February 26-28, 2024
We crossed the CA border...greeted by a welcoming sign at the border as we headed into the first town here...Brookings.
Located in Curry County (southwest Oregon) on the Wild Rivers Coast, Brookings incurs some of the warmest temperatures along the entire coastline. Its diesel price of $3.89 wasn't too shabby either - especially after a month of up to $5.99 in Cali!
Brookings is also known for its beaches and recreational activities like fishing, biking, and hiking.
Soon after crossing the border, we caught another insane full rainbow. Joel pulled over so we could just stand in awe for a few minutes.
This rare thing of beauty was incredible - they've appeared in many stops along the way (a sign from my grandma, I'm sure) - just letting us know the angels are watching! Fantastic start to this segment of our journey!
We parked at the Portside RV Park - looked like a decent place - just a quick walk across the street to the harbor and seven minute walk to the sand. We paid five bucks more for the end site with a water view - no one was directly next to us so the space was ideal!
We had a few things to do...
The next morning (since it wasn't raining), I walked across the street to see the Port of Brookings Harbor area (seal lions grunting nearby) where a bunch of active fishing boats sit awaiting seafood expeditions.
Not far past the harbor (and close to a few additional RV places, restaurants and inns), you can explore a beautiful stretch of sand called Sporthaven Beach. It's close to Harris Beach State Park...another top destination in this city.
I found a nice collection of glowing agates and other gemlike rocks on my morning stroll. I was also unexpectedly knocked over by a sneaker wave (yes...they are real) while taking a photo - thank God my arm held up the phone. Sloshed back to camp for a long mile - 41 degrees in soggy wet everything...pockets full. Still not sure what we'll do with these sea treasures - time will tell!
We took the e-bikes out in the early afternoon and rode to a nearby property for sale. The destination was up a mile-long, steep, windy, single lane road (a little scary and challenging). This particular spot with an amazing view will not be our future build site, but we're happy we saw it. After all, the goal is to find our "forever" home!
Later that evening, we ventured out to view another gorgeous sunset!
...and ate a disappointing meal at Catalyst Seafood. It had great reviews. Greasy calamari bits (you know it's less than desirable when over half the basket remains untouched), and greasy, oversized chalky potato fries. Truly the best things about this overrated spot (imho) were the small, warm buttery crab rolls, (Joel liked the clam chowder, too) exceptionally clean bathrooms, and an Athletic Brewing Co. IPA - a perfect NA beer option. If you happen to visit, do yourself a favor and order the crab salad - it looked fresh on a nearby customer's table.
The showers at Portside RV Park are coin-operated. Not only is it a pain in the ass, but you have to try to judge how long you need to lather before the water leaves you soap stranded or, in our cases, feeling horrible that you can't turn the damn thing off when you have to finish quickly because the temperature is fixed at "when will it get hot." Such a waste! Lukewarm shower water that fires out like a hose - pelting you with too much, for too long. Nonetheless, it served its purpose.
After a Max sweep and dump, we ventured on to Bandon, OR!
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