We picked up our new A-liner camp trailer last week and hitched it to our Subaru and off we drove to California. We decided a few months ago that if we can’t fly anywhere this year and possibly next year… we should explore our own country, specifically the western US.

The trailer rode calmly behind the car, obeying our every move along the road. We will have to figure out mirrors though, as they aren’t fully functional with the slightly wider width of the camper than anticipated.

We drove south on I-5 and turned right at Grants Pass toward Hwy 101 and the Coast. Along the way we stopped for a picnic lunch near Cave Junction and walked a bit before getting back in the car.

My plan was to spend the night in the Redwoods and test out the trailer; however we also wanted to set camp in the daylight. After two stops finding only full campgrounds, we found a smaller camp that had room. We were so excited!

The Big Lagoon campground was quiet, except for the ocean just beyond the lagoon. it roared all night and frankly made us a little nervous!

We got comfy in our beds after dinner and some beverages. The heat worked great and we thought we had everything figured out. However two things happened early in the morning. 1) my alarm went off at 4:45 am because I forgot to clear it from the day before. 2) the battery supporting the trailer died about 15 minutes after my alarm went off and the carbon monoxide alarm start beeping.

Rick went outside to check things out, discovered the battery was done and had to unplug the carbon monoxide alarm because we really weren’t ready to get up. A window was opened which helped. Then we remembered our spot had electric as an option so we plugged in. All was good in the world, and we were all ready for some additional sleep, but I was awake. Time to get up and moving.

I walked down to the beach for a sunrise photo and got a great one. Made my day!

I started taking notes for items missing and things we might do differently next trip. The list is small but growing.

I think our first night out was a success. We hope for many more in the months ahead. Our trip isn’t over, but Day/Night #1 is complete!

#Covidgetaway