Newport, Oregon and back to the repair shop

After enjoying the refreshing sea air in Winchester Bay, we headed north on Coast Highway 101 to Newport.  But before hitting the road, we had to once again experience the "WTH, the slide won't come in!" drama.  We were trying to get an early start to beat the high winds and rains expected around noon.  A call to the Mobile RV guy, a wait, and a little patience while a diagnosis is made, a little muscle getting it in, and we were on the road before 11.

The waves coming in were building the farther north we went and the winds got stronger.  This storm was the remnants a Typhoon and lasted three days with winds upwards of 80 MPH.  After getting to Newport Pacific Shores, we were advised to keep the slides in and keep the satellite down.  It was crazy wind and wild rain for the next 2 and 1/2 days.

We enjoyed the wildness, catching up on our DVR and driving around looking for the perfect lot at the right price so we could come here as often as we want.  After wandering around in the pouring rain, we were struck by the view from a particular lot, coupled with a nice side yard, with privacy hedges from the streets.  We made a reasonable offer below the asking price and next thing you know we own it.  The whole process took less than a week, I love small towns.  There is no long lines at the utility company, and the bank while being 22 miles away was friendly and very efficient.  We have always loved Newport and on stressful work days I would think 'Someday all this will be worth it' as I dreamed about the wild surf along the Oregon coast.  We feel very fortunate to be able to enjoy the sound of the waves and smell the fresh sea air.

While in Newport we took in the local sights and took trips north to Tillamook, home of Tillamook Cheese.  I love sharp cheddar and was not disappointed with all the samples.  I tried new kinds and old kinds and of course we had to get ice cream.  Although not as inexpensive as Face Rock Creamery's $1.00 for two scoops, it was still a bargain and refreshing on a warm sunny day.

Being a quilter, I just had to visit the Quilt and Textile Museum on the way out of town.  Eric stayed in the car along with all the other husbands sitting in the parking lot.  Wow, what a cool place if you are into quilts, knitting and spinning your own yarn.  Lots of quilts on display, and every issue of old quilt magazines, knitting/crocheting magazines and patterns galore.  I was amazed.  It is located in an old school house.  Sometime when I can get back into quilting mode I would love to go back and look at all the old patterns again.

The male sea lions spend their winters in Newport and were enjoying the sunshine on one of the days we explored the Historic Bay Front.

Part of the Japanese dock that came ashore at Agate Beach

Black and Tans at Nana's Irish Pub, sure to become my favorite lunch place

After having so much fun along the coast, we had to head back to Coach Masters to finish the repairs started in Sept. and get the slide out fixed again.  We spent the weekend with my folks then set up camp at the parking lot so the techs could start early on Monday morning.  The windshield got repaired as it had leaked a LOT while we were at the coast and we are hopeful it is fixed.  The slideout was fixed again (a new separate problem was discovered), the driver's slide out motor replaced, new toppers on the slide outs were installed, the door lock mechanism was replaced, the list went on and on.  We were hoping to get out of there on Wednesday morning to start the next phase of the adventure, but we had to wait for a new motor for my new washer.  Seems Splendide has our serial number being sold way back in 2010 so it is out of warranty.  I am going to Camping World today to see what the explanation is as they installed our 'new' Splendide in March 2013.

We made it to Salt Lake in time for a three day super adoption event with the animal rescue group our daughter is involved with.  She and I worked hard and there were over 300 dogs and cats that got out of the shelters and into homes.  Awesome!  We've been spending lots of time with our daughter and watching the MLB playoffs and so far game one of the World Series.  We'll miss the final games as we are heading to San Francisco to board a cruise to Hawaii for the next two weeks.  I have forgotten how to pack and have been stalling, but today I must get it done!  

I love this life!