I failed to set my camera's date setting, these photos are from 2011, not 2010
For the first time in years, Diana and I were able to spend 5 nights on the coast, which allowed us to stay 2 days at Westport and 2 days at Anchor Bay. While we encountered minor problems along the way, it was nevertheless worth all the effort put forth. More on the problems later.
First Stop - Westport, 17 miles north of Ft. Bragg. In this photo (left), Diana masters the art of just relaxing and enjoying her surroundings. Note how much open grass is behind her.
We met Ian, a Canadian citizen touring the western U.S. on his BMW motorcycle. He entered the campground seeking a place to lay his head for the evening. As he studied the assortment of notices posted at the entrance, I'm sure he was surprised to see the $25 per night rate. We offered up our large site to him and he had a tent pitched in no time, happy to save the $25 no doubt. We enjoyed sitting around the campfire that evening, listening to his story. His final destination before heading home was the Grand Canyon. He had no plans to visit San Francisco. I pulled out my map and pointed out how close he was, and the routes heading southeast were numerous from the bay area. After a little urging, he decided to route his trip through San Francisco. I told him to use caution when exiting the Marin tunnel that offers a breathtaking view as you exit on Hwy 101. I warned him that the view of the Golden Gate and city skyline could cause him to crash of he wasn't paying attention to traffic!
He was greeted with a hot cup of coffee when he emerged from his tent the next morning. Diana put together a breakfast to die for, and he took the time to enjoy. I also learned the handle bar grips on his BMW are heated....a feature I never knew about, and would have appreciated, back in my motorcycle days. Ian drove off with a full stomach and saved a few dollars. We suspect he enjoyed the encounter with the American RV Nuts.
Note the space number (on the table above) for future reference. #87 has substantial real estates! We were blessed with great weather.
We experienced three passing flocks of Pelicans heading north (to Pelican Bay perhaps?) and at one point it seemed like they were just 50' above us. These birds are quite large, and they make not one sound, their silent passing is a treat to enjoy.
Esme is saying "Thanks dad for bring me to the ocean! I love it here!" Zorro was sacked out sleeping like a baby.
After a night in transit, we landed at Anchor Bay, about an hour north of Bodega Bay. To get a perspective on the layout of this small, unique campground, visit their website at http://www.abcamp.com/. We got a prime spot on 'the wall'. When the tide is in the water is about 15' from the front of the MH but the 5' wall offers security from being washed out to sea, unless there is an earthquake of course.
Zorro's day would not be complete unless he gets to chase a stick on the beach. Esme is in the background attempting to catch up but keeps getting distracted by all the attractions.
Note the boat ramp on the right side of the photo above - just in case you want to launch a watercraft.
As usual. it was hard to leave. Arriving during the week made it possible to get a prime spot.
Like I always say, the worst thing you can do to an RV is let it sit. Despite the minor annoyances, the journey was filled with great weather, no crowds, good food, and encounters with a variety of folks that we won't soon forget.
As usual. it was hard to leave. Arriving during the week made it possible to get a prime spot.
This trip had it's draw backs. We left our jar of quarters at the car wash (about $30 worth) and busted the back up camera lens with the car wash hose. We also broke the am/fm antenna bracket. At one point, our entry step failed to retract automatically when I started the engine (which is a normal safety feature). I didn't realize it was still extended until I heard the steps trimming the grass at the edge of the roadway. Caltrans can thank us for removing a mile of brush along Hwy #1 near Sea Ranch.
We also had a problem getting the leveling jacks to cooperate at times. And the generator's failure to start on one occasion just reminded us that RVing demands lots of preventative maintenance. I was able to correct the problems by simply cleaning some contacts.
Like I always say, the worst thing you can do to an RV is let it sit. Despite the minor annoyances, the journey was filled with great weather, no crowds, good food, and encounters with a variety of folks that we won't soon forget.
