West Coast Newbie

[Coastal]

Hi,
I've been looking at the forum for several months now and enjoying all your wonderful shares. I'm a 60 year old woman living in coastal British Columbia. Last June I bought a van and turned it into a very basic camper. I did several trips over the summer along with my canine companion. The van is small but I managed to pack everything I needed including an inflatable kayak and my mountain bike. I was on the Olympic Penninsula during the week of the GTG at Grant's Pass and really wanted to go but just didn't get that far. Have to admit I'm not all that brave on the freeway and love the secondary roads. Right now I'm listening to the rain pound down and looking out onto grey skies. Would sure like to head south after Christmas sometime and would be interested in communicating with other women who are also wanting to head south.
Is there a category on the forum where I can find people who live close to me or at least along the west coast? It might make it less scary to have someone to drive with or at least meet up somewhere along the way. Of course Arizona would be the ultimate destination but seems like a long way from here. Keep thinking there must be somewhere slightly closer that would at least offer some sunshine and warmer temps for a couple of months this winter.
Look forward to hearing from any of you....

[Liz]

Welcome Coastal! You live in a beautiful Province that I was fortunate to travel through last summer.
If you look at the top of the General Forum you will see a forum member's map. It shows where many forum members are located. Also, there are several members who will be wintering in AZ or So. CA. You should have opportunities to meet up with some members along your route south where ever you land.

[Coastal]

Hi,
Thanks so much for the tip about the map - now I have to figure out how to post where I live....
I'd also like to post a photo but do I have to go through PhotoBucket? All my photos are on Picassa...sorry for so many questions but just getting started here.
Coastal

[retiredhappy]

Hi Coastal and a big Texas welcome. I believe you can use Picassa as well as Photobucket for pictures. I, too, don't like freeways and always, if at all possible, take the back roads. I want to slow down and actually see the scenery and I love the small towns that the back roads often go through. Check out the "GTG" thread for upcoming GTG's, some of which may be near to you.

[Redwahine]

Another Texas welcome. There are quit a few west coast members. Keep,reading and you'll find them

[Sandersmr]

Another Texas welcome! And I use Picasa for posting my pictures - it's very easy using Picasaweb! If you need help, holler.

Oh and let Mitch or Vickie know your location for the map.

[avalen]

Welcome from Arizona, yea the weathers nice down here this time of year

[WickedLady]

Welcome to the forum. I am in the lower Puget Sound area on Hood Canal. I have put my trailer to bed for the winter and envy your trek south to AZ.
Some of us will be meeting up next May on the Oregon coast. Check it out in the GTGs.

[Bethers]

Hi and Welcome. And if you do head down to AZ, hope we can meet. There are several in OR - but you won't be seeing warm weather and sun there during the winter .... but if you traveled down the coast, you could probably meet a few.

I'll be headed back up the coast and through your part of the world back to Alaska in May ... we'll have to keep in touch - maybe we could meet somewhere then, also.

[Travelinana]

Welcome to our forum...I'm in Arkansas and my closest southern location is MS and AL. The map will keep up updated on the members and their home base. I too like Picasa over Photobucket. I will say this..when you get the hang of posting pictures use it fairly often and you will get comfortable and also post more pictures which we love. I'm one of the ones who has to learn all over again each time...you know 'if you don't use it, you lose it'...

[Dawn309]

Hi Coastal. Here is another Texas welcome. I know there are quite a few ladies on the west coast and they would live to meet up with you if you head south. There are a bunch in AZ for the winter. I use Photobucket, so cannot help you with the pictures.

[grammynmaggie]

Welcome from the Sunshine State!

[BirdbyBird]

If you want to be added to the. Map PM either the nice VIckie or the Mitch.

welcome to the forum. If you are heading off towards the warm just PM any of the folks along the way. W
itch a PM you can swap cell phone numbers safer..... As has been stated before, even if someone's rig is winterized and over shivering in the storage lot doesn't mean that someone won't drive out to a restaurant or campground to meet you. (we seem unusually attracted by food.... ).

[monik7]

Welcome from the San Francisco Bay Area.
Sandi

[cpatinjones]

Hello and welcome to the forum!