Travel Day to Oregon

Today we drove to our final campsite and I think Ron and I were a bit sad. We took our time this morning and enjoyed coffee and Ron did some real estate work. We let the kids watch a Christmas movie so that we could just settle into the day. Neither of us were in a rush to get going. Yesterday was our last visit to a National Park on this adventure and the thought didn’t escape our minds. As much as we are excited to get home and settle into the holidays I know we are going to miss this experience. It has been pretty amazing for us as a family.  

I was a hero this morning because all the clothes have been restored in the kid’s suitcases. After 5 hours of laundry yesterday all of the clothes are clean. The kids and Ron now have their full wardrobe to choose from. Wyatt had pants and Ariel had warm fuzzy sweaters. The thankful spirits lasted a few seconds and then I was being asked to serve up breakfast lol. Well I enjoyed my victory lap while it lasted.   

Our furnace was a champ all night and kept us warm. It stopped working this morning and we were scared that we had to fidget with it again. We then noticed that the fridge light was on.  That meant we were out of propane. Phew! Our fridge can use electricity or propane but it seems that propane keeps the fridge cooler so we keep it on propane. I also want to lighten the load on our breakers now that we have to use the plug in heater at times. Filling up with propane is on our list of things to do today. We have two more chilly nights until we are home. 

We closed up camp and continued north. Our route is taking us along the Pacific Coast and it still amazes me how beautiful it is and it makes me appreciate where we live. Of all the places we have traveled I am still thankful to be living in the PNW. Yes it rains a lot but it is so fresh and lush. Now if only we could get a bit more snow the kids and I would be very happy.  

For today’s journey Ron turned on his audiobook and we all groaned in the truck. We have been listening to the book “Treasure” by Clive Cussler off and on throughout this trip and I think the kids and I now tune it out. Ron gets a twinkle in his eye every time he turns it on and honestly I don’t know how he can keep track what is going on. I have given up all hope of knowing what Dirk Pitt is doing in the story. He could have saved the world from aliens for all I know. 

Adding to the truck’s soundtrack, Ariel and Wyatt asked so many questions about how much longer we have, when they can eat and when they can go to the bathroom. The truck was chaotic with noise. I hate to say it but I pulled out the Santa card today in the truck. I told the kids that Santa is watching now more than ever and they better start being nice to each other.  It will be so sad when this stops working. They are trying so hard to be respectful little human beings now. 

We stopped for lunch at 7 Devils Brewing Co at Coos Bay. It was nice to get a stretch from the truck. They served poutine as well, so of course we had to try it.   

Our drive along the coast continued into the sunset. Ron and I are loving this coastal highway for the views and the small towns we get to drive through. Ron of course is always looking at the local real estate so that keeps us entertained as well.  

We set up camp just as the sun was setting, had a family dinner, and got the kids snug in bed.  Ron and I relaxed and watched some TV before we too called it a night. These longer travel days seem to make all of us tired. I am thankful that tomorrow we get a day to relax. 

Goodnight from Oregon!