Hej Fra Danmark!

Posing by Møns Klint, the stunning chalk cliffs in the South of Zealand and one of our country gems

I’m taking my one and only chance at Internet here in Denmark to send you a quick “hi” in good ‘ol Danish style. With a “Skål” (“Cheers”) and raise of the snaps-glass I’ll have you know I’ve integrated thoroughly into many happy Danish memories.  

I spent most of my childhood summers in a small thatched cottage house in the South of Sjælland (= Zealand), Denmark and we’re actually in that area today. In the 10 years or so since I last came home not much has changed. Kavlehave is still a small fishing village where the seasons follow the sea. I have many fond memories of meditating by the beach, long walks in the forest, going for dips in the water and watching the channel whip itself into both fury and sparkling mirror with the weather.

Early morning sea-glass by the beach in Kalvehave

With all those thoughts I can’t help but link to the history of the place. Denmark is a small country, but with long stories of yore. We have one of the oldest royal families (tracing back to Gorm den Gamle (circa 958)), the very oldest flag (it fell from heavens no less back in 1219), a terrific Viking tradition (the burial mounds are everywhere, even here in my little forest), gorgeous castles and stunning old cathedrals. 

While Copenhagen is a thriving and modern international city, the countryside has stayed much the same. Here you can still buy vegetables directly from the farm-door by the side of the road, the local butcher knows you by name and the local bakery…drool…well, if you haven’t stepped foot into a real Danish bakery you simply haven’t lived (put it on your bucket list folks!).

One of the many terrific churches dotted in the countryside. This is Elmelunde Church dating back to 1085

I’ve been travelling the countryside, reliving my memories and spending good times with cousins, aunts, uncles and family members I haven’t seen for years. Despite having one of the wettest summers in over 100 years I’ve been blessed by days of sun (I like to think I bought it over, don’t you know) and waters just barely warm enough to tempt you in (oh yes, my hardened Viking determination has gotten me in). 

We may be a small country, but there’s some real gems here and this is most definitely my home. “hej fra Danmark allesammen!”

P.S. For those wondering poor Paul is still waiting for service over in Oregon. He’s got another week before I come back so still crossing paws to get “the beast” in.

A sunny day in Kalvehave

The amazing Fresco's in Elmelunde Church

The pier and bridge down by our local port

Fishing nets hang out to dry

A gorgeous morning dawns over nets in the sea

Our local forest with many fond memories

A Brand New Clicker….

Love those details and colors!

There’s a well-known saying that the camera doth not the photographer make, and I do believe this to be true. Many of the shots I share on this site I capture with my trusty point and shoot, and I did professional photography for years with my good ‘ol Nikon D80 (not considered a fancy choice by any means).

But I’ve been drooling over new cameras in very much the same way that Polly looks at squirrels. You could almost call it a Pavlovian response. I’d gotten to the point of limits on my D80 and was feeling a sudden, overwhelming need for 39 focal points, 6 frames per second, 16.2 MP and well…so much more.

Beauty in the weeds!

Excuse me for a minute while I wipe the slobber off my keyboard….

It was a fabulous surprise therefore when my parents decided to put me out of my misery and make it a present for my…shall we say…twenty plus-plus birthday (one of the big ones anyway, and women’s ages are approximate after all). I hunted around for a few months looking for the best deal and finally scored a brand new Nikon D7000 with the very blissful and sexy list of specs I wanted.

My new D7000. Don't drool too much.I know it's hard not to.

The new camera is a good step-up from my old one and it absolutely rocks! I took it out for a bounce around the park with Polly and my cheap macro-cheaters. After some hours lying in the grass and clicking away I most definitely feel like a new, happy doggie.

It may not make me a better photographer, but it sure is a nice treat

Note/ If you’re looking for a new camera I highly recommend dpreview.com and Ken Rockwell’s easy-to-use site.

CP Campground Review – Armitage Campground, Eugene, OR

Paul poses by the McKenzie River at Armitage County Park

A lovely, green county park just next to Eugene in Middle-West OR.

Review updated as of last stay Sept 2012

Link to campground here: Armitage County Park, OR
Link to map location here:  Armitage County Park, OR

1. Site Quality = 5/5
   Excellent site quality here. All sites are large, flat, paved with spacious “sitting areas” and full hookups (50Amp/water/sewer) and cable TV. Sites are arranged in a big loop around a large green lawn. Front-end sites (#1-15) esp. on the inner circle are fully open, while back-end sites (#18-32) are more shaded. Good separation and green everywhere. Selection of pull-throughs and back-ins.
2. Facilities = 3/5
   Bathroom facilities are basic, but the park has some nice little extras. There are clean, basic flush toilets, but no showers. Surrounding area has large day-use area, some short hiking trails and access to the McKenzie River. There is also Free WiFi although strength can be “iffy’ towards the back sites.
3. Location = 4/5
   For visiting Eugene (or as it so happens getting RV work done) the location can’t be beat. You’re withing a few miles of all the shopping you need (plus a lovely Farmers’ Market on Saturday’s), close to several RV repair facilities and even around the corner from TA stop (with RV wash). Only slight ding is the place is off Hwy 5 and by the day-use area you can hear the traffic (it’s quiet by the campsites).
4. Pet Friendliness = 5/5
   Fabulous doggie site. There is a lovely 2-acre dog park on-site, plus access to hiking and a splash in the river. Poo bags provided too.

Overall Rating = 4.25
BONUS ALERT = Camp in lush green in the heart of Eugene!

Summary: We originally discovered this campground through a review from Laurie and Odel at We Call It Home. They raved about it and we completely agree. This is a lush, green little gem of a find right in the heart of Eugene. Sites are very spacious with full hookups (+ cable!) and a selection of either back-ins or pull-throughs. Great mix of both open and fully shaded choices. The surrounding park has large green lawns, day-use areas, a lovely 2-acre doggie park and direct access to the McKenzie river. The only dings I can give this place is there are no showers and day-use areas get noise from I-5. Location to both Eugene & RV services couldn’t be better, plus they allow RV washing on-site. We definitely like the campground and will stay here again when we come through the area.

Extra Info:   Verizon LTE availible (1-2 bars). Verizon phone alternated between 3G and 1X, but data signal was usable with external antenna/amp. Sites cost $30/night (full hookup), reservable on-line. 14-day stay limit.

View of fully open back-in site #13

Typical pull-through. Site #15 shown here.

View of shaded back-in site in the back #31

View of our fully-shaded site #30

View of pull-throughs at front (#2 shown). These get morning sun, but afternoon shade.

View down open end of loop. Empty #12 on left with RV in site #11 behind it. RV on right in site#6

View from middle of loop towards shaded back. RV in site #18 on left with #20 behind it.

View down more shaded back-end of loop. Empty site #28 on right. RV in site #27 on left.

View of picnic table and fire-pit at each site

View of facilities in centre of loop

View of spacious doggie park on-site

Guest Blog: Taggart Meows About Life On the Road

Meet the Grand Master

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Grand-Master-Exceptional-Supreme-Highness of this establishment. You may call me Highness or Grand Master for short (we shall not be so uncouth as to use anything less formal, after all). My Kingdom include my sister, Princess Rand and 2 Feeders (who also double as petters and warming pillows). Oh, and one rather large, insignificant furry subject whom we call “Dog”.

I have worked hard to establish order in my Kingdom over the last 9 years. My Feeders are sufficiently trained although they do lack on some points and are sometimes over 3 minutes late at mealtime (I am working on it). They have however learned on-demand petting and serve adequately in both body-warming and walking.

Indeed I am simply irresistible

My life has been an adventurous and public one as is expected of royalty. I have travelled to all corners of the world including Asia and across the USA. Our current home is smaller than our last one, but comfortable enough although the Feeders insist on moving it frequently, an exercise I find entirely pointless. Nonetheless I have adapted and feel it best to allow them some expression of freedom (it does make for peace in the Kingdom you know).

I believe in thorough beauty rest

While on the road we engage in daily walks for my figure and become acquainted with the local subjects, as befits a Queen and emissary of the Feline species. I am of course exceedingly good-looking and quite irresistible to all sexes and sizes of humans, a fact I take in stride. My attractive coat is maintained by many hours of beauty sleep, daily sun-baths and careful grooming. I also get a premium diet and will accept nothing else (believe me, the Feeders have tried).

Warming up with Feeder and Dog

“Dog” can sometimes be annoying and insists on walking and sleeping with me, but has been schooled sufficiently to step aside when I pass and acknowledges me as the natural mistress that I am.

Overall my life is rich and satisfying. Should we perchance meet I advise you that I prefer scratches under the chin and near my tail, not being in a position to reach those areas myself. Should you serve me well I may even reward you with a purr.

Meow….

SP Campground Review – LaPine State Park, La Pine OR

By the river at LaPine State Park

A lovely forested State Park on the “dry” side of the Cascades in Central-West Oregon.

Link to campground here: LaPine State Park, OR
Link to map location here:  LaPine State Park, OR

1. Site Quality = 3.5/5
   Pretty decent sites here except for a few dings. Sites are all paved with picnic table, fire-pit and good to very good shade. Selection of back-ins and pull-throughs. Biggest issue is that many sites are quite unlevel and access and turns in camp can be tight (our rig size is probably the limit that you can get round). There are 3 loops. The first loop (#100-136) offers much more spacious sites with very good privacy (especially along the back), but only 20Amp/water hookups. The other 2 loops (#6-96) offer the bonus of full-hookups (50Amp/water/sewer), but are alot tighter together. 
2.  Facilities = 3/5
   Decent facilities here. There are flush toilets and showers. Only ding is the showers have that annoying timer-button and don’t get very warm. Lots of space and activities around the park incl. day-use & picnic areas, trails, floating on the water and fishing. On-site dump station.
3. Location = 5/5
   This is a beautiful forested location. You’re right next to a gorgeous river, yet only a few miles from La Pine (basic shopping) and a little more from Bend (lots of shopping). You’re also in a perfect location to explore the Newberry Caldera and volcanic sites in the area.
4. Pet Friendliness = 5/5
   Fabulous doggie park. There is a separate doggie-play area, plus masses of forested trails. Doggie is also welcome to find a quiet bend in the river and splash around.

Overall Rating = 4.1
BONUS ALERT = Hike and camp by gorgeous Ponderosa Pine and river!

Summary: We wanted a nice stop on the “dry” side of the Cascades and this park worked out perfectly. It’s set right next to a river in deep Ponderosa Pine so you get the bonus of water and forest together. Lots of secluded and peaceful trails with easy access to splash (with pooch) in the river. Sites are decent with lots of trees, picnic table and fire-puts plus the bonus of selection from 20Amp to full hookups (50Amp/water/sewer). Only ding is that the full hookup sites are closer together, somewhat uneven and access can be tight (pull-throughs are the best option for our size rig). The perfect spot to explore the base of the Cascades and the Newberry Caldera. We thoroughly enjoyed hiking around w/ pooch and would come again.

 Extra Info:  Intermittent Verizon signal (sometimes kicking between 1X & 3G), but workable esp. with amp/antenna. Sites cost $22/night (20Amp or full hookup), all reservable. On-site dump station.

View of one of the huge (very private) sites in the 20Amp loop. Site #123 shown.

View down full hook-up loop (site #22, #23 on left front to back)

Another view down full hookup loop (Site #33 on right)

View down full hookup loop showing pull-throughs on right (#59 front right)

Fonrt view of our site (pull-through #89)

View of our sitting area at site #89

View of facilities in full hookup loop

Doggie play-area