House (Nye Beach).  If you are a regular at Applebees or TGI Fridays, please ignore our food recommendations (always) as you will not be happy with our recommendations.

View from Site 34

View of ocean from lower sites

Standard inside site (lower, non-ocean front)

Par 3 course still being redeveloped

Outside Pool Lower Level

Oceanfront sites on upper level

Outside view of clubhouse

Hookups 50/30/20 AMP, Water, Cable, Phone, Sewer

Beach Access - only useful during low tide

View of Ocean from Access Path Upper Level

View of non ocean front sites on upper level

Laundry Room - Spotless

Shower/bathroom area

Exercise Room (treadmills on other side)

Indoor Pool - Upper Level

Indoor Spa - Upper Level

Clubhouse Main level

View from Clubhouse

The one sun break we had over the weekend

California RV Show

We had the chance to attend our first-ever California RV Show this last weekend in Pomona, CA.  Quite a change from the RV shows we attend in Portland, Oregon and Salem, Oregon!  We were swarmed with multiple aisles and quadrants loaded with every possible gyration of a "life on wheels".  Barkers were yelling from every product booth and salesmen were parked behind almost every slide we traversed.  For those of you that have never attended one of the GIGANTIC shows...it is an awesome time to be able to see all of the new products and floorplans that are out for the coming year.  Being lovers of the pusher, we spent most of our time exploring the new offerings from Monaco/Holiday Rambler/Winnebago/Tiffin.  We were bummed that neither Newmar or Entegra were at the show as we were really hoping to check out their new models.

Entrance to the show

The show is going on through the 21st, so it is not too late to check it out if you happen to be in down South.  I was saddened by the fact that no used rigs were on site.  The one thing I love about the Oregon shows is the chance to check out all of the used pushers and explore all of the creative changes and updates that people have made, and to drool of course at a few and play the "what could we get that for" game.  I know the point is to show off new rigs and move them off of dealer lots, but we found ourselves just saying....well, in 2 years this may be something that we would look at.  We were especially impressed by the new floorplan on the Tour/Ellipse...the 42G.  I suspect other manufacturers will take the lead with this new floorplan with a HUGE wall-mounted TV.

Hopeful 2012 and 2013 Sales

It was certainly excited to check this off our bucket list.  I think the Hershey show may be on the list sometime down the road.

Our advice if you are going:  eat beforehand (everything is ridiculously expensive), bring some water, work quadrant by quadrant through the show and plan on 3 hours minimum.

The Weekend RV'er and Weight Gain

RV Trip....THAT deserves some special treats!

We have found ourselves using that phrase each weekend as we head out to explore new worlds and seek out new adventures.  Armed with a panty full of goodies and a fridge that could feed a small city, we head out for a 3 day trip.  But "we're on vacation"....of course we deserve a treat.  Problem is one year later and 10 pounds heavier we have come to the realization that we may have to change our ways.  I have named my newly acquired fat roll "Ernie".  Ernie really enjoys our weekend trips and has regular suggestions...typically involving ice-cream, chocolate, pretzels, and any other items where sweet/salty/fatty can all be combined into one scrumptious delight.  He loves to make suggestions that involve eating out, trying new places, and living it up.  He reminds us that life is short and this may be our only opportunity to shove another culinary delight down our gullets.

Unfortunately. we have come to the realization that viewing every weekend as a "vacation" may not be the best choice when it comes to food intake.  Certainly we have the carrying capacity (CCC) to continue this for another few years, but that hardly seems reassuring.  Ernie has to be put under control and may just have to start packing veggies instead of peanut butter filled pretzels from Trader Joes on his weekly outings.  Stuck at work for the next couple of weeks without any weekend getaways on the horizon allows for contemplation....namely the type that involves changing our ways our buying new pants.  Ernie has suggested elastic pants as the solution to this problem....we have decided that packing the RV with healthier food and treating the weekend as the "escape" rather than "vacation eating" time is a much wiser life choice. 

First Campground Video Posted - 7 Feathers

Be gentle...our first campground review video is now posted on our video review page.  Clearly this is a learning process as I did not realize that I needed to hold our Ipad horizontally to get a full screen video that properly loads.  Good news is that we will be filming our next video here at Pacific Shores in Newport, Oregon and I will make sure we do it properly.  I would love to have your feedback on what other things interest you in a video review, what should be excluded, etc.  Be harsh...I can take it AND want to improve....

7 Feathers RV Resort Video Review

First Campground Review - 7 Feathers RV Resort

Our first campground review is up and activated for the 7 Feathers RV Resort.  I hope you find it helpful and hope that the reviews and pictures help.  We have a video of the resort that I will be uploading sometime this weekend so stay tuned....we did an actual drive-through of the park with narration so you can get a better sense of the layout.  The next weekend is almost upon us.....this weekend we will be heading over to Pacific Shores RV Resort in Newport, Oregon.  I hope everyone has some RV plans in this gorgeous weather!!

RV Campground Reviews - Our grading scale

Everyone has things that are important to them when it comes to an RV campground.  I think it is important to disclose those biases up front so when you read our campground reviews you understand what we focus on most closely.

For us, the following amenities are important:
 - SETTING: Is the campground in a nice setting? Are the grounds well cared for? If there are long term renters, do they maintain their sites? Is the campground quiet and relaxing or noisy and obnoxious? Is the road/train/other noise at a minimum or is sleep difficult?
- AMENITIES: Are all hookups present? Are they conveniently located? Are the WIFI strong? Are the cable channels complete? Is there a workout room or pool? Is garbage/recycling conveniently located? Are there bathrooms and laundry facilities?
- ACCESSIBILITY: Is the campground easy to find?  Are the roads leading to the campground in good shape?  Is the campground manueverable? Are sites easily accessed? Are the toad unhooking options reasonable?
- FRIENDLINESS:  Are the campground hosts/office staff warm and inviting? Are people in the campground friendly and approachable? Do people make a point of saying hi?

We will rate these items on a 1-5 scale and give an Overall score which MAY not be the average of the subscores.  If something is hideous enough at a park to detract from other areas we will certainly point that out.  Again, biases are important.  We like quiet, friendly parks in nice settings with good amenities....that pretty much sums it up!  We hope you enjoy the reviews......

Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day Weekend is here.  This weekend it means a trip to one of our favorite RV resorts in Oregon, Seven Feathers RV Resort in Canyonville, Oregon.  Looking forward to some 80+ degree weather, some pool time, the Friday night seafood special at the truck stop, doing some hiking, watching the daily parade of RV's and just relaxing.  We happened upon this Friday night seafood special a few trips back on our way down to the desert....who would guess that you could find fresh line-caught salmon at the truck stop for $10.99 including a baked potato, vegetables, and a dinner salad.  Luckily if you are reading this you are one of only 3 people that read this blog, so don't worry about the secret getting out.  Seriously, a tremendous find if you ever get the chance.

Entering the RV blog-a-sphere

Everyone has something unique to contribute to this world....a special gift...a hidden talent that is many times obscured by the doldrums of work, life, relationships, and family.  The worst thing one can do is waste that talent and not share it with the world.  Well, this blog has absolutely nothing to do with a special gift, hidden talent, or even a mediocre talent.  As Jack Handy once said "If you think your greatest weakness can be turned into a strength, I hate to tell you, but that is just another weakness".

This blog is about a couple of guys and their cat that like to RV and explore new adventures.  I have been combing blogs for sometime and have noticed a few things related to our RV adventures

• There are VERY few campground reviews that really show you what a place is like and give you the REAL rundown.
• There are rarely 'sights to see' and 'food not to be missed' tied with RV campground review
• There are pretty limited numbers of male couples traveling around in RV's
• There are even less that travel with a cat on the dash...always ready for her next adventure

So here it goes....in an effort to have more of the above out there I (Brett) have started this blog.  It may be of no interest whatsoever to anyone, or, and I hope this is the case, it will catch on and others will join in and share their experiences as well along the way.  I look forward to sharing highly biased reviews with everyone and hope you will do the same!