Can We Escape Riley’s Snow Mojo?!

For those of you who have followed our travels, we are back on the road again! Our last trip was seven months ago to Diamond Lake, OR. Wow, where does the time go?? We’ve stayed busy – enjoying a delightful Pacific Northwest summer, keeping Riley entertained, doing some home improvement projects, and spending the holidays with family and friends. With 2018 in the books we were looking forward to escaping the (not so delightful) Pacific Northwest winter. Our plan for this trip was to point the RV south and hit the gas until we hit 70’s and sunshine. Sounds easy, right?? Not when Riley does his snow dance.

Riley deciding he wants MORE snow!

We neglected to factor into our plans Riley’s penchant for snow and cold and aversion to sun and heat. We were supposed to leave Sunday, February 10^th. The first signs of mutiny appeared on February 4^th – a few inches of northwest white. Hmmm, shouldn’t be a problem. Around here snow is usually a three-day event.  Snow is forecast, a few flakes fall, everyone panics, and then it melts.

Oh yes, this is much better! 

But Riley LOVES the snow and, as we found out, he has powerful mojo and a very effective snow dance. The snow stuck and then he danced some more. By our departure date we had close to a foot of snow with more on the way all along our route. We were going “snowhere” fast.

Leaving today? Nope.

Instead of packing to leave, we were shoveling to get out!

Our house sitter, Tafline, had arrived on the 8^th so we just needed a break in the weather to make our escape. Rog kept a close eye on the local forecast and what was predicted down the I-5 corridor. Not looking good. He decided there was a brief window of opportunity if we could get to the coast before Riley’s snow dance delivered another couple of inches.

On Saturday, February 16^th, we finally headed out. Riley couldn’t quite deliver more snow in time to further delay our dash south, but his cold mojo would not be denied. We got down the road and realized our cab/dash heat was not working. Nothing but frigid air blowing out of the heat vents. Brrrrrrr. Rog and I were freezing, but *ahem* somebody thought the temperature was perfect. I encouraged Riley to sit on my feet to keep warm. Rog said it’s like wearing a 175 lb pair of slippers. Lol.

On the road again! (Finally!!)

Our first stop was an overnighter at the French Prairie Rest Stop in Aurora, OR. We’ve stayed here many times, there is a secondary parking area tucked in the back next to a huge field for walkies and it’s free! The next day, we exited I-5 just past Cottage Grove and took Oregon Hwy 38 to the coast. It was a beautiful drive and the roads were bare and wet. We stopped along the way at the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area and saw several bulls grazing in the sun.

Several small herds of bull elk were hanging out at the Dean Creek viewing area.

Riley checking out the elk.

Our second stop was William M. Tugman State Park just south of Reedsport, OR. Tugman is a typical Oregon State Park and I mean that as a compliment. Lots of trees, nice sites, and decent amenities. The campground is next to Eel Lake, we’d like to come back in warmer weather and bring the kayak. Riley still managed to go wading, what a goof. He does love to play in the water – frozen or not. 😊

Pier at Eel Lake.

We stayed just one night at Tugman and then continued down Hwy 101 along the coast. We made a quick stop in Bandon, OR to visit the Coastal Mist Chocolate Shop. We discovered Coastal Mist at the Seattle Chocolate Festival many, many years ago and Rog remembered they were in Bandon! I was impressed with both his memory and the chocolates! 

The views along the coast are gorgeous! 

We arrived at Harris Beach Campground near Brookings, OR on Monday afternoon and decided to stay two nights. The campground is another Oregon gem. It’s a short hike to the beach which makes Riley one happy (wet and sandy) camper. On Monday it hit 60° and it felt wonderful.

Sunshine and green grass - no snow here! Does he look a little sad?

Lots of rocky beach to explore.

Waves crashing against the rocks.

Riley contemplates the trail down to the beach.

He is pretty proud of that hole. Lol.

Archway in the rock.

Afternoon light.

We spent hours on the beach, playing ball with Riley, clambering over the rocks and giant driftwood logs, and walking the trails. 

Ball time on the beach.

A little stick time too!

After all that play, somebody needs a break.

Rog & Riley back on the trail.

Sunset over the Pacific.

Alas, the clouds rolled in Tuesday and by evening it was raining hard. Tomorrow we leave the beach behind and head for the Redwoods. Love the big trees!!