Author: Molly O'Rourke

Social distancing and disconnecting on a bluebird day.

by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Traveling as a family

The insulation is mostly installed but the paneling has not been put back.

I requested the day off. The kids are out of school and today is “Thrifty Thursday” at our nearest ski area. I really needed to clear my mind and couldn’t think of a better way than heading over the pass and making some turns.

I am happy to report that despite the exposed insulation and last minute packing, the Sprinter’s first ski trip was a huge success!

Not only did we use the Sprinter as a dressing room for changing our clothes but we also used it as a gym for stretching, a cafeteria for snacking, a restroom for washing our hands, a laundromat for drying our gloves, and an apres ski lodge for putting up our feet.

Bluebird days with spring snow conditions are some of my favorite days. Today did not disappoint!

For five hours, I didn’t have a cell signal. I didn’t get phone calls, emails, or see the news. As a health care provider, I feel that we acted responsibly in the face of the Covid-19.

This was social distancing at its best! We didn’t get closer than six feet to anyone; we wore PPE (gloves and eye shields) the entire time! My kids washed their hands like they have a million times before and they didn’t mention scary rumors from school or tales of a virus.

I wish them clear minds. I wish them minds that are free from fear and anxiety that is even difficult for adults to process.

I hope our next few weeks are filled more Sprinter assisted social distancing.

We made it! Hoo Doo, Oregon. – and a great parking spot! Sprinter DIY
The insulation progress. Sprinter DIY
Spring conditions at Hoo Doo. A bluebird day.

Sprinter Conversion: Insulation

by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Old Posts

CD decided its time to put insulation in our Sprinter. I gladly drove from the Willamette Valley to Hood River, Oregon to pick up Thinsulate at DIY Van.

Here is a short picture documentary of the insulation project.

Removing the head liner.
Putting in the insulation and getting into every crack.
More insulation stuffing.

For our 144 passenger van, we purchased 39 linear feet of insulation. CD is not quite done yet but agrees that we have about the right amount. Our only other expense was a new pair of scissors.

While CD was busy wrestling Thinsulate, the kids and their friends practiced their camping skills. As you can see, they are ready!

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Sprinter Conversion: Back at it.

by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Sprinter DIY

CD decided its time for insulation. I was so happy that I drove to Hood River to pick up Thinsulate. If you are anywhere near Hood River we recommend heading over to DIY Van. They are the best!

Here is a short picture documentary of the insulation project.

Removing the head liner.
Putting in the insulation and getting into every crack.
More insulation stuffing.

For our 144 passenger van, we purchased 39 linear feet of insulation. CD is not quite done yet but agrees that we have about the right amount. Our only other expense was a new pair of scissors.

While CD was busy wrestling Thinsulate, the kids and their friends practiced their camping skills. As you can see, they are ready!

Cape Perpetua, Oregon Coast Day-Trip.

by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Oregon, Traveling as a family

Disclosure: Please note that this post contains affiliate links. This means that we may get a small commission if you click a link and purchase something that we recommend. Clicking these links will not cost you extra money but will help us grow our website. Thank you for your support!

The Oregon coast offers views and endless access to the ocean. There are so many options that it is hard to decide where to go next. The coast is one of our favorite winter day-trips.

What to pack for a winter day-trip to the Oregon Coast?

Hats, gloves, rain pants, spare socks, spare clothes, winter jackets, sunglasses, and rain jackets.

Our van stays stocked with food and kitchen supplies but I usually make sure that I have plenty of hot cocoa and a fast way to boil water!

You will also need your Interagency Pass and your National Parks Passport book if you have one.

What does Cape Perpetua and the Oregon Coast have to offer?

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area includes 2700 arces of Oregon’s coast. There are views from 800 feet above the shore.

There is a trail system, visitor’s center, ranger programs, and amazing views. Bring your inter-agency pass and settle in for the day.

Visitor’s Center view. Sprinter DIY.

A paved trail, with a tunnel under 101, leads from the visitor’s center to places with names like Devil’s churn and Thor’s well.

The approach down to the Devil’s Churn.

Are There Tide Pools?

There are tide pools. It is worth noting that these are not nearly as robust as the ones a few miles north at Yaquina Head, but none the less, the kids enjoy them.

Where Should We Eat Lunch?

As usual, we are always on the look out for places to park our van and enjoy a good meal. Cape Perpetua does not disappoint!

Head approximately one mile south to Neptune South. It is sure not to disappoint!

The kids love checking out the beach, running through water, splashing in puddles, discovering beach creatures, skipping stones, making dams, and they will continue this all day if I let them!

The pics do not do it justice!

rocks
beach and stones
Neptune South
sun and views
This is crazy sand.
Coast with a view, wind, waves, sun

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Cape Perpetua. A sunny Oregon day.

by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Traveling as a family

The Oregon coast offers beautiful views and an occasional picture perfect sun shiny day. Today was one of those days.

I packed hats, gloves, rain pants, spare clothes, winter jackets, hot chocolate, sunglasses, and rain jackets. We took the long way between the Willamette Valley and Waldport.

We stopped for a snack at Mill Creek Park in Alsea. There were fisherman and empty boat trailers everywhere. It turns out that the Steelhead fishing was hot. I filed this away for next weekend and we continued on our way.

Cape Perpetua is a must – see when driving the coast South from Yachats. It offers a trail system, visitor’s center, interpretive programs, and awesome views. Bring your inter-agency pass and settle in for the day.

Visitor’s Center view. Sprinter DIY.

A paved trail, including a tunnel under 101, leads from the visitor’s center to places with names like Devil’s churn and Thor’s well.

Sprinter DIY
The approach down to the Devil’s Churn.
Sprinter DIY
Sprinter DIY

These tide pools offer far fewer treasures than the ones at Yaquina Head but, none the less, the kids were thrilled to find barnacles, anemones, and one small sea star. We spent at least two hours there but we could have spent much more.

We dragged the kids back to the visitor’s center with promises of Junior Ranger badges and a hot lunch.

As far as picnic locations go, we hit the jackpot. A mile or so South is a parking lot with sandy beach access. Neptune South.

The pictures don’t do it justice but I will leave them here for you to enjoy.

Sprinter DIY
Sprinter DIY.
Sprinter DIY
This is crazy multi-colored sand. Sprinter DIY

It had been a while since I had cooked beside the van. This was a good day to get back at it!

There was hardly a breath of wind. The stove was just where I had left it. The dry food was also where I had left it. It was fun to sort through and decide what to cook. I went with a rice dish with fresh fruit and Valentine’s Day candy on the side.

The kids were soaked and gladly changed in to dry clothes before dinner. HB took a rest up on the bed and Grace sat on the step to wash the sand off of her feet.

Even in mid-February, #vanlife was like riding a bike.

The day left me with a smile, a feeling of excitement, and also a bit of self-recognized impatience with the profoundly slow pace of our Sprinter camping conversion. I could have really used some additional storage today. With that being said, if additional storage never comes, a day with the Sprinter is still better than many other days!

Sprinter DIY

Oregon winter day trips

by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Miscellaneous

Last weekend was a success! We sold our spare Sprinter seats and reclaimed our garage. We painted our bathroom while the neighborhood kids made a tent city in the front yard. I thought about options for Oregon winter day trips.

CD told me that he has a new plan for upcoming Sprinter modifications. I am anxiously awaiting the details.

So, what should we do with the rest of our Oregon winter? Here are a few ideas:

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

Yaquina Head. Bring your inter-agency pass and hit the tide pools. There will be just enough but not too many people. You are sure to find something amazing!

Oregon Coast

Any Oregon beach. Sprinter DIY. Oregon winter day trips.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach. Rain pants, rain jackets, and spare socks are recommended. Sprinter DIY.

Sno-Park: Oregon Winter

Sno-park. Get your sno-park pass and hit the road. Hope for a rain-free day and you may be surprised how solid of a snow fort you can make with pacific northwest concrete.

Mary’s Peak, Oregon Coast Range Winter Day Trips

Don’t forget the snowshoes. Drive toward’s Mary’s peak until the road is no longer passable and then continue by foot. Bring a shovel and expect to help dig out a stuck car or two. The kids will love it!

Please follow our blog for other adventures.

Oregon Winter Stay-cation: A Morning In Our Sprinter

by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Miscellaneous

Here we were in the middle of an Oregon winter. The sun was shining. It was nearly fifty degrees. We are waist deep in home projects and ready for a stay-cation.

Sunday morning started off lazily but the sun was too tempting to stay home.

McDonald – Dunn Forest is a short drive from our house. Using my mom instincts, I packed a light lunch and spare socks.

Sitting in the van is like a breath of fresh air. There is something comfortable, simple and refreshing about it. I think we all feel it.

The Vineyard Loop: Oregon Winter

It is a well traveled 3.4 mile route with a view from the top. We like to sit and stare off into the distance. The kids made up a game where they were having a Superbowl party for cats and dogs. They walked and talked the whole way.

We spent an hour and half walking and a half an hour in the van.

Van Life: Memories of Summertime

The kids took theirs shoes off and hopped up on the bed. They looked out the window with the door open and the sun shining in. I got the snacks out but they didn’t eat. CD and I ate the cheese and crackers until it was time to go. I am sure that they would have stayed up there looking out all day.

Sprinter life requires a different pace. It is good to be reminded that a slower pace is just fine too.

Our trail
The trail is easy to find.
Trees and sky. A scene from a book.
Our view was perfect. The end of the trail.
The woods were green and wet with rain and it was a great day.
The woods are thick and full of lichen, of course.

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Sunny February Weekend: Van Stay-cation.

by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Traveling as a family

Here we are. The first weekend in February. The sun is shining. It is nearly fifty degrees. We are waist deep in home projects and paperwork.

Despite all of that, we squeezed in small scale van adventures.

Saturday afternoon and evening was spent celebrating a 50th birthday at our friend’s farm. It is 10 miles from town and we have threatened to sleep there in our van more than once.

We didn’t sleep there this time either but we enjoyed the ride. Our after dinner hike ended up with wet pants and socks so we took advantage of the van changing room option.

Sunday morning started off lazily but the sun was too tempting. We dashed out to the forest before the Superbowl.

McDonald – Dunn Forest Lewisburg Saddle is a fifteen minute drive from our house. I packed a light lunch and spare socks.

Sitting in the van is like a breath of fresh air. There is something comfortable and simple and wonderful about it. I think we all feel it.

We took the Vineyard loop and enjoyed the view from the old cement foundation at the top. The kids pretended to be planning a Superbowl party for cats and dogs. They walked and talked the whole way.

We spent ninety minutes walking and thirty minutes sitting the van.

They took theirs shoes off and hopped up on the bed. With the door open, the sun was shining right in. I got the snacks out but they didn’t eat. CD and I finished the cheese and crackers and eventually let them know that it was time to go. I think they would have stayed up there looking out the window all day.

The Sprinter requires a different life pace. It is good to be reminded that a slower pace is just fine too.

Sprinter DIY
Sprinter DIY
Sprinter DIY
Sprinter DIY
Sprinter DIY
Sprinter DIY
Sprinter DIY

Colorado Winter Hut Trip 101.

by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Miscellaneous

Not all hut trips are created equal.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a hut.

How will I get there?

Skis with climbing skins are the most popular choice. They are effective on the uphill, practical for mid-day adventures, and super fun and efficient on the way back to the car.

Snowshoes are slower but easy enough for even the must novice winter hut goer.

Nordic skis and I have had some crazy times in back country down hills. I have full respect for the back country Nordic skier!

A snowmobile may seem like the best choice but most huts don’t allow snowmobile access. However, a few allow you to get within a mile from the hut. This is handy if you are planning to bring a 30 pack of beer, a guitar, and a couple of pineapples, for instance.

How far am I willing to walk/ski/ride to get there?

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Do I want to carry the heaviest back pack to the closest hut or the lightest backpack to the furthest hut?
  • Am I interested in Fitbit goals and selfie pics or making it to the hut in time for an early happy hour?

What amenities am I hoping to enjoy?

Running water?

Am I planning on flush toilets, a hot shower, and a sink full of clean dishwater? If so, check out Shrine Mountain Huts.

Am I hoping to study the science of melting snow for water? If so, pretty much any hut will do. Please know that the time input to water output ratio is considerable.

Feel free to check the amenities page on https://www.huts.org/Reservations/Hut_Amenities.php.

You will find headings such as “outhouse with covered walkway” and “outhouse without covered walkway”. The details are all there. Take your pick.

Sauna?

The obvious answer is “yes, please”. Even if you don’t use it much, simple maintenance of the sauna brings people together. From shoveling the snow away from the door to splitting wood and keeping the fire stoked, there is something for everyone.

Shrine Mountain huts share a wood burning sauna. A few other huts have sauna’s as well. Amenities can be found at https://www.huts.org/Reservations/Hut_Amenities.php.

What else should I know?

Dogs are not allowed.

Many huts are rented as single bed units. Some are rented as full hut rentals only. Single bed rentals are nice for last minute get a ways and making new friends. Ideally, we try to get enough people to fill up whichever cabin we chose.

Pack light but bring fun extras. Don’t be in a hurry. Go outside during the day and night. Pack sunscreen.

Have fun.

Steamboat Springs: Top 5

by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Miscellaneous

Are you in Colorado and looking for a winter get-away? Why not Steamboat?

To really appreciate the culture, consider staying downtown rather than on the mountain. You won’t regret it.

Here are 5 things to check out in Steamboat Springs:

5. Fish Creek Falls.

A short hike with rewarding views. Five dollars to park but avoid parking by walking from any where in town. Snow shoes or Yak tracks may help if slippery. Keep an eye out for ice climbers. Warm up afterwards with a drink at the Old Town Pub.

4. Rabbit Ears Pass.

Snowshoeing options are endless on Rabbit Ears pass. Skis and skins are a great option too. West Summit Loop is popular but there are tons of other options. You will likely see and hear snowmobiles. There are snowmobile rental options if that is more your speed.

3. Winter Carnival.

If you are interested in amateur ski jumping or skijouring and don’t mind crowds, this is the carnival for you. Don’t plan on driving down main street during this event as it will be closed and snow covered. Luckily, you can get everywhere you need to go by foot.

2. Howelsen Hill.

Billed as North America’s oldest operating ski area, Howelsen Hill is not to be missed. It sits unassumingly in town and has a long history of training Olympic athletes. While ski jump may be its most unique feature, I recommend skate skiing. Throw on some skate skis and hit the trail during a full moon.

1. Strawberry Park Hot Springs.

Of all the hot springs, this one is still my favorite. I have been there with my grandma in the afternoon and with my friends during a drum circle at night. The road is muddy and parking is limited. You may consider planning ahead and booking a cabin (or a caboose if you want to be more “Aspen Extreme”). While the lodging is convenient and fun, please realize that the cabins aren’t exactly like a five star hotel. Whether day or night, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is the right balance of accessible, clean, and downright beautiful hot springs.

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