Oregon Adventures

SHAKE DOWN AT THE METOLIOUS RIVER

We have returned to our absolute favorite camping spot at Camp Sherman, Oregon. Nestled along the glorious banks of the Metolious River. This visit is a shake down trip to work out any bugs, possible problems and to make sure we have plenty of supplies and very important kitchen gadgets we (me) think I cannot live without. If you read our last blog you know we sold the Artic fox trailer and Tundra Truck and purchased a 2018 Winnebago Navon.  Our next adventure is Utah, visiting the Big 5 and any other National Park or parks or Indian Dwellings that are along our path.

The weather here in Bend has been a bit chilly -28 degrees at night, good time to make sure heater, refrigerator, hot water, Micro and slide out all work. First night no HOT water, actually no HOT water until we returned home 3 days later.  Ok good thing we were shaking down!

Next day I decided to make bread to see if the solar panels could handle that much power usage. The solar was plenty to mix, rise and bake the bread, the problem was a misty rain came in that afternoon and our solar didn’t get a chance to build it self back  up. The next day was the same, misty cold drizzle, the good part the generator helped us and we were fine for heat and lights. Oh by the way the bread turned out amazing.

Friday the sun finally is out and we have solar and a Ranger at our door advising us they are going to dynamite some trees along the river just down from us so BEWARE. Well let me tell you he should have advised us to wear earplugs, it was the loudest bang we have ever heard or felt, boom it shook us a good one. Later we walked down the river to see the damage, it was extensive..

Except for the hot water all systems are a go, we will spend the next two days exploring the trails and hunting mushrooms, one of our favorite things to do.

Stay tuned for our Utah Big 5 Adventure

Cheers Jeff and Liz

PS: Update on Truma Hot Water Heater- a bi pass valve was turned the wrong direction, simple fix ,der.

CRANE PRAIRIE CAMPGROUND – OREGON

Crane Prairie Reservoir is a man-made lake located about 42 miles southwest of Bend in Deschutes County, Oregon, United States. The reservoir is named for the cranes that thrive in its habitat and for the upper Deschutes River prairie that once covered the area before the dam on the Deschutes was constructed in 1922. One of the most scenic lakes in Central Oregon with amazing fishing and large open campsites.

Cons: Mosquitoes and tree stumps in the lake- good for boat repair shops, bad for your prop.

Crane Prairie is a great place to go if you are wanting to catch large fish, I caught a 22 inch trout myself and many more fish 18 inches and above. The locals call these giant fish cranebows, this year was a very good fishing year for us. We were lucky to reserve site 113 right on the water’s edge which enabled us to scoot are boat right up to the shore line, which saved us having to load it on its trailer everyday. The view from our campsite was poster perfect, with bird life abundant, eagles, asprey and hundreds of white pelicans. The campsite itself is dry camping with a rustic table and an even more rustic fire pit, but lots of room for 2 rigs, a boat trailer and a 25 ft RV. With clean restrooms near and a very nice fish cleaning station you are all set with all of the amenities you need. I especially noticed how quiet it was at night which made for a very relaxing camping experience.

Senior Pass price was $8.00 a night and we stayed a whole week.

Talk to the employees at the lodge as they will help you figure out where the fish are and what they are biting on at that particular time of the year of your visit. Very friendly and helpful staff and they know the fishing tricks for Crane Prairie and have a well stocked store for all of your camping and fishing needs.

CHEERS UNTIL OUR NEXT ADVENTURE JEFF AND LIZ

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ELKS Club Camping – Brookings Oregon

We rolled into Brookings, Oregon heading for Harris Beach State Park. Ok, no we did not have reservations and yes, it was a major holiday weekend and yes, they were full. So, we retreated to our second backup idea, which was The Elks. With 20 sites available and only 3 other RV’s in the parking lot, we were delighted.

Amenities were many: all paved parking, water and electric included and with a very nice RV dump station, all for a donation of $20.00 a night. With a beautiful view of the ocean, it was perfect.

NOTE: You do need to be a club member, which I would highly recommend.

After settling into our very private and quiet campsite we returned to Harris Beach view point to explore the well known tide pools and walk the beaches. It was spectacular!

We were very fortunate that the weather was 47 degrees, no wind and clear skies. Exploring the town of Brooking was fun and enjoyable. I also highly recommend Harris Beach Campground, (with reservations) which is located above the ocean with beautiful views.

Our next Adventure is Elk Country RV Resort in California

CHEERS FROM JUST AROUND THE BEND

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Union Creek Camp Ground Oregon 2018

      Every year we migrate to Union Creek Campground, it happens to be one our favorite peaceful RVing locations. This year we are being joined by our good friends Dave and Jen and Ross and Cheryl, fun times ahead with this group of friends.

      This year we decided to mix it up a little and ride The Historic Narrow-Gauge Sumpter Railroad. A six-mile round trip ride staffed by all volunteers and two fully restored original steam locomotives we were sure to have a great experience. Running on the reconstructed gold rush train tracks between McEwen and the historic mining town of Sumpter, its a guarantee that the whole family will enjoy this relaxing trip back in time. DON’T forget THE TRAIN ROBBERY BY THE GOLD RUSH BANDITS!! A historic shooting group with period firearms, costumes, all performed on horseback. This was a highlight of the train ride.

      Your round-trip ride begins at McEwen station to the rustic town of Sumpter. The train allows you to get off to tour the town and visit the

      historic dredge. For reservations call 541-894-2268,  

       sumptervalleyrailroad.org.

       

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      Now back to our camping experience, Union Creek Campground offers a wide range of amenities and activities. Boating and fishing is one of our favorites as catching fish is abundant. The water is a very comfortable degree which makes kayaking, paddle boarding and just plain old-fashioned swimming an enjoyable experience. A well-groomed 6.5 mile hiking trail traverses around the lake with numerous scenic views. The trail is one of several mountain bike and hiking trails that are found in the Phillips Lake Trail System.

      Campsites are very large, spaced well from each other and set in the pines. Includes water, electric, fire ring, BBQ, picnic tables, immaculate restrooms  with flushometer toilets. A Boat launch with bait shop is a nice amenities with the most helpful and friendly staff we have ever encountered they will even deliver worms and ice to your campsite. Golden Age passport rate was $13.00 a night, we love site B17 very private, flat with a scenic view of the lake.

       

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      Until our next destination CHEERS from Jeff and Liz

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      McMenamins Old St Francis Schools Secret Broom Closet Oregon 2018

      Tonight is date night for Jeff and Liz and part of our date is to find the secret passageway that leads to a  Lilliputian cafe and bar.     Located at the Art House at Mcmenamins Old St Francis School is a  series of passageways and the fun begins. You do need to be quiet as the hallways and rooms could be occupied. So let’s begin by looking for the secret hallway which starts on the main floor. We are looking for a door which says Barnsdale Crescent-enter at your own risk-this passageway is so amazing.

      Next we head to the third floor looking for the Broom Closet- they encourage you to enter. Now the question is- are you brave enough to enter. Even after you slowly open the door and even then, what you see is a hallway of old witchie brooms, now what. Glancing around at the very artsy brooms what do you do next, we started pressing the panels and OMG one of the panels moved, we slowly pushed and entered a Lilliputian  bar. Surrounded by art and greeted by a very energetic bartender who was eager to satisfy our explorers thirst. So much fun and sad the adventure has ended. We will certainly be bringing our Bend quests and exposing them to this fun quest.

      Mcmenamins is far more than a artsy secret passageway, with 55 locations around Oregon and Washington, every location is worth a stop. Their signature wines and beer and pub food is renowned. The art and creativeness of every location is so worth a self tour.

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      CHEERS FROM LIZ  ♥♥♥♥    Harvest Hosts Affiliate Banner

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      Metolius River Camping in Oregon

      I was having a conversation recently with a friend which brought up the subject of  RVing. She asked me if I would ever prefer to leave the RV or Tent parked at home and go on a road trip staying in a B & B, hotel, motel etc!  Admitattley I answered NO. So in my long winded way I explained why. I know my husband and I are not the only ones that feel this way as we have met many RVrs and snow birds experiencing the same journey.

      There is nothing like having your home (comfort zone) with you, I personally love the fact I can cook healthy fresh food and not break the bank. We also love our own comfy bed and concealed weapons (just kidding).

      This is the Metolius River camping part. For the past seven days we have been camped at Smiling River Campground site #22, less than 100 feet from the most glorious, pure flowing river, we have ever experienced.  We do this every spring and fall at a mere $7.00 a night.. This is why we dont stay at B & B’s, hotels etc. Settled in acampground there is a campfire feel of calmness, the tranquille sounds of the river flowing over rocks and its many changing sounds.  Then there is many mixed aromas, grilled trout someone just caught, steaks BBQing and grilled veggies . But it’s the campfire thats the real star, you cannot sit around a campfire telling stories and roasting smores with your grandchildren in a hotel room. We look up at the stars at night and feel such a part of this earth, this is pure relaxation and what its all about.

      Lots To Do

      The beautifully groomed trails along the metolious wind along the river for miles.

      The head of The Metolius has a paved 1/4 mile walkway-to view the beginning of the river-a must to witness

      Wizard Falls Fish hatchery-so fun

      Camp Sherman General Store is a fun experience with a state of the art fly fishing dept.

      Fly Fishing

      Kayacking

      Birding

      Mushrooming

      Geo Caching

      Fine Lodging and dining

      ATV Opportunities and hunting

      Hope you enjoy my pictures and maybe someday you can experience the RV life.

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      Cheers from Just Around The Bend ♥♥♥♥                                           Harvest Hosts Affiliate Banner