Eric Hollenbeck--Blue Ox Mill Tour

 

Outside the Blue Ox Millworks office, fellow caravaners, Jerry & Diane Lewis, Phil & Nita, Diane Thompson and Lou Finkle

Cats have the run of the place.

When Eric started working with Veterans and kids, he expanded the class options to include ceramics, stained glass, weaving, looming, signage, and various other trades.

Some of the looms and weaving, most of the stuff he has has been donated.

One of the printing presses in the shop. The students print their own 'annual' on these printing presses.

Printing type

Pictures of the Lincoln era Hearst that Eric and his students made

Every woodworkers dream shop

Eric probably has the largest collection of pre-electric woodworking equipment, all pedal operated, the faster you pedal, the faster you saw.

There is a model train that goes around the office.

6/13/2022

Eric Hollenbeck is a Viet Nam Combat Veteran who was not welcomed home, like so many of the combat veterans returning from the war. So, he returned to his native home of Eureka and with a $300 start up loan, opened Blue Ox Millworks. Eureka is known for its beautiful Victorian era houses. Eric has made a name for himself in replicating the intricate scroll and gingerbread work that are detailed on the old Victorian homes.

Eric eventually became involved with returning veterans who were dealing with PTSD, as he had. He helped them deal with the transition back into civilian life while they learned a trade in his shops. He also became involved with helping high school kids who had dropped out of school. You can learn more about Eric and his work at www.blueoxmill.com.

The beginning of the 2022 SMART Pacific Coast Caravan

6/2/2022

We arrived at Riverwalk RV Park in Fortuna, CA today. This is where the 2022 SMART Pacific Coast Caravan will start. We are here early to relax and get things set up and organized before everyone gets here.

This is a nice RV Park, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. The meeting room is large with a full kitchen and a patio outside that we can use as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6/11/22

Today is the official start date of the caravan and we are ready! Everyone was here in time to go to the Welcome Dinner tonight.

Our Dinner was at the Samoa Cookhouse, in Eureka, CA. This is an old lumber company cookhouse and has been in operation since 1890. They offer large portions, served family style, and all you can eat. Attached to the cookhouse is a lumber museum with displays of everything from large cook stoves to the two person saws that were used to cut the giant redwoods down. It’s a very interesting museum and worth the time to go through it.

 

 The Taylor's are on the road again!!

4/18/2022

We left home today to sunny skies and warm weather.

 

Our first leg is to southern Louisiana to visit with my brother, Steve and his partner, Monique. Had a good visit, played some cards and just hung out.

 

4/24/2022

We moved a short distance to Poche’s RV Park for the SMART Cajun’s Y’all Come Muster. It was good to see old friends again! Phil got his fair share of crawfish and fried catfish. Not exactly on his post heart attack diet, but he has been careful otherwise.

 

4/29/2022

We left Poche’s and we are finally heading west towards California. We spent the night in East Houston at Eastlake RV Resort. This is a nice park, big pond in the middle of it and we got a site overlooking the pond. No ducks, geese, or any other water birds, seems a little strange.

 

4/30/2022

Left Eastlake early, heading for San Antonio to visit with friends Jim & Theda. Had a great visit, ate out a few times and played some cards.

Their new place is really nice and the access to the RV is wonderful!! It’s undercover and right next to the house! We should all be so lucky!

 

We are camped at Lost Resort, which is really close to Jim & Theda’s, but really out in the boonies, it is aptly named, we thought we were lost before we finally found it.

Our Campsite

The front entrance gate to the campground

5/4/2022

We left San Antonio this morning heading west on the 10, we stopped in Ozono, TX, nice little RV park just off the interstate, Encino RV Park, and only $30 for a 50-amp full hookup site. So far, fuel is averaging about $5.499/gal

Had some excitement tonight, a small storm cell came right through the park, lots of lightening, rain, and pea sized hail. Lasted about 20 minutes but seemed like an hour. I was sure the windows were going to break, as hard as the hail was hitting. Was very glad when the storm traveled on!!

5/5/2022

Was anxious to check outside this morning to see what the damage was. Surprisingly, there was none! That was a nice surprise!!

We left Ozonia this morning and continued to head west on 10. Traveled through the hill country, a lot more interesting than most of 10 through Texas. Had a little drizzle this morning, but then the sun came out, but the heat is cranking up, supposed to be 100 tomorrow.

Tonight, we are in a town called Balmorhea and we are camped at the Saddleback RV Park. Another full hookup 50-amp site for only $20 for the night.

Our site for the night, didn't even have to unhook

The front porch of the club house

 Flora & fauna of the Texas desert