Bohemian Mermaid Palace

Turkey Rama Originally uploaded by *TheMermaid* I'm a bit behind on my blogging duties here, where does the time go? Well, after the van adventure I went on to McMinnville, just south of Portland. I was lucky to be able to visit with family there which was great... hadn't seen them for oh 30 yrs. Very fun. And my aunt volunteered to be my booth helper, though I'm not sure she knew what she was getting into. Ha. Still it was fun to hang out. And hot! I didn't know it could reach 95 in that area! That along with the ridiculously long hours made turkey rama a bit painful to do. My uncle & aunt were nice enough to let me han out and recover an extra day... and I was off again.

Van Recovery Originally uploaded by *TheMermaid* We were determined to have our camping night...and were rewarded with a beautiful secluded spot.

Van waiting ... Originally uploaded by *TheMermaid* Waiting next to the river. Also next to the highway, but hidden from view. All in all, not so bad.

Well, I knew it was inevitable... can't take a trip this long and not have SOME kind of vehicle issues. Still, I was unhappy to say the least when I was in the Willamette National Forest, stopped at the ranger station for a map, and the van wouldn't start. Fuel pump. Great.  However, as far as breakdowns go, it couldn't have been much smoother really. So far, my phone works everywhere... I was able to get AAA right away for a tow. Of course, in the middle of nowhere, I wasn't sure what would come next. A tow the 40 miles back to Eugene? A crappy mechanic who'd screw me over or do a crap job? argh.  Well, the guy who towed me turned out to be something alright. (can you tell I'm at a real computer right now? probably the longest post you'll see in a while. ha.)  On the way back to the tow place, I learned quite a bit about him.... first, that he 'feeds' a homeless guy out back who he lets live in an old RV. We stopped for water, beer, smokes and ...

New Message Originally uploaded by *TheMermaid* Yes, those are rubber chickens in the wagon...

More Art & the Garden Pics Originally uploaded by *TheMermaid* I can only send one at a time... but wanted to share a couple more from last weekend. Fun times.

Art & the Vineyard Report Originally uploaded by *TheMermaid* Wow. What a weekend! A really nice show in Eugene... 3 Days, very high quality artwork, music, and perfect weather. The hours were pretty grueling, as expected. I'm mostly mush right now. But sales were great, people friendly... the food was excellent and there was a beautiful garden art area where I could have stayed all day. A long but fun weekend. I am now at my camp on a lake south of eugene... It's gorgeous but not as peaceful as I need right now. Too many boat motors and people. Tomorrow I'll find a remote place to spend a couple nights before I move on. Trees. Birdies. Quiet... My trip is off to a fabulous start. I don't think I could be much happier...

Art & the Vineyard Report Originally uploaded by *TheMermaid*

Here we go!! Originally uploaded by *TheMermaid* Ha! I am right now blogging from my phone thanks to the genius of flickr.com. My first almost-tour post. Here is a pic from the waiting room of the car place yesterday... The AC is now ready for anything!

Yet another test!! Originally uploaded by *TheMermaid* Please save me, flickr...