Summer 2014 - Redeaux

     Well, after a bit of a fiasco getting the new AC unit installed in Tucson, we had cancelled a series of our planned campground reservations. Our plan to tour the West and Pacific Northwest states was shortened so much as to be pretty much scrapped. We were tired of the 100+ temps and were looking for a way to salvage at least some of the summer plans. We also had to make sure that whatever we decided to do, we were back in Rapid City, SD by mid September as both of us have to update our drivers' licenses. After much discussion, we decided that we might just try to find a work camping job in Washington or Oregon for the rest of the summer. It being well into the "season" I was doubtful that anything would present itself that met with our expectations. I sent an inquiry to the place that we had been accepted to once before in Westport, WA. It also just so happened that I was reviewing work camping opportunities when I saw a position available in a small town on the Oregon coast called Depoe Bay. I replied to that ad also not expecting much. Well, surprise! By the next morning I had two replies in my inbox! Both parks were interested in talking to us. In talking with the managers, the Westport park was a bit uncertain whether we could finish training and be productive by the time we would have to leave in September. The park in Depoe Bay was excited to have us and offered us the job immediately. We accepted. So once the AC was repaired we took a four day excursion northwards to end up at Sea & Sand RV Park in Depoe Bay, OR

Our Willow Beach campsite

     Along the way we didn't stop much, but we tried to at least see some sights and enjoy the dash north. Our first campsite was in an off-the-road state park near Las Vegas called Willow Beach. This place was a hidden gem! The campsites were paved and the pads offered a unique scenic mix of riverfront and desert hills. The low lighting in the park really allowed the stars to populate the night sky. It was a very relaxing way to end the first day's drive.

You can barely see Hoover Dam from the new road

     The next day we drove over the Hoover Dam. Now the last time we were here, we were one of the last folks that got to actually drive over the dam. Now there is a modern fly-over highway that reduces congestion around the dam. When we were here last, it was almost finished but not quite.

     We drove to a little campground in Nevada near the California border for the night, then moved on the next day. We finally left the desert landscapes behind and began seeing more forests and streams. Mt. Shasta in California was brilliant in its early summer snow cover and the skies were clear for good viewing.

Mt. Shasta in California

     We arrived at Sea & Sand and were shown to a very nice campsite in the park. Charlene, the manager, is great and was very happy to see us. There are two other work camper couples here and they are both very friendly and fun to work with. The park itself is another hidden gem. It is an older park but very well maintained. There is a section called the "Forest" which lies tucked away in the trees. Then there is the section called the "Ocean". This is a three tiered set of sites that face the Pacific Ocean. This is the only park in the area that has direct access to the coast and the beach so it is very popular with folks who stay here.

Our Summer home for 2014

Sea & Sand Office (this is where Barb works)

     There is a lot to do in and around here so we plan on spending a lot of our free time trying to take it all in. Subsequent blog entries should detail some of what we can do and see here. In the meantime, we are enjoying the cooler weather and the sounds of the waves hitting the beach.

Sunset and smiles!!