Our Journey Living In Nature – Part Eight

February 26, 2018 – Monday – Harris Beach State Park, Brookings, Oregon

With hail and rain all night, I was anticipating more of the same in the morning. But we got a break in the weather early morning. When we finally got up at 7:45 am, the skies were clear, with a temperature of 38 deg. I was going to postpone our departure one more day, but might as well take advantage of the good weather.

We headed to Trinidad to get the truck filled up with gas, and a large cup of coffee for me to get my blood following me. Then back to camp to start breaking down camp.

The packing up went smoothly. It took the typical 2 to 21/2 hours to get everything packed up, and the trailer hitched to the truck. We departed at 11:15 am. I figured we would reach our new campground by around 1:30 pm.

I did decide not to go to Prairie Creek Campground, but instead meet Mike and Mr. Dundee at Harris Beach State Park in Brookings, Oregon.

When we were well on our way, heading for a new adventure, I realized I forgot to grab the boys lead lines, and I did not want to turn back to get them. I figured it was time to get them replace, they were getting pretty worn out. Hopefully we can buy a new pair in Brookings.

On our beautiful drive north we saw a small herd of elk grazing along side the road. That was a sight to see. I yelled out to the boys, look, elk! Nanook looked out the window, but did not seem too interested. Takota didn’t care less, he didn’t budge from his hiding place under the seat. In his own way, he was telling me, “Wake me up when we are at our new camp.” The drive was nice, and with very little traffic. I called Mike and told him we were on our way, and to check out the available campsites for us.

We arrived at the campground at around 2:15 pm or so. Mike was waiting for us at the entrance of the campground to show us a couple of campsites. The boys were so excited to see Mike and Dundee, and Dundee was excited to see us.

The campground was right on the ocean, with Sitka Spruce trees covering the area. It looked like it was going to be a great place to camp out. The first camp site Mike showed us I liked, but he told me it had bad drainage and puddling, and I noticed it had very little protection from the wind. It is easy to assume a campsite looks good, until one carefully evaluates it, does it fit our needs? Mike’s comments made it clear it wouldn’t. And in my head, I go through a check list on if the site meets our needs. So that one was taken off the list. The second site Mike showed us looked like it would work for us. It had good wind protection, open for good direct sunlight, a nice grassy area for the tent, pretty good privacy, and surrounded with Sitka Spruce trees. We were also close to the bathrooms. Our cooking area is at the parking level, then dropped a few feet down to our tent pad. There was a very small fire ring, and a picnic table at the upper level. The parking area encroaches a bit into the cooking area. I was able to move the picnic table in a better position for my liking, so I have enough room to put my canopy up. Usually the picnic tables are stationary in most campgrounds. Although the truck and trailer infringes into our main camping area, it gives me easy access to getting things in the truck and trailer. There is always a give and take with these campsites. With the camp layout, I don’t have a good spot to tie the boys. That will have to be figured out. The only option for parking was to park the trailer and truck side by side, and hope we are not asked to move them. The trailer is partially off the pavement and some campgrounds are funny about that type of thing.

I paid for 5 nights, and will see how it goes. I would not stay here much longer, but for having the ocean so close to us. It is nice being close to the ocean once again. We may stay for the two week. I prefer staying a full two weeks when we can, and just settle into an area. To get to know our surroundings, what trees and plants are here, and the wildlife in the area. I don’t like moving camp unless we have to. Each place we camp, seems more like a temporary home.

It was in the 70’s. It felt good to feel the warmth again. The temperature cooled quickly with the setting Sun.

I got the tent set up first thing, then we went into town for some groceries. Not much to say about the town of Brookings. It is like any other town or city. I was expecting a quaint type setting of a fishing village. Unfortunately I didn’t feel that. It did have a Fred Meyers grocery store, a laundromat, and a pretty good pet store. I was able to get wire lead lines for the boys and some treats for them because they are being so good. I also picked up some groceries. I forgot Oregon does not have sales tax which is really a nice surprise when going shopping. Brookings is very close to the campground that is convenient. I try to minimums going into town for shopping to save on gas, the wear and tear on the truck, and time spent away from being in nature. But when it is this close, it is easier going into town more. Because I have a good ice cooler, I can go without going for ice for about five or six days using my insulated ice cooler, (The one I am using is the Cabela’s Polar Cap Equalizer Cooler, 60 Qt.). By using block ice I can store usually five days of perishable foods, reducing my having to go to the store every couple of days. And I have to find a place that carries block ice, that can be challenging. If I can only get crushed ice, it usually has to be replace every two or three days. So I very seldom use crushed ice when I can avoid it. It also saves me time and money, if the grocery store is a close distance away.

I wanted to get back to camp to finish setting it up camp and getting the tent ready for rain and possibly wind that is expected for tonight. I also wanted to get the canopy up.

February 27, 2018 – Tuesday

After almost 4 months in California we finally reached Oregon. This morning we had clear skies, 40 deg., and chilly. It got down into the mid 30s last night. I got a little chilled in the early morning and had to hide my head beneath the sleeping bag.

The boys and I went for our morning walk along the ocean cliffs of the Pacific. Wanting to dispose of two bags of dog waste, I couldn’t find any garbage cans. I thought for a clean state as Oregon is, and especially in a day use area, and by the ocean, they would have trash cans. But they didn’t have any, so I had to carry the waste bags back to the campground. Mike and Dundee’s camp are just above us past the restrooms. The Boys and I can here Dundee barking at their camp and of course the boys get all excited when hearing Dundee bark.

One would think the only thing we would hear next to the ocean are crashing waves. But that was not the case, there was construction going on at the campground, and on the highway which we were very close to. It sounded like there was highway construction work going on all night, as with the usual traffic noise on the highway.

Although I can’t see the ocean from camp, I can sense the smell of the ocean breezes, and hear the crashing of the waves.

Evening Entry

I got everything done that I wanted to get done today. I got the guy lines staked on the tent, the canopy up, the firewood out of the truck and stacked to dry, went to the store for more food. I also got some reading done, and meditated. It was a warm 65 degrees today.

When we went into town, only a mile away it felt much colder with a wind chill in the air. And when we got back to camp, it was felt warmer.

At 4:00 pm we met Mike and Dundee at the beach. Dundee was off leash. I kept the boys on leash. I did not want to take any chances of the boys going after any other dogs. It is hard telling what dogs they don’t like and what dogs they do, thus I cannot take any chances. It would be nice if they got along with other dogs, but unfortunately that is the way it is. It does create limitations on what we can do in nature, but they do give back so much more in just being with them. On the upside, they do love people. Once the boys felt the sand on their feet they got all excited, and began wildly playing with each other, and yanking me every which way.

I thought the beach might be cold, but it felt very comfortable with six layers of upper clothing on me.

The evening is very pleasant before the rains come sometime tonight. It will be interesting how much rain we will get at our new camp.

The drying of the firewood must have helped, because we had a nice tiny fire in our very tiny fire ring this evening.

The night sky is pretty bright from the moon light and lighting up our surroundings. It is nice walking the boys at night without a flashlight.

February 28, 2018 – Wednesday

The rain I was anticipating last night didn’t start until around 5:00 am or so the next morning, and it was a very light rain. We got up at 9:30 am and no rain was falling. But we would soon find the rain was intermittent this morning. I am glad we have the tent on grass so we don’t have to deal with tracking mud in the tent. Our living/cooking area was a mix of grass, rock, and a little dirt. The boys have the protection of the canopy, or under the picnic table from getting wet from the rain. Now, Takota at times just enjoys laying in the rain. Our wind break seems to be doing its job so far. We are getting an introduction of the weather here, and what will soon come in the next few days.

I usually prefer having a good size camp, but as long a we have good privacy from other campsites, I feel good in small camps. Each campsite brings it’s own personality and feel to it. They are never the same. Once we get to a campground, we usually do a drive around to check out the sites. Then pick out possibilities that could work for us. And hopefully choose the best one. It can take a few go arounds. And I will also get out sometimes to do a walk around. This is why I always make a point to get to campgrounds on a Sunday or Monday when most campgrounds empty out. Unless it is a three day weekend, then we will leave for a new campground on Monday, or Tuesday. I found this to be the safest bet on getting a campsite and having a choice of sites, both in winter and summer time. But I know, summer time will be more challenging, with more people camping.

We are allowed 14 days here, so I will add another 5 days, giving us four extra days for changes in weather if needed. Weather is a big determinant in where we go, when we go,and is it safe to go.

We have a little chill in the air from the breeze, but it feels good. And I know the boys love the cold.

Evening Entry

Our Columbia 10 person tent did well until we returned to camp in the afternoon at 3:00 pm. It was raining in the area from about 1:00 pm continuously, and before that, off and on. The boys and I got in the tent to hang out from the rain. Hopefully it would stop before dinner. About an hour later I noticed drops of water forming on the inside of the tent at the roof, and my bedding was wet, as with small puddles on the floor. That was not a good sign. The more I looked, the worse it got. I was thinking with the steady rain we are now getting, and the forecast for more rain tomorrow, we will be underwater if I don’t fix the problem now. I had plenty of tarps with me, and grabbed the ones most handy. I had one at the firewood pile, With some difficulty, I covered half the tent rain fly with that tarp. While doing this I was getting soaked. I got the tarp tied off to the tent frame, and the tent stakes. It was also getting windy, and I hoped the tarp would stay in place. I had no trees to tie it onto. I will then use another tarp for the other half of the tent and will finish it off tomorrow. Unless the other half of the tent started to leak. The tarp I put on seems to be working. Hopefully we get a break from this rain.

Since the rain tonight, it is the second night I have not had dinner. I did feed the boys.

While I was getting propane bottles at Fred Meyers earlier, I checked out the tents, and they did have 6 and 8 person Columbia tents on sale. I thought, “Do I buy another tent, or buy a sealer”? With the weather we are getting, it would be difficult putting a sealer on the large tent rain fly. So the option is to buy a new tent. The tent we have been camping with we have been using for three months. It is probably time for a new tent. It served us well. This will be a continuous problem with tents on this journey. They will wear out much faster with continuous use. The camping tents are not made for this type of use long term. I do have other tents with me, but I don’t want to use them. We will look for a new tent tomorrow.

March 1, 2018 – Thursday

It was raining and the winds blowing all night. It seems we may have a break in the rain and winds this morning, and then they started up again. The rain is on and off. It is 44 deg. It is cold with the winds blowing.

All of my clothes are wet, and I am not prepared in having dry clothing in the ready. They are in the trailer and some are not accessible without digging into the trailer in the rain. This means putting on wet clothing, which is a miserable experience.

My side of the tent with the tarp, is staying dry, the uncovered area where the boys sleep is just a little bit wet. The leaks seem to be coming through the fabric of the rain fly where it is touching the ridge framing of the tent. Which tells me the water proofing of the rain fly is pretty much gone. This tent has been good to us, but it is time for retirement.

My Columbia Fall River 10 tent began failing after 3 months. I was hoping for more use, but these tents are not made for longevity when using them everyday. The zippers begin to fail as well.

The rain was lightening up some, so I decided to get some coffee on. The winds just started blowing which usually means more rain coming.

Because of the rain I have had only coffee, slices of fruit, and slices of ham for meals the past two days. The boys haven’t lacked in what they eat. When I cook breakfast I usually have bacon and eggs, and the boys get a little topping of that on their kibble for taste. When I don’t cook due to weather I will give them a little bit of ham, or roast beef on their kibble. For dinner the same, unless I cook and then they get a little bit of meat or poultry that I cook for myself. They are spoiled in that respect.

I did see some blue sky coming towards us, but that was short lived.

I think soon we will be moving out of this rainy weather with each day that passes, but we could have two more months of it, just not as frequent. We have had very few down pours, just mostly light rain, so it could be worse. Winter camping has it pros and cons, and it can also be a beautiful time being in nature. The time limitations at each campground can be a problem as well if we have to pack up in wet weather. But so far we have been very lucky in that. The weather has cooperated for us on moving days.

While drinking my coffee, watching the wind, and rain coming through camp, we then had the hail come crashing upon us with a loud roar. We may have to hunker down in the tent for a bit.

When we get a break in the weather, if we do get a break in the weather, we will run to the store. This weather is wearing on my peace of mind.

I notice, when I can relax in this crazy weather, I can actually enjoy it. It is when I think to much that causes mental misery and discomfort. It seems that the boys don’t mind.

I haven’t seen much bird life, just the seagulls and crows.

It is 1:00 pm now and the boys and I are still hunkering down in the tent waiting for a break in the weather. More hail and rain is coming down. It is 42 degrees in the tent, and cold. I am getting used to staying in the tent during periods of bad weather. This is why I chose to have a large tent for us.

I am getting impatient being stuck it the tent, so we are going for it, braving the elements.

I did get a tarp on the other end of the tent, so our tent is fully protected from the rain. A puddle was forming on the floor of the tent once again, that we had the previous day.

I called Fred Meyers and put a new tent on hold and will pick it up on Saturday. The new tent will be an 8 person tent, 8’ x 14’. We are currently in a 10 person tent, 10’ x 15’. I figured the smaller tent should work fine for us. I had no plans of putting the new tent up at this camp because it will be lying on a boggy puddle, unless this tent completely fails.

March 2, 2018 – Friday

We are in our first two days of March in Oregon, and three days of wet and cold weather.

This morning at 8:30 am it is 40 deg.

The rain and wind made it difficult to sleep during the night. The pounding of hail and rain are very loud against the tent surface, It was pretty much endless all night.

First thing this morning, we went for our morning walk. It wasn’t raining, but it could anytime. There was some blue sky peeking through the clouds, then quickly vanishing above the next set of rain clouds coming in. The rain did hold off until we finished our walk. During our walk the wind was blowing bringing cold temperatures with it. My hands were freezing holding wet leashes. Once in camp the winds had stopped and felt pleasant at 40 deg.

I just saw a hummingbird flying into camp. I saw it earlier, but did not pay much attention to it because I was talking with Mike.

Looking out towards the ocean I only saw gray skies, although we are suppose to get a break in the weather anytime now. The forecast is more rain today, and through tomorrow, then cloudy on Sunday, Sun and cloudy on Monday, and cloudy for the rest of the week. But that can change as it seems it always does.

Afternoon Entry

The storm that was suppose to clear up to nicer weather never happened, instead we got more overcast skies, and mostly rain all day.

We went into town and found a WiFi at the Starbucks in Fred Meyers and touched bases with our Facebook friends. I did have someone interested in the oil painting I was trying to sell, but because it was hard to find any information on the artist, the person decided not to buy it.

One of the issues camping in wet weather in a tent is staying dry, and if we had a dry tent, which we don’t, and with wet clothing, it makes for a very unpleasant experience. I made the mistake of not having easy access to dry clothing. We could have gone to the laundromat to dry my wet clothes, but didn’t. If we had a heater in the tent, that would have helped keep the moisture content low and much more comfortable, and to dry help dry out my clothing, but I didn’t want to buy a heater just for this occasion. With these temperatures we are having, with being all wet, and with the wind, I could have possibly experience hypothermia, but luckily I didn’t. These are lessons learned. I didn’t see these things as being too serious, so I took a lackadaisical approach. I thought the conditions would get better, but they didn’t as far as the weather, until four days later. I was just miserable.

My plan was to head inland through Oregon to avoid this wet weather, but in talking to Mike, he said the passes are requiring chains for both vehicles and trailers. I had neither. So onward along the coast.

We took a short afternoon walk and right before we got back to camp, it began to rain again. Rain, rain, go away, come back some another day. I have stuff to do, but can’t with this on going rain. Every time we would have to go into the tent because of rain, the rain would follow us inside. The entry to the tent was right into the wind, bringing more rain into the tent.

Time to make another payment for camping, and did another 5 nights.

March 3, 2018 – Saturday

Last night I watched a movie, ate another cold dinner in the tent, and the boys had their dinner in the tent, and more rain.

Other than doing a little shopping yesterday, we stayed in the cold and wet tent most of the day.

It is 40 deg. The wind is blowing off and on, as with the hail and rain. It is never ending. To add to the entertainment we are having with the weather, we had some thunder rumbling nearby. Full of exciting moments here. Other than having to deal directly with the elements in nature, it is beautiful here.

At this moment, the Sun is shining, and in a blink of the eye, it will be gone. It was nice seeing the Sun come out even for a brief moment. It is cold outside with the wind blowing. I miss having a fire to start the morning off, sipping some hot coffee, and just being outside in nature, and breathing in the salty ocean air.

Last night I took the boys for a short walk, it was foggy out, but I was able to see stars out. A welcoming sight. I thought, maybe the rain is over? But soon returning to the tent, climbing into bed, the rain began once again, and pretty much rained all night. I love this experience, and at the same time, I am tired of it. If I didn’t have the boys to keep me company, I would really hate it. I would feel lonely without them. They provide me with a great sense of comfort and companionship.

We woke up to off and on rain. The tent is now leaking at the floor and wall seams. The tarps are still keeping the roof of the tent dry, thus keeping us dry.

I was just talking with Mike at his trailer. The Sun peaked out for a few moments. We were talking about why we are doing this, especially in the winter? And the simple answer is to experience being in nature. I would see things differently if I was still dealing with a leaking tent. I knew from the very beginning it wouldn’t always be a pleasant experience. Like right now, I am cold, my hands are shaking, my feet are cold, but I am living and experiencing nature.

It is hard telling what the weather will bring today. Mike will bring by the weather forecast a bit later.

Today we will pick up our new tent.

Although I feel cold throughout my body, feeling miserable with discomfort, asking myself how long can I do this for? It is part of being and experiencing nature. It could be far worse. In these times, we can always see the beauty in the natural world.

The Pacific Ocean is calm for now.

March 4, 2018 – Sunday

It rained off and on during the night, and this morning.

We didn’t get up until 9:30 am because of the rain. During our morning walk we had a very light rain falling, then back at camp it stopped.

I had a fire this morning for the first time since last Tuesday. It did take some time getting it going since the wood was wet, even covered with a tarp. The fire was going, but struggling, and having to occasionally nurse it back to life by blowing on it.

This morning there are a lot of jays and crows jabbering away. Probably happy the rains are over with for at least a few days.

It is 12:15 pm and we are getting a lot of sunshine that was very welcoming. The weather will be fair through Wednesday, then worsen again on Thursday. We may leave on Wednesday.

On this section of our journey it has been the most challenging so far with the constant rain and a leaking tent, and being cold and wet all the time. The first week was draining with four days of rain, wind and hail at times. Too much rain or wind can drain ones soul, and energy it seems.

When I originally set up the tent on this nice grassy area, I did not realize I was in a slight swell. With all the rain we were getting the water was collecting under the tent in one big puddle maybe two inches deep in parts. Walking in the tent felt like we were walking on a waterbed.

I began getting concerns and doubts that we could even reach Alaska with the funds we have, as with spending a year there. Could we survive?

This campground is used mostly for RV’s and not so much for tent campers especially in the winter. It seems to me the campgrounds are catering more to the RV’ers than the real campers that camp in tents. I am getting used to seeing RV’s in campgrounds because it is now the way it is, but it doesn’t mean I like it. I don’t think they belong in campgrounds, or put them all in one area, and the tents in another.

After the winds roared through the Sitka spruce, and the rains and hail pounding on our tent, where no other sounds could be heard.

Where the seas surf crashes and pounds against the erect rock pillars rising from beneath the oceans bed, like sentries, the protectors of the shoreline and rocky cliffs.

Where the booming thunder announces it’s presence in unbelievable strength and force.

Where the looming dark gray clouds always threatening, gives way once again to the warmth of the Sun’s rays.

And the sea once again begins to calm in her magical grace.

The wind, hail, and rain has finally ceased to exist for now, and the Sun, and blue skies took their place, giving us a refreshed outlook once again, and the calming ocean soothing our souls. A brief experience to behold until the next storm arrives. Where the birds once again rejoice in song as a new morning comes. Even though the cold still air and brisk breezes still remains, reminding us we are still in winter. It is a constant reminder that nature is in control, like the surge of the oceans forces wearing away at the cliffs in nature’s course. It reminds us that nature should always be respected.

Evening Entry

I was getting a little down today, thinking about our money situation, and how far will it takes us in reaching the wild lands of Alaska, meaning “Great Land.”

These prolonged rains has something to do with these dark feelings I am having.

We went to the grocery store to pick up a few things, and to check on Facebook. I received a real nice comment by one Fb friend on my writing that gave me some encouragement, and purpose to continue in my writing. Writing gives me a sense of exploring my inner self, and my deep relationship with nature. I have had others say good things about my writing, yet I still feel the lack of confidence in my writing for the most part.

I see utter chaos, and madness in this external world we live in. A world for the most part that is filled with greed, and materialism. A world the modern day cultures feel separate from. And nature becoming just an after thought. Something for us to use to give us some kind of normalcy in a crazy world, but knowing a place we always have to return to. We never really get close to what nature truly is – a giver of life.

After a decent day of weather, with the Sun’s rays drying my wet boots, the tent beginning to dry out, and the firewood drying, things seem to be getting back to some sort of a normal.

March 5, 2018 – Monday

We woke to blue skies this morning, 38 deg. It should be a beautiful day by the Pacific Ocean.

On our walk this morning we saw a cottontail rabbit, Nanook wanted to invite it over for breakfast.

I checked out the new tent, and it is not a quick set up tent like the last one. It will take a bit longer to put up, and take down. I hope it will be easy to set up alone. As always, the rain fly is always the most difficult, especially with a tall tent, and especially with any wind blowing, even the slightest winds. This is one reason why I try to move on good weather days for both taking the camp down, and it setting up. So far we have been lucky. With the tent we have now, I was able to set the tent up at the half the height, then slip the rain fly on. It was much easier then trying to put it on when the tent was at full height. And with any wind, impossible to do alone.

It is amazing how nice sunny weather can change ones attitude and outlook. After 5 days, we are finally able to cook breakfast. Bacon and eggs are on the menu this morning.

Afternoon Entry

Checking on the weather from weatherman Mike and his sidekick Mr. Dundee, the rains are suppose to be returning on Wednesday. Most of the rain will be during the night. Saturday and Sunday looks pretty good, and maybe on Friday. We are now looking at leaving on Sunday for a new camp.

Most of the things I put outside to dry, dried or almost dried. Two of the boys beds dried, and the other needs a bit more time. Much of the firewood is dry. The tent is drying out as well. I will dry the under side of my air mattress tomorrow, and then more rain is expected.

During my meditation I was reminded to live from my heart and not in my mind. In the mind, we live in fear, living through the heart we live in the present moment.

March 6, 2018 – Tuesday

At first I thought today would be another sunny day, but the cloud cover is slowly moving in. That is okay as long as we don’t get rain. I had the tent windows uncovered last night and it was nice looking out into nature while lying in bed. That is one thing I liked about this tent, it had large windows that opened up to nature.

On our journey I wanted to focus on nature, being present in nature, to write about nature, and also write about the native people that once thrived in the areas we have camped at. Bringing my attention to these things, they brings me in experiencing more of a deep purpose and connection to these. I do wish I could have connected with the native tribes on a more personal level, but it was not to be.

Afternoon Entry

So far it has been a beautiful and warm day in camp.

On our afternoon walk, we met a lady from Finland. She lives here in Brookings. She told me Finland does not receive any snow as it once did, due to climate change. For the most part, most of us in the US, don’t pay attention to the subtle changes that are happening here because we are so out of touch with nature. I began seeing it back in the 90s that things were changing on our planet.

Evening Entry

The sunset was spectacular this evening.

A Steller’s jay flew into camp, and a lot of crows flew by. And for the second time I heard Canadian geese fly by.

Mike had told me the noise I heard on the road, that I thought was road work, was actually from a large lumberyard.

We were going to have chicken tonight, but didn’t feel like cooking, so I just had a cold slice of ham, some roasted macadamia nuts and a protein drink.

It was a beautiful afternoon and early evening with no wind and with a pleasant temperature. At 6:30 pm it began cooling off a little.

I will have to prepare for more wet weather coming soon.

March 7, 2018 – Wednesday

It didn’t get too cold last night in the tent. The temperature read 38 deg. But felt more like in the 40s. This morning is with overcast skies.

We got up and did our regular routine of going on our morning walk, got a fire going, coffee brewing, writing in the journal, and preparing breakfast. From there, we will just let the day come as it may.

Not many animals here, we did see a deer here in the campground this morning.

The cloud cover just opened up to blue sky. It is hard to figure out what the weather is going to do from moment to moment. It is always changing. This weather is as fickle as a woman.

It is nice camping next to the ocean, a nice contrast from wooded areas, although here we have a mix of ocean and the woods. The ocean is a special place, a spiritual place, a healing place. But we are finding this everywhere we go. Everywhere is special in it’s own way, and sharing it’s beauty and magic to those who are aware of it. In indigenous cultures they experienced this, by living in the present moment, and seeing all life as being sacred – even in the simplest things they did. We can learn a lot from these native peoples of the land.

Afternoon Entry

With all the kneeling I do in getting a fire started, especially in the wet weather, I bought a kneeling pad to protect the knees.

More rain is suppose to come in tonight on Thursday, and Friday. Saturday, and Sunday is suppose to be rain free.

The rain started again today at around 3:30 pm with a very light sprinkle.

Evening Entry

Before turning in I just took the boys for a walk, and we got soaking wet in the rain. It wasn’t a down pour, but a steady light rain. It wouldn’t be a big deal if we weren’t living in a tent. Well, it is always a big deal when the boys get wet because it is impossible to get them completely dry with their heavy coats, and It is impossible to keep their beds dry.

It is now 5:40 pm and we are in the tent for an early evening of hunkering down in the tent from the continuous rain. I picked up a movie to watch to preoccupy my time before going to sleep. The nights become very long on these cold and wet winter nights.

We climbed into the tent trying to not get everything all wet. The boys would shake once they got in, defeating my efforts in trying to keep the inside of the tent dry. I would dry the boys off as much as I could in the tent. If the canopy was closer I would give them a partial dry, then finish the drying off when we got into the tent. It seemed to be an endless battle keeping them dry, and keeping me dry.

What some tent manufacturers don’t do is putting an overhang at the entrance, where there is a side entrance, which kind of makes sense to me. It would help in keeping the inside a little dryer. Having a heater inside the tent would help as well, but I don’t feel the need to have one in most cases, nor do I want to spend the money for the few times I would use it.

The way I set up where I put our bedding also depends on the least damage the boys can do to the tent. Takota can be the biggest culprit in possibly damaging the tent with him stretching his claws along the tent skin. This is always a concern of mine, but so far they have done well inside the tent.

While watching the movie, I couldn’t hear much of it because of the rain drowning out the sound with its pounding on the tent. Even with my ear plugs on, it didn’t help much.

The rain eventually stopped, but the wind continued all night.

March 8, 2018 – Thursday

Before we got up each morning, I would always greet the boys with a “good morning,” then they would come over to me with their loving greetings. This was something we always did, and it gave me a sense of deep gratitude for the new day.

When we got up, we went for our walk. It wasn’t raining at the time, but soon started with off and on showers during the walk. We stopped at the kiosk to pay for three more nights. The sky looked very stormy looking, with low gray clouds, and rough seas pounding the shoreline, as with high winds and cold. The weather created a mysterious beauty to it, but I was getting tired of the wet winter weather living in a tent. But I knew it was going to be part of the adventure with no place to hide. I chose this. I chose to experience what nature throws at us, but trying to do it safely. It could be much worse I suppose.

On our walk, a woman stopped us to say Hi to the boys. The woman and her husband were here from Colorado. They would spent two or three days here, she told me. She loved the boys, and she gave them a lot of loving scratches and rubs. The boys took full advantages of these moments. They love their new human friends that they meet on our journey. And they are making a lot of human friends.

Back at camp and while writing in my journal, the rain had stopped, but the cold wind continues on. Because of our wind blocks we are not effected too much with the wind. If we didn’t have this wind block, this time here would be much worse.

I bought quite a few journals for this journey. They have hard covers with rings, making it easier to write in my camp chair, that I call my writing chair. I learned while journaling, just write, and don’t be to concerned about what one writes, or whether it will be used in a book or article.

While writing, two Coast Guard helicopters flew by. I am sure they stay busy with rescues, where people go beyond their boundaries in nature.

A Steller’s jay came by our camp and hung out for a bit, hoping it might get some food from us with his squawking.

Today might be one of those on and off days of rain. The rain would be a bit more tolerable, if we had a good tent we could rely on. I won’t set up our new tent until we are at our new camp.

While the boys and I are camping, you might be thinking, “what do we do all day camping in nature. From day to day it always changes, and as you can see, weather has a big factor in what we do.

Typically once we find a campground (when we camp in campgrounds), I try to find a suitable campsite that works for us. We are usually limited in our choices that works for us, and we just make it work the best we can when we don’t find that perfect campsite we are hoping for. We may not even know it is a good campsite until we settle into it and make it our home for one to two week. I then unhitch the trailer, and start unpacking. The tent is the first thing to always go up. The reason for this is, if bad weather hits, We always have a shelter to protect us. This applies especially in the backcountry, for it is ones only safe haven. but I also apply this in campgrounds. Then once the tent is up, I place our bedding in the tent. I then will usually get the stove set up for my morning coffee and for breakfast. Get my chair out, and if I have firewood, get some out for an evening fire. I never cook on the first night we arrive. I am usually too tired at the end of the day from taking down our camp, driving to another campground, then setting up camp again. If we don’t have any food for dinner, we will pick up a quick meal at the grocery store and any miscellaneous things we may need. Sometimes we may have some food left from our previous camp we can eat. At some point we will go for a walk to check out our new surroundings, and back at camp just relax at our new home, maybe enjoying a nice fire. We usually hit the sack early. I will finish up any small things that makes our camp complete, for the next day. We will go shopping for our week supply of food on our second day. If shopping is close by we may go more often. We do the things we need to get done in camp, and outside of camp. Then for the rest of the time it is the joy of being in nature, to immerse ourselves in nature.

Waking refreshed the next morning, we will go for a walk, then back at camp I will get coffee going, write in my journal, and fix breakfast for me and the boys. We then let the day directs us on what we are going to do. While writing in my journal, I may write relatively short entries, or I may write for the whole morning. My intention is to experience nature fully in each moment. To be fully present in silence.

When we aren’t out running around doing errands, we relax in camp and observe nature in silence. Just watching and listening. There are times I may write, or just read, but mostly quietly observing the beauty and wonders in nature. We may take walks to explore the area we are in. I never experience being bored or lonely. The boys always provides me with good company, and companionship, as does nature. I could not image Takota and Nanook not being part of this experience. Once we reach going into the back country, my routines will be quite different.

Safety is also a factor both for me and the boys. For me, doing everything alone creates a bigger opportunity for injury and possibly in getting sick. So I am always aware of this for me and the boys. We don’t take any undue chances where we may be injured. There is not that other person, to help out.

Doing things in nature usually takes longer then being in the civilized world. Even the simplest things takes longer to do. As they say, we still have to chop wood, and carry water. We are not just camping for the fun of it. My goal is to immerse myself into nature with all my senses – to experience being one with all of nature’s beings – in the plants, the trees, and in the wildlife.

We always focus on keeping a clean camp, from garbage waste, and food, so we don’t entice any critters into our camp. I don’t mind them coming into camp, because I do enjoy listening to them, and watching them, I just don’t want them to think we are a good source for food for them.

I had a difficult time finding firewood here. I found cut wood on the roadside, and found some firewood dumped at a campsite next to ours. I made sure it wasn’t by a camper using the site. But at times, when most are leaving to go home on Sunday, I could find a good source of firewood campers would leave. Usually No wood collecting in State Parks is allowed, unless campers had left it. But for this campground due to the weather, we didn’t have many fires.

It is 12:15 pm and we have not been getting much rain, just a sprinkle or two.

Overall my leaking tent survived without me having to take it down and replacing it with the new one.

The weather outlook is good, for the weekend and for moving to our new camp.

Evening Entry

It looks like and felt like rain was near. So I took the boys for our walk, hoping not to get caught in it. It was still light out, so we walked along the cliffs of the shoreline. It was foggy out with the ocean horizon disappearing into the heavy fog. The ocean had a feel of calmness to her, yet the waves were crashing against the rocks of the shoreline, as if a storm was approaching, or maybe just with the high tide coming in. None the less, the beauty of the ocean was always there. It was a very pleasant and relaxing walk. Back at camp, I could hear the waves crashing on the shore. There is something magical about the ocean with her many moods. It can be so amazingly calm, or so fiercely raging.

Right before we entered camp from our evening walk, I saw a glimpse of a very large bird that flew over our camp. It was only a shadow of a figure in the darkening night sky, and quickly disappeared from sight. It could have been an eagle with it’s large wing span moving silently through the air or maybe an osprey.

It was a nice walk, with the exception of the boys misbehaving in their playfulness, pulling me every which way. It was a nice ending to a nice day.

Once we stepped inside our tent for the night, it started to rain. It was a pleasant light rain. I heard a sound in camp and poked my head out of the tent to investigate. I saw nothing, but felt the light rain falling on me. It was magical.

March 9, 2018 – Friday

The light rains that began when we stepped into the tent, soon turned into a down pour. It rained off and on all night. I don’t mind the rain during the night as long as I have a tent that keeps us dry. And always having hopes of waking to a fresh morning light of the Sun.

This morning as in most we have experienced, we woke to no rain. it was 55 deg. The Sun peeking through the partly cloudy skies with beautiful cloud formations. It was a good morning indeed.

The boys and I took our morning walk. I was getting warm and sweaty, and I didn’t even have a coat on. I am not sure if we will be getting anymore rain today. It would be nice getting everything dried out in the tent today.

This morning I chose not to have a fire this morning. I was getting low on our firewood supply.

We have not seen many birds here during our stay. I did see a hummingbird on our walk this morning. They are always a delight to see. They are amazing masters of flight for being so small.

I didn’t find any leaks in the tent this morning, from the rain last night.

The floor is wet, but no puddles. It is amazing the tent survived the weather for two weeks, although barely.

Yesterday on Facebook a past post I did, popped up. I titled it, “How May I Serve?“ It is a Mantra I use often to remind me how I want to treat other human beings, and nature itself.

When we ask this question, we may receive spiritual guidance for answers to this question.

There may be times we may receive them, but we aren’t listening to them when they come.

For me, this answer came to me almost immediately, an answer that is all too familiar to me. and that is: I may serve through unconditional love, empathy, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, kindness, non-judgement and non-labeling. And not to a selected few, but for all living beings, and even for ourselves. By practicing the above, it will transform our lives in ways that seems impossible. It will remove any anger, fear, or hatred to ourselves and to others. It will truly set us free from within. That is, if we allow ourselves to be guided by these practices. For so many, we have allowed these negative thoughts and feelings to dictate our lives, giving us this idea that we have no control over self. It is who we think we are. That we are separate from the rest. We must remember, we are One with all life – we are connected to all things in form, and in the formless.

This has nothing to do with a religion, but a deep spiritual connection with all life.

When we allow hatred, anger, and judgements into our lives, we move away from the sacred in all things. We become blinded, not being able to see through our ego mind.

I am once again choosing to walk on the sacred path on this journey we find ourselves on. I know that I will see things in a different way, through the wondrous beauty in nature.

Evening Entry

Today ended being a beautiful and sunny day. Tomorrow we have about a 40% chance of rain, and Sunday mostly Sunny.

After getting back from the store, I read for a bit and felt a little guilty about not taking the boys on the beach more, so I got them leased up and walked over to the beach. They were all excited feeling the sand on their feet again. I wished I could have had them off leash, but it is not allowed, and if there were other dogs on the beach, it could have been a problem I did not want to take a chance on. Nanook attempted to do a sand angel rolling happily in the soft sand. Being on the beach and ocean was a beautiful site to see and experience with the boys.

Back at camp I got a fire going, but it was very difficult to get going due to the wood being wet. If I did it properly it would have been easier, but would have taken longer, and I was being too lazy in doing it correctly.

Tomorrow we will get some errands done, then leave for a new camp on Sunday. I am not sure if I will take our leaky old tent with us for backup if we have any issues with our new tent. It is always good to have a backup to be on the safe side.

This morning I had thoughts of getting old and starting late in doing this journey of ours. I wanted to start this much earlier, but it just didn’t work out that way. And it would not have been with Takota and Nanook. I am not doing to bad at this age of 66 years old. At least for now. Old age can slowly creep up on you before you know it.

March 10, 2018 – Saturday

It is 50 degrees out this morning, and overcast. It is hard telling if we will get any rain today. We got no rain during the night.

There was a lot of squeaking from the crows this morning.

It is daylight savings time, giving us a one hour jump ahead according to clock time. Giving us the illusion of a longer day. But we are getting longer days without the time change. It is a great trick to fool the mind, that we are getting more light, and longer days through our clocks time.

I am getting excited in moving to a new camp, with hopefully a new and drier tent, and drier weather hopefully.

Overall the campsite and area was nice, and would have been really good without the rain and the traffic and the wood mill noise we had to endure all night, every night. We didn’t see much wildlife either, that is always a little disappointing.

I decided to leave the old tent I refer to as #10 behind. It has been a good tent for three months.

Each time I move camp, I get a little stressed about finding a camp that will work for us. Especially during sleep time when the unpleasant thoughts and dreams appear. So far we have had good fortune with the weather when we have moved camps. I have never yet, broke down camp, and in setting up camp in the rain or wind. That makes this experience much easier. My Spirits Helpers must be watching over us.

I have been very blessed to be able to do such a journey like this at my age. And experience it with my two canine companions, Takota and Nanook by my side. It has gotten a little stressful and times, but nature always seems to give me the healing I need. As with the boys.

I try to enjoy every moment on this journey, but there are times I feel rushed, like setting up camp and taking down camp, I get in that rush mode that can put me on edge. Not all the time, but most of the time it seems. I do experience most everything else in a stillness. Even enjoying our drives from camp to camp. So far it has been a great journey. My focus is to put all my attention on the experience of being in nature, and having the boys a part of that experience. It is a journey of a lifetime. I wanted to live in nature as long as I can with Takota and the Nanook.

It seemed today was looking like a sunny day today. I will put the boy’s beds out to dry. I looked up to the sky and saw tiny droplets falling from above with the blue sky in the background. The droplets catching the light from the Sun, looking like tiny diamonds in the sky. It is the little things that nature bring to us in magical wonders of beauty.

One thing I have notice so far in the campgrounds in Oregon, is no broken glass. At least not in this one.

Afternoon Entry

In town, I checked the internet, picked up some food, then filled up the gas tank of the truck, and picked up a bag of kibble for the boys. When we returned to camp, I did some reading, and the boys relaxed. I called my sister to ask her some questions, then after the call I took a nice shower.

This weekend is full with campers. The campers next to us had a lab. I told them my dogs didn’t like other dogs. Hopefully they keep their dog restrained. We had a lot of people driving through looking for a campsite.

Tonight the fog rolled in completely obscuring the ocean and beach. A fine mist hung over the campground. I was hoping to keep the windows open tonight in the tent for our last night here, but it we quickly getting wet inside. The outside temperature was comfortable this evening.

March 11, 2018 – Sunday

For some odd reason I was having thoughts during the night that I was going to get up late that would screw up my schedule packing up, and leaving for our next camp. How can I be late? I did get up at 7:30 am, took the boys for a walk, and fed the boys, made my coffee then began packing up camp around 9:30 am. We still had fog along the shoreline.

I was a bit concerned if I would find a campsite at Humbug Mountain State Park. The girls camping two sites over from us told me it was spring break. That might not be a good time to find a new campsite. I had no idea what to expect at Humbug.

It took 3 hours to pack up camp. We departed at 12:15 pm. Much later than I wanted. It would be about an hour drive to Humbug. As always, the boys were always excited in going to another camp. When I told the boys if they wanted to go to another camp, Takota was always excited, running to his brother, telling him, “lets go!” In doggie language. Nanook too got excited.