Last week we traveled to the Long Beach Peninsula in SW Washington. This has become an annual tradition to celebrate Jean’s birthday. Our condo had a great view of the ocean.
We spent several afternoons walking on the beach. There are three possible walks: on the sand, on a dune top boardwalk, or on a paved trail that winds among the dunes. Each has its own attractions.
And at the end of each day a sunset. This is not common in mid-December.
One afternoon we crossed the Columbia to visit Fort Clatsop, the winter quarters for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Having landed first on the north (Washington) shore, they decided that the south shore presented better opportunities for the winter. So they packed up and crossed the wide river.
These are some pics from their canoe landing on a small river that empties into the Columbia just before it reaches the Pacific.
After five days of sun and sand we had to rush home for a very special and somewhat sad event. For 12 years we have traveled many miles to beautiful camp sites in our beloved Picasso. She has been a very comfortable home on wheels from south Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Oregon, and all around our lovely state of Washington.
Our aging bodies no longer adapted well to long car trips or to moving about in Picasso. It was time to move on. Therefore, Saturday morning Paul got up early to prepare Picasso for delivery to her new owners. There is a big bare place in our yard and in our hearts.
We will continue to travel and post on this site when we do. Thanks for coming along for the ride!
Paul and Jean
Travels With Picasso 
Happy Belated Birthday to Jean. Sad to see Picasso go but our lives have stages and, it seems, your travels will continue in a different mode.
First of all, a happy albeit belated birthday to you Jean. Then, yes, I do understand how difficult it might have been to separate yourselves from Picasso, even with the solace that Picasso is going on with a new life with younger folks.
And thank you to both of you for the lovely pictures that illustrate your traditional yearly pilgrimage to Long Beach Peninsula. It certainly looks beautiful and peaceful and propitious to some lovely meditation about our place in Nature. To each and to both, a most affectionate e-hug from old Europe. JP
At least you two WILL continue your travels❣️ life’s adventures aren’t finished yet~
Jean told the Wallingford Women Writers about plans for Picasso. It’s sad to say goodbye, but she’s off to a new home with younger travelers.