Well, it was pretty chilly this morning and we didn't have time to let things warm up. We had to get ready to go and get on the road. The sun wasn't quite up when I started my outside chores.
It was about 7:30 a.m. by the time we got packed, got the tanks dumped, got hitched up and were ready to go. It was about 18 miles to RV Glass Solutions in Eugene and we were supposed to be there at 8:00.
It was a fairly easy drive other than I turned one street too soon and some construction equipment blocked our way. That definitely wasn't the way to go in and caused some delay. But we were just a few minutes late.
Once we pulled into the fenced compound, we called a number on a sign for someone to fetch us. Because it was a sunny day, they could remove and replace our window in the parking lot. We just had to wait for a motorhome to move so we could get parked in the right place.
I got backed in and we unhitched the fifth wheel.
Linda put the slides out and moved the recliners so they could access the rear window.
Due to heat, elevation changes, and various pressure changes over time, the windows and seals expand and contract and double-pane windows can get the tiniest of holes around an edge causing fogging between the panes. That's what happened with our rear picture window. If it happened to any window other than either of our two large picture windows, we probably would have just lived with it.
Fortunately, the windows can often be repaired rather than replaced. It's still not cheap, but it's a lot cheaper than getting new windows. We probably could have gotten by with just repairing the largest window pane, but we decided to go ahead and have all three panes (large picture window and two underneath) done so they would all be fixed, re-installed, and re-sealed together.
Once we got squared away there, we took the Jeep to A-1 Auto Glass on High Street (same ownership as RV Glass Solutions) to have the windshield replaced.
A rock had chipped the windshield on our way to Junction City/Harrisburg and that chip turned into a crack. By today, the crack was about ten inches long.
It was going to take about three hours for that glass repair. Fortunately, that one is completely covered by our insurance and there is no deductible. I followed in the truck so we could get our many errands done, but we had to get the truck back by the afternoon because it also has a rock chip in the windshield that needs to be repaired before it becomes a crack. Sheesh.
Now it was time for shopping - ugh. We have these once-a-year shopping days that tend to happen when I reluctantly find myself near a city.
So, we made a run to Kohl's to pick up some clothing items. Then Linda wanted to stop at Pier 1 - she had been wanting to make that stop for a long time. But Pier 1 prices are now a lot higher than I remembered, and we didn't spend much time there. Whew.
Ah, but next door was Trader Joe's. For seven years on the road, we've heard about Trader Joe's grocery stores and how everyone loves them. Well, for seven years, I've managed to avoid them, but now it was time to see what the fuss is all about.
Okay, so we've now been in a Trader Joe's. It's nice and they have lots of great products. We picked up a couple of boxes of specialty crackers and a couple bottles of Charles Shaw wine - affectionately known as "Two-buck Chuck" since they are $2.49 a bottle. I don't drink wine, but Linda and others say it's pretty good, especially for that price. "Two-buck Chuck" seems to be one of the primary reasons RVers like Trader Joe's. :)
Now we can say we've been to Trader Joe's. I can honestly see why people like them so much. They are different, the products appear to be quality, the prices are pretty good, and the service is great, but I still don't think I'd go out of my way for the experience. :)
We walked to a couple of other shops and then into a pretty courtyard. Linda has been craving sushi, and Mio Sushi was recommended. It did not disappoint. We had a more traditional teriyaki chicken dish along with a very tasty Coco Roll with coconut shrimp, cream cheese, avocado, salmon, and pineapple sauce.
Next, we drove to the Valley River Center. Yeah, it's basically another mall. But it also is a good overnight spot for RVers. You can park in the northwest corner of the parking lot along the Willamette River for up to two nights. Security guards roam the parking lot and "check you in".
Deb Holder and our friends, Laurie & Odel say it's their favorite "blacktop boondocking" spot. And here is a link to Laurie & Odel's review - Valley River Center, Eugene, OR. Just to make sure, I flagged down one of the security guards on patrol and he confirmed that this option still exists. However, he said not to come on a day when there is an Oregon Ducks football game as the parking lot fills up due to a shuttle from there to the game.
We then went into the mall to find the Bath & Body Works. About every 6 - 8 months, Linda picks up four foaming anti-bacterial hand soaps (mix and match four for $15). They have lots of colors and scents, but we seem to have settled on the Kitchen Lemon and the Dancing Waters. :)
Then we got the call that the Jeep was ready. Thank goodness - no more shopping. :)
We made it back to A-1 and picked up the Jeep. On the way to RV Glass Solutions, we stopped to fuel up both vehicles. Linda remembered that she couldn't pump her own gas (pesky Oregon law), but I forgot and hopped out. I had heard that you could pump your own diesel, but apparently not at this station.
I was admonished when the attendant finally got to me after my small tank was almost full. So, I got back in the truck. I sat there for several minutes while the attendant rushed around from selling cigarettes in her "cage" to the other six vehicles waiting. She hung up the pump while I was trying to tell her I had a second tank. Oops. So she had to start all over.
Oregon folks really seem to like not having to pump their own gas and I bet it's really nice in the winter but, as an outsider, just let me pump my own fuel so I can get out of the way - it's much faster. :)
Back at RV Glass Solutions, our window panes had been repaired and they were getting ready to re-install them.
We dropped the truck off so they could do the windshield chip repair and took the Jeep to get the oil changed.
When we returned the windows were back in and all we had to do was kill the flies that had entered. :)
They sealed the windows, fixed the truck rock chip, and all our glass repairs were complete. We were allowed to stay in the parking lot overnight, and they gave us a remote gate opener in case we went out after everything had been locked up.
In fact, we did have to go out. We had dinner plans.
Herb Nill, owner and founder of Guaranty RV, invited us to join him for dinner at the Eugene Country Club with his wife, Sally, his CFO, Ed Morgan, and Marketing Director, Becky Smith who was instrumental in coordinating events with our Rally. That's one reason we had to go to Kohl's - we needed a couple items that were country-club-worthy. Most of our wardrobe is only RV-show-worthy. :)
We had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed sharing our history and love for RVing and providing education for RVers. Our hosts were most gracious, and expressed interest in working with us in the future. It was a lovely evening.
Back home - literally on the other side of the tracks :) - we got back inside our high-fence compound and prepared for an evening of train horn serenades. I went back to work figuring out where we were going in the morning. Ultimately, I decided on a 65-mile trip which Linda really liked, and we left it open between two options in the Florence, Oregon area.
Now, we can finally look forward to our first visit to the Oregon coast. We keep hearing how beautiful it is and it's time to see for ourselves. :)
Yes, Oregonians don't pump their gas. We are just across the Columbia River in Washington and we often forget too, when over there. The reason is for JOBS. They are trying to protect jobs, and I guess we can't really begrudge them that and, ironically, it's always cheaper there than over there. You are in for a treat on the Oregon coast. ANY Oregon State Park is a great choice. Oregon has done a fantastic job with their campgrounds, and most are big-rig friendly. Enjoy! We've probably been to most of the sites along 101... let us know if you need any advice!
Posted by: Todd and Theresa Baker | Friday, September 28, 2012 at 02:35 PM
New Jerseyians aren't allowed to pump their own gas either! When you coming out this way?
Posted by: Cheryl B. | Friday, September 28, 2012 at 05:43 PM
While all Oregon State Parks are really nice, some of them can be really crowded. Best to call ahead for status before going. We learned the hard way.
Posted by: Claudia Ward | Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 10:24 AM