Community Forums

rv_barr · 07-20-2005, 01:49 PM

(Hope this is in the right spot...) I think we have been completely working up to this over the past ten years. It started with a truck and camper, moved on to a mini motor home, and now, after hemming and hawing at the RV and Boat show last Spring, we finally did it and bought a Class A! The wife and I are headed out to tour the country and see our most long awaited sights and spots. Any suggestions out there for what to do in Portland? We're swinging by the International Beer Festival next weekend and to check out McMenamin's, but other than that, we've got no itinerary for there. Also, our kids all have cell phones, but we're the dinosaurs- I wouldn't know what to do with one if I had one- so I'd like to call and check in on them while we're away, but don't want to call collect and put my phone bill through the roof (Lord knows my kids will probably do that on their own while we're away). I'm open to any suggestions!

rv_barr · 07-20-2005, 01:49 PM

(Hope this is in the right spot...) I think we have been completely working up to this over the past ten years. It started with a truck and camper, moved on to a mini motor home, and now, after hemming and hawing at the RV and Boat show last Spring, we finally did it and bought a Class A! The wife and I are headed out to tour the country and see our most long awaited sights and spots. Any suggestions out there for what to do in Portland? We're swinging by the International Beer Festival next weekend and to check out McMenamin's, but other than that, we've got no itinerary for there. Also, our kids all have cell phones, but we're the dinosaurs- I wouldn't know what to do with one if I had one- so I'd like to call and check in on them while we're away, but don't want to call collect and put my phone bill through the roof (Lord knows my kids will probably do that on their own while we're away). I'm open to any suggestions!

TwoOfUs · 07-20-2005, 02:29 PM

Congrats on you new Class A. I hope you enjoy yours as much as we like ours. Can't offer much about Portland, but IMHO, a cell phone is something you shouldn't be without. There are many companies and plans to choose from, you can even get "pre-paid" cell phones. You get great peace of mind knowing you can call (providing you have a signal)if you have problems along the road, and being able to "check-in" with the family is worth it. Cell phones don't come without some frustrations though. Like not having a signal, but other than that....well worth it.

JB Texas · 07-20-2005, 06:08 PM

Hope you're talking about Portland, Oregon. Bonneville Dam is a very interesting trip and not that far from Portland. Multnomah Falls is right on I-84 on the way with a rest stop right in the middle of the interstate. We also enjoyed hiking in Silverton State Park south of Portland. Mt Hood is a great day trip, also. Hope you're taking a toad. As far as cell phones, I wouldn't leave home
without mine.

Cruzer · 07-21-2005, 06:40 AM

The Columbia River Gorge is nice but you will need a toad to get around. Nearby Cannon Beach is one of my favorites. Also, cross over to Washington and stay at Woodland to visit Mount St Helens. Then cruise on up the coast around the Olympic Penninsula, stopping at the Hoh Rain Forest, Sol duc Hot Springs, and Hurricane Ridge portions of Olympic Nat'l Park. THen continue on to Port Townsend and take the Keystone ferry over to Whidbey Island and drive on up to Annacortes. Be sure to take the San Juan Island side trip and go whalke watching for Orcas with Island Adventures out of Annacortes. There's lots to do in this area so take your time. Also don't forget the Oregon coast all the way down throuygh Tillamook and Brookings.

trvlintravis · 07-21-2005, 08:30 AM

It's not near Portland, but if you're driving north to get there, Winchester Bay on the coast has some of the best crab you can fish for yourself, right off the docks! Coos Bay is another nice little town. Lots of beautiful myrtlewood around. Personally, when we travel, we use OneSuite calling cards for exactly the reason mentioned above about cell phones... you just never know where you'll be and when you'll be able to get a signal. Happy RVing!

Two Bit · 07-21-2005, 11:44 AM

Between work and home we have several cell phones with us at any given time. I have found that one of the most least expensive cell phones to have as a lightly used phone or emergency phone is a Tracfone. You have to recharge the phone with minutes, at least 40 minutes every two months which cost about $20 (that's $10 a month). You do originally have to buy the phone, but they run specials so the phones are very cheap. They are available at walmart, radio shack, and several other places. Unused minutes rollover and never expire but there is the requirement to purchase at least 40 min. every two months even if you still have minutes left. Nancy keeps a tracfone in her vehicle as a emergency phone and every few months will burn up an hour or so of built up talk time calling family across the country.
Tracfone has a web sight at I think http://www.tracfone.com