Mother’s Day itself, Pedro and I were in Palm Springs and it was 105 degrees (41 C) and dry. The following weekend we were home, and Kellen and I went to the Oregon Coast for our annual Mother’s Day camping trip. Oregon offered up what it’s famous for: nonstop rain.
We stayed at the Carl G Washburn State Park. I had never stayed there before. Kellen knew the area well, since it’s closer to their home, and when Kellen and Cameron need a break from life, the coast is their favourite place. The last few years we have camped at Champoeg Park because I have usually participated in the Mother’s Day race there. This year I picked something I knew Kellen would love. Kellen loves cool, wet weather, and that’s exactly what they got.
The campground is just wonderful: Set in a lovely forest and the campsites are totally separated from each other, with almost no visible sign of any other campsites when you are in your own campsite.
We did spend time on the coast, but this post shows some of our sights right there in the campground.
Kellen and I were both eager to use our weekend together to unwind from particularly stressful work lives. It turns out, we needed about 10 days of it to get fully unwound. Two days were better than none, though. By day two, we had shared all our news, and switched to unloading our worries and hopes, and sharing our thoughts and opinions. It was healing.
Kellen brought a large brown tarp and I brought a bunch of pieces of rope, and we managed to string up a wonky cover to cower beneath in the relentless rain. We had plenty of wood and kept a fire going while in camp, and heated our food on it. I had my little gas stove to make tea and coffee with. The temperatures stayed in the 40s and 50s (4 to 13 C), and that meant that the ice we put into the cooler kept our food and drinks absolutely cold all weekend.
We explored the campground, and the trails around the campground, and talked with the camp hosts. We declared it an excellent place to camp. I highly recommend this place, even in the rain. :o)
Conscious Engagement 
A fabulous place to spend some family time Crystal. A wonderful campsite. So many tracks to wander. Are rhododendrons native? I love the newt.
I love the newt too! Usually that’s a sign that the forest is healthy, otherwise they don’t thrive. Yes, the Pacific Rhododendron is a native species, and as you see in the photos, is rather prolific in some forests around here.
I am glad that it is endemic. The Rhododendrons from central Asia can be a weed
I have never heard of rhododendron as a weed, but I am glad to hear ours are the kind to be glad for.
Here you go
Although an attractive and hardy ornamental plant, its suckering root habit together with its abundant seed production gives Rhododendrons the potential to become a significant invasive environmental weed in suitable habitats
Contains toxins that can cause poisoning. The plant’s leaves and nectar contain grayanotoxins, making them unpalatable to grazing animals and capable of poisoning both insects and humans
Very interesting!
Such a warming tradition maintained despite the weather
I agree wholeheartedly. :o)
I’m with Kellen on the weather! Fun to have these traditions. Time to connect and breathe. It’s our most valuable commodity these days.
I’m not sure if every kid is this way, but Kellen particularly loves family tradition, and would declare something a tradition when we had only done it one time. That was my cue to make sure it happened again. I absolutely love that we both continue to cherish this particular Mother’s Day tradition, which is only for us two, and no one else, and it is always camping. Being away from indoor environments feels good to us, and I know you can understand that.
Wow that’s awesome 😎
What a beautiful camping adventure! The forest, the rain, the flowers, and the special time with Kellen made it truly wonderful. Thank you for sharing these lovely moments. 🌲🌧️🌸
Thank you Anowar. I love this time I spend with my child every year. ❤
You’re the most welcome, madam 😊🙏