CLEO'S TRAVELS: North to Alaska, 2

The drive from Florence to Cannon Beach was uneventful and weather was good. Of course I was snug in my bed under the couch. My people had never spent much time on this part of the Oregon Coast and decided to spend two days. To my delight, The RV Park at Cannon Beach was in the trees, with lots of birds. So while my people left me to take in the local area, I enjoyed my view of the park. But that was the day after the water rescue of my people. Yes, I'm a hero!

This is how it went...
Arrival was without rain, but as the sun set, the rain began. J had a bit of trouble getting the motor home level and was just slightly lower in the front. No big deal. The inside curtain that covers the side and front wasn't pulled over the side window, as is normal. J does this to keep me off the side dash where driver controls are located. Some are toggle switches, which I step on turning on those that should be off and off those that should be on. Hence, the curtain is usually pulled to keep me off.

I noticed the side view was available, so headed for it. J was watching me as I hesitated, lifting up the paw I'd just placed. I moved forward again, only to place my paw, then lift it. I looked at her, knowing she was going to close the curtain and gave her my look of grave concern, and also vocalizing my concern. As she got closer, she realized that something wasn't right. Water...lots of water...was on the side dash. It was coming in through the upper part of the window, dripping on the dash, splashing all over.

E got the ladder and placed tape over the top of the window on the outside. Was still leaking and the rain was torrential. Plastic wrap was placed over the controls and towels were put on top, lots of towels. (It reminded me of the story of the Princess and the Pea...and you thought I couldn't read.) So, at 10:30pm, long after quiet time, E was bringing in the slides and re-leveling the motor home. My owners slept with the slides in, not wishing to make any more noise. Me, I still had my window views and now lots of towels I could sleep on...but found them too narrow for that.

Yes, I am a hero. I discovered the leak in the nick of time, thus saving my owners from drowning during the night by the flood that surely would have followed, filling the motor home. Well... at least from a lot of water damage to the controls. Still...just call me HERO!

The next day was without rain and E and J said they must plan to spend a week or two here later. As this is a major resort area, Fall would be their choice of season to visit. They told me about their visit to Ecola State Park, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Astoria and have a picture of two to share. As bridges go, the Bridge over the Columbia River at Astoria is one often photographed. So, rather than take one of the bridge, J took several while traveling over the bridge as we headed north into Washington.

Driving Hwy 101 along the southwest side of Washington, takes you to some great vacation spots, such as Long Beach and many WA State Parks. There are two large and very scenic bays located there, Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor. This is another area that will require time for exploring. Wow, another two week trip is in order. As many resorts are located here, spring or fall might be best.

Not unnoticed were the vacant store fronts, homes and closed restaurants, one of which E and J had wanted to dine at, in the small towns we traveled through. The economy has severely impacted these communities, but interestingly E and J noticed that Aberdeen and Hoquiam had many furniture stores. They seemed to be thriving and were not small stores selling cheap furniture. Furniture in store front windows looked of high quality and showed variety. So, who is buying this furniture?

Just an overnight in Hoquiam, WA, along the bank of the Hoquiam River, in a small but adequate RV Park with gravel spaces, but that is the type of RV park one finds on the way to Alaska.

On Sunday we traveled to Bellingham, WA where we are to remain until the 30th, when we will cross the border into Canada. Birds here fly right up to the windows and I'm intrigued by them. E said they are swallows. All I know is that they are really fast!