RE: Pacific Shores MotorCoach Resort Newport Oregon
It's apparent you don't want to know the truth. Your posts indicate to me you are a very negative obstinate person.
With your personality you should stick to doing all your socializing in Walmart parking lots. :)
RE: Pacific Shores MotorCoach Resort Newport Oregon
In the case of Pacific Shores there is no money that has been borrowed. Therefore, what you are talking about DOES NOT apply to Pacific Shores. Pacific Shores HOA was awarded by the bankruptcy court rights to the properties. Nothing was borrowed from anybody. They are trying to sell all remaining lots (and there aren't but just a few!) because they do not want to be in the real estate business. What they want are good people to own and care for their lots and pay their quarterly HOA dues. The low prices on the remaining unsold lots is basically covering back unpaid HOA dues and property taxes that ORO (prior developer) incurred and failed to pay.
It was ORO that went into bankruptcy not the HOA. Pacific Shores HOA has a very healthy cash reserve part of which they continue to spend to bring the place up to the quality standards it was intended to be. In fact, their only debt is that which is owed for back property taxes that ORO failed to pay to the county and city. I believe that those taxes will be fully settled sometime in the next year or so.
Pacific Shores HOA has perhaps the most competent and active management they ever had. The lot owners are very proactive, concerned, and readily lend a helping hand to make good things happen. This HOA is like none I've ever heard of. It's a model for all to follow in my opinion. This is only the beginning. We are on a roll.
May as well scratch out your last 2 posts as they don't apply here.
By April through September this place will be in big demand. The real problem as far as renting will be that the owners want to be there during those prime months. Rental spaces will be few and far between I think. The nightly rate in the peak season is between $60 and $90. Add 10.5% hospitality tax to that --- and no, it's not cheap. It's a resort, remember? LOL :C
RE: Pacific Shores MotorCoach Resort Newport Oregon
That's interesting. But proves its not a snob thing on the part of Pacific Shores. After all, there are many Airstreams and 5th wheels that are more expensive than some Class A's.
I was told it was because of the winds which could flip over a lightweight rig.
RE: Pacific Shores MotorCoach Resort Newport Oregon
Since when was a Class C RV "upscale"? :)
I don't have the time or the space to write a thesis about my purchase evaluation. The due diligence I performed was thorough and satisfied my concerns. I am very comfortable in my decision. I buy a lot of things over the phone when i know I'm dealing with ethical people. So I appreciate your concern, but you are simply not in the loop as much was not shared with you by me. And if you don't think you would fit in at Pacific Shores then you probably won't. ;)
As for Thousand Trails..,,I bought a year membership and canceled it at year end. I got my money's worth I suppose, but at the price of staying in sub par and poorly maintained outdated CG parks which were basically dumps. My experience was in Florida as I had only a SE region membership. I was disgusted with the TT campgrounds I stayed in Florida. Yes, it's nice to pay $3 a night, but camping among a bunch of cheap skates and you suffer the consequences. However, did meet some nice people there who were probably as disillusioned as I was when I took the bait and joined.
RE: Pacific Shores MotorCoach Resort Newport Oregon
Joke?? I got my info from a salesman for Pacific Shores. I also got it from the newsletter to homeowners. Owners have an extensive collection of documents, minutes to board meetings, reports, you name it -- all is transparent to owners.
For years I've heard that the whole west coast from California to Washington will eventually give way and fall into the Pacific Ocean. That would include the cities of LA, San Francisco, etc. I think I'm most likely to be dead when that happens though. It's not going to be my problem. :-)
Every time there is a storm -- like the recent one in November Newport experienced -- it takes away a piece of the west grounds overlooking the beach. In fact, I read recently in one of the newsletters for Pacific Shores that during the winter of year 2000 a terrific storm caused the loss of about 80 feet. This last storm didn't do that or anything close to it, but there was deterioration. But, there are countless homes that have literally washed into the ocean along the coasts of California and Oregon and probably Washington too. I prefer to see the ocean from afar, but those who have to hang over it are going to swim one day.
The fault is out there. A tsunami could result, but fortunately for Pacific Shores it's up above the beach by some 80 to 100 feet. The worst storms occur when most owners are not there as I understand. I think I should be glad my lot is far back away from the ocean. :-)
I think there's a quite a good bit of trees, etc. that buffer between the overhang and the row of ocean front rv lots. But, most of the lots are substantially further back toward the 101 highway.
Here's the website to make your reservations at Pacific Shores.
http://www.pacificshoresmotorcoachresort.com/
Go to the menu called "Activities & Info" and then click "Driving directions". You get a satellite view of the entire resort and you can clearly see the wooded buffer between the closest ocean view lots and the overhang to the beach. You zoom in and see it better. This link may work, I'm not sure.
http://www.pacificshoresmotorcoachresort.com/driving-directions.asp
I think what you are doing is screaming fire in crowded theater and really it's not what you are implying. You are making a mountain out of a molehill. The whole west coast from LA to Seattle knows that some day it's going to collapse, but are we talking about tomorrow or 500 years from now? Or even 25 years? I don't think I'm going to be into motorhoming any longer than another 5 years myself. I'm not worried.
RE: Pacific Shores MotorCoach Resort Newport Oregon
That happened several years ago before Monaco and Outdoor Resorts went into bankruptcy
There are no such 50% off coupons for Pacific Shores today.
Glad you will come back and pay the daily rate. We who own the lots in the rental pool get half the daily rate and our wholly owned management company gets the other half.
RE: Pacific Shores MotorCoach Resort Newport Oregon
That's not fair at all to generalize and think because people call their place a resort that they are looking down their noses at you. Sort of points to an inferiority complex in my opinion. :-) But, all campgrounds have rules and criteria. I stayed in a CG above Orlando and was in the budget section. It was miserable for me in that the people next door sat outdoors and smoked cigarettes all the time which prevented me to having my windows open on that side for a fresh breeze. Or you have close neighbors with constantly barking dogs, or even children that scream when you are trying to sleep, or play their music outdoors so the whole campground can enjoy it too. It's really for these and other reasons that some of us need more space or stronger rules to keep the type out who have no sense of consideration for their neighbors.
I looked far and wide for a place to call my home base in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and could not find anything I liked for less than about $225,000. This is outrageous. After all --- it's just a concrete pad! It has amenities, but you pay another outrageous monthly HOA fee for that. High season monthly rental rates for coastal Florida and Keys was too costly. So when a friend mentioned to me Pacific Shores I was thrilled at $10,000 instead of $225,000. I would much rather be on the coast of Oregon than in crowded south Florida. For me anyway, I prefer overcast cooler days than the sun bearing down on my roof everyday.
I would rather spend my RVing in a campground with ordinary people and not the element you referred to. I am very confident that the people who camp at Pacific Shores are just exactly the kind of people I can appreciate and relate to. All walks of life people, but people who respect their neighbors right to enjoy the experience too. The word "resort" means nothing to me other than it's simply a word. If you can pay the daily rate at Pacific Shores, I'm sure you can roll in with your mother-in-law rocking on the roof. :-)
The reason Pacific Shores specifies you have to be in a Class A or C rig is because at times the wind is so strong it can literally blow your rig over. At least this is what I've been told. Last November they had a storm with 98 mph wind gusts. Even a Class A should have its slides and awnings in when it's real windy.
I've enjoyed camping in Walmart's parking lot and have even spent a night or two in a rest area. That's the beauty of flying under the radar in an older motorcoach. I consider myself the kind of person who can relate to just about anyone on any class level who has any sense of decency and consideration for others. I rarely encounter any different than that. Cigarette smokers will generally be my worst close neighbor in a campground though.
Do not judge Pacific Shores owners until you actually know first hand how they are.
RE: Pacific Shores MotorCoach Resort Newport Oregon
I'm sorry you got your feelings hurt with this odd incident, which I think could happen anywhere when you have new employees. Pacific Shores Resort is turning around in a very positive way right now as we speak. At the time you were there who knows what the real circumstance was. But, can say I am not a part of their management and I've never been there. However, I did buy a lot late last year (sight unseen!) and will be staying on it starting April.
You would be surprised to know just how inexpensive you can buy a lot in Pacific Shores directly from the PS HOA. The PS HOA has very strong and competent leadership. Only a handful of choice PS HOA owned lots remain to be sold.
The time you stopped in unannounced there probably wasn't anyone available to escort you through the resort. During the off season only one of the two realtors who are directly authorized to sell HOA owned properties is available, but he works in town part of the time. Therefore, he may be less likely to be on premises, but certainly both of the realtors are available by phone. And I'm sure they could easily arrange a tour for you. Plus, the onsite manager (and a fellow lot owner) could give you a tour, if not already involved in something. Drop in's could be problematic, but calling ahead and getting an appointment is always best.
In my opinion, the guard should not leave his post. My guess is that your timing of arrival was when no one was available to escort you. No one can just freely go through unescorted. But, you can go through if you first go to the office and talk with them. The guard appears to have failed to direct you to the office.
Not trying beat a dead horse, but more trying to explain why things happen. This could happen anywhere. No sense in taking it personally. I read the newsletter for Pacific Shores each time it's published and all the comments from visitors are that PSR is one of the friendliest and nicest places they've stayed.
If you want to be my guest, contact me via private message and I'll let the OP stay for free a couple nights on my lot between now and March 31, 2013. After then, I'm going to be occupying my lot and I can't wait!
For the guy who stated something about the place falling in due to an underground river, etc. -- doesn't know what he's talking about and is way over exaggerating the true situation. Out of 214 lots overall there are 3 specific lots owned by the HOA that they will not sell due to problems with the ground shifting. There are maybe another 7 lots already owned by individuals that require periodic attention due to ground shift. This is not just true of Pacific Shores, but the whole coastline from Oregon to northern California. Storms in themselves cause havoc on the coast. This has been true for centuries. But people still want to be near the ocean and see it. They want to see the whales in the ocean. All of Newport area is quite beautiful and spectacular. Lincoln County has quite a lot to offer in the arts including a symphony. Pacific Shores RV Resort is a very unique place for the Class A or C traveler particularly in the prime season from April to October. The PS HOA is committed to correcting all the mistakes and shortfalls of the previous owner. We are a financially sound and pro-active organization. Some lot owners offer our lots for rent to the public through our HOA owned rental management company accessed online at this link:
http://www.pacificshoresmotorcoachresort.com
Had a great trip on the Oregon coast this last week. While in Newport Oregon. We thought we would stop in and see the progress at the Pacific Shores MotorCoach Resort.
We pulled up, my wife and son and I in our 2007 Jeep JK with tow brackets on the front stopped at the gate with guard and cross rail down. I said hello and that we were staying in our motor home in the area and that we would like to come in and take a look around for future visits.
We were surprised when the gate guard said no! He said the manager did not want people in to look around because their insurance would not cover if someone got hurt......
RE: Fall Leaf Season 2012 - skip Cleveland, go to Hiawassee, GA
I stopped in at Creekwood and loved the shaddy sites, but it seemed pretty tight to navigate a 40+ footer in there. Also, it was a good ways (many miles) northeast of Helen.
It seemed better suited for 5th wheels as what you apparently have.
Fall Leaf Season 2012 - skip Cleveland, go to Hiawassee, GA
I'm premature of the 2012 leaf season here in north Georgia mountains, but just wanted to share some of my experiences for a nice area to be located. I love Hiawassee, Georgia area. It's got a close proximity to many great places including Blue Ridge, GA and especially Franklin and Highlands, NC. Great places are within 50 miles.
The other day I drove my car to Helen (quaint little imitation Alpine village) and further down to Cleveland. I dropped in on several of the campgrounds that could accommodate big rig motorhomes. One was above Helen and 2-3 were close to Cleveland. Compared to the place I'm at now at Riverbend RV Resort outside of Hiawassee the rest were a bit lacking. Cleveland is one constant traffic jam. For such a little town it looked like everybody had to go out and drive their cars all day long. I didn't see anything it had to offer. Perhaps the most promising campground around Cleveland -- Leisure Acres -- on close inspection looks like a trailer park and the dirt roads around the pond and campsites are uneven and in need of repair. It's supposed to be a Good Sam campground, but I don't know how it possibly passed their inspection and requirements.
If you are going to north GA mountains and have a big rig, there's nowhere to stay in Blue Ridge or Ellijay either. There's a nice place in Blairsville (with high prices, no trees, no showers, no bathroom). There is Riverbend RV Campground outside of Hiawassee, which is excellent all the way around.
As for Helen -- perhaps a great place to take your children, but it's a TT (tourist trap). High prices for everything including parking. But, you got to go at least once so you will know I am telling the truth. LOL You'll have to camp in your big rig many many miles away for a decent site though. With that in mind, you may as well drive 10 miles up the road to Riverbend.
I don't own Riverbend, but it's on my list of great places to go and it's managed by competent people who understand camping. It's quiet and the only noise really was a nearby rooster crowing in the morning -- which actually was a nice touch.
I-75 in Georgia route to Franklin NC
I'm soon to travel I-75 south from Dalton, GA and considering camping in Franklin, NC. The map shows several routes, but does not fully indicate the grades and switch back roads getting to Franklin.
I would like a suggested route for me in my 40 ft motor coach and pulling a car. I don't want to travel on narrow dangerous roads such as parts of hwy 64.
Suggestions?
RE: Art of scouting out online enjoyable campgrounds
I make most of my reservations in January and February and am rarely unhappy doing it this way.
What if you are unable to make it to your reserved camp spot on the date assigned -- don't you get charged for it anyway? Or lose your deposit?
Art of scouting out online enjoyable campgrounds
I titled this thread "Art of scouting out campgrounds" to show my frustration so far in finding what I am looking for during this busy summer camping season. I am soon to depart for a particular destination up north, but have several days to camp along the way.
I'm sure you seasoned campers with 40 ft motorhomes and toads have developed your own strategy for finding the right spot. I guess it depends on whether one is staying just one night or several. I can go either way depending on whether it's worth staying several nights.
I've been using rvparkreviews.com to screen out some campgrounds. I'm a member of Thousand Trails (southeastern area) for the rest of this year and don't think I will renew. Their campgrounds by and large seem to be poorly run and maintained and the reviews (most) from rvparkreviews.com are discouraging. They have some nice parks I'm sure, but I've already gotten my money's worth out of the membership having used 30 nights at their parks in Florida earlier this year. Those parks left much to be desired, IMO.
Now I am a member of Passport America, Good Sam Club, and FMCA. PPA parks may be scraping the barrel too (like TT parks).
I guess my question is --- when you are taking a major trip across several states do you have camping spots already reserved all along the way or do you do some planning on the fly (one or two days out) or even drop in on various parks?
My greatest fear is a park with poor power supply, brownouts, low voltage, etc. although I am having a 50 amp hardwired surge guard installed within a day or so. That will shut my power off and protect me, but would rather not come to that scenario if I can help it. I'm not leaving until a week or so after this current heat wave going on now.
I wonder if identifying myself as a Passport America member will get me the poorest camping spot in the park.
RE: I-26 from Greenville SC to Asheville NC to Johnson City TN
Thank you. The more I do this, the more confidence I will have.
The scariest moment so far for me was when I took the interstate by pass around Jacksonville, FL heading north on I-95 and came to a huge suspension bridge --- I thought it was ok going up, but going down was something else. LOL This new looking suspension bridge looked to me like the San Francisco bridge.
Correction: I think it was actually the Dames Point Bridge.
I-26 from Greenville SC to Asheville NC to Johnson City TN
Is this route along I-26 ok to take all the way through from Greenville SC to I-81 near Johnson City, TN?
I would like to know if they are any grade concerns along I-26 from Greenville, SC to Asheville, NC and from Asheville to I-81 near Johnson City, TN? I've never driven this in my 40 ft motorhome. Will I be using my brakes or jake brake a lot in areas of this stretch? Or is it pretty much smooth driving all the way through.
This will sort of be my maiden voyage with my "new" motor coach.
Also, any recommended campgrounds around Asheville or between Asheville and Johnson City? Are campgrounds this time of year along that stretch pretty much booked up every day?
