Yakima Sportsman State Park

An unplanned trip to Yakima to pick up a potential new dog. 

Campground Info:  Yakima Sprotsman State Park  Yakima, WA.  Site 12.  Weather was rainy.  Bathroom rating:  Average. 

Campers:  Jim, Deb, Geoff and Cyrus the boxer.

 

We had an last minute camping trip to Yakima.  We were going to pick up a new dog, but didn't want to do the drive all in one day.  Our site was in RV row - our little tent trailer stuck out with all the big R.V.'s! 

The weather was warm, muggy and buggy!  Quick!  Get out the bug spray! 

This park is in the middle of Yakima.  You can hear the city noise and traffic.  R.V. row is really close - so close you can't use the firpit as the slide outs next door go over the top of it. 

Woke early this morning to sound of rain! 

We probably won't camp here again.  We really didn't like being in the middle of town and hearing sirens during the night and next day.  It's nicer to get away from that! 

As a side note - we did get Kaylee, the boxer, but it did not end up being a good match and she went to a different home.  Bittersweet....

Crow Butte State Park

This trip was taken at the request of our son, Bryan, who was visiting from Alaska.  We had a great time and enjoyed the weekend! 

Campground Info:  Crow Butte State Park  Boardman, WA.  Site 22.  Weather was sunny, light winds, increased winds and rain.  Bathroom rating:  Excellent!

Campers:  Jim, Deb, Bryan, Carl, Geoff, Uncle Carl and Cyrus the boxer.

Riverside campsite at Crow Butte 

This trip was special in that it was the first time Bryan has gone camping with us since we got the G.R.U.B.  Bryan was visiting from Alaska for two weeks and took the opportunity to join us. 

This was a different spot for us - this time we were riverside.  Pretty spot, lots of grass and water views.  That first evening and next morning were perfect!  We had a campfire and made S'mores in the evening and camping donuts in the morning.  Sunshine, hikes and napping in the sun were the order of the day - at least until about 2:00 in the afternoon! 

After the rains came in. 

Our park host came by and warned us that there was a thunderstorm headed our way - of course!  If we're camping, it's raining!  Spent the first part of the storm huddled under the awning, watching the rain and visiting.  Our neighbor brought over "Cherry Bombs" maraschino cherries soaked in rum.  Then, the wind kicked up and the sky opened up! 

The awning had to come down.  The cooler went into Bryan's tent in order to keep it from blowing away.  We spent the rest of the evening inside, visiting, eating and enjoying each others company.  Next day the campsite was so flooded, we packed up early and left amid more rain! 

Crow Butte - Again...

Just a quick trip to one of our favorite campgrounds! 

Campground Info:  Crow Butte State Park  Boardman, WA .  Site 42 (where else!) The weather was sunny and windy!  Bathroom rating:  Excellent!

Campers:  Jim, Deb, Geoff and Cyrus the boxer.

This trip was sunny - the first one all year, but VERY, VERY windy!  Windy enough that we were not able to spend much time outdoors.  The wind brought the temperature down enough that coats were still a requirement. It was very cool to see a herd of deer crossing the road as we entered the campground. 

The next day we went for a hike to see the beach area - again windy!  I almost lost my stylish baseball cap!  Along the way we ran across a couple of herds of deer out foraging on the ridge. 

The beach itself was pretty much non-existent - we have had so much rain this year that the shoreline was covered with high water. 

Crow Butte Beach 

We are looking at a different site for next month when we come back.  Bryan is coming home from Alaska and has asked to go camping with us.  Time to try a different site and see how it is! 

Silver Falls - Rain, Rain Go Away....

I'm not sure, but I think this camping trip we actually did camp under the falls.... It was a very wet weekend!

Campground Info:  Silver Falls State Park  Silverton, OR.  Site 11.  Weather was rain, rain, and more rain.  Ideal sites for future camping:  37, 34, 25 or 14.  Bathroom rating:  Excellent!

Campers:  Jim, Deb, Geoff and Cyrus the boxer. 

A view of our moat.... 

Silver Falls is relatively close and easy to get to.  We got a late start on Friday and it started pouring rain when we got within five miles of the campground.   We had a much easier time backing in this time, but we did have to set up in the rain - almost a mandatory requirement when we camp!  We spent Friday night inside as it rained most of the night.

Saturday it showered but we were able to hike along the Rim Trail to the top of Winter Falls and back with minimal precipitation.  The rest of Saturday was spent recovering, both from the hike and the being chilled due to being wet.  Cyrus was not happy with us for such a long hike, nor a hike in the rain. 

"Don't make me keep hiking in the rain!" 

Jim got a new iPad this trip and we were all entertained by the games and books on it.  The fight for the iPad rages on! 

Loved this campground, but our site was one of the many that flooded.  The other sites mentioned up above were ones that might be a better site that had minimal flooding.  We would like to try this campground again - maybe next time sans rain! 

Beverly Beach (And My Birthday)

Happy Birthday to me!  This year I wanted to go camping, so we picked one of the spots off our list and away we went! 

Campground Info:  Beverly Beach State Park - Depoe Bay, OR.  Site E9 - but next time we will try for G24.  Weather was in the 50's and sunny.  Clean bathrooms!!

Campers:  Jim, Deb, Geoff and Cyrus the boxer

This was the "Lemony Snicket" camping trip - a series of unfortunate events.  I left work early to help pack up and go but it didn't go as planned.  The dog was at the vets and supposed to be available for pick up by noon - we were allowed to pick him up at 3:00.  New tires were put on the truck earlier, but we had to take them back after 25 minutes to have them checked and picked up medicine for the dog as well. 

Traffic was heavy - it took us 2 hours to drive 30 miles.  We arrived at Beverly Beach in full dark and discovered that if you are NOT familiar with the campsite, it is difficult to back in.  There were NO lights at all in the campground as the power had blown and the bathrooms, when located in the dark, were locked for the season and we had to locate another in a different loop.  Fortunately, the trip DID get better!

The weather, while cold, was beautiful.  We had LOTS of sunshine!  Our campsite  had a river running behind it and we were able to hike down to the beach.  We were able to tour Otter Beach, Devils Punch Bowl, Boiler Bay and Yaquina Head Lighthouse.  The lighthouse was particularly interesting as my great grandparents were lighthouse keepers at one time.

Devil's Punchbowl 

We did some Geo-caching along the nature trails and were able to locate one, but not the second.  We had a wonderful birthday dinner of grilled steaks, grilled cakes and played cards.  Overall a very relaxing way to spend my 46th birthday!

Happy New Year from Cape Disappointment

Well - our intentions for camping every month kind of fell by the wayside for October and November due to holidays and family obligations.  However, since we went on New Years Eve I think we barely managed to squeak in the month of December and hit January too! 

Campground info:  Cape Disappointment  State Park, site 59.  Weather was cold, cloudy and rainy.

Campers:  Jim, Deb, Geoff and Cyrus the boxer 

On the beach at Cape Disappointment 

Cape Disappointment has some wonderful driftwood that is on its beaches.  We spent the cold (think ice patches) morning on New Year's Day on the beach - climbing on driftwood, checking out shipwrecks and looking for a Geo-cache in a long, dark cave. 

The night before, when we arrived for set-up, we were visited by racoons who were checking out our cooler.  They actually were able to open it (while we were setting up in the GRUB) and ran off with a pitcher of juice.  Our next door neighbor and his little dog, Princess, came out to see what the fuss was about.  We called him Mr Teacher, as he was a retired teacher and knew a lot about the area and its history. 

This trip, the heater kicked in quite a bit and we were delighted to discover that cold would not be a hindrance to us in the GRUB.  That little space heater works very well!  We also picked up a dog coat for Cyrus as he is getting older and the cold affects him when we are out walking. 

Cyrus and his new blue coat (its reversible too!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of my favorite things on our hikes that weekend was the pine cones on the trees. 

A wonderful way to start out the new year! 

Crow Butte - Revisited Again

We wanted to try taking Cyrus to a campsite that wasn't quite as sheltered from vision as Manchester was to determine if he was really going to be good with camping.  So - back to Crow Butte!

Campground Info:  Crow Butte State Park  Boardman, WA  Site 42.  Weather was sunny and hot.

Campers:  Jim, Deb, Geoff and Cyrus the boxer.

Cyrus in the sunshine.

On this trip we borrowed a friends inflatable kayak.  We figured that we should try out the water sports at some point in time and this would also help us to determine if we wanted to look at purchasing a kayak ourselves at some point. 

Jim and Geoff took care of inflating the kayak and then took the maiden voyage while I stayed back at camp with Cyrus.  Because of his nails, and the fact that the kayak was borrowed, we didn't feel it was a good idea for him to go in the kayak.  Not only that - Cyrus isn't too crazy about water.  He will get his feet wet when necessary, but other than that... not so much! 

Off into the wild!

Again, another relaxing and enjoyable weekend!

Manchester State Park

This was our first week long trip in the GRUB.  We had our nephew, Justin, out visiting from Colorado and our friends, the Fuller's, joined us later in the week at a site right across from ours.

Campground Info:  Manchester State Park  Manchester, WA.  Site 9.  Weather was foggy and sunny.

Campers:  Jim, Deb, Geoff, Justin and Cyrus the boxer.  Joining us later:  The Fuller family.

 
Manchester State Park had very woodsy sites - each one had you feeling like you were out in the woods, surrounded by trees and wildlife.  Unless you knew for sure - it didn't feel like you had any neighbors.  The bathrooms are very clean and having locking showers!  This park takes it quiet hours very seriously, which is nice at night.  There is lots to see and do at Manchester - Geo-caching, hiking and a lot of World War II points of interest.  At one time, Manchester was an armory and battery point during the war. 

There is a lot of water, as Manchester is on the Puget Sound - practically across from Seattle, WA.  The lake, while it was pretty further out, was slimy and smelly at the shore line.

Firsts for us:  Joining another family for camping, having our nephew Justin along and taking Cyrus the boxer camping for the first time. Cyrus did so well camping, not barking or growling at others, that we will take him along on future trips.

Cyrus doesn't like sleeping on the dirt.... 

We introduced the Fuller's to Geo-caching and the guys took in a night Geo-cache that was very cool.  They did well and only got "a little" lost along the way out.  During our day hikes, we stumbled across a field with two camels in it.  Yes, camels!  Turns out they are "rescued camels" and the owners keep them in a field and rent them out at Christmas for Nativity scenes.  Not what you expect to see during a hike!

It was fun spending time with friends in the afternoons and evenings, sharing desserts and wine.

Good company, good food, good wine!

Crow Butte - Revisited

Crow Butte will be a favorite camping area for us - we love its closeness to home for a quick weekend camping trip.  Only a three hour drive along the Gorge and you're there!

Campground Info:  Crow Butte State Park  Boardman, WA.  Site 42.  Weather was sunny and hot.

Campers:  Jim, Deb, Carl, Geoff, Kyle (Geoff's friend).

This trip is full of first time things.  We got the new truck to pull the GRUB.  Previously we had been using our Subaru, but it limited how much we could take camping with us.  With the new truck, we can pack coolers, chairs, and the new lasso golf set.  This was Geoff's birthday trip this year - and the lasso golf was one of his gifts.  As you can see, the large grassy areas made it a perfect playing field!  We also took the new fire pit so we could cook S'mores.  Another first time - having a guest of Geoff's along with us.

Learning the fine art of Lasso Golf 

We brought the scope with us this trip and the guys went up to the "observatory" at night to view the stars.  They were able to view a lot of wonderful stars and the temperatures were perfect for it.  During the day, the boys went to the swimming area and swam in the river for most of the late morning and afternoon. 

With the nicer weather and the end of the school year, there were a lot more campers on site.  Some came with boats and used the boat launch to spend the day on the water.  Even with a full campsite - it still felt wide open.  Another relaxing weekend accomplished!

Crow Butte State Park

Jim & Geoff have gotten into astronomy.  However, in the Pacific Northwest that can be a challenge as there always seems to be cloud cover.  Jim discovered Crow Butte while he was looking for a place to observe the night skies unobstructed by clouds, trees and light pollution.

Campground Info:  Crow Butte State Park  Boardman, WA  Site 42.  Weather was hot and sunny with beautiful night skies.

Campers:  Jim, Uncle Carl, Geoff, Deb.

Crow Butte is more of a "park like" setting than a lot of other places we have been too.  The sites all have large grassy areas with trees - which help during the sunny, hot afternoons.  It is on an island in the Columbia River up the Gorge.  On two sides you have the river and views and on the other is the more arid and hilly spots.  We have the arid spot - that leads up and away from the trees for better stargazing.  There are no campfire pits at the sites - only little BBQ pits.  If you want a campfire, it is permitted but you need to bring your own.  Bathrooms are very clean. 

There is boating and swimming available.  It is also a day use park for the nearby towns - which are not that near by!  Fisherman have been seen up and down the river as well.  We found a couple of Geo-caching opportunities, but this campground, for us anyway, is all about the stargazing and relaxing.

The path to the Observatory

Jim and Uncle Carl started out on this trip and the rest of us joined Jim on the weekend.  There are many, many, many rattlesnake warnings at the camp - however, we were fortunate enough not to see or hear any.

Ike Kinswa State Park

So far, so good - we've been doing well on camping at least once a month.  This weekend we went to Ike Kinswa State Park.

Campground Info:  Ike Kinswa State Park  Mayfield Lake, WA.  Site 57.  Weather was sunny. 

Campers:  Jim, Deb and Geoff. 

Ike Kinswa is such a pretty campground.  Lots of green trees, beautiful sunshine.  It offers a variety of things to do from fishing & hiking to swimming & Geo-caching.  The lake is beautiful with a very nice swimming area and play area for kids.  While we were Geo-caching we were fortunate enough to see some deer, calmly observing us.

We waded some in the lake - didn't dare swim as it was WAY too cold this early in the season. 

As pretty as this campground was, I don't think we will go back.  For me, it is all about the bathrooms...  these bathrooms are still talked about by us months later!  Not clean, and the shower stalls had a hook & eye lock - which didn't really matter because you could just look right over the door.

Even with the yucky bathrooms though - a great time was had by all.  We enjoyed the sunshine, played and relaxed - that's what its all about!

Cape Lookout

Another decision was made - we don't want to just go to the same camping spots all the time! We have some favorites already, but don't want to be locked into going only to them. So - we have made a list of places we'd like to try and see and away we go!

Campground Info: Cape Lookout State Park Tillamook, OR Site C59. Weather was sunny with patches of rain.

Campers: Jim, Deb, Carl, Geoff 

What's beautiful about Cape Lookout is the trees and green foliage.  Granted, this IS the Pacific Northwest, so it is almost the norm.  I loved the old tree trunks that surrounded the site.  This weekend was perfect though for the sunny days.  We were able to get out and see the beach, although it is not very handicapped accessible.  Jim and Geoff were able to locate a Geo-cache that was an 8 mile hike from the campsite and only attainable during low tide.

This was also the trip we got the new camping screen room.  We were so excited about it - a completely screened in room off the door to the GRUB.  While it was very cool - put up and take down was a pain!  I don't think we will use this on weekend only camping trips.  

Cape Lookout is a campground I would love to go to again.  The neighbors were friendly, the weather was good and the bathrooms rated well!  :-)

Timberlake Campground

When we purchased the G.R.U.B. we received from Apache Camping a voucher for a free weekend of camping - just a little something to help us get our camping memories going.  The voucher was good at Timberlake Campground - a private campground.

Campground Info:  Timberlake Campground - Carson, WA.  The weather had cloudy days but clear, starry nights.

Campers:  Jim, Deb, Geoff

Timberlake Campground

Timberlake Campground is more of a resort style campground.  They have VERY CLEAN showers and bathrooms - an important feature in my book!  We were able to enjoy a day of Geo-caching and some hiking.  They have Timber, a very cute cat to greet you upon check-in.  It is also located very close to Stevenson, WA - which being novices, we went to purchase supplies.  Lessons learned!

This was our anniversary weekend - so "Jeeves" (AKA Geoff) served up lunch for us while we were there. We had absolutely stunning night skies and heard owls hooting during the night.

Overall, this is a nice site - not sure we would go later in the season as it seems more geared to R.V. style camping, but that early in the season it was pretty and not very crowded at all.

Cape Disapointment

The campsite may be called Cape Disappointment, but for our first camping excursion in the GRUB, it was anything BUT disappointing!

Campground Info:  Cape Disappointment State Park, site 58.  Weather was rainy & cloudy.
Campers:  Jim, Deb, Carl, Geoff

The campsite offered nice trees, perfect for tying the dog to, and the sound of the nearby ocean.  Cape Disappointment also has plenty of hiking trails, Geo-caching, and a natural amphitheater.  Since it is early in the camping season, we practically had the place to ourselves. 

We got all set up - first one by ourselves - and then hit the beach.  We came back and were able to grill dinner on the outside gas grill.  We attempted to make S'mores on the campfire, but just when we lit the fire, the rain started!  It rained like crazy and we all retreated to the inside for hot chocolate, cold S'mores and board games.  Nothing like listening to the rain on the tent, and not being on the ground!

Our New Home Away From Home

 We took the plunge!  

After a couple of back surgeries and just getting older, we decided that tent camping was out.  So - enter the G.R.U.B.  (Great Recreational Utility Barge) so named by our youngest.  It has room for six to sleep, hot and cold running water, a heater, refrigerator and electric mattresses! 

We went to Apache Camping Center and they were wonderful to work with!  Not only did they help us choose the camper that was right for us, they gave us a full lesson to make sure we knew how to put it up and take it down!

With this purchase, we are committing to camping once a month through out the year - no summertime only camping for us!

Look out world - here we come!