Another update--we left the rv park in McMinnville, drove down to Canyonville, set up, and voila! the microwave works, island plug works, hot water electric works. Could it have been some malfunction at the pedestal level? Perhaps that 120V leg that golf bears mentioned?
Roger 10378--You're absolutely right--it's a good idea to keep the new rig close to home for a few days--but it's hard to camp in -25 in Alberta, and we were desperate to find that California sun!
Once again, all you guys that reply with advice are amazing--such a great RVing community we have.