Friends, Fun & Fennel in Bandon, OR
The last 3 planning posts have been a ton of fun, but I guess it’s time I get back to the more serious business of blogging about our RV life. It’s hard to believe we’ve been at Bullards Beach for almost a month and a half now. Between volunteering duties, Paul’s niece’s visit and hanging with friends time has just sped by. The latter is just one more example of how engaging & friendly the RV & blogging community is.
I’ve mentioned many times before on the blog that RVing has been one of the most social activities we’ve ever done. This was a total surprise to me and something I never expected when we first started out. Who would imagine such strong bonds could form between groups of folks who’ve never met and are essentially all nomadic? I don’t know if it’s the common interest (of RVing), the free spirit of the people who do it or some kind of primordial connection (almost like the old tribes of yore) that brings us together. Either way there’s an ease and friendliness in the RV community that welcomes you and makes you “part of the group”.
On that note we’ve had a very busy month. We’ve had tons of blog readers pop in to see us the lighthouse (thank you everyone who came!) and there are a few more who are either staying in the area (e.g Birding RVers -> they just bought a house!) or travelling nearby (NealysOnWheels are just north, GreatWhiteAdventures were here in July, CasitaInTheDesert just passed through, EarlyRetirementJourney were also here…who did I miss??). We even have blog-reading hosts, two of which are full-bred Scandinavians at this very park…who would have thought??. This past week we hung w/ the Scandinavians and had a volunteer pot-luck where I made my famous (& rather irresistible) flourless chocolate cake that immediately netted another 20 or so RV friends. That’s how it’s done out here.
Then of course there’s folks like Gunta -> a local gal who we met through our respective blogs. We’ve been going for doggie-runs together (the dogs, not us) and exploring outings. She’s also been “plugging” me into the local vibe including a wonderful farm just south in Langlois, OR where she’s part of the weekly CSA. The standards of produce here on the coast are simply excellent and I was mortified to learn she was giving away her fresh Fennel…to cows!!! Aiiii!! We set-out to remedy this Fennel-fiasco with a dinner of oven-roasted pork loin, fennel and carrot enveloped in a warm butter-honey drizzle. It’s as drool-delicious as it sounds and I think we managed to convert her from Fennel-skeptic to Fennel-lover (and save the greens from going to the bovines…that’s got to be some kind of environmental victory, right?). I still haven’t managed to take a shot of Gunta (it’s like photographing the yeti), but I’ve still got a few months left and who knows…I might even be able to lure her out with another fennel-dish.
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Oh, you live such a wonderful life! I’m very happy for you.
We do indeed. I feel very fortunate.
Nina
That is one big fennel! Not sure if i have eaten one yet.
It was HUGE! We mostly ate the bulb portion, although I used a few of the fronds in a salad. Still need to find more recipes for the fronds.
Nina
I agree about the RV friendships – it’s funny how you can start to feel like you “know” someone just from reading their blog! I love the face to face meetings even more though. We are slowly making our way south….we’ll be in Bullards Beach starting on 8/21. Hoping you’re still there by then!
Yup, we’ll still be here! Hosting through end of Aug before we move onto Cape Blanco.
Nina
I really enjoy your post !!!!! I’m in Lincoln City working my way down the coast. I hope to get a camp host position and spent the winter here. Should be a big change from life in AZ……LOL
Winter on the coast…now that will be a different experience! Winter in OR can be pretty wet and wild (they get big winter storms out here), but further south in CA can be lovely.
Nina
I’m not sure what fennel is but that sure looks like a big one. So glad you both are enjoying your latest gig. Always enjoy your posts and your pictures.
I guess for most folks it’s an unusual veggie. I know fennel from my time in Europe (especially France) and love the liquorish taste. It’s a fun veggie to cook with.
Nina
I’m meeting a friend for a couple of days at Bullard’s Beach in a few days. I’m hoping you’ll be volunteering when we come to the lighthouse!
Hmmmm . . . I thought fennel was just an herb – didn’t know you ate it like a veggie – I’ll have to look up some recipes.
Oh cool! We’ve got Friday and Saturday off, but will be back in the lighthouse on Sunday. We’re in C loop if you decide to come by and say “hi”. Mosquitoes just (this month) came out, so bring the bug spray.
Nina
P.S. for the fennel you can cook the big bulb at the bottom. It’s got a strong taste raw (you can use pieces of it in salad) and a milder taste cooked (in soups, roasted or fried). I tend to prefer cooked.
Like minds come together like new old friends.
So true, so true!
Nina
Oh this is hilarious, I just made my way over from Gunta’s post about the great fennel fiasco – I can’t believe she was giving her fennel to the cows. Your dinner sounds fantastic! 🙂 Ailsa
We had so much fun with this whole story 🙂
Nina
I love geogypsy’s comment, so true!
We’re homesick for the road – not loving this “sticks and bricks” stuff
Glad to see Polly is moving on…but I won’t tell Lewis..
Thinking of you all,
Sue and Dave et al
Hey we miss you guys too. I think once you get “bitten” by the RV bug it’s tough to let go. Still remember the first time we met in Desert Hot Springs (and the first time I tried one of your G&Ts! Wow!). Good times all around!
Nina
Your thoughts about “the people you meet” is so true. Besides the wonderful travel and adventures, the people you meet and form bonds with is one of the best parts of this FT rving life of ours. In our 14 years living and cruising on our boat, we meet wonderful people that were “there” because they wanted to be, had made some kind of sacrifices to be “there”, shared the same dreams of adventure, travel, and accomplishment. Many years later we are still in contact with several boating friends, some have also moved on to the RV life. I’m finding the same to be true with FT rving. The people we meet along the way are amazing!
That makes a lot of sense Charlotte. I can totally see how cruising would bring together like-minded folks in a similar way to RVing. 14 years on a boat is amazing!! Bet you have some stories to tell!
Nina
You certainly are having a wonderful on the coast. So glad to read that life is still very good for you:)
The pictures of the farm made so lonely for fresh produce. I am surprised how little there is here in our area of northern NY. I am looking forward to returning to PA next week so I can partake in the fresh produce. That was such beautiful fennel. Glad you were able to show case it in some yummy dishes.
Now that would surprise me too. I figured the entire NE was a big produce area? We’re very happy with the summer greens here. Such a joy to eat fresh and tasty produce.
Nina
Your chocolate cake was to die for. Thanks for including that in your blog. The two of you are such an inspiration, young and adventurous, and what a good looking couple, with amazing talents. Sounds like you are gourmet cooks, taboo. SHINE ON! Kim and I are so happy to have met you and Paul. Else.
Thanks Else. We’ll have to have you over for dinner one of these days.
Nina
P.S. for the chocolate cake I use less than half the sugar recommended in the recipe. Plus I replace the water with espresso.
My grandparents met another family rving 50 years ago when my mom was a teenager and they became the closest of friends for years. Now that my grandparents are gone the couple they met are like grandparents to me and are still camping in their 5th wheel in their 80’s. There is something about rving that brings out the best in people.
PS. I really enjoy your blog
Such a great story…and very common in the RV community. Thanks so much for sharing it!
Nina
So awesome. I have only done a couple of RV trips but really enjoyed them. I really did not realize what a social event it could be. Your life seems just wonderful!
We certainly enjoy the lifestyle. It’s not for everyone that’s for sure, but for us it’s been a great way to see the country while living within our means.
Nina
I hope you didn’t go all the way to Langlois and not sample a hot dog at the Langlois Market. I’m not normally a hot dog eater, but I’ll make an exception and a special stop for theirs. Their spicy mustard is special too.
I admit we missed out on the hot dog, but you’re not the first person who has recommended them. They are apparently quite famous 🙂 We’ll be going back on a regular basis to the farm so we’ll squeeze them in on one of our trips.
Nina
Fennel is quite lovely and often growing wild right by the path. Yes, RVing over these many years has netted numerous long-term friendships and several virtual ones as well. We missed Bandon on this trip… from Eugene to Lincoln City to Port Townsend, WA.
Wild fennel…hmmm. I’ve got to keep a lookout for that. I think I’ve seen it, but never made the connection. Cool stuff.
Nina
You two can make converts out of anyone when you take to the kitchen!
Thanks Lu….we do love our food.
Nina
We’ve often said same – that RV people are some of the friendliest people out there. We spent four hours yesterday chatting with the couple next door that we just met a day prior. They’ve been full timers for 8+ years. We’re all playing cards together tonight.
Before we left on this trip I couldn’t imagine giving up my lock, stock and barrel in order to RV full time. Now, after four weeks out in our trailer, I definitely can. Oh, and Nina, I am beginning to understand the slowing down thing! 🙂
Well kudos to you for figuring out the slowing down thing so quickly. It took us at least a year LOL. If you love to travel, this is definitely a wonderful lifestyle.
Nina