The Schreiber Chronicles: So Over California...

...no not really...but we did finally make it to Oregon! After traveling the entire length of California, we finally made it to the OR state line. It would be wrong not to stop and take a picture of the kids with "the sign", so we did. Our first impression of Oregon was awe! We pulled off into a day-use area of Harris Beach State Park and the view was literally breathtaking. Austin's city slogan is Keep Austin Weird, well Oregon's state slogan as noticed right away, is Keep Oregon Green. It may as well be clean and pristine too! This first beach stop was amazing - secluded and full of beauty! We've been collecting samples of sand from beaches along the route and the sand at Harris Beach SP is a beautiful charcoal grey. Not because it's dirty, in fact I did not see a single piece of trash on the first 2 public beaches we've visited in OR thus far (Coos Bay being the other). It is noticeably clean! Our first over-night was at Coos Bay at a great RV spot called Oceanside. The rocky cliffs, misty waters, sea life and variety of camping options aside from RV's like lodges, tent-only areas etc. make this a really special place. We had our 2nd "trip hiccup" here though - busted water line! Pulling the RV between the trees at this particular spot was a tight squeeze and Charles ran over the spigot. Thankfully Tye took a few pictures & videos, so we can look back on it and laugh. Sure we will! :) After flooding the neighbor out, we proceeded to un-hook (RV lingo) and head into town for dinner - seafood of course, and more clam chowda! Before leaving the area the next morning - you guessed it - another "trip hiccup". This time a minor side-swipe with another trailer. Fortunately it was a junky, misc. hauler whose owner laughed about it and waved us on our way. See pic :) The drive further into Oregon was spectacular! I've never seen so many roadside ferns. The thick forests of Redwood Trees and the gorgeous green Umpqua River below made for a tranquil drive into Portland - our most awaited destination!!! We've decided to park the RV and stay at a Marriott Courtyard in order to get a good feel for the city and see what all the Portland hipster hype is all about. These Portlanders better bring it too! Charles and I are pretty big foodies and craft beer connoisseurs so we're really looking forward to this stretch. Update on that to come...